Carrier for containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion. Each of the first end portion and the second end portion have a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers. Container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion include a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring, the first container retention ring and the second container retention separably connected. The first container retention ring being positionable to engage an upper portion of a respective container and the second container retention ring being positionable relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 749,940, filed on Jan. 27, 2025.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63 / 749,940 , filed on Jan. 27, 2025, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying, and / or transporting containers.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers. The carrier having container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion comprising a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring, the first container retention ring and the second container retention separably connected. The first container retention ring being positionable to engage an upper portion of a respective container and the second container retention ring being positionable relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers in the carrier formed from the blank. Container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion comprise a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring. The first container retention ring and the second container retention are separably connected. The first container retention ring being positionable to engage an upper portion of a respective container in the carrier formed from the blank and the second container retention ring being positionable relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container in the carrier formed from the blank.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising obtaining a blank having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. Each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers. The blank has container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion comprising a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring. The first container retention ring and the second container retention are separably connected. The method comprising positioning the first container retention ring to engage an upper portion of a respective container and positioning the second container retention ring relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 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 the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier for containers according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of containers suitable for use with carriers of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIGS. 3-6 are sequential views of a formation of a carrier and package from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carrier being grasped and carried.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the carrier of the first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carrier for containers according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a carrier and package formed from the blank of FIG. 9 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages, constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displaying containers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containers can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and / or other metals; or any combination thereof.

[0018] Carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate containers of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes food or beverage containers which can include, but are not limited to, generally cylindrical containers such as aluminum cans, glass or polymer (such as plastic) bottles with upper narrowing neck portions, which can be those of a type available to hold and / or dispense beverages, condiments, dressings, etc. In this specification, the terms “lower,”“bottom,”“upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a carrier 105 (FIG. 8) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As described further herein, the carrier 105 can be configured for holding / supporting / retaining / receiving a plurality of containers.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the carrier 105 is sized to contain or support two containers B. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers B can be bottles, e.g., plastic bottles formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another polymer, and having upper portions that include an at least partially tapered neck portion N intersecting a flange or flange portion F that at least partially supports a cap CP. In other embodiments, the containers B could be beverage cans or another suitable type and size of containers. The carrier 105 can be provided together with one or more of the containers B as a package 107.

[0021] Still referring to FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 includes a plurality of panels that include a first / lower panel or first attachment panel 121 foldably connected to a second / upper panel panel or second attachment panel 123 at a lateral fold line 125 interrupted by a generally ovoid cut 127 that defines a generally ovoid first opening 129.

[0022] As described herein, the panels 121, 123 can be arranged having respective generally tapering / narrower central portions in the lateral direction, and respective lateral end portions wider than the respective central portions. In this regard, the lower panel 121 can include a pair of laterally opposed end portions 121a, 121b, (broadly, “first end portion” and “second end portion”, respectively) and a relatively tapered / narrower central portion 121c extending from the first end portion 121a to the second end portion 121b. Similarly, the upper panel 123 can include a pair of laterally opposed end portions 123a, 123b (broadly, “first end portion” and “second end portion”, respectively), and a relatively tapered / narrower central portion 123c extending from the first end portion 123a to the second end portion 123b.

[0023] In one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 3, the upper panel 123 can be folded at the fold lines 125 to overlap and be in face-to-face contact with the lower panel 121 to form a two-ply configuration of the carrier 105. The carrier 105 has a first end portion 112 corresponding to the overlapped end portions 121a, 123a of the panels 121, 123, a second end portion 114 corresponding to the overlapped end portions 121b, 123b of the panels 121, 123, and a central portion / handle 104 of the overlapped central portions 121c, 123c of the first and second panels 121, 123. The end portions 112, 114 have respective container retention openings 110 for receiving at least a portion of a respective container B, container retention features in the form of first / inner container retention rings 143 engaging an upper portion of a respective container and second / outer container retention rings 162 engaging a lower portion of a respective container B as further discussed below.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 includes a pair of openings 131 in the respective first end portion 121a and second end portion 121b of the lower panel 121 and the blank 103 includes a pair of openings 141 in the respective first end portion 123a and second end portion 123b of the upper panel 123. The container retention openings 110 of the carrier 105 are formed by the overlap of the respective openings 131, 141 and are for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers B when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103, as described further herein.

