Carrier For Containers

Abstract

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a central panel having a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, and a plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers for holding, displaying, and/or transporting containers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, and a plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

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 central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, and a plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

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 comprising central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings, the blank further comprising a plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment, and positioning the central panel with the plurality of container retention openings arranged for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers and such that the plurality of container retention tabs are positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package, the package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier holding the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising a central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, and a plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

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

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.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container of a type for use with carriers and packages according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the package and carrier of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of the package and carrier of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of the package and carrier of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 3 being grasped by a user.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

Packages 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 beverage containers (e.g., generally cylindrical containers such as aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the package embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected packages.

FIG. 1 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 disclosure. FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are enlarged detail views of portions of the blank 103. As described further herein, the carrier 105 can be configured for holding/supporting/retaining/receiving a plurality of containers. The carrier 105 can be provided with one or more containers to form a package 107 (FIG. 3).

As shown in FIG. 3, the carrier 105 is sized to contain or support three containers C, with three containers B being attached to a front portion 106 of the carrier 105 and three containers C being attached to a back portion 108 of the carrier 105. With momentary reference to FIG. 2, in the illustrated embodiment, the containers C can be beverage cans having a lower base portion B, a top portion T generally comprising a neck N that tapers inwardly from the lower base portion B, a flange or flange portion F at the top of the neck portion that extends radially outward from the neck portion N, and a top surface TS below the flange portion that includes a pull-tab P. In some embodiments, the flange portion F can have the form of a rolled rim or chime for being engaged by one or more portions of the carrier 105/package 107, as described further herein.

In some embodiments, the containers C could be beverage cans or another suitable type and size of container.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 can also have an upper or exterior surface 101 and a lower or interior surface such that a thickness V of the blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom can be at least partially defined from the exterior surface 101 to the interior surface. In one embodiment, the axis L1 can be a lateral axis and the axis L2 can be a longitudinal axis.

The blank 103 comprises an attachment panel or central panel 121 that includes container retention features for engaging containers C when the carrier 105 is formed from the blank 103, as described further herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container retention features can include a plurality of container retention openings 123 at least partially defined by the central panel 121 and for at least partially receiving respective containers of the plurality of containers C when the carrier 105/package 107 is formed from the blank 103. The central panel 121 can at least partially define two rows of three container retention openings 123 (from the perspective of FIG. 1), as shown, though a different number of container retention openings 123 can be provided to accommodate a different number and/or arrangement of containers C.

A plurality of container retention tabs can also extend into the respective container retention openings 123 for at least partially engaging a respective container C of the plurality of containers C.

With additional reference to FIG. 1A, the container retention tabs can include a plurality of diametrically opposed container retention tabs 125. Each container retention tab 125, as shown, can include a respective first edge or central edge 127 positioned protruding at least partially into the respective container retention opening 123, and respective oblique edges or respective second and third edges 129, 131 extending from respective endpoints of the central edge 127 away from the respective container retention opening 123.

The edges 129, 131 of the respective container retention tabs 125 can be at least partially defined by cut segments so as to be at least partially separable from the central panel 121 and/or from adjacent container retention tabs, as described further herein.

A respective linear line of weakening 133, which can be a lateral line of weakening or a longitudinal line of weakening, or, in some embodiments, an oblique line of weakening, depending on the orientation of the container retention tab 125, can be positioned spaced away from the central edge 127 thereof. In this regard, the line of weakening 133 can be generally parallel to the central edge 127.

Each line of weakening 133, as shown, can be positioned a distance from the central edge 127 of a respective container retention tab 125 a distance greater than that of any portion of a respective cut 143, described further below, associated with a respective container retention tab 135. In this regard, the lines of weakening 133 are spaced apart from the respective cuts 143.

The respective lines of weakening 133 can facilitate relative folding of the container retention tab 125 relative to the central panel 121 upon activation thereof, as described further herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the lines of weakening 133 can at least partially separably connect the respective container retention tab 125 and/or can at least partially foldably connect the respective container retention tab 125 to the central panel 121.

In some embodiments, the container retention tabs 125 can be considered respective portions of the central panel 121 that protrude into the respective container retention openings 123, with the lines of weakening 133 to facilitate flexion/folding relative to the remainder of the central panel 121.

