A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a first construct and a second construct. The first construct includes a plurality of panels including at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The second construct includes at least one panel, the at least one panel of the second construct positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the at least one attachment panel.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels having at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, at least one top panel, and at least one handle panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel. The carrier also includes a handle formed from the at least one handle panel, the handle is positionable between a first position wherein the at least one handle panel is generally parallel to the at least one top panel, and a second position in which the at least one handle panel is folded relative to the at least one top panel and is positioned for grasping and carrying of the carrier.

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.

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.

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.

A container carrier application system is provided. The system includes a controller, a conveyor, a container positioning device, and an application device. The conveyor conveys a plurality of groups of containers from a supply side to an output side. The container positioning device positions each group of containers for application of a container carrier, and the application device applies the container carrier to the group. A motion of the container positioning device and a motion of the application device are synchronized to coordinate a position of the group with a position of the container carrier to be applied to the group. The controller is configured to control a conveyance speed of the groups such that a gap is introduced between a first group and a second group as they are conveyed along the conveyor, the gap being spaced in a conveyance direction of the containers.

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.

A system and method of identifying and maintaining synchronization of components within a container carrier applicating machine includes connecting a plurality of point of use feedback devices to operative components of the applicating machine and providing visual feedback from the plurality of feedback devices of a location of synchronized and/or unsynchronized components.