Abstract: The grouping of objects, for example unit packaging goods, is accomplished by automatically assembling a stepped formation of the goods and subsequently leveling-off the stepped formation. To accomplish the foregoing, a serially increasing number of the goods are delivered in steps to a grouping station until a maximum number is reached and thereafter the number of goods per step is serially decreased. By exercising simultaneous control over the in-feed of goods and the shifting of the goods step-wise in a direction transverse to the in-feed direction after each delivery, finished groups having a predetermined size and configuration are formed at a downstream end of the grouping station and these finished groups are shifted out of the grouping station in the in-feed direction in synchronism with the in-feed of goods as the number of goods per step being fed in decreases.

Abstract: A wrap-around packaging method wherein a package blank is prefolded to an open-sided configuration, an object to be packaged is positioned within the prefolded blank and the final folding and adhesive closing of the package is then completed in a series of synchronized steps. The prefolding occurs during the course of withdrawal of the package blank from a magazine and its transporting into position to receive the object to be packaged and includes plural folding steps which are individually performed to minimize stress on the packing material. The movement of the preformed packing material blank and object through the final folding and closing stations is accomplished without contact between the conveying means and the object.