[0025] In one embodiment, each container retention opening 131, as shown, can be at least partially defined by a respective generally-keystone shaped cut. Each of the first end portion 121a and the second end portion 121b of the lower panel 121 have respective first container retention tabs 133 foldably connected to the central portion 121c of the panel 121 at respective longitudinal fold lines 135 and positioned extending into the respective container retention openings 131.

[0026] A pair of second container retention tabs 137 are positioned extending into the respective container retention openings 131. In one embodiment, the container retention tabs 137 are foldably connected to the end portion 121a, 121b of the panel 121 at respective lateral fold lines 139.

[0027] Still referring to FIG. 1, the panel 123 can include a respective container retention openings 141 in the end portions 123a, 123b thereof. Container retention rings 143 are formed in each of the end portions 123a, 123b and foldably connected to the central portion 123c of the panel 123 at respective fold lines 145. The container retention rings 143 surround a respective container retention openings 141 in the end portions 123a, 123b of the panel 123. As shown, the container retention rings 143 can be separable connected to surrounding portions 144 of the panel 123 at respective generally circular lines of weakness 147. The lines of weakness 147 could comprise cuts, tear lines, a series of cuts separated by spaced-apart nicks, or any other suitable lines of weakness that allow separation of the first container retention ring 143 from the portions 144 of the panel 123 without departing from the disclosure.

[0028] In one embodiment, the central portions 121c, 123c of the blank 103 include respective central fold lines 152 that are located on the lateral centerline CL of the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 123 of the blank 103 includes handle reinforcement flaps or tabs 149 foldably connected to the central portion 123c of the panel 123 at respective curved fold lines 151. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion 121c of the first panel 121 is foldably connected to the respective end portions 121a, 121b of the first panel 121 at respective longitudinal fold lines 154. The fold lines 145, 151, 152, 154 and the flaps 149 form handle features of the blank 103 for forming a handle 104 of the carrier 105 / package 107. The handle features of the blank 103 could be alternatively, shaped, arranged, configured, and / or omitted without departing from the disclosure.

[0029] With additional reference to FIGS. 3-6, formation of the carrier 105 and package 107 from the blank 103 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the panels 121, 123 can be folded at the fold line 125 so as to be brought into at least partial face-to-face contact with the second / upper panel 123 overlaying the first / lower panel 121. Such arrangement of the panels 121, 123 in face-to-face contact aligns the respective container retention openings 131, 141 that combine to form container retention openings 110 in a respective first end portion 112 and second end portion 114 of the carrier 105. The first end portion 112 of the carrier 105 is formed by overlapping and adhering the end portions 121a, 123a of respective panels 121, 123 and the second end portion 114 of the carrier is formed by overlapping and adhering the end portions 121b, 123b of the respective panels 121, 123. Also, the central portions 121c, 123c overlap to form the central portion or handle portion 104 of the carrier having the handle 104 with the handle reinforcement tabs 149 extending outwardly therefrom. Prior to folding the panels 121, 123 glue G can be applied to one or both of the panels at various locations to secure the panels together. In the illustrated embodiment, glue G is applied to the end portions 121a, 121b and the central portion 121c of the panel 121, but the glue could be otherwise applied or omitted without departing from the disclosure.

[0030] In one embodiment, the container retention features of the first end portion 112 and second end portion 114 of the carrier 105 include an inner / first container retention ring 143 surrounding a respective container retention opening 110 and an outer / second container retention ring 162 adjacent the first container retention ring. In one embodiment, the first container retention ring 143 is formed from the upper panel 123. The second container retention ring 162 is formed by the end portions 121a, 121b of the panel 121 that surround the openings 131 that are in face-to-face contact and attached to the portions 144 of the panel 123 that surround the inner container retention rings 143. Thus, the outer container retention rings 162 comprise two plies of material and are separable from the inner container retention ring 143 at line of weakness 147. The container retention rings 143, 162 could be otherwise formed and otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, as the carrier 105 is lowered into engagement with the respective containers B, in an orientation in which the panel 121 is facing downwardly and the panel 123 is facing upwardly and the caps CP of the containers B are at least partially received in the container retention openings 110 of the carrier 105. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner container retention rings 143 can engage an upper portion of a respective container B such as below the cap CP of the container and above the flange F of the container. In other embodiment, the inner container retention rings 143 can otherwise engage the upper portion of the containers B.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the outer container retention rings 162 can be separated from the respective inner container retention rings 143 at the lines of weakness 147 and positioned downwardly therefrom to engage a lower portion of the respective containers B that is spaced below the upper portion of the container engaged by the inner container retention ring 143. The container retention tabs 133, 137 can be at least partially folded and / or flexed upwardly to extend from the respective portion of the outer retention ring 162 to engage a respective surface or edge of the respective neck portions N or an adjacent portion of the respective container B. In one embodiment, the container retention tabs 133, 137 are upwardly folded from the outer container retention ring, the container retention tabs 133, 137 could be otherwise positioned without departing from the disclosure. The outer container retention rings 162 engage a respective container at a location below the engagement of the inner container retention rings 143.

