Patent Publication Number: US-11383907-B2

Title: Carrier for containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,066, filed on May 30, 2019, which application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on Mar. 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/841,449, filed on May 1, 2019. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/023,442, filed on May 12, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/015,898, filed on Apr. 27, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,757, filed on May 11, 2020, and is a continuation of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,931, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,933, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, and U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,934, filed on Jun. 30, 2020. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,689, filed on Dec. 14, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/783,752, filed on Dec. 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/796,830, filed on Jan. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/797,585, filed on Jan. 28, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/810,015, filed on Feb. 25, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,412, filed on Mar. 6, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/817,120, filed on Mar. 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/841,449, filed on May 1, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,050, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,057, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,060, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,063, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/426,066, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,992, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,993, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,994, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,996, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/692,997, filed on May 30, 2019, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/598,282, filed on Oct. 10, 2019, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/709,918, filed on Oct. 18, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,839, filed on Dec. 23, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/956,882, filed on Jan. 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/985,997, filed on Mar. 6, 2020, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/829,346, filed on Mar. 25, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/015,898, filed on Apr. 27, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,757, filed on May 11, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/023,442, filed on May 12, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/735,178, filed on May 19, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/031,615, filed on May 29, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,927, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,929, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,931, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,933, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/739,934, filed on Jun. 30, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,365, filed on Sep. 30, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/086,681, filed on Oct. 2, 2020, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety. 
     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 plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features for engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. 
     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 plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features for engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed from the blank. 
     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 a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features and the at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels such that the at least one central panel is positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, attaching the at least one central panel to at least one container of the plurality of containers, and attaching the attachment panel to at least one container of the plurality of containers by engaging the at least one container of the plurality of containers with the container retention features. 
     According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package, the package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrier holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels comprising at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel foldably connected to the at least one central panel, the at least one attachment panel comprising container retention features engaging at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one central panel comprises a plurality of openings and is positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. 
     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 schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first 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. 2  is perspective view of a partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 1  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another partially folded configuration of a carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 1  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 1  according to the first exemplary embodiment and having a container removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the carrier of  FIG. 4  and having a container removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 1  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the package and carrier of  FIG. 6  and showing a container being removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 8  according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 10B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 10  according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 12B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 12  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 14A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 14B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 14  according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 16A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 16B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 16  according to the sixth exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 18B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 18  according to the seventh exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming a carrier according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 20A  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 20B  is an enlarged view of another portion of the blank of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a package and carrier formed from the blank of  FIG. 20  according to the eighth exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     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. 
     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 beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) at least partially disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected carriers. 
     As described herein, carriers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of blanks. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blank can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic plan view of an exterior side  101  of a blank  103  used to form a carrier  105  ( FIG. 6 ) in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the carrier  105  is sized to contain or support eight containers, with four containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  being attached to a front portion  106  of the carrier  105  and four containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  being attached to a back portion  108  of the carrier  105 . In the illustrated embodiment, the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be beverage cans, or could be any other suitable type and size of container without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  105  can be sized and shaped to hold more or less than eight containers. 
     In one embodiment, the front portion  106  and the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  each have four containers, and in other embodiments, the front portion  106  and the back portion  108  of the carrier  105  can carry more or less than four containers without departing from the disclosure. The carrier  105  can be provided together with one or more containers as a package  110  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the blank  103  has a longitudinal axis L 1  and a lateral axis L 2 . The blank  103  has a front portion  107  for forming the front portion  106  of the carrier  105 , and a back portion  109  for forming the back portion  108  of the carrier  105 . The front portion  107  and the back portion  109  of the blank  103  are foldably connected at a lateral fold line  112  that forms a lateral centerline CL of the blank  103 , as shown. As discussed further below, the blank  103  is at least partially formed into the carrier  105  by folding the blank  103  at the fold line  112  along the centerline CL so that the front portion  107  and the back portion  109  of the blank  103  are overlapped in at least partial face-to-face contact. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front portion  107  of the blank  103  comprises a front central panel  125   a  having a first front row RF 1  of laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings  127   a , and a second front row RF 2  of the laterally spaced adhesive or glue openings  127   a . The top edges of the respective glue openings  127   a  of the first row RF 1  are spaced a longitudinal distance D 1  apart from the fold line  112  that is less than a longitudinal distance D 2  that the top edges of the respective glue openings  127   a  of the second row RF 2  are spaced apart from the fold line  112 . 
     A front container retention panel or front attachment panel  131   a  is foldably connected to the front central panel  125   a  at a lateral fold line  133   a , and includes a container retention portion  135   a  that is at least partially defined between a pair of longitudinally-spaced lateral fold lines  137   a ,  139   a  (broadly, “first fold line” and “second fold line”, respectively. Each fold line  137   a ,  139   a  is interrupted by laterally-spaced cuts  141   a  and laterally-spaced container openings  142   a , respectively. In this regard, the front attachment panel  131   a  has four sets or groups of container retention features that each cooperate to engage a respective one of the four containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , C 4 . In one embodiment each set of container retention features include at least the cuts  141   a  and the openings  142   a  that engage a respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , C 4 , but in later embodiments, the container retention features could comprise other features in the attachment panels that attach the package  110 /carrier  105  to the containers. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 1A , the laterally-spaced cuts  141   a  can each include one or more curved and/or angled portions and define container retention tabs  148   a  that extend outwardly from the container retention portion  135   a . As also shown, respective oblique cuts  143   a ,  145   a  extend outwardly from each respective cut  141   a  to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the front attachment panel  131   a  that face the respective container retention tabs  148   a.    
     As also shown, the container openings  142   a  can each be defined by cuts that include a generally curved longitudinally outer edge  144   a  with endpoints connected by generally U-shaped or generally V-shaped longitudinally inner edge  146   a . In one embodiment, the container openings  142   a  can have a generally tapered profile that narrows from the outer edge  144   a  to the inner edge  146   a  toward the centerline CL. 