With additional reference to FIG. 1B, a plurality of container retention tabs 135 can be positioned extending into each container retention opening 123. In the illustrated embodiment, two pairs of diametrically opposed container retention tabs 135 can be positioned extending into the respective middle container retention openings 123 in each row thereof, and a pair of diametrically opposed container retention tabs 135 can be positioned extending into the first and third container retention openings 123 in each row thereof (e.g., the corner container retention openings 123 of the central panel 121). A third container retention tab 135 can be positioned extending into the corner container retention openings 123 between the pair of container retention tabs 135, at a location diametrically opposite the corner of the blank 103/panel 121. It will be understood that a different arrangement of container retention tabs 135 can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

Each container retention tab 135, as shown, can include a first or central edge 137 and a pair of respective second and third or oblique edges 139, 141 extending from respective endpoints of the respective central edge 137 away from the respective container retention opening 123.

The respective edges 139, 141 can be at least partially defined by a respective cut 143 (broadly, “first cut”, “second cut”, respectively), with the cuts 143 associated with the respective edges 139, 141 of a respective container retention tab 135 being generally mirror images of one another.

Each cut 143, as shown, includes a generally oblique segment 145 extending from the respective endpoint of the respective edge 137 to a respective curved segment 147 of the respective cut 143. In some embodiments, the respective curved segments 147 of the cuts 143 can have a generally semicircular configuration such that the respective cuts 143 can have a generally J-shaped or generally hook-shaped configuration.

In this regard, the respective curved oblique segments 145 of the respective cut can at least partially define a respective edge 139, 141 of a respective container retention tab 135 as well as a respective edge 129, 131 of a respective container retention tab 125 adjacent thereto.

Furthermore, respective deflection regions 149 (broadly, “first deflection region”, “second deflection region”, respectively) of the respective container retention tabs 135 can be at least partially defined between the respective segments 145, 147 of the respective cuts 143, and respective fourth and fifth or curved edges 151, 153 of the respective container retention tabs 135 can be at least partially defined by the respective curved segments 147 of the respective cuts 143. In this regard, the respective curved edges 151, 153 can intersect the respective edges 139, 141 of the respective container retention tabs 135.

A respective oblique line of weakening 155 can be positioned spaced away from the central edge 137 of the respective container retention tab 135 so as to be generally parallel to the central edge 137. Each oblique line of weakening 155, as shown, can be positioned a distance from the central edge 137 of a respective container retention tab 135 a distance greater than that of the respective curved segment 147 of a respective cut 143 associated with a respective container retention tab 135.

The respective lines of weakening 155 can facilitate relative folding of the container retention tab 135 relative to the central panel 121 upon activation thereof, as described further herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the lines of weakening 155 can at least partially separably connect the respective container retention tab 135 and/or can at least partially foldably connect the respective container retention tab 135 to the central panel 121.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, and with additional reference to FIG. 1C, a respective container retention tab 157 can be positioned extending into the respective corner container retention openings 123 and positioned diametrically opposed to the respective unpaired container retention tab 135. Each container retention tab 157, as shown, can have a configuration generally similar to that described above with respect to the container retention tab 135, except that the container retention tabs 157 can be at least partially bisected by an oblique line of weakening 159 so as to form a respective first portion 161 and second portion 163 of the respective container retention tab 157.

Furthermore, instead of a respective line of weakening 155, a respective curved line of weakening 165 associated with each container retention tab 157 can be positioned intersecting the line of weakening 159.

In this regard, each first portion 161 of the respective container retention tab 157 can have the respective portion of the central edge 137, the edge 139, the deflection region 149, the edge 151, and an edge 167 at least partially defined by the line of weakening 159.

Furthermore, the respective first portions 161 can have a respective deflection region 169 at least partially defined between the respective portion of the line of weakening 165 and the line of weakening 159, and a curved edge 171 can be at least partially defined by the respective portion of the line of weakening 165 and that intersects the edge 167.

Similarly, the respective second portions 163 can have the respective portion of the central edge 137, the edge 141, the deflection region 149, the edge 153, and an edge 173 at least partially defined by the line of weakening 159. The respective second portions 163 can thus have can have a respective deflection region 169 at least partially defined between the respective portion of the line of weakening 165 and the line of weakening 159, and a curved edge 175 can be at least partially defined by the respective portion of the line of weakening 165 and that intersects the edge 173.

