Container carrier

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one end of the carrier; a container retention feature in the top panel for at least partially receiving a portion of each of the plurality of containers; and at least one open corner of the carrier defined between a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,069, filed February 21, 2023.

[0002] Incorporation by reference The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,069, filed February 21, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

[0003] Background to the disclosure FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to carriers or cartons for holding, displaying, and / or transporting containers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one end of the carrier, and a container retention feature of the top panel for at least partially receiving a portion of each container of the plurality of containers, wherein at least one open corner of the carrier is defined between a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank including a plurality of panels for at least partially extending around an interior periphery of the carrier formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels that at least partially overlap to form at least one end of the carrier formed from the blank, and a container retention feature in the top panel for at least partially receiving a portion of each of the plurality of containers, wherein a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel are arranged to form at least one open corner of the carrier formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method including obtaining a blank, the blank having a plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, and a container retention feature on the top panel, the method including: arranging the plurality of panels to extend at least partially around an interior of the carrier; at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one end of the carrier; positioning the container retention feature to at least partially receive a portion of each of the plurality of containers; and positioning a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel to form at least one open corner of the carrier.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a package including a plurality of containers and a carrier for holding the plurality of containers, the carrier including a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one end of the carrier, a container retention feature in the top panel for at least partially receiving a portion of each of the plurality of containers, and at least one open corner of the carrier defined between a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the side panel.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages, as well as other benefits and advantages of various additional embodiments, upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the drawings listed below. It is within the scope of this disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of an open-ended carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 shown loaded with a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. Detailed Description

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, structures, sleeves, cartons, and the like for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, and the like. In some embodiments, the container can be a beverage container, e.g., a can formed of a metal material such as aluminum, or a bottle formed of plastic or glass. The container can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The container can be made from a material suitable for the composition for packaging the particular food or beverage product, including, but not limited to, glass, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, nylon, aluminum and / or other metals, or any combination thereof.

[0013] Carriers and packages according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of many different shapes. For purposes of illustration and not to limit the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes a beverage container (e.g., a generally cylindrical container such as an aluminum can) at least partially disposed within an embodiment of the package. As used herein, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to orientations determined with respect to the fully assembled carrier and package.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a carrier 105 (FIG. 3) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank 103. As described further herein, the carrier 105 may be configured to hold / support / carry / receive multiple containers C. The carrier 105 may include one or more containers to form a package 107 (FIG. 3).

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3 , carrier 105 is sized to accommodate or support six containers C in two columns of three containers, however, it will be understood that carrier 105 may be sized and configured to hold different or the same amount of containers in one or more layers and / or different row / column arrangements (e.g., 1x6, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 2x5, 2x6, 3x3, 3x4, 2x5, 3x6, 2x6x2, 3x5, 3x4, 4x5, 2x9, 2x6, 4x4, 4x5, 4x6, etc.).

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the container C may be in the form of a beverage container (FIG. 2) having a lower base portion B, a top portion T with a neck N tapering inward from a flange portion F at the top of the neck N extending radially outward from the neck N, and a top surface TS below the flange portion including a pull tab P.

[0017] 1 and 1A, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. In one embodiment, axis L1 can be a transverse axis and axis L2 can be a longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around the interior 107 of the carrier 105, including a bottom panel 121, a first side panel 123 (broadly the “second side panel”) foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 125, a top panel 127 foldably connected to the first side panel 123 at a transverse fold line 129, and a second side panel 131 (broadly the “first side panel”) foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a transverse fold line 133.

[0018] The attachment flap 135 may be foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 137 .

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1A , the top panel 127 can include a central portion 139, a first peripheral portion 141 (broadly the “second peripheral portion”) foldably connected to the central portion 139 at a longitudinal fold line 143 (generally the “first fold line” or the “second fold line”), and a second peripheral portion 145 (broadly the “first peripheral portion”) foldably connected to the central portion 139 at a longitudinal fold line 147.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of laterally spaced, curved cuts 149 can interrupt fold line 143, with cuts 149 generally curved in a direction away from the longitudinal centerline of top panel 127. Similarly, a pair of laterally spaced, curved cuts 151 can interrupt fold line 147, with cuts 151 generally curved in a direction away from the longitudinal centerline of top panel 127.