     As shown, an interior marginal portion  136   a  of the attachment panel  131   a  is defined between the fold lines  137   a ,  133   a , and an exterior marginal portion  138   a  of the attachment panel  131   a  is defined between the fold line  139   a  and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel  131   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior marginal portion  138   a  of the attachment panel  131   a  can have a generally curved outer lateral edge that generally follows/contours the curvature of the outer edge  144   a  of the container openings  142   a . In this regard, and as described further below, the outer marginal portion  138   a  of the attachment panel  131   a  can have the form of a generally continuous clip or band for facilitating engagement of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  to the carrier  105 . 
     The blank  103  can include handle features that include at least a pair of handle openings  130   a  that interrupts the fold line  133   a  and that extends from a portion of the front central panel  125   a  into a portion of the front attachment panel  131   a . The handle openings  130   a  can be formed by one or more cuts that include one or more curved and/or angled portions. A handle reinforcement tab  161   a , as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel  131   a  at respective longitudinal fold lines  163   a  and can be positioned to extend into the respective handle openings  130   a.    
     As also shown, the handle features can include a handle opening  132   a  that can be positioned between the handle openings  130   a , and is formed in the front central panel  125   a  by one or more cuts that include one or more curved and/or angled portions. A pair of handle reinforcement tabs  165   a  can also be at least partially formed by respective curved cuts  167   a  and separated from one another at a longitudinal cut. The handle reinforcement tabs  165   a , as shown, can be foldably connected to the front attachment panel  131   a  at respective longitudinal fold lines  169   a  and can be positioned extending into the handle opening  132   a.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the handle features including a respective handle opening  130   a ,  132   a , and respective handle reinforcement tabs  161   a ,  165   a . Each of the respective handle features is positioned between respective adjacent sets of the container retentions features (i.e., cuts  141   a , openings  142   a , etc.) so that the handle features are located between respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  to allow the carrier to be grasped at the handle openings  130   a ,  132   a  without interfering with the containers. The carrier  105  can have a different arrangement of handle features, or can be devoid of handle features, without departing from the disclosure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion  109  of the blank  103  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  131   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  107  of the blank  103 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  107  of the blank  103  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  109  of the blank  103 . The container retention features of the back attachment panel  131   b  are best shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     As shown, the back central panel  125   a  includes a first back lateral row of glue openings  128  that at least partially interrupt the fold line  112  and have an upper edge spaced a longitudinal distance D 3  from the fold line  112 . The back central panel  125   b  also includes a second back lateral row RB 2  of glue openings  127   b  with an upper edge spaced apart a longitudinal distance D 4  from the fold line  112 , the longitudinal distance D 4  being greater than the longitudinal distance D 3 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the glue openings  127   a ,  127   b  can have a generally circular profile and the glue openings  128  can have a generally semicircular/semi-ovoid configuration. It will be understood that one or more of the glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  can have a different configuration than provided in  FIG. 1 , e.g., generally circular, generally oblong, generally semicircular/semi-ovoid, generally rectangular, etc., without departing from the disclosure. 
     In this regard, the blank  103  is provided with front rows RF 1  and RF 2  of respective laterally-spaced front glue openings  127   a  that are spaced respective longitudinal distances D 1 , D 2  from the centerline CL, and back rows RB 1  and RB 2  of respective laterally-spaced back glue openings  128 ,  127   b  that are spaced respective longitudinal distances D 3 , D 4  from the centerline CL. The glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  have a longitudinally staggered arrangement such that D 2 &gt;D 4 &gt;D 1 &gt;D 3 . Upon formation of the carrier  105  from the blank  103 , the longitudinal centerline CL/fold line  112  can form a bottom edge of the central panels  125   a ,  125   b.    
     As described herein, the arrangement of the glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  is such that, upon erection of the carrier  105 , the glue openings  127   a  provide access to respective surfaces of the central panel  125   b  upon which the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be attached and the glue openings  128 ,  127   b  provide access to respective surfaces of the central panel  125   a  upon which the respective containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be attached. Such an arrangement of the glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  to enhance retention and support of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  by the carrier  105 . It will be understood that the glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  can be provided in a different number or arrangement without departing from the disclosure. 
     Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank  103  without departing from the disclosure. The blank  103  could be sized and/or shaped to accommodate more or less than eight containers without departing from this disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the blank  103  can be positioned with the exterior surface  101  facing upwardly and such that an underside or interior surface of the blank  103  is positioned facing the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 . The blank  103  can be placed atop the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  such that the container retention portion  135   a  of the front attachment panel  131   a  overlies the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  and such that the container retention portion  135   b  of the back attachment panel  131   b  overlies the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 . As such, the front attachment panel  131   a  and the back attachment panel cooperate to form a top panel of the package  110 /carrier  105 . Further downward positioning of the attachment panels  131   a ,  131   b  over the plurality of containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can activate the respective container retention portions  135   a ,  135   b  to engage respective containers. 
     For example, as the front attachment panel  131   a  is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  the container retention portion  135   a  can at least partially separate from the remainder of the front attachment panel  131   a  and the marginal portions  136   a ,  138   a  of the attachment panel  131   a  can fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines  137   a ,  139   a.    
     In such an arrangement, upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can extend at least partially through respective openings formed by the respective cuts  141   a  such that the container retention tabs  148   a  can engage, for example, a recessed portion of a rim or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  and such that a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the exterior marginal portion  138   a  can engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     Furthermore, the container openings  142   a  can at least partially receive the top portions of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  therethrough such that edge portions of the exterior marginal portion  138   a  adjacent the container openings  142   a  can engaged a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     In this regard, the top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can protrude through/be partially exposed through the respective container openings  142   a  so as to be visible by a customer or operator. 
     The back attachment panel  131   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the front attachment panel  131   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , and with additional reference to  FIG. 3 , the front central panel  125   a  and the back central panel  125   b  can be folded at the fold line  112  such that the front central panel  125   a  and the back central panel  125   b  are brought into at least partial face-to-face contact in the direction of the respective arrows A 1 , A 2  to be positioned between respective adjacent containers and such that the respective glue openings  127   a  and glue openings  128 ,  127   b  are positioned so as to be laterally aligned but longitudinally offset due to the different relative spacing of the respective rows RF 1 , RF 2  of respective front glue openings  127   a  and the respective rows RB 1 , RB 2  of respective back glue openings  128 ,  127   b  away from the fold line  112 /lateral centerline CL as described above. 