In some embodiments, the first portions 161 and the second portions 163 of the respective container retention tabs 157 can be considered distinct container retention tabs.

As described herein, the container retention features of the blank 103 and carrier 105/package 107 formed therefrom can include one or more of the respective container openings 123 and/or one or more of the respective container retention tabs, though the container retention features can include a greater or fewer number of components of the blank 103/carrier 105/package 107.

The blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom can further include handle features for facilitating grasping of the package 107/carrier 105 formed from the blank 103. In some embodiments, the handle features can include a pair of longitudinally opposed handle openings 177 (FIG. 7) with respective handle reinforcement flaps 179, 181 positioned extending at least partially therein.

The respective handle reinforcement flaps 179 can be foldably connected to the central panel 121 at a respective oblique line of weakening 183, and can be at least partially separable therefrom at a curved line of weakening 185 that intersects the oblique line of weakening 183. The handle reinforcement flaps 179 can be separably connected to the respective handle reinforcement flaps 181 at a respective longitudinal cut 186.

Each handle reinforcement flap 181, as shown, can be foldably connected to the central panel 121 at a respective oblique line of weakening 187, and can be at least partially separable therefrom at a curved line of weakening 189 that intersects the oblique line of weakening 187.

In some embodiments, a lateral line of weakening, as shown, can extend from the cut 186 at least partially into the respective handle reinforcement flap 181. As shown, one or more oblique lines of weakening can extend from the respective lines of weakening 185, 189, for example, to facilitate engagement of the blank 103/carrier 105 by a user.

With additional reference to FIGS. 3-6, formation of the carrier 105 and package 107 from the blank 103 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the carrier 105 can be formed from the blank 103 upon activation of one or more container retention features. In some embodiments, the carrier 105 can be considered an activated or otherwise manipulated state of the blank 103 as shown in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the central panel 121 can be lowered onto a plurality of containers C such that at least the top portion T of a respective container C (including, but not limited to, the top surface TS and pull tab P, the flange portion F, and at least a portion of the neck portion N) can be at least partially received through a respective container opening 123.

Upon engagement of the flange portion F of a respective container C with the respective container retention tabs associated with a respective container opening 123, the flange portion F can at least partially cause the respective container retention tabs 125 to at least partially separate from the respective adjacent container retention tabs 135, 157 and from respective adjacent portions of the central panel 121 at the respective cuts 143 and fold at least partially upwardly relative to the central panel 121/remainder thereof at the respective line of weakening 133.

Simultaneously or thereafter, the respective container retention tabs 135 can at least partially separate from the respective adjacent container retention tabs 125, 157 at the respective cuts 143. Upon contact by the flange portion F of a respective container C, the respective container retention tabs 135 can fold at least partially upwardly relative to the central panel 121/remainder thereof at the respective line of weakening 155.

Simultaneously or thereafter, the respective container retention tabs 157 can at least partially separate from the respective adjacent container retention tabs 135, 157 at the respective cuts 143. Upon contact by the flange portion F of a respective container C, the respective container retention tabs 157 can fold at least partially upwardly relative to the central panel 121/remainder thereof at a respective portion of the respective line of weakening 165. Furthermore, the respective portions 161, 163 of the respective container retention tabs 157 can at least partially separate from each other at the respective lines of weakening 159 and can at least partially separate from respective portions of the central panel 121 at the respective line of weakening 165.

In such an arrangement, the respective container retention tabs 125, 135, 157 can extend at least partially upwardly from the central panel 121 to the respective flange portion F of a respective container C. In some embodiments, the respective container retention tabs 125, 135, 157 can extend obliquely from the central panel 121 to the respective flange portion F to contact a lower surface or edge thereof in a bracing relationship. In some embodiments, one or more of the container retention tabs 125, 137, 157 can be arranged so as to at least partially contour about the curvature of a respective neck portion N of a respective container C.

Accordingly, the respective edges 127, 129, 131 of the respective container retention tabs 125, the respective edges 137, 139, 141 of a respective container retention tab 135, and the respective edges 137, 139, 141, 167, 173 of a respective container retention tab 157 and respective portions thereof can be presented as exposed or free edges of the respective container retention tab that are separated from a respective adjacent container retention tab and respective adjacent portions of the central panel 121.

