Abstract: A strip cutoff assembly for successively partitioning an array of can-type containers connected by a continuous plastic strip as the array travels along a conveyor at a constant rate. The strip cutoff assembly includes a pair of endless chains carrying a cutting device in an orbit about a series of axles for periodically dividing the array into units of a predetermined length. An alignment device connected to the cutting device contacts the containers so as to evenly space the containers as the cutting device traverses the plastic strip.

Abstract: A package unit having a plurality of can-type containers. A pair of plastic strips each comprising eight container circling bands are elastically received by the containers. A single row of containers receives both plastic strips for connecting the containers in a twelve pack arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a plastic carrier onto a plurality of side-by-side cans includes a pair of canted discs arranged for rotation around non-coincident intersecting axes. A number of shoes around the periphery of each disc, engage opposite edges of the carrier and expand the carrier as the discs rotate, while a conveyor moves the side-by-side cans into registry with the expanded carrier. A rolling depressor, between the discs, presses downwardly on the expanded carrier, urging the carrier away from the shoes and onto the cans.

Abstract: A multi-packaging device for cylindrical containers formed from stretchable and elastic plastic material is disclosed as having a plurality of container encircling bands with generally D-shaped hole configurations for a tight and compact package and including means providing uniform and equal separation of adjacent bands from each other, and deflectable finger tab means for easy gripping thereof by a user for carrying containers.

Abstract: A lay flat tube plastic multi-packaging device for containers is disclosed as having upper and lower band segments with the upper and lower band segments being configured and arranged to engage upper and lower areas of the containers through elastic gripping engagement thereof for carrying said containers.

Abstract: An assembly machine for interconnected carrier devices is disclosed as including carrier assembly means that move in a closed triangular path and are arranged to assemble the interconnected carrier devices to containers moving in a linear path, beginning on one or another side or margin of said containers that is generally transverse to the movement thereof, depending on the direction of movement of said carrier assembly means in the closed path.

Abstract: A scrapless multi-packaging device for a plurality of containers is formed from a stretchable and elastic sheet of plastic material including laterally connected pairs of sheet material bands arranged in longitudinal rows and with longitudinal connections between adjacent sheet material bands in each row, the connections between said sheet material bands being creased to provide automatic opening of the sheet material bands in upstanding relationship for assembly to containers. The connections may also be perforated to facilitate separation into groups of bands as well as into individual bands.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing interconnected multi-packaging devices from elongated flattened plastic tubular elements is disclosed.