     In this regard, and as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  are arranged such that a portion of the front central panel  125   a  overlaps each of the glue openings  128 ,  127   b  and a portion of the back central panel  125   b  overlaps each of the glue openings  127   a  to provide communication between the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  and respective surfaces upon which the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be adhered or otherwise attached, as described further herein. Such rearrangement of the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  can also cause the respective central panels  125   a ,  125   b  to be folded downwardly relative to the respective attachment panels  131   a ,  131   b  at the respective fold lines  133   a ,  133   b.    
     An adhesive glue G can be provided to adhere the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  to respective portions of the central panel  125   b  exposed through the respective glue openings  127   a  and the glue G can be provided to adhere the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  to respective portions of the central panel  125   a  exposed through the respective glue openings  128 ,  127   b . The arrangement of multiple rows of respective glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  provides multiple points of attachment of each respective container to the respective opposite central panel  125   a ,  125   b  such that each container is provided with a robust attachment to a respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b . Furthermore, the exposure of the glue G through the respective glue openings  127   a ,  127   b ,  128  upon folding of the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  into face-to-face contact allows for the application of glue G to a common surface, e.g., the interior surface, of the blank  103 , and obviates the need to separately glue the exterior surfaces of the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  after folding. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the attachment of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  to the respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b  can provide retention and support of the respective containers, e.g., such that the containers do not detach from the carrier  105  under their own weight, in addition to or alternative to the container retention and support provided by the respective container retention portions  135   a ,  135   b . For example, in one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be attached to a respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b  with glue G, without additional retention and support provided by a container retention portion as described above. 
     Such enhanced attachment of the respective containers to the respective central panels  125   a ,  125   b  with the glue G can also provide enhanced integrity to the carrier  105 , e.g., by providing opposing adhesive forces on the respective central panels  125   a ,  125   b  such that the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  are compressed therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, as the carrier  105  is lifted, the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can at least partially pull the portions of the back central panel  125   b  to which they are attached through the respective glue openings  127   a  toward the front central panel  125   a  under the at least partial weight of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . Respective portions of the front central panel  125   a  can be pulled toward the back central panel  125   b  through the respective glue openings  128 ,  127   b  by the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a similar manner. 
     The glue G described herein can be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a high tack glue, an epoxy, a polymeric cement, etc., or combinations thereof. The glue G can have a different arrangement without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the glue G can be applied to one or more portions of the interior surface of the blank  103 /carrier  105 . 
     In another embodiment, the glue G can have a foam or foamed configuration, e.g., such that pockets of fluids such as gas are interspersed with solid, semi-solid, and/or liquid components of adhesive. In this regard, the glue G can be injected/infused with a fluid, e.g., gaseous, component that influences the glue G to expand from an originally-defined volume, over a change in time, to occupy a larger volume. In one embodiment, the glue G can comprise about 50% solid/semi-solid/liquid adhesive and about 50% gaseous components. 
     In other embodiments, the glue G can comprise a different ratio of adhesive to gaseous components, for example, about 10% adhesive/about 90% gaseous components, about 20% adhesive/about 80% gaseous components, about 30% adhesive/about 70% gaseous components, about 40% adhesive/about 60% gaseous components, about 60% adhesive/about 40% gaseous components, about 70% adhesive/about 30% gaseous components, about 80% adhesive/about 20% gaseous components, about 90% adhesive/about 10% gaseous components, or other integer or non-integer percentage ratios therebetween. The glue G can be any suitable adhesive without departing from the disclosure. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 7 , upon formation of the package  110 /carrier  105 , respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be removed from the carrier  105  by disengaging the container from a respective attachment panel  131   a ,  131   b , for example, by withdrawing the top portion T of a respective container through an opening formed by a respective cut  141   a ,  141   b  and a respective container opening  142   a ,  142   b  along the respective attachment panel  131   a ,  131   b , and peeling the respective container away from the respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b.    
     Peeling or pulling the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  away from a respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b  can involve pulling the respective container with a force sufficient to overcome the adhesive bond of the respective container and the respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b  provided by the glue G. In one embodiment, the glue G can be selected so as to remain on a respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b , e.g., such that substantially little or no glue G remains on the container as it is removed. In one embodiment, one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be reattached to a respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b  following therefrom by pressing the container against a respective region of glue G. 
     It will be understood that a different number of rows or arrangements of glue openings can be provided without departing from the disclosure, and that the central panels can be sized and configured to accommodate such arrangements. In one embodiment, the central panels  125   a ,  125   b  can be devoid of glue openings such that the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  and CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  are adhered only to the respective central panel  125   a ,  125   b . In another embodiment, glue G can be provided both on portions of the respective central panels  125   a ,  125   b  exposed through the respective glue openings  128 ,  127   b  and glue openings  127   a  as well as portions of the respective central panels  125   a ,  125   b  adjacent the respective glue openings such that each container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be adhered to portions of both central panels  125   a ,  125   b.    
     The package  110 /carrier  105  can be grasped by a consumer by inserting one or more of his or her fingers in one or more of the both handle openings  130   a ,  132   a ,  130   b ,  132   b  and engaging, for example, a portion of an underside of a respective attachment panel  131   a ,  131   b  and/or an edge of the respective handle openings  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . The respective handle openings  130   a ,  132   a ,  130   b ,  132   b  can be configured so as to provide a consumer multiple edges and surfaces by which to engage and lift the carrier  105  such that the consumer can engage the carrier from multiple orientations, e.g., a lateral orientation or a longitudinal orientation, or orientations therebetween. 
     In one embodiment, the handle reinforcement tabs  161   a ,  161   b ,  165   a ,  165   b  provide increased support of the package  110 /carrier  105  when the package/carrier is grasped by the consumer though the handle openings  130   a ,  132   a ,  130   b ,  132   b . The handle reinforcement tabs  161   a ,  161   b ,  165   a ,  165   b  can be folded under and provide an extra layer to reinforce the package  110 /carrier  105  and prevent tearing at the handle openings  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b . In addition, one or more portions of the respective handle reinforcement tabs  161   a ,  165   a ,  161   b ,  165   b  can fold downwardly at one or more of the respective fold lines  163   a ,  169   a ,  163   b ,  169   b  upon engagement with one or more of a user&#39;s fingers, for example, to provide a buffer or protective layer of material to protect a user&#39;s finger in the course of gripping the carrier  105  and/or to provide separation among adjacent containers. 
