The invention relates to a packaging apparatus (1) and a method used to produce packaging units (35). The packaging units (35) comprise at least one article (30), such as a beverage can (31), held in a packaging blank (20) having at least in some portions or areas that are flat. The packaging blank (20) has at least one passage opening (23) in the flat portion or area for article(s) (30). The packaging apparatus (1) comprises a feeder device (2); a pre-treatment module (9) to prepare the packaging blank (20) for the application to the article(s) (30); and a first packaging module (7) to apply and locate the packaging blank (20) to the article(s) (30). The pre-treatment module (9) comprises a device to reduce a resistance force in an edge area (24) of the passage openings (23) during the application of the packaging blank (20) to the article(s) (30).

A packaging apparatus and a method for applying packaging (20) to an article combination (30) comprising at least two articles in each instance. The packaging apparatus comprises at least one preparation die for preparing the packaging (20). The preparation die (40) comprises a folding device for folding over opposite edge regions (23) of a packaging blank (21) that forms the packaging (20). The packaging apparatus further comprises an application die for receiving the prepared packaging blank (21v) and for applying said blank to the article combination (30), so that the packaging (20) applied to the articles is disposed at least in part between the articles, wherein the packaging (20) applied to the articles at least partially surrounds outer lateral surfaces (36) of the article combination (30).

The invention discloses a method for producing packaging units and the produced packaging units, comprising at least two substantially similar articles, wherein the articles are held together by at least one packaging blank (14). A main surface of the packaging blank (14) is applied to first end faces of an article grouping (20), forming a connection between the articles and primary fixing element of the packaging blank (14). The primary fixing element fixes the positions of the articles relative to one another. The side surfaces (24) of the packaging blank (14) are subsequently folded over, wherein secondary fixing element interacts with the shell surfaces of the articles. The secondary fixing elements are formed by strapping sections, which surround the article grouping (20) and fixes the articles in a substantially parallel alignment to one another. The invention also relates to a packaging device for carrying out the method.

A packaging system includes a conveyor configured to convey a group of articles and a blank along a packaging path. The packaging system includes a folding machine configured to fold a first end panel of the blank relative to a main panel of the blank and to fold a second end panel of the blank relative to the main panel, after the first end panel is folded, as the group of articles and the blank travel along the packaging path. The packaging system includes an alignment machine configured to position a first side panel and a second side panel of the blank at a predetermined angle relative to the main panel as the group of articles and the blank travel along the packaging path.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a packaging system, method of packaging, apparatus, handle structure, an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, and to a blank for forming the handle structure or article carrier. The packaging system provides an apparatus for applying the handle structure or article carrier to one or more articles. The apparatus provides a component adapted to engage the blank and form the handle structure or article carrier so as to displace a first side of the handle structure or article carrier, disposed on a first side of an article retention structure to a greater extent than a second side of the handle structure or article carrier, disposed on a second, opposing, side of an article retention structure.

A method and a packaging apparatus for producing packaging units as well as an application head (60) for use in the method and/or in the packaging apparatus are disclosed. In the method, a flat packaging blank (14) is transferred by means of an application head (60) to an article grouping (20) held ready, in order to be applied there to an upper end face of the article grouping (20), producing a mechanical connection between the packaging blank (14) and the article grouping (20). Foldable portions (24) of the packaging blank (14) that project beyond an upper side of the article grouping (20) are then folded over and are applied to the article grouping (20) laterally. The packaging apparatus is equipped with at least one such application head (60).

A system, method and apparatus for applying container carriers to unitize a plurality of containers. An applicating drum applies each container carrier to a group of containers and a push down wheel subsequently firmly engages the container carrier to the group of containers so that each applied container carrier is engageable with each container.

Aspects of the invention relate to an applicator plate (10) for use in an apparatus (80) for attaching a set of frangibly adjoined top engaging clips (110) to a group of articles C. The applicator plate (10) having a generally planar body; and a plurality of apertures (16a-26f) within the body. Each aperture (16a-26f) has a series of internal walls (16i-16x) arranged such that each aperture (16a-26f) has a polygonal shape.

A system, method and apparatus for applying container carriers to unitize a plurality of containers. An applicator engages the container carrier to the group of containers so that each applied container carrier is engaged with each container.

The utility model of the present invention relates to a modification in the configuration and structure of a can holder (10) produced from a biodegradable pulp paste, recycled, 100% biological, compostable and edible. This modification refers to a fin (13), protrusion, flange, tapered region or tongue of a thickness (E) between 0.75 mm. to 1.8 mm and whose radial (R1), in its widest region, is 20 mm of radius, placed in each of the corners of the can holder (10).