[0033] When it is desired to lift, carry, and / or otherwise move the carrier 105 / package 107 using the handle 104, a user can grasp the handle 104 (FIG. 7), which can at least partially flex at the respective plurality of fold lines 145, 152, 154 associated therewith. The handle reinforcement tabs 149 can provide an additional buffer, e.g., layer of material, between a user's hand and the remainder of the handle / central portion 104, for example, for comfort, for strength, to avoid unwanted tearing, etc. The end portions 112, 114 that are attached to the respective container B can flex relative to the handle / central portion 104 of the carrier 105 with the carrier 105 / package 107 is lifted and carried and can return to a position (FIG. 8) wherein the central portion 104 is generally coplanar with the end portions 112, 114.

[0034] As shown, the positioning of the outer container retention rings 162 of the end portions 112, 114 of the carrier 105 relative to the inner container retention rings 143 can provide a lower point of contact to the containers B that is additional to the caps CP or other upper portions that are engaged by the inner container retention rings 143 to facilitate even distribution of stresses across the carrier 105 that can provide enhanced strength and resistance to unwanted tearing. In some embodiments, the carrier 105 can be placed in tension when engaged with the containers B in such an arrangement.

[0035] With additional reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the exterior surface of a blank 203 for forming a carrier 205 and package 207 of a second embodiment is illustrated. The blank 203 and the carrier 205 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The blank 203 can be generally similar to the blank 103 described above, except that the features of the panels 121, 123 are combined into a single panel 221. In this regard, the panel 221 can have end portions 221a, 221b and a central portion 221c for at least partially forming a handle 204 extending between the end portions, and container retention features that include the inner container retention rings 243 and outer container retention rings 262. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inner container retention rings 243 surround a respective container retention opening 210 and the outer container retention rings 262 have container retention tabs 237 for engaging a respective lower portion of the containers B. The inner container retention rings 243 are separable from the outer container retention rings 262 by line of weakness 247 and the outer container retention ring 262 circumscribes the inner container retention ring. The blank 203 can have other features and the features shown could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and / or omitted without departing from the disclosure.

[0036] Accordingly, and as shown in FIG. 10, the carrier 205 and package 207 can be formed from the blank 203 in a manner generally similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the carrier 105 and package 107 from the blank 103, with similar advantages and functionality. As with the first embodiment, the inner container retention ring 243 engages an upper portion of the container B and the lower container retention ring 262 engages a lower portion of the container B to secure the carrier to the containers. The handle 204 can be used to grasp and carry the carrier 205 / package 207 in a similar manner as the handle 104 of the first embodiment. The blank 203, carrier 205, and package 207 could have other features and be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0037] In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0038] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, 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 apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0039] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a 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; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

[0040] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carrier panels in place.

[0041] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as “bottom or “top”; or “front” or “back”; and the like can be used to describe an element and / or feature's relationship to another element(s) and / or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and / or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a “bottom” surface can then be oriented “above” other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0042] Terms “and,”“or,” and “an / or,” as used herein, may include a variety of meanings that also is expected to depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular or may be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the term “at least one of” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, can be interpreted to mean any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, AA, AAB, ABC, AABBCCC, etc.

[0043] Reference throughout this specification to “one example,”“an example,”“certain examples,”“exemplary embodiments”, or “exemplary implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the feature and / or example may be included in at least one feature and / or example of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one example,”“an example,”“in certain examples,”“in certain implementations,”“in some embodiments”, or other like phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same feature, example, and / or limitation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples and / or features.

[0044] In the preceding detailed description, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods and apparatuses that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within the scope of appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising:a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers;container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion comprising a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring, the first container retention ring and the second container retention separably connected,the first container retention ring being positionable to engage an upper portion of a respective container and the second container retention ring being positionable relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the second container retention ring circumscribes the first container retention ring.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first container retention ring is separably connected to the second container retention ring at a line of weakness.

4. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the first container retention ring and the second container retention ring are respectively foldably connected to the central portion.