     The carrier  105 /package  110  described above has a compact structure that can, for example, provide materials savings and waste reduction. Additionally, the arrangement of the glue G among the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  provides multiple points of attachment that results in a robust structure for holding and carrying the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4 . Further, the exposure of one or more portions of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  on exterior portions of the package  110 /carrier  105  as well as exposure of the top portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  142   a ,  142   b  provides a consumer with a clear view of labeling or surface graphics associated with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  as well as providing convenient access to remove one or more of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  from the carrier  105 /package  110 . 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of the exterior side  201  of a blank, generally indicated at  203 , used to form a carrier  205  ( FIG. 9 ) for containing one or more containers according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  203  and the carrier  205  formed therefrom can have one or more substantially similar features to the blank  103  and the carrier  105  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  205  formed from the blank  203  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  110  ( FIG. 9 ). 
     As shown, the blank  203  includes a front portion  207  for forming a front portion  206  of the carrier  205  and a back portion  209  for forming a back portion  208  of the carrier  205 . 
     The blank  203  can have an attachment panel  231   a  that is generally similar to the attachment panel  131   a  described above, except that the fold line  139   a  is interrupted by a second plurality of laterally spaced cuts  141   a  instead of the container openings  142   a . The laterally spaced cuts  141   a  that interrupt the fold line  139   a  can be free from intersection with oblique cuts  143   a ,  145   a , as shown, though the oblique cuts  143   a ,  145   a  could be included without departing from the disclosure. The features of the attachment panel  231   a  are best shown in  FIG. 8A . 
     In this regard, the attachment panel  231   a  of the blank  203  has a container retention portion  235   a  defined between the fold lines  137   a ,  139   a  that is free from the container openings  142   a  such that top portions T of the containers engaged by the attachment panel  231   a  are covered by a larger area of the material that forms the blank  203 /carrier  205  than described above with regard to the blank  103 /carrier  105 . 
     The back portion  209  of the blank  203  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  231   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  207  of the blank  203 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  207  of the blank  203  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  209  of the blank  203 . The features of the attachment panel  231   a  are best shown in  FIG. 8B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 9 , the carrier  205  and a package  210  that includes the carrier  205  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 . 
     With regard to the container retention features of the carrier  205 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through openings formed by the respective cuts  141   a  such that the plurality of reconfigurable edges of the interior marginal portion  236   a  provided by the cuts  141   a ,  143   a ,  145   a  and the generally continuous edges of the exterior marginal portion  238   a  provided by the cuts  141   a  can engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  in the manner described above with regard to the carrier  105 . 
     The attachment panel  231   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  231   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  205 /package  210  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , such as materials savings and waste reduction, in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  203 /carrier  205  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  231   a ,  231   b.    
     The carrier  205 /package  210  can be provided in a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, a carrier/package can be provided having a front portion or back portion corresponding to that of the carrier  105 /package  110  and having the other of the front portion or back portion corresponding to that of the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of the exterior side  401  of a blank, generally indicated at  403 , used to form a carrier  405  ( FIG. 11 ) for containing one or more containers according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  403  and the carrier  405  formed therefrom can have one or more substantially similar features to the blanks  103 ,  203  and the carriers  105 ,  205  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  405  formed from the blank  403  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  410  ( FIG. 11 ). 
     As shown, the blank  403  includes a front portion  407  for forming a front portion  406  of the carrier  405  and a back portion  409  for forming a back portion  408  of the carrier  405 . 
     The front portion  407  of the blank  403  includes a front attachment panel  431   a  having a container retention portion  435   a  defined between the pair of lateral fold lines  137   a ,  139   a . In this regard, an interior marginal portion  436   a  of the attachment panel  431   a  is defined between the fold line  137   a  and the fold line  133   a , and an exterior marginal portion  438   a  of the attachment panel  431   a  is defined between the fold line  139   a  and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel  431   a.    
     With additional reference to  FIG. 10A , the attachment panel  431   a  can include container retention features that include a plurality of the laterally spaced cuts  141   a  interrupting the fold line  137   a  and a plurality of container openings  442   a  interrupting the fold line  139   a.    
     The laterally spaced cuts  141   a , as shown, can include one or more curved, straight, and/or angled portions to define the respective container retention tabs  148   a . A pair of the oblique cuts  143   a ,  145   a  can extend from a central portion of the curved cuts  141   a  to define a plurality of reconfigurable edges of the interior marginal portion  436   a  of the attachment panel  431   a.    
     The container openings  442   a , as shown, have an at least partially circular profile, and can have one or more irregular edges defined by longitudinally inner free edges of a plurality of container engagement portions of the exterior marginal portion  438   a  of the attachment panel  431   a.    
     Still referring to  FIG. 10A , the exterior marginal portion  438   a  of the attachment panel  431   a  includes respective pairs of container engagement portions  471   a , adjacent container engagement portions  471   a  foldably connected to one another at a respective longitudinal fold lines  473   a . The laterally inner free edges of the container engagement portions  471   a  at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings  442   a.    
     Each container engagement portion  471   a  is foldably connected to a respective connector portion  475   a  of the exterior marginal portion  438   a  of the attachment panel  431   a  at respective oblique fold lines  477   a , and each connector portion  475   a  is foldably connected to a respective portion of the lateral fold line  139   a . As also shown, connector portions  478   a  can be foldably connected to the laterally outermost container engagement portions  471   a  of the exterior marginal portion  438   a  of the attachment panel  431   a , and may have a generally truncated or smaller configuration relative to the connector portions  475   a . In one embodiment, the connector portions  478   a  can be considered container engagement portions. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion  409  of the blank  403  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  431   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  407  of the blank  403 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  407  of the blank  403  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  409  of the blank  403 . The features of the attachment panel  431   a  are best shown in  FIG. 10B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 11 , the carrier  405  and a package  410  that includes the carrier  405  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110  and the carrier  205 /package  210 . 