[0021] As described further herein, one or more portions of central portion 139 of top panel 127, first peripheral portion 141 of top panel 127, second peripheral portion 145 of top panel 127, fold lines 143, 147, notches 149, 151, and one or more of their associated features can be container retention features of blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom, securing one or more containers C to carrier 105 in top panel 127. As described, notches 149, 151 are for at least partially receiving at least a portion of each container C of the plurality of containers C therethrough.

[0022] The first finger flap or first handle flap 153 may be foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 155 and at least partially separable therefrom at a curved cut 157 having endpoints that intersect the fold line 155. A pair of relief cuts may also extend from the endpoints of the fold line 155. The handle flap 153 may include a central portion 159, a first peripheral portion 161 foldably connected to the central portion 159 at a diagonal line of weakness 163, and a second peripheral portion 165 foldably connected to the central portion 159 at a diagonal line of weakness 167.

[0023] Similarly, second finger flap or second handle flap 169 can be foldably connected to top panel 127 at longitudinal fold line 171 and can be at least partially separated therefrom at a curved cut 173 having endpoints that intersect fold line 171. A pair of relief cuts can also extend from the endpoints of fold line 171. Handle flap 169 can include a central portion 175, a first peripheral portion 177 foldably connected to central portion 175 at diagonal lines of weakness 179, and a second peripheral portion 181 foldably connected to central portion 175 at diagonal lines of weakness 183.

[0024] As described herein, the handle flaps 153, 169 can be handle features of the blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom in the top panel 127.

[0025] The blank 103 and the carrier formed therefrom may also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps may include a first bottom end flap 185 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 187, a first top end flap 189 foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 191, a second bottom end flap 193 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 195, and a second top end flap 197 foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 199.

[0026] In some embodiments, the attachment flap 135 can be considered an end flap of a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the carrier 105 formed therefrom. In other embodiments, the attachment flap 135 can be considered one panel of the plurality of panels.

[0027] As further described herein, end flaps 185, 189 are intended to at least partially overlap to form a first end 109 (broadly referred to as the "second end") of carrier 105, and end flaps 193, 197 are intended to at least partially overlap to form a second end 111 (broadly referred to as the "first end") of carrier 105.

[0028] The above-described arrangement of the blank 103 and the carrier 105 formed therefrom can be such that a generally curved free edge 201 of the bottom panel 121 can be defined between the attachment flap 135 and the end flap 185, a generally curved free edge 203 can be defined between the end flap 185 and the side panel 123, a generally curved free edge 205 can be defined between the side panel 123 and the end flap 193, and a generally curved free edge 207 can be defined between the end flap 193 and the attachment flap 135.

[0029] Similarly, a generally curved free edge 209 can be defined between the side panel 123 and the end flap 189, a generally curved free edge 211 can be defined between the end flap 189 and the side panel 131, a generally curved free edge 213 can be defined between the side panel 131 and the end flap 197, and a generally curved free edge 215 can be defined between the end flap 197 and the side panel 123.

[0030] Side panel 123 can include a pair of longitudinal free edges 217, 219 that extend from respective endpoints of fold line 125 to respective endpoints of fold line 129. Side panel 131 can also include a pair of longitudinal free edges 221, 223 that extend from respective endpoints of fold line 133 to respective endpoints of a lateral free edge 224 of side panel 131.

[0031] 1 , end flap 185 can have a pair of angled free edges 225, 226 extending from respective endpoints of fold line 187 to a longitudinal free edge 227 of end flap 185. Similarly, end flap 189 can have a pair of angled free edges 229, 231 extending from respective endpoints of fold line 191 to a longitudinal free edge 233 of end flap 189. End flap 193 can include a pair of angled free edges 235, 237 extending from respective endpoints of fold line 195 to a longitudinal free edge 239 of end flap 193. End flap 197 can include a pair of angled free edges 241, 243 extending from respective endpoints of fold line 199 to a longitudinal free edge 245 of end flap 197.

[0032] In some embodiments, additional beveled edges can be disposed between each beveled edge 225 , 226 and longitudinal edge 227 and / or between each beveled edge 235 , 237 and longitudinal edge 239 .

[0033] It will be understood that the blank 103 and the carrier 105 formed therefrom can have different edge arrangements without departing from this disclosure.

