A carrier that is at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier can include a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first top panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and a second top panel foldably connected to the second side panel. At least one container-receiving feature extends in at least the bottom panel. The at least one container-receiving feature can at least partially receive at least one container of the plurality of containers. At least one retention flap is foldably connected to the first top panel or the second top panel. The at least one retention flap engages at least a portion of a flange of at least one container.

In one aspect the invention provides a packaging apparatus configured to allow fruit articles to be packed into a tubular container with a uniform orientation. This apparatus includes a plurality of support blades extending transversely from an end of each blade supported by a blade conveyor assembly. These blades are configured to allow the deployment of the tubular container about the blade and any fruit articles supported thereon.

A carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans includes a base for supporting the cans, a pair of opposed side walls flanking the cans and extending above the cans and a handle extending upwardly from an upper part of the side walls. The carrier package includes a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned adjacent to respective top portions of the cans to enable part of each top of each can to protrude through a corresponding aperture and a plurality of flaps each having a lower end defined by an upper edge of a corresponding aperture, the flaps being shaped and positioned to fit obliquely within respective upper rims of the cans to secure the cans with respect to the side walls while the tops of the cans protrude from the respective apertures.

A carrier package for securing and carrying a plurality of beverage cans includes a base for supporting the cans, a pair of opposed side walls flanking the cans and extending above the cans and a handle extending upwardly from an upper part of the side walls. The carrier package includes a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced-apart relation along each of the side walls and positioned adjacent to respective top portions of the cans to enable part of each top of each can to protrude through a corresponding aperture and a plurality of flaps each having a lower end defined by an upper edge of a corresponding aperture, the flaps being shaped and positioned to fit obliquely within respective upper rims of the cans to secure the cans with respect to the side walls while the tops of the cans protrude from the respective apertures.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article top engaging device, a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles (B) and a blank (10) for forming the carrier. The article carrier comprises a sleeve structure (12/18) defining at least in part an interior of the article carrier for receiving at least one article, the sleeve structure including at least one substantially planar portion. An end closure structure (14/16) is hingedly connected to a first end of the sleeve structure to at least partially close the first end. At least one glue flap (20, 22) is hingedly connected to the planar portion of the sleeve structure for pivotal movement with respect to the planar portion. The at least one glue flap is disposed generally in the plane of the planar portion of the sleeve structure when the at least one article is received in the interior of the article carrier.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article top engaging device, a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles (B) and a blank (10) for forming the carrier. The article carrier comprises a sleeve structure (12/18) defining at least in part an interior of the article carrier for receiving at least one article, the sleeve structure including at least one substantially planar portion. An end closure structure (14/16) is hingedly connected to a first end of the sleeve structure to at least partially close the first end. At least one glue flap (20, 22) is hingedly connected to the planar portion of the sleeve structure for pivotal movement with respect to the planar portion. The at least one glue flap is disposed generally in the plane of the planar portion of the sleeve structure when the at least one article is received in the interior of the article carrier.

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).

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).

Article packaging includes a retention panel and a retention structure formed, at least in part, by the retention panel and configured to engage the article. The retention structure includes a retention surface configured to contact the article. The article packaging also includes a friction coating disposed on at least a portion of the retention surface of the retention structure. The friction coating impedes movement of the article relative to the retention panel.

Article packaging includes a retention panel and a retention structure formed, at least in part, by the retention panel and configured to engage the article. The retention structure includes a retention surface configured to contact the article. The article packaging also includes a friction coating disposed on at least a portion of the retention surface of the retention structure. The friction coating impedes movement of the article relative to the retention panel.