     With regard to the container retention features of the attachment panel  431   a , as the front attachment panel  431   a  is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through respective openings formed by the respective cuts  141   a  in the front attachment panel  431   a . During such movement, the container retention tabs  148   a  can contact the top portions T of respective containers so as to engage a portion thereof, e.g., a recessed top portion/rim of the respective containers. Further, the flexibly reconfigurable edges of the interior marginal portion  436   a  of the attachment panel  431   a  formed by the cuts  141   a ,  143   a ,  145   a  can be positioned to engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     In addition, the container openings  442   a  can at least partially receive the top portions of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  therethrough. Such engagement of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  and the attachment panel  431   a  can also cause the exterior marginal portion  438   a  of the attachment panel  431   a  to fold at least partially downwardly at the fold line  139   a  to position the container engagement portions  471   a  to fold relative to each other at the fold line  473   a  and to fold relative to the respective connector portions  475   a , at the respective oblique fold lines  477   a , and can further be folded at least partially downwardly at respective portions of the fold line  139   a.    
     In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement portions  477   a  of the exterior marginal portion  438   a  are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel  431   a  such that the longitudinally inner free edges of the container engagement portions  471   a  are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     In this regard, the top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can protrude through/be partially exposed through the respective container openings  442   a  so as to be visible by a customer or operator. 
     The attachment panel  431   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  431   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  405 /package  410  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , such as materials savings and waste reduction, in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  403 /carrier  405  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  431   a ,  431   b . Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  405 /package  410 , e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  442   a ,  442   b  for enhanced product visibility. 
     The carrier  405 /package  410  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the container openings  442   a  can be replaced by an additional plurality of laterally spaced cuts  142   a.    
       FIG. 12  is a plan view of the exterior side  501  of a blank, generally indicated at  503 , used to form a carrier  505  ( FIG. 13 ) for containing one or more containers according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  503  and the carrier  505  formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks  103 ,  203 ,  403  and the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  405  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  505  formed from the blank  503  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  510  ( FIG. 13 ). 
     As shown, the blank  503  includes a front portion  507  for forming a front portion  506  of the carrier  505  and a back portion  509  for forming a back portion  508  of the carrier  505 . The front portion  507  of the blank  503  includes a front attachment panel  531   a  having a container retention portion  535   a  and an interior marginal portion  536   a  formed between the lateral fold line  137   a  and the fold line  133   a.    
     With additional reference to  FIG. 12A , the container retention features of the attachment panel  531   a  include laterally spaced container openings  541   a  that have a generally circular profile. As also shown, a plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the interior marginal portion  536   a  of the attachment panel  531   a , and are positioned to extend into the respective container openings  541   a.    
     The plurality of container retention tabs can include a major, e.g., relatively larger, or first container retention tab  571   a  at least partially foldably connected to the interior marginal portion  536   a  of the attachment panel  531   a  at a line of weakening or fold line  573   a , a pair of second or intermediate container retention tabs  575   a  radially adjacent the container retention tab  571   a  and foldably connected to the interior marginal portion  536   a  of the attachment panel  531   a  at respective lines of weakening or fold lines  577   a , and a pair of minor, e.g., relatively smaller, or third container retention tabs  579   a  radially adjacent the respective container retention tabs  575   a  and foldably connected to the interior marginal portion  536   a  of the attachment panel at respective lines of weakening or fold lines  581   a.    
     Adjacent container retention tabs  571   a ,  575   a ,  579   a  can be separated from one another at respective cuts  585   a ,  587   a , as shown. In this regard, the free edges of the container retention tabs  571   a ,  575   a ,  579   a  can at least partially define the container openings  541   a , and foldable manipulation thereof can cause the container openings  541   a  to expand. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 12 and 12A , a plurality of relief tabs  589   a  can be foldably connected to the container retention portion  535   a  of the attachment panel  531   a  at respective lateral fold lines  591   a , and can be separable therefrom at curved or oblique cuts  593   a . A plurality of longitudinal lines of weakening or fold lines  595   a , as shown, can also be positioned along the container retention portion  535   a  of the attachment panel  531   a  between respective container openings  541   a.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion  509  of the blank  503  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  531   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  507  of the blank  503 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  507  of the blank  503  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  509  of the blank  503 . The features of the attachment panel  531   a  are best shown in  FIG. 12B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 13 , the carrier  505  and a package  510  that includes the carrier  505  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , and the carrier  405 /package  410 . 
     With regard to the container retention features of the carrier  505 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through the respective container retention openings  541   a . During such movement, the container retention tabs  571   a ,  575   a ,  579   a  can contact the top portions T of respective containers so as to be urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines  573   a ,  577   a ,  581   a  so as to be positioned to engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . In one embodiment, one or more of the container retention tabs  579   a  can fold/flex upwardly to facilitate receipt of the top portions T of the respective containers through the respective container openings  541   a , but may be positioned other than in engagement with the rolled rim edge of the respective containers. 
     In addition, the edge of the container retention portion  535   a  of the attachment panel  531   a  surrounding the container openings  541   a  can engage the rolled rim edge or other top structure of the containers. 
     In the course of movably engaging the attachment panel  531   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , the container retention portion  535   a  of the attachment panel  531   a  can flexibly reconfigure to accommodate the diameters of the top portions T of the containers. In this regard, the container retention portion  535   a  can separate from the relief tabs  589   a  at the oblique cuts  593   a  and can additionally flex/at least partially fold at the fold line  595   a  to facilitate additional flexible movement of the container retention portion  535   a  and/or to minimize shear stresses on the carrier  505 . 
     The attachment panel  531   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  531   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  505 /package  510  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , and the carrier  405 /package  410 , such as materials savings and waste reduction, in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  503 /carrier  505  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  531   a ,  531   b . Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  505 /package  510 , e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  541   a ,  541   b  for enhanced product visibility. 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of the exterior side  601  of a blank, generally indicated at  603 , used to form a carrier  605  ( FIG. 15 ) for containing one or more containers according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  603  and the carrier  605  formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks  103 ,  203 ,  403 ,  503  and the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  405 , and  505  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  605  formed from the blank  603  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  610  ( FIG. 15 ). 