[0034] With further reference to Figures 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the top panel 127 can be positioned above the bottom panel 121 in a spaced apart and generally parallel relationship, with the side panels 123, 131 extending from the top panel 127 to the bottom panel 121 so as to extend at least partially around the interior 107 of the carrier 105.

[0035] The aforementioned arrangement of the panels can, in some embodiments, be achieved through relative folding at fold lines 125, 129, 133, 137. To maintain such arrangement, attachment flap 135 can be folded at fold line 137 so that its outer surface is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the inner surface of side panel 131. In some embodiments, the inner surfaces of attachment flap 135 and one or more of side panels 131 can be provided with one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue, to adhere attachment flap 135 to side panel 131.

[0036] Such arrangement of the panels of the carrier 105 before the interior 107 of the carrier 105 is formed and the ends 109, 111 of the carrier 105 are formed may be an open sleeve configuration of the carrier 105 for receiving the containers C. In this regard, as shown, the containers C may be grouped and loaded into the interior 107 of the carrier 105, for example, by being carried on a moving support or conveyor and / or via one or more mechanical components, such as a movable arm or pusher, that can advance the containers C into the interior 107 of the carrier 105.

[0037] End flap 185 can be folded upward at fold line 187, and end flap 189 can be folded downward at fold line 191 into at least partial face-to-face contact with end flap 185 to form first end 109 of carrier 105. Similarly, end flap 193 can be folded upward at fold line 195, and end flap 197 can be folded downward at fold line 199 into at least partial face-to-face contact with end flap 193 to form second end 111 of carrier 105. In some embodiments, such arrangement of the end flaps can be maintained at least in part by one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue.

[0038] The containers C can be at least partially secured to the carrier 105 via the container retention features. In particular, the peripheral portion 141 of the top panel 127 can be folded diagonally downward at fold line 143 relative to the central portion 139 of the top panel 127, such that the peripheral portion 141 and the central portion 139 at least partially separate at respective notches 149 and at least partially define respective openings that can at least partially receive the flange portions F of the respective containers C (e.g., the respective containers C adjacent the ends 109 of the carrier 105).

[0039] Similarly, the peripheral portion 145 of the top panel 127 can be folded diagonally downward at fold line 147 relative to the central portion 139 of the top panel 127, such that the peripheral portion 145 and the central portion 139 are at least partially separated at the respective notches 151 and at least partially define respective openings that can at least partially receive the flange portion F of the respective container C (e.g., the respective container C adjacent the end 111 of the carrier 105).

[0040] In such a configuration, peripheral portions 141, 145 of top panel 127 can be positioned to extend obliquely relative to the respective neck N of each container C, and flange portions F of each container C protrude through openings formed by notches 149, 151, providing secure engagement of container C to carrier 105, in part, via at least partial reception of container C in top panel 127.

[0041] In some embodiments, the diagonal positioning of peripheral portions 141, 145 of top panel 127 relative to its central portion 139 can serve as a positioning feature for positioning each end flap 189, 197 for a preselected amount of overlap with each end flap 185, 193. In some embodiments, the amount of overlap between each end flap 185, 189 and / or end flaps 193, 197 can be adjusted, e.g., vertically, to provide a desired level of tightness of the panels and end flaps extending around the periphery of container C.

[0042] In some embodiments, the portions of the central portion 139 of the top panel 127 adjacent to each notch 149, 151 can be at least partially recessed within and / or positioned in at least a partial abutting arrangement with the recessed top surface TS of each container C.

[0043] Also, as shown, an open corner 247 (generally, the “first corner” or “second corner” or “third corner” or “fourth corner”) of the carrier 105 can be defined between the free edges 201, 211, 221, 225, 231 of the respective panels 121, 127, 131 and end flaps 185, 189, and an open corner 249 (generally, the “first corner” or “second corner” or “third corner” or “fourth corner”) of the carrier 105 can be defined between the free edges 203, 209, 217, 226, 229 of the respective panels 121, 123, 127 and end flaps 185, 189. An open corner 251 (generally, the “first corner” or “second corner” or “third corner” or “fourth corner”) of the carrier 105 can be defined between the free edges 205, 215, 219, 237, 241 of the respective panels 121, 123, 127 and end flaps 193, 197, and an open corner 253 (generally, the “first corner” or “second corner” or “third corner” or “fourth corner”) of the carrier 105 can be defined between the free edges 207, 213, 223, 235, 243 of the respective panels 121, 131, 127 and end flaps 193, 197.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the open corners 247, 249, 251, 253 can provide visibility to portions of the containers C adjacent the corners 247, 249, 251, 253, for example, to provide visibility to graphics related to the product or promotional information, nutritional information, pricing information (e.g., barcodes, QR codes, etc.). In some embodiments, the open corners 247, 249, 251, 253 can provide access to the interior 107 of the carrier 105 for extracting one or more containers C therefrom, which can include, for example, stretching or tearing adjacent portions of the carrier 105. In some embodiments, the open corners 247, 249, 251, 253 can provide a ventilation and / or release path for moisture associated with the containers C, for example, due to condensation, ice water spills, spills, etc.