Furthermore, the aforementioned movement of the container retention tabs 135 can cause the respective deflection regions 149 to at least partially separate from the central panel 121 at the respective portions of the respective cuts 143 such that the respective deflection regions 149 can be free to move downwardly relative to the central panel 121 upon at least partial upward folding of the container retention tabs 135 at the respective lines of weakening 155.

In this regard, the respective edges 151, 153 of the respective container retention tabs 135 can be exposed/freed upon separation thereof from the central panel 121 at the respective cuts 143, and the respective edges 151, 153 can be positioned at least partially below the exterior surface 101 of the central panel 121. In some embodiments, the respective edges 151, 153 of the respective container retention tabs 135 can be positioned below the interior surface of the central panel 121, e.g., so as to be in nonplanar relation with the central panel 121.

The movement of the respective deflection regions 149 of the respective container retention tabs 135 out of the plane formed by the central panel 121 can permit, for example, a closer engagement of the edges 137 of the respective container retention tabs 135 with the respective flange portions F of the respective containers C. In some embodiments, the movement of the respective container retention tabs 135 out of the plane formed by the exterior surface 101 of the central panel 121 can provide the relief of stresses, e.g., stresses associated with the engagement of the carrier 105 with the respective containers C, transmitted across the central panel 121 and to the respective container retention tabs, for example, to avoid tearing or other unwanted strains.

Similarly, upon movement of the container retention tabs 157 as described above, the deflection regions 149 thereof can move relative to the central panel 121 and containers C in the manner described above with respect to the container retention tabs 135. However, the respective portions 161, 163 thereof can additionally separate from the central panel 121 at the respective lines of weakening 165 such that the respective deflection regions 169 (broadly, “third deflection region”, “fourth deflection region”, respectively). thereof move out of the plane formed by the central panel 121, e.g., below the exterior surface 101, and, optionally, the lower surface thereof, to relieve additional stresses transmitted across the central panel 121 to the container retention tabs proximate the corner of the blank 103/carrier 105/package 107. In this regard, the deflection regions 169 can be positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel 121.

With additional reference to FIG. 7, upon formation of the package 107, a user can engage the package 107/carrier 105 by pressing one or more of his or her fingers against the respective pairs of handle reinforcement flaps 179, 181 to cause at least partial separation thereof at the respective lines of weakening 186 and at least partial separation therefrom from the central panel 121 at the respective lines of weakening 185, 189 such that the handle reinforcement flaps 179, 181 can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines 183, 187 to expose handle openings 177. In this regard, the user can curl one or more of his or her fingers downwardly through the handle opening(s) 177 to contact an edge or underside of the central panel 121 to lift or otherwise move the package 107. In some embodiments, one or both of the handle reinforcement flaps 179, 181 can be positioned between a user's finger(s) and the central panel 121, for example, to provide cushioning, avoid pinching, add an additional ply of material to avoid tearing, etc.

In view of the foregoing, a blank 103 and carrier 105 formed therefrom are provided with container retention features in an arrangement that allows for a tight engagement about a respective container C, while providing a distribution of stresses associated therewith via the movement of the deflection regions 149, 169 of the respective container retention tabs 135, 157 at least partially below the exterior surface 101 of the central panel 121.

It will be understood that one or more of the container retention features of the blank 103/carrier 105/package 107 can have a different configuration or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. It will be further understood that the blank 103/carrier 105 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Claims

1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; anda plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the cut at least partially defines a deflection region of a respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the cut.

3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the deflection region is at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the respective container retention tab is foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line.

5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the cut is spaced apart from the fold line.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the cut is a first cut, and the respective container retention tab is at least partially separable from another adjacent container retention tab at a second cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the deflection region is a first deflection region and the second cut at least partially defines a second deflection region of the respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the second cut, the second deflection region at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

8. The carrier of claim 7, wherein the respective container retention tab is at least partially bisected by a line of weakening so as to form a first portion and a second portion of the respective container retention tab.

9. The carrier of claim 8, wherein the respective container retention tab further at least partially defines a third deflection region along the first portion adjacent the line of weakening, and a fourth deflection region along the second portion adjacent the line of weakening.