     As shown, the blank  603  includes a front portion  607  for forming a front portion  606  of the carrier  605  and a back portion  609  for forming a back portion  608  of the carrier  605 . The front portion  607  of the blank  603  includes a front attachment panel  631   a  having a container retention portion  635   a , an interior marginal portion  636   a  formed between the lateral fold line  137   a  and the fold line  133   a , and an exterior marginal portion  638   a  formed between the lateral fold line  139   a  and a free edge of the attachment panel  631   a . As shown, lateral end portions of the fold lines  137   a ,  139   a  can have oblique end portions, e.g., that are arranged on a convergent path toward one another. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 14A , the container retention features of the attachment panel  631   a  include laterally spaced container openings  641   a  that have a generally circular profile. As also shown, the container retention tabs  571   a ,  575   a ,  579   a  are arranged to extend into longitudinally opposed portions of the container openings  641   a.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of spaced lateral fold lines  671   a ,  673   a  are arranged between the fold lines  137   a ,  139   a  and are interrupted by central portions of the respective container openings  641   a . In this regard, the fold lines  671   a ,  673   a  define respective tab portions  675   a  of the container retention portion  635   a  of the attachment panel  631   a  laterally adjacent each respective container opening  641   a , and which extend into respective portions of the respective container openings  641   a . Respective oblique portions  677   a  are foldably connected to the respective tab portions  675   a  of the container retention portion  635   a  at respective portions of the fold lines  137   a ,  139   a , and are defined between the respective fold lines  671   a ,  137   a  and respective fold lines  673   a ,  139   a.    
     The back portion  609  of the blank  603  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  631   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  607  of the blank  603 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  607  of the blank  603  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  609  of the blank  603 . The features of the attachment panel  631   b  are best shown in  FIG. 14B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 15 , the carrier  605  and a package  610  that includes the carrier  605  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , and the carrier  505 /package  510 . 
     With regard to the container retention features of the carrier  605 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through the respective container retention openings  641   a . During such movement, the container retention tabs  571   a ,  575   a ,  579   a  can contact the top portions T of respective containers so as to be urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines  573   a ,  577   a ,  581   a  so as to be positioned to engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     Furthermore, as the attachment panel  631   a  is lowered over the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , the tab portions  675   a  of the container retention portion  635   a  can be positioned to overlie/engage the respective top portions T of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  received in the respective container openings  641   a . The oblique portions  677   a  of the container retention portion  635   a  can also be urged to fold at least partially downwardly at portions of the respective fold lines  671   a ,  673   a  toward an oblique arrangement with the respective tab portions  675   a.    
     The attachment panel  631   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a similar manner as described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  631   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  605 /package  610  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , and the carrier  505 /package  510 , such as materials savings and waste reduction, in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  603 /carrier  605  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  631   a ,  631   b . Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  605 /package  610 , e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  641   a ,  641   b  for enhanced product visibility. 
       FIG. 16  is a plan view of the exterior side  701  of a blank, generally indicated at  703 , used to form a carrier  705  ( FIG. 17 ) for containing one or more containers according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  703  and the carrier  705  formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks  103 ,  203 ,  403 ,  503 ,  603  and the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  405 ,  505 ,  605  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  705  formed from the blank  703  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  710  ( FIG. 17 ). 
     As shown, the blank  703  includes a front portion  707  for forming a front portion  706  of the carrier  705  and a back portion  709  for forming a back portion  708  of the carrier  705 . The front portion  707  of the blank includes a front attachment panel  731   a  having a container retention portion  735   a . As shown, the container retention portion  735   a  of the front attachment panel  731   a  is devoid of the fold line  137   a , but the fold line  137   a  can be present without departing from the disclosure. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 16A , the front attachment panel  731   a  can include container retention features that include at least laterally outer container openings  741   a  proximate the longitudinal edges of the blank  703 , and laterally inner container openings  742   a  positioned between the laterally outer container openings  741   a . While the laterally outer container openings  741   a  are shown having a slightly different configuration than the laterally inner container openings  742   a , it will be understood that the container openings  741   a ,  742   a  can have similar configurations without departing from the disclosure. 
     The laterally outer container openings  741   a , as shown, have a generally circular profile, but can include one or more straight/angled/chamfered edges. A plurality of container retention tabs is foldably connected to the attachment panel  731   a  and extend into the container opening  741   a , and can include retention tabs  743   a  at least partially foldably connected to the attachment panel  731   a  at respective lines of weakening or fold lines  744   a . In one embodiment, the retention tabs  743   a  can have the substantially same configuration, or one or more of the retention tabs  743   a  could have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 16A , the laterally inner container openings  742   a  can have a configuration that is generally similar to the laterally outer container openings  741   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the laterally inner container openings  742   a  can be devoid of a straight/angled/chamfered edge, and can include a different number and/or arrangement of container retention tabs  743   a . It will be understood that the container retention openings  741   a ,  742   a  can have similar or different configurations to one another, or can have a different configuration than illustrated, without departing from the disclosure. 
     The container retention features of the blank  703  and the carrier  705  formed therefrom can also include respective plurality of container engagement flaps that are foldably connected to the lateral ends of the attachment panel  731   a . As shown, each plurality of container engagement flaps includes a pair of major, e.g., relatively larger, container engagement flaps  771   a  foldably connected to one another at a lateral fold line  773   a , and a minor, e.g., relatively smaller, container engagement flap  775   a  foldably connected to one of the container engagement flaps  771   a  at an oblique fold line  777   a  and to the attachment panel  731   a  at an oblique fold line  779   a . As shown, the major container engagement flaps  771   a  can have laterally inner free edges that at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings  741   a.    
     Still referring to  FIGS. 16 and 16A , the exterior marginal portion  738   a  of the attachment panel  731   a  includes respective pairs of the container engagement portions  471   a  foldably connected to one another at a longitudinal fold line  473   a . The laterally inner free edges of the container engagement portions  471   a  at least partially form an edge of the respective container openings  741   a ,  742   a.    
     Each container engagement portion  471   a  is foldably connected to a respective connector portion  475   a  of the exterior marginal portion  738   a  of the attachment panel  731   a  at respective oblique fold lines  477   a , and each connector portion  475   a  is foldably connected to a respective portion of the lateral fold line  139   a.    
