A material blank for attaching to a container group formed of multiple assembled containers, in particular so as to form a bundle. The blank has a connection section with multiple container receiving openings for arranging on the containers of the container group. In order to provide for an inexpensive production of a stable bundle, the material blank has a first folding tab, which adjoins the connection section at a first edge of the connection section, and a second folding tab, which adjoins the connection section at a second edge of the connection section opposite the first edge. The first and second folding tabs are designed and connected to the connection section such that the two folding tabs can be pivoted relative to the connection section into a bundle position in which the folding tabs overlap at least in some sections and cover an upper face of the connection section.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a packaging system, an apparatus (400; 500; 600; 700) for forming a package, an article carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) for packaging one or more articles, a blank (10; 110; 310; 410A-B) for forming the carrier, and to a method of packaging one or more articles. The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises a main panel (12; 112; 312; 412) having one or more article retention structures (RT1, RT2) for receiving and securing the main panel (12; 112; 312; 412) to a respective article (B). The carrier (90; 190; 390; 490) comprises at least one panel having a peripheral edge, a portion of which provides at least one registration edge shaped to inhibit movement in two orthogonal directions when engaged by a reference device (440; 540; 640; 740) of a packaging apparatus (400; 500; 600; 700).

A device for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers includes a base with a plurality of pockets and an indexing means and a carrier having a series of indexing features that correspond with the indexing means for placement of the carrier relative to the base, wherein a container may be inserted into one of the plurality of pockets of the base for desired alignment within the carrier.

A device for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers includes a base with a plurality of pockets and an indexing means and a carrier having a series of indexing features that correspond with the indexing means for placement of the carrier relative to the base, wherein a container may be inserted into one of the plurality of pockets of the base for desired alignment within the carrier.

Multipack packaging rings for holding a plurality of beverage cans of a type haying a upper portions formed into circular necks of reduced diameter which seal to lids around circumferential seams. The rings are formed from a foldable sheet material having in a first panel a first set of circular apertures with inwardly directed tabs. In use of the rings the tabs engage under the circular necks. In an adjoining second panel a second set of substantially smooth edged circular apertures correspond in layout to the first set so that when the second panel is folded over along a line between the panels apertures of said second set correspond in position to those of the first set and the second panel overlies and reinforces the first panel.

System for autonomously transporting people and/or goods. The system includes at least one wheel, a chassis that supports a payload for transporting at least one of people or goods, and at least one electric motor coupled to the at least one wheel. The at least one electric motor is one of chassis mounted or at least one wheel mounted. The system also includes a battery to power the at least one electric motor.

System for autonomously transporting people and/or goods. The system includes at least one wheel, a chassis that supports a payload for transporting at least one of people or goods, and at least one electric motor coupled to the at least one wheel. The at least one electric motor is one of chassis mounted or at least one wheel mounted. The system also includes a battery to power the at least one electric motor.

An apparatus for producing a multipack includes forming groups on opposite sides of a transport section. The first forming group comprises a sliding carriage that moves along and transverse to a transport direction, a format part that forms a contact surface for engaging a container, and a guiding-and-holding element that detachably secures the format part to the sliding carriage. The first and second forming groups are movable along the transport direction and transverse to the transport direction such that contact surfaces of the first and second forming groups that are opposite each other are brought into contact with containers to move the containers along the transport direction and to press the containers against each other by moving transverse to the transport direction.

An apparatus for producing a multipack includes forming groups on opposite sides of a transport section. The first forming group comprises a sliding carriage that moves along and transverse to a transport direction, a format part that forms a contact surface for engaging a container, and a guiding-and-holding element that detachably secures the format part to the sliding carriage. The first and second forming groups are movable along the transport direction and transverse to the transport direction such that contact surfaces of the first and second forming groups that are opposite each other are brought into contact with containers to move the containers along the transport direction and to press the containers against each other by moving transverse to the transport direction.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a central panel for engaging the plurality of containers and at least one attachment feature in the central panel that receives and holds a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one attachment feature includes an opening in the central panel, a first retention feature, and a second retention feature. The first retention feature and the second retention feature includes a respective first retention edge and second retention edge of the central panel defining a respective first portion and a second portion of the opening and for engaging a respective first portion and a second portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the carrier.