5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the central portion has a first central panel and a second central panel foldably connected along a fold line on a longitudinal centerline of the carrier.

6. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the second container retention ring comprises at least one container retention tab for engaging the lower portion of a respective container.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the at least one container retention tab comprises a plurality of container retention tabs, at least one of the plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the central portion.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the at least one of the plurality of container retention tabs is a first container retention tab, the plurality container retention tabs comprises a second container retention tab and a third container retention tab, the second and third container retention tabs engaging opposite sides of a respective container.

9. The carrier of claim 1, comprising an upper panel and a lower panel in face-to-face contact to form the first end portion, the second end portion, and the central portion.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein the second container retention ring comprises a portion of the upper panel and the lower panel.

11. The carrier of claim 10, wherein each of the upper panel and the lower panel have openings that overlap to form the respective container retention opening.

12. The carrier of claim 10, wherein the first container retention ring is formed in the upper panel.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the central portion comprises a portion of the upper panel and the lower panel.

14. The carrier of claim 1, comprising a handle formed in the central portion for being grasped by a user.

15. The carrier of claim 14, wherein the handle comprises a first handle panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the carrier.

16. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising:a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers in the carrier formed from the blank;container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion comprising a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring, the first container retention ring and the second container retention separably connected,the first container retention ring being positionable to engage an upper portion of a respective container in the carrier formed from the blank and the second container retention ring being positionable relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container in the carrier formed from the blank.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the second container retention ring circumscribes the first container retention ring.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the first container retention ring is separably connected to the second container retention ring at a line of weakness.

19. The blank of claim 17, wherein the first container retention ring and the second container retention ring are respectively foldably connected to the central portion,the central portion has a first central panel and a second central panel foldably connected along a fold line on a longitudinal centerline of the blank.

20. The blank of claim 16, wherein the second container retention ring comprises at least one container retention tab for engaging the lower portion of a respective container in the carrier formed from the blank.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one container retention tab comprises a plurality of container retention tabs, at least one of the plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the central portion.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the at least one of the plurality of container retention tabs is a first container retention tab, the plurality container retention tabs comprises a second container retention tab and a third container retention tab, the second and third container retention tabs positioned for engaging opposite sides of a respective container in the carrier formed from the blank.

23. The blank of claim 16, comprising an upper panel and a lower panel in face-to-face contact to form the first end portion, the second end portion, and the central portion.

24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the second container retention ring comprises a portion of the upper panel and the lower panel.

25. The blank of claim 24, wherein each of the upper panel and the lower panel have openings that overlap to form the respective container retention opening.

26. The blank of claim 24, wherein the first container retention ring is formed in the upper panel and the central portion comprises a portion of the upper panel and the lower panel.

27. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising:obtaining a blank having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion having a respective container retention opening for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, container retention features in the first end portion and the second end portion comprising a first container retention ring surrounding the respective container retention opening and a second container retention ring adjacent the first container retention ring, the first container retention ring and the second container retention separably connected;positioning the first container retention ring to engage an upper portion of a respective container and positioning the second container retention ring relative to the first container retention ring to engage a lower portion of a respective container below the upper portion of the respective container.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the second container retention ring circumscribes the first container retention ring and the first container retention ring is separably connected to the second container retention ring at a line of weakness.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the first container retention ring and the second container retention ring are respectively foldably connected to the central portion, the central portion has a first central panel and a second central panel foldably connected along a fold line on a longitudinal centerline of the carrier.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the second container retention ring comprises at least one container retention tab, the positioning the second container retention ring comprises engaging the lower portion of a respective container with the at least one container retention tab.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one container retention tab comprises a plurality of container retention tabs, at least one of the plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the central portion.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one of the plurality of container retention tabs is a first container retention tab, the plurality container retention tabs comprises a second container retention tab and a third container retention tab, the second and third container retention tabs engaging opposite sides of a respective container.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein the blank comprises an upper panel and a lower panel and the method comprises positioning the upper panel and the lower panel in in face-to-face contact to form the first end portion, the second end portion, and the central portion.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second container retention ring comprises a portion of the upper panel and the lower panel.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein each of the upper panel and the lower panel have openings that overlap to form the respective container retention opening, the first container retention ring is formed in upper panel, and the central portion comprises a portion of the upper panel and the lower panel.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein the blank comprises handle features in the central portion, the method comprises forming a handle from the handle features.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the handle features comprise a first handle panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the central portion at opposite sides of the carrier.

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