10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein each of the first deflection region, the second deflection region, the third deflection region, and the fourth deflection region are at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

11. The carrier of claim 5, further comprising handle features for facilitating grasping of the carrier, the handle features comprising at least one handle opening at least partially defined in the central panel and at least one handle flap foldably connected to the central panel and positioned extending into the at least one handle opening.

12. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising: a central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; anda plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the cut at least partially defines a deflection region of a respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the cut.

14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the deflection region is at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the respective container retention tab is foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the cut is spaced apart from the fold line.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the cut is a first cut, and the respective container retention tab is at least partially separable from another adjacent container retention tab at a second cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the deflection region is a first deflection region and the second cut at least partially defines a second deflection region of the respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the second cut, the second deflection region at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the respective container retention tab is at least partially bisected by a line of weakening so as to form a first portion and a second portion of the respective container retention tab.

20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the respective container retention tab further at least partially defines a third deflection region along the first portion adjacent the line of weakening, and a fourth deflection region along the second portion adjacent the line of weakening.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein each of the first deflection region, the second deflection region, the third deflection region, and the fourth deflection region are at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

22. The blank of claim 16, further comprising handle features for facilitating grasping of the carrier formed from the blank, the handle features comprising at least one handle opening at least partially defined in the central panel and at least one handle flap foldably connected to the central panel and positioned extending into the at least one handle opening.

23. A method of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings, the blank further comprising a plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment; andpositioning the central panel with the plurality of container retention openings arranged for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers and such that the plurality of container retention tabs are positioned for engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the cut at least partially defines a deflection region of a respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the cut.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the deflection region is at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the respective container retention tab is foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the cut is spaced apart from the fold line.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the cut is a first cut, and the respective container retention tab is at least partially separable from another adjacent container retention tab at a second cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the deflection region is a first deflection region and the second cut at least partially defines a second deflection region of the respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the second cut, the second deflection region at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the respective container retention tab is at least partially bisected by a line of weakening so as to form a first portion and a second portion of the respective container retention tab.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the respective container retention tab further at least partially defines a third deflection region along the first portion adjacent the line of weakening, and a fourth deflection region along the second portion adjacent the line of weakening.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein each of the first deflection region, the second deflection region, the third deflection region, and the fourth deflection region are at least partially separable from the central panel for being positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein the blank further comprises handle features for facilitating grasping of the carrier, the handle features comprising at least one handle opening at least partially defined in the central panel and at least one handle flap foldably connected to the central panel and positioned extending into the at least one handle opening.

34. A package, the package comprising: a plurality of containers; anda carrier holding the plurality of containers, the carrier comprising: a central panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers; anda plurality of container retention tabs positioned extending into respective container retention openings of the plurality of container retention openings, the plurality of container retention tabs positioned engaging a respective container of the plurality of containers, respective adjacent container retention tabs of the plurality of container retention tabs at least partially separable from one another at a cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

35. The package of claim 31, wherein the cut at least partially defines a deflection region of a respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the cut.

36. The package of claim 35, wherein the deflection region is at least partially separated from the central panel and positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

37. The package of claim 36, wherein the respective container retention tab is foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line.

38. The package of claim 37, wherein the cut is spaced apart from the fold line.

39. The package of claim 38, wherein the cut is a first cut, and the respective container retention tab is at least partially separated from another adjacent container retention tab at a second cut including an oblique segment intersecting a curved segment.

40. The package of claim 39, wherein the deflection region is a first deflection region and the second cut at least partially defines a second deflection region of the respective container retention tab at least partially between the oblique segment and the curved segment of the second cut, the second deflection region at least partially separated from the central panel and positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

41. The package of claim 40, wherein the respective container retention tab is at least partially bisected by a line of weakening so as to form a first portion and a second portion of the respective container retention tab.

42. The package of claim 41, wherein the respective container retention tab further at least partially defines a third deflection region along the first portion adjacent the line of weakening, and a fourth deflection region along the second portion adjacent the line of weakening.

43. The package of claim 42, wherein each of the first deflection region, the second deflection region, the third deflection region, and the fourth deflection region are at least partially separated from the central panel and positioned in nonplanar relation with the central panel.

44. The package of claim 38, further comprising handle features for facilitating grasping of the carrier, the handle features comprising at least one handle opening at least partially defined in the central panel and at least one handle flap foldably connected to the central panel and positioned extending into the at least one handle opening.