Severable connection between a handle and a divider panel of a carton

In a divider panel assembly of the type which has a handle panel that is formed integrally with a anchor panel, the handle panel having shoulders that project laterally from opposite side edges of the handle portion thereof which serve to support the weight of a carton that is carried by the handle in use, the handle panel being severed from the anchor panel along a severance cut that extends in a severance plane that extends transversely below the handle panel and is interrupted by first and second tearable joining means that connect the handle panel and the anchor panel, the first and second joining means being located one below each side edge of the handle portion, the improvement wherein each joining means comprises;

• a) a first cut which has a first portion of its length that extends along the severance plane and a second portion of its length that extends downwardly and inwardly from the first portion to a terminal end,
• b) a second cut which has first and second portions of its length located below and extending parallel to the first and second portions of the first cut and a third portion that extends inwardly from the second portion of the second cut in a plane that is parallel to the severance plane to form a first tear bar between the first and second cuts,
• c) a third cut that extends from a first end and has first and second portions of its length that are located below and extend parallel to the second and third portions of the second cut and a third portion that extends upwardly and inwardly to the severance plane, the second and third cuts being separated from one another by a second tear bar,
• d) the terminal end of the first cut and the first end of the third cut being disposed opposite one another on opposite sides of the second cut.