An apparatus forms boxes with curved corners from a die-cut sheet. A forming matrix delimits a forming cavity by guides counterposed in pairs along two orthogonal axes. The guides define a die-cut sheet support plane. A forming head inserts inside the cavity to push the die-cut sheet to form a box. Vacuum gripping devices are arranged outside the cavity in opposite positions along the second axis and each grip from underneath the die-cut sheet to hold it on the support. Pusher devices are arranged outside and near one of the corners of the cavity. Each pusher device raises one side flap of the die-cut sheet from the support plane. An electronic control unit operates the main gripping devices, pusher devices and forming head according to the following sequence: actuating the gripping devices; actuating the pushers; deactivating the gripping devices; and inserting the forming head in the forming cavity.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier, and a blank (810) for forming the article carrier. An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels (812,814,816) at least partially extending around an interior of the article carrier. The plurality of primary panels comprises a first side panel (812), a top panel (814), a second side pane (816)1 and at least one bottom panel joined together to form a tubular structure having first and second opposed open ends. The article carrier comprises a carrying handle (H) including a handle feature defined in at least the top panel and foldable handle structure (HS) having opposed connecting panels and a handle strap. The handle strap extends (882) between the connecting panels.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier, and a blank (810) for forming the article carrier. An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels (812,814,816) at least partially extending around an interior of the article carrier. The plurality of primary panels comprises a first side panel (812), a top panel (814), a second side pane (816)1 and at least one bottom panel joined together to form a tubular structure having first and second opposed open ends. The article carrier comprises a carrying handle (H) including a handle feature defined in at least the top panel and foldable handle structure (HS) having opposed connecting panels and a handle strap. The handle strap extends (882) between the connecting panels.

In one aspect, there is provided a combination for use in readying a cutting cylinder is rotatably mounted to a frame in a box-forming production line. The cutting cylinder has a cylinder reference indicium. The combination includes a transfer member with a transfer member reference indicium thereon, a cutting member that includes a base and a cutting blade, and a connector structure that is configured to releasably mount the cutting member to the transfer member. The cutting member is movable to a selected distance along the first axis from the transfer member reference indicium. The connector structure includes a locking structure positionable in an unlocking position for separating the cutting member and the transfer member, and a locking position to lock the connector structure to the transfer member, so as to hold the cutting member at the selected distance from the transfer member reference indicium.

Machine for punching a box-shaped element, or suchlike, including at least one punching head provided with at least one punch and translatable in a direction toward or away from a substantially vertical side of the box-shaped element and at least one counter-head that contrasts the punching head, the side of the box-shaped element is positioned during use between the punching head and the counter-head, the counter-head is configured to be inserted inside the box-shaped element and to rest against an internal surface of the side in order to maintain the box-shaped element in position on a work plane, and the punching head is translated toward the counter-head in the direction so as to perforate the side by means of the punch and make at least one through hole therein.

Machine for punching a box-shaped element, or suchlike, including at least one punching head provided with at least one punch and translatable in a direction toward or away from a substantially vertical side of the box-shaped element and at least one counter-head that contrasts the punching head, the side of the box-shaped element is positioned during use between the punching head and the counter-head, the counter-head is configured to be inserted inside the box-shaped element and to rest against an internal surface of the side in order to maintain the box-shaped element in position on a work plane, and the punching head is translated toward the counter-head in the direction so as to perforate the side by means of the punch and make at least one through hole therein.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a top panel having a first plurality of container openings, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel and having a second plurality of container openings aligned with respective container openings of the first plurality of container openings, at least one first container retention tab foldably connected to the top panel and extending toward a respective container opening of the first plurality of container openings, and at least one second container retention tab foldably connected to the at least one container retention flap and extending toward a respective container opening of the second plurality of container openings, the at least one second container retention tab is circumferentially offset relative to the at least one first container retention tab, and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a top panel having a first plurality of container openings, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel and having a second plurality of container openings aligned with respective container openings of the first plurality of container openings, at least one first container retention tab foldably connected to the top panel and extending toward a respective container opening of the first plurality of container openings, and at least one second container retention tab foldably connected to the at least one container retention flap and extending toward a respective container opening of the second plurality of container openings, the at least one second container retention tab is circumferentially offset relative to the at least one first container retention tab, and at least one reinforcement panel positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a top panel having a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, at least one container retention flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line, and at least one reinforcement panel interrupting the fold line and positioned between the top panel and the at least one container retention flap.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier, and a blank (810) for forming the article carrier. An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels (812,814,816) at least partially extending around an interior of the article carrier. The plurality of primary panels comprises a first side panel (812), a top panel (814), a second side pane (816)1 and at least one bottom panel joined together to form a tubular structure having first and second opposed open ends. The article carrier comprises a carrying handle (H) including a handle feature defined in at least the top panel and foldable handle structure (HS) having opposed connecting panels and a handle strap. The handle strap extends (882) between the connecting panels.