[0045] In this regard, one or more of the free edges 201, 203, 205, 207, 209, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 223, 225, 226, 229, 231, 235, 237, 241, 243 may be product visibility features of the blank 103 and the carrier 105 formed therefrom to form at least one of the open corners 247, 249, 251, 253 of the carrier 105.

[0046] To engage the handle features, a user can at least partially separate one or both of the handle flaps 153, 169 from the top panel 127 at the respective notches 157, 173 and fold the respective handle flap 153, 169 at the respective fold line 155, 171 at least partially downward into the interior 107 of the carrier 105. In such a configuration, a user can insert one or more fingers into the interior 107 of the carrier 105 formed by the opening exposed from said movement of the handle flaps 153, 169. It will be appreciated that the handle flaps 153, 169 can provide a barrier or cushion between the user's fingers and the surfaces / edges of the container C and / or carrier 105.

[0047] In some embodiments, peripheral portions 161, 165 of handle flap 153 can move relative to its central portion 159 at respective lines of weakness 163, 167 to at least partially encircle a user's fingers to provide additional protection, avoid pinching or discomfort, etc. Similarly, peripheral portions 177, 181 of handle flap 169 can move relative to its central portion 175 at respective lines of weakness 179, 183 to at least partially encircle a user's fingers. In this regard, in some embodiments, a user can engage handle flaps 153, 169, the outer surface of top panel 127 proximate fold lines 155, 171, and / or the inner surface of top panel 127 to lift, carry, and / or otherwise move or engage carrier 105.

[0048] As described above, the blank 103 and the carrier 105 formed therefrom are configured to have container retention features that at least partially receive each of the plurality of containers C. This configuration allows a respective container C to be attached to each of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 / carrier 105, with the plurality of panels extending at least partially around the container C to securely attach the container C to the carrier 105 (and vice versa), and the plurality of panels can be positioned around the container C to achieve a desired level of tightness. Additionally, the open corners 247, 249, 251, 253 of the carrier 105 can provide visibility and / or access to the containers C in the interior 107 of the carrier 105, facilitating easy product identification and / or access to one or more of the containers C.

[0049] Generally, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank may also be constructed from other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank may be coated, for example, with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer on one or both sides of the blank. The blank may also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0050] By way of example, the tear line may include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart, typically defining nicks (e.g., somewhat bridge-like pieces of material) between adjacent slits to temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. Nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks may be omitted or cut from the tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the tear line to be replaced with a continuous slit, a continuous score, or the like. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0051] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, fold lines need not necessarily be straight, but may be any substantially linear form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that create a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness; and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, as well as various combinations of these features. In situations where cuts are used to create fold lines, the cuts typically are not excessive in a manner that would cause a reasonable user to mistakenly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0052] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels glued together by an adhesive during assembly of the carrier embodiment, and the term "glue" is intended to encompass any manner of adhesive typically used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0053] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and changes or modifications can be made consistent with the above teachings and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, within the scope of the inventive concept expressed herein. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one edge of the carrier; a container retention feature in the top panel for at least partially receiving a portion of each container of the plurality of containers; a carrier comprising at least one open corner of the carrier defined between a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel.

2. The carrier of claim 1 , wherein the top panel includes a central portion and at least one peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion by a fold line.

3. The carrier of claim 2 , wherein the at least one peripheral portion is disposed at an angle relative to the central portion of the top panel.

4. The carrier of claim 3 , wherein the fold lines are interrupted by a plurality of curved cuts.

5. 5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the plurality of curved notches at least partially define a space between at least one peripheral portion of the top panel and the central portion for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers.