     As also shown, corner portions  781   a  of the attachment panel  731   a  can be foldably connected to the exterior marginal portion  738   a  of the attachment panel  731   a  at an oblique fold line  783   a  and to an adjacent container engagement flap  771   a  at an oblique fold line  785   a . The corner portions  781   a  can include a plurality of fold lines  787   a  to facilitate flexible/foldable reconfiguration of the corner portions upon formation of the carrier  705  from the blank  703 , as described further herein. In one embodiment, a container retention tab  743   a  can be foldably connected to the corner portion  781   a  at a respective fold line of the plurality of fold lines  787   a.    
     The back portion  709  of the blank  703  includes a back central panel  125   b , and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  731   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  707  of the blank  703 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  707  of the blank  703  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  709  of the blank  703 . The features of the attachment panel  731   a  are best shown in  FIG. 16B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 17 , the carrier  705  and a package  710  that includes the carrier  705  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , the carrier  505 /package  510 , and the carrier  605 /package  610 . 
     With regard to the container retention features of the carrier  705 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through the respective container openings  741   a ,  742   a  in the front attachment panel  731   a . During such movement, the container retention tabs  743   a  can contact the top portions T of respective containers such that the container retention tabs  743   a  are urged to fold at least partially upwardly at the respective fold lines  744   a  so as to be positioned to engage, for example, a rolled rim edge or other top structure of the respective container CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     In addition, the container engagement flap  775   a  can fold downwardly relative to the attachment panel  731   a  at the respective fold lines  779   a  to position the container engagement flaps  771   a  to fold relative to each other at the fold line  773   a  and to fold relative to the container engagement flap  775   a  at the fold line  777   a . In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement flaps  771   a  are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the attachment panel  731   a  such that the laterally inner free edges of the container engagement flaps  771   a  are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 4 . 
     Furthermore, during the above-described engagement of the attachment panel  731   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , the corner portion  781   a  can fold at the respective fold lines  783   a ,  785   a  toward an oblique arrangement relative to the exterior marginal portion  738   a  and the container retention portion  735   a  of the attachment panel  731   a , and the container engagement flap  771   a . In the course of such movement of the corner portion  781   a , the corner portion  781   a  can at least partially reconfigure via the plurality of fold lines  787   a  to conform, e.g., contour, toward a generally curved or oblique arrangement between the exterior marginal portion  738   a  and the adjacent container engagement flap  771   a.    
     Furthermore, the container engagement portions  787   a  of the exterior marginal portion  738   a  are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel  731   a  such that the laterally inner free edges of the container engagement portions  781   a  are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The attachment panel  731   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  731   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  705 /package  710  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , the carrier  505 /package  510 , and the carrier  605 /package  610 , such as materials savings and waste reduction in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  703 /carrier  705  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  731   a ,  731   b . Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  705 /package  710 , e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  741   a ,  741   b ,  742   a ,  742   b  for enhanced product visibility. 
       FIG. 18  is a plan view of the exterior side  801  of a blank, generally indicated at  803 , used to form a carrier  805  ( FIG. 19 ) for containing one or more containers according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  803  and the carrier  805  formed therefrom can have one or more features that are substantially similar to the blanks  103 ,  203 ,  403 ,  503 ,  603 ,  703  and the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  405 ,  505 ,  605 ,  705  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  805  formed from the blank  803  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  810  ( FIG. 19 ). 
     As shown, the blank  803  includes a front portion  807  for forming a front portion  806  of the carrier  805  and a back portion  809  for forming a back portion  808  of the carrier  805 . The front portion  807  of the blank  803  includes a front attachment panel  831   a  having a container retention portion  835   a , an interior marginal portion  836   a  formed between the fold line  137   a  and the fold line  133   a , and the exterior marginal portion  838   a  formed between the fold line  139   a  and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel  131   a.    
     With additional reference to  FIG. 18A , the container retention features of the attachment panel  831   a  include the laterally spaced cuts  141   a  interrupting the fold line  137   a  and having the oblique cuts  143   a ,  145   a  extending therefrom. The attachment panel  831   a  also includes the laterally spaced container openings  142   a  interrupting the fold line  139   a  and positioned opposite the cuts  141   a.    
     Still referring to  FIGS. 18 and 18A , the interior marginal portion  836   a  of the attachment panel  831   a  includes respective pairs of the container engagement portions  471   a  foldably connected to one another at the respective longitudinal fold lines  473   a.    
     Each container engagement portion  471   a  is foldably connected to the respective connector portion  475   a  of the interior marginal portion  836   a  of the attachment panel  831   a  at the respective oblique fold lines  477   a  which extend toward and intersect the respective oblique cuts  143   a ,  145   a , and which also intersect the respective handle openings  130   a . As shown, the laterally outermost oblique fold lines  477   a  may or may not extend fully to intersect the fold line  133   a . In addition, each connector portion  475   a  is foldably connected to a respective portion of the lateral fold line  137   a.    
     As also shown, handle features of the blank  803 /carrier  805  can include the handle openings  130   a  and the handle reinforcement tabs  161   a  foldably connected to the marginal portion  836   a  of the attachment panel  831   a  at the respective fold lines  163   a  and extending into the respective handle openings  130   a . The handle features of the blank  803 /carrier  805  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     The back portion  809  of the blank  803  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  831   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  807  of the blank  803 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  807  of the blank  803  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  809  of the blank  803 . The features of the attachment panel  831   a  are best shown in  FIG. 18B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 19 , the carrier  805  and a package  810  that includes the carrier  805  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , the carrier  505 /package  510 , the carrier  605 /package  610 , and the carrier  705 /package  710 . 
     For example, as the front attachment panel  831   a  is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through the container openings  142   a  and respective openings formed by the respective cuts  141   a  in the front attachment panel  131   a.    
     Such engagement of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  and the attachment panel  831   a  can also cause the interior marginal portion  836   a  of the attachment panel  831   a  to fold at least partially downwardly at the fold line  137   a  to position the container engagement portions  471   a  to fold relative to each other at the respective fold lines  473   a  and to fold relative to the respective connector portions  475   a , at the respective oblique fold lines  477   a , and can further be folded at least partially downwardly at respective portions of the fold line  137   a.    
