CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

A handle structure (H) for a carton having a handle panel (12, 20) includes a strap member integrally conjoined with the handle panel and extending substantially between the opposing end edges (21a, 21c, 29a, 29c) of the handle panel. The strap member has opposing strap edges substantially disjoined from the handle panel and includes a substantially centrally disposed grip region (HI, H2). A severance line segment (65a, 67a) is disposed proximate each corner of the handle panel and extends from a first end point proximate that corner to a second end point proximate the grip region such that when force (F) normal to the plane of the handle panel is exerted upon the grip region, the strap member is flexed substantially outwardly of the plane to a biased position above the plane. The handle structure further includes a pair of first and second fold lines (79a, 77a) extending from each severance line segment and converging towards the adjacent corner of the handle panel.