6. The carrier of claim 5 , wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the top panel.

7. 7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a first top end flap foldably connected to the at least one peripheral portion of the top panel and a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the at least one end of the carrier being a first end of the carrier, and the first top end flap and the second top end flap being in at least partial face-to-face contact to form the first end of the carrier.

8. 8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the at least one open corner of the carrier is further defined between a free edge of the first top end flap, a free edge of the second top end flap, the free edge of the top panel, the free edge of the bottom panel, the free edge of the at least one side panel, and the free edge of each panel of the plurality of panels.

9. The carrier of claim 8 , wherein the free edge of the top panel and the free edge of the bottom panel are each curved.

10. 10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, the at least one open corner of the carrier is a first open corner of the carrier, and the carrier further comprises a second open corner at least partially defined between the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the first top end flap, and the first bottom end flap.

11. 11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the at least one peripheral portion is a first peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel, the fold line being a first fold line, and the top panel further comprises a second peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel at a second fold line interrupted by a plurality of curved notches for at least partially receiving each container of the plurality of containers.

12. 12. The carrier of claim 11, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the second peripheral portion of the top panel and a second bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the second top end flap and the second bottom end flap at least partially overlapping in face-to-face contact to form a second end of the carrier.

13. 13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the carrier further comprises a third open corner at least partially defined between the top panel, the bottom panel, the first side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap, and wherein the carrier further comprises a fourth open corner at least partially defined between the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap.

14. 14. The carrier of claim 13, wherein the carrier further comprises a handle feature comprising a handle flap foldably connected to the top panel and at least partially separable from the top panel.

15. 1. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one end of the carrier formed from the blank; a container retention feature in the top panel for at least partially receiving a portion of each container of the plurality of containers; A blank comprising a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel to form at least one open corner of the carrier formed from the blank.

16. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the top panel includes a central portion and at least one peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion by a fold line.

17. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the fold lines are interrupted by a plurality of curved cuts.

18. 18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the plurality of curved cutouts at least partially define a space between the at least one peripheral portion and the central portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers.

19. 20. The blank of claim 18, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the top panel.

20. 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a first top end flap foldably connected to the at least one peripheral portion of the top panel and a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the at least one end of the carrier formed from the blank being a first end of the carrier formed from the blank, and the first top end flap and the second top end flap are for at least partially overlapping in face-to-face contact to form the first end of the carrier formed from the blank.

21. 21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one open corner of the carrier formed from the blank is defined between a free edge of the first top end flap, a free edge of a second top end flap, the free edge of the top panel, the free edge of the bottom panel, the free edge of the at least one side panel, and the free edge of each panel of the plurality of panels.

22. 22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the free edge of the top panel and the free edge of the bottom panel are each curved.

23. 23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, the at least one open corner of the carrier formed from the blank is a first open corner of the carrier formed from the blank, and the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the first top end flap, and the first bottom end flap are intended to be arranged to at least partially define a second open corner of the carrier formed from the blank.

24. 24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one peripheral portion is a first peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel, the fold line being a first fold line, and the top panel further comprises a second peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel at a second fold line interrupted by a plurality of curved notches for at least partially receiving each container of the plurality of containers.

25. 25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the second peripheral portion of the top panel and a second bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the second top end flap and the second bottom end flap at least partially overlapping in face-to-face contact to form a second end of the carrier formed from the blank.

26. 26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the top panel, the bottom panel, the first side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap are intended to be positioned to at least partially define a third open corner of the carrier formed from the blank, and the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap are intended to be positioned to at least partially define a fourth open corner of the carrier formed from the blank.

27. 27. The blank of claim 26, further comprising a handle feature comprising a handle flap foldably connected to the top panel and at least partially separable from the top panel.

28. 1. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; and a container retention feature in the top panel; positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier; at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one end of the carrier; positioning a container-retaining feature to at least partially receive a portion of each container of the plurality of containers; and positioning a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel to form at least one open corner of the carrier.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the top panel includes a central portion and at least one peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion at a fold line.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein positioning the container retention feature comprises disposing the at least one peripheral portion at an angle relative to the central portion of the top panel.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the fold lines are interrupted by a plurality of curved cuts.

32. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of curved cutouts at least partially define a space between the at least one peripheral portion and the central portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the top panel.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a first top end flap foldably connected to the at least one peripheral portion of the top panel and a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the at least one end of the carrier being a first end of the carrier, the method comprising at least partially overlapping the first top end flap and the second top end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact to form the first end of the carrier.

35. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the at least one open corner of the carrier is further defined between a free edge of the first top end flap, a free edge of the second top end flap, the free edge of the top panel, the free edge of the bottom panel, the free edge of the at least one side panel, and the free edge of each panel of the plurality of panels.

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the free edge of the top panel and the free edge of the bottom panel are each curved.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, the at least one open corner of the carrier is a first open corner of the carrier, and the method further includes positioning the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the first top end flap, and the first bottom end flap to at least partially define a second open corner of the carrier.

38. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one peripheral portion is a first peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel, the fold line being a first fold line, and the top panel further comprises a second peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel at a second fold line interrupted by a plurality of curved notches for at least partially receiving each container of the plurality of containers.

39. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the plurality of end flaps further includes a second top end flap foldably connected to the second peripheral portion of the top panel and a second bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the method further including at least partially overlapping the second top end flap and the second bottom end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact to form a second end of the carrier.

40. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising arranging the top panel, the bottom panel, the first side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap to at least partially define a third open corner of the carrier, the method further comprising arranging the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap to at least partially define a fourth open corner of the carrier.

41. 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the carrier further comprises a handle feature comprising a handle flap foldably connected to the top panel and at least partially separable from the top panel.

42. A package, A plurality of containers; a carrier for holding the plurality of containers; the carrier includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carrier, the panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially overlapping to form at least one edge of the carrier; a container retention feature in the top panel that at least partially receives a portion of each container of the plurality of containers; at least one open corner of the carrier defined between a free edge of the top panel, a free edge of the bottom panel, and a free edge of the at least one side panel.

43. 43. The package of claim 42, wherein the top panel includes a central portion and at least one peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion at a fold line.

44. 44. The package of claim 43, wherein the at least one peripheral portion is disposed at an angle relative to the central portion of the top panel.

45. 45. The package of claim 44, wherein the fold lines are interrupted by a plurality of curved cuts.

46. 46. ​​The package of claim 45, wherein the plurality of curved notches at least partially define a space between the at least one peripheral portion and the central portion of the top panel for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers.

47. 47. The package of claim 46, wherein the at least one side panel is foldably connected to the top panel.

48. 48. The package of claim 47, wherein the plurality of end flaps comprises a first top end flap foldably connected to the at least one peripheral portion of the top panel and a first bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the at least one end of the carrier being a first end of the carrier, and the first top end flap and the second top end flap overlapping and in at least partial face-to-face contact to form the first end of the carrier.

49. 49. The package of claim 48, wherein the at least one open corner of the carrier is defined between a free edge of the first top end flap, a free edge of the second top end flap, the free edge of the top panel, the free edge of the bottom panel, the free edge of the at least one side panel, and the free edge of each panel of the plurality of panels.

50. 50. The package of claim 49, wherein the free edge of the top panel and the free edge of the bottom panel are each curved.

51. 51. The package of claim 50, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the plurality of panels further comprising a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, the at least one open corner of the carrier is a first open corner of the carrier, and the carrier further comprises a second open corner at least partially defined between the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, and the first top end flap and the first bottom end flap.

52. 52. The package of claim 51, wherein the at least one peripheral portion is a first peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel, the fold line being a first fold line, and the top panel further comprises a second peripheral portion foldably connected to the central portion of the top panel at a second fold line interrupted by a plurality of curved notches that at least partially receive each container of the plurality of containers.

53. 53. The package of claim 52, wherein the plurality of end flaps further comprises a second top end flap foldably connected to the second peripheral portion of the top panel and a second bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, the second top end flap and the second bottom end flap at least partially overlapping in face-to-face contact to form a second end of the carrier.

54. 54. The package of claim 53, wherein the carrier further comprises a third open corner at least partially defined between the top panel, the bottom panel, the first side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap, and wherein the carrier further comprises a fourth open corner at least partially defined between the top panel, the bottom panel, the second side panel, the second top end flap, and the second bottom end flap.

55. 55. The package of claim 54, wherein the carrier further comprises a handle feature comprising a handle flap foldably connected to the top panel and at least partially separable from the top panel.

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