     In the illustrated arrangement, the container engagement portions  477   a  of the interior marginal portion  836   a  are thus obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel  831   a  such that free edges of the container engagement portions  471   a  formed upon separation from the respective cuts  141   a  are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     Furthermore, the outer marginal portion  838   a  of the attachment panel  831   a  can fold downwardly at the fold lines  139   a  and having laterally inner free edges so as to form a generally continuous clip or band for facilitating engagement of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  to the carrier  805  as described above with regard to the carrier  105 . 
     The attachment panel  831   b  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  831   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  805 /package  810  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , carrier  405 /package  410 , the carrier  505 /package  510 , the carrier  605 /package  610 , and the carrier  705 /package  710 , such as materials savings and waste reduction in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  803 /carrier  805  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  831   a ,  831   b . Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  805 /package  810 , e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  142   a ,  142   b  for enhanced product visibility. 
       FIG. 20  is a plan view of the exterior side  901  of a blank, generally indicated at  903 , used to form a carrier  905  ( FIG. 21 ) for containing one or more containers according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The blank  903  and the carrier  905  formed therefrom can have one or more substantially similar features to the blanks  103 ,  203 ,  403 ,  503 ,  603 ,  703 ,  803  and the carriers  105 ,  205 ,  405 ,  505 ,  605 ,  705 ,  805  described above, and like or similar components are referenced with like or similar reference numbers. The carrier  905  formed from the blank  903  can be provided with one or more containers as a package  910  ( FIG. 21 ). 
     As shown, the blank  903  includes a front portion  907  for forming a front portion  906  of the carrier  905  and a back portion  909  for forming a back portion  908  of the carrier  905 . The front portion  907  of the blank includes a front attachment panel  931   a  having the container retention portion  935   a , an interior marginal portion  936   a  formed between the fold line  137   a  and the fold line  133   a , and an exterior marginal portion  938   a  formed between the fold line  139   a  and a lateral free edge of the attachment panel  931   a.    
     With additional reference to  FIG. 20A , the container retention portion  935   a  can be generally similar to the container retention portion  835   a  of the attachment panel  831   a  of the carrier  805  described above, the interior marginal portion  936   a  can be substantially similar to the interior marginal portion  836   a  of the attachment panel  831   a , and the exterior marginal portion  938   a  can include the container engagement portions  471   a  and connector portions  475   a ,  478   a . In addition, a pair of generally curved cuts  971   a  extend from the laterally outer edge of the container openings  142   a , and respective fold lines  973   a  extend from the endpoints of the respective cuts  971   a  to the lateral free edge of the attachment panel  931   a.    
     The blank  903 /carrier  905  can also have handle features similar to those of the blank  803 /carrier  905  described above. It will be understood that the blank  903 /carrier  905  can have different handle features without departing from the disclosure. 
     The back portion  909  of the blank  903  includes a back central panel  125   b  and a back container retention panel or back attachment panel  931   b  having associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels and flaps of the front portion  907  of the blank  903 . Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion  907  of the blank  903  and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion  909  of the blank  903 . The features of the attachment panel  931   b  are best shown in  FIG. 20B . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 21 , the carrier  905  and a package  910  that includes the carrier  905  and the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  can be formed in a similar manner as that described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , the carrier  505 /package  510 , the carrier  605 /package  610 , the carrier  705 /package  710 , and the carrier  805 /package  810 . 
     For example, as the front attachment panel  931   a  is lowered or urged downwardly onto the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , the upper or top portions T of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  can be at least partially received through respective openings formed by the respective cuts  141   a  in the front attachment panel  131   a  as well as through the container openings  142   a.    
     Such engagement of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4  and the attachment panel  831   a  can also cause the marginal portions  936   a ,  938   a  of the attachment panel  931   a  to fold at least partially downwardly at the respective fold lines  137   a ,  139   a  to position the container engagement portions  471   a  to fold relative to each other at the respective fold lines  473   a  and to fold relative to the respective connector portions  475   a  at the respective oblique fold lines  477   a , and can further be folded at least partially downwardly at respective portions of the respective fold lines  137   a ,  139   a.    
     In the illustrated arrangement, the respective container engagement portions  471   a  of the marginal portions  936   a ,  938   a  are obliquely arranged relative to one another and obliquely downwardly arranged relative to the remainder of the attachment panel  931   a  such that free edges of the container engagement portions  471   a  are positioned to contact or engage a rolled rim or other top structure of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . The cuts  971   a  and fold lines  973   a  in the container engagement portions  471   a  of the exterior marginal portion  938   a  can permit additional flexibility and reconfigurable engagement with the rims of the respective containers CA 1 , CA 3 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     Furthermore, the outer marginal portions  938   a  of the attachment panel  931   a  have laterally inner free edges that form a generally continuous clip or band for facilitating engagement of the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 , as described above. 
     The attachment panel  931   b  of the back portion  908  of the carrier  905  can engage the containers CB 1 , CB 2 , CB 3 , CB 4  in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the engagement of the attachment panel  931   a  with the containers CA 1 , CA 2 , CA 3 , CA 4 . 
     The carrier  905 /package  910  provides the same or similar advantages to those described above with respect to the carrier  105 /package  110 , the carrier  205 /package  210 , the carrier  405 /package  410 , the carrier  505 /package  510 , the carrier  605 /package  610 , the carrier  705 /package  710 , and the carrier  805 /package  810  such as materials savings and waste reduction in a construct that provides multiple points of adhesive attachment of the material of the blank  903 /carrier  905  to the respective containers, e.g., at the central panels  125   a ,  125   b , in addition to the support provided to the containers via engagement with the container retention features of the attachment panels  931   a ,  931   b . Such a configuration also exposes portions of the containers on exterior portions of the carrier  905 /package  910 , e.g., the upper portions T of the respective containers through the container openings  142   a ,  142   b  for enhanced product visibility. 
     It will be understood that the blanks, carriers, and packages described herein can be provided in different configurations without departing from the disclosure. For example, one or more of the container openings  142   a ,  142   b ,  442   a ,  442   b ,  541   a ,  541   b ,  641   a ,  641   b ,  741   a ,  741   b ,  742   a ,  742   b  described can have a different size or arrangement, e.g., a smaller size so as to have the form of a slit or a cut, or could be omitted 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.