Abstract: A machine for placing an insert having a main panel and a bottom panel into an article carrier cell comprises a frame and a reciprocably operable insertion blade mounted thereon. The cell of the article carrier is positioned directly below the insertion blade so that the blade is operable to fold and lower the insert into the cell.

Abstract: A wraparound type carrier for a group of articles disposed in side by side relationship and forming a rectilinear arrangement of at least two rows of articles, the carrier comprising generally parallel top and bottom walls interconnected by spaced side walls, one of the parallel walls being of composite construction and including a pair of lap panels foldably joined respectively to corresponding edges of the side walls, a medial keel panel foldably joined to one of the lap panels along the edge thereof remote from the associated side wall, at least one retaining notch formed in the medial keel panel, and an insert disposed transverse to the medial keel panel and adapted to form an interlocked relation with the retaining notch, the end edges of the insert being disposed respectively adjacent the side walls.

Abstract: A locking tab formed in one panel and having a securing aperture at its base is driven through a locking aperture defined by a retaining tab formed in another face contacting panel so as to interlock the panels by panel interlocking mechanism including a rotatable locking element having radially disposed locking fingers thereon which are especially configured so that the end portion of each locking finger is substantially larger in cross sectional area than the securing aperture formed in the associated locking tab and with a clearance groove formed along one side of each locking finger for receiving the securing tab during a locking operation.

Abstract: A plurality of article carriers are stacked in vertical inverted relationship in a hopper and are supported on a cantilever type support bar mounted at one end only and having its free end extending in one direction so that a plurality of carrier applicator blocks mounted on an endless chain may withdraw sequentially the lowermost carrier from the hopper, each applicator block having a clearance slot therein for slidably receiving the support bar and each applicator block having abutment means disposed on each side of its clearance slot for engaging the lowermost carrier and for moving it off of the support bar and for subsequently re-inverting and applying the carrier to the group of articles moving in synchronism with the endless element.