Abstract: A container control mechanism for use in certain types of package forming machines which produce packages of a plurality of containers. The certain package forming machines are those where three or more rows of containers are continuously delivered through the machine, and in which the machine applies a strip of carrier stock circumferentially about the upper end of each of the containers. The containers in rank and file with the applied carrier stock are delivered to a cutting mechanism adjacent the output end of the machine where the stock is severed between certain predetermined ranks to form individual packages of a predetermined plurality of ranks of the containers.

Abstract: A cutting mechanism which cooperates with certain types of package forming machines to produce packages of a plurality of containers. The certain package forming machines continuously deliver at least three rows of containers with a strip of applied carrier stock interconnecting the containers in rank and file to a cut-off station. The cutting mechanism mounted at the cut-off station includes a knife blade assembly that is rotated in timed relationship to the movement of the rows of containers with the applied carrier stock to cut the applied carrier stock between certain ranks which are between the side files of the containers. Cutting means are also provided for cutting the applied carrier stock on the side files of the containers between the same ranks where the carrier stock is cut by the knife blade assembly to form individual packages of a predetermined plurality of ranks of said containers.

Abstract: A system for multipackaging at least three adjacent rows of containers with a resilient plastics-material multipackaging strip in a continuous procedure. The strip comprises a plurality of elongated bands of at least three in number transversely of the strip, and each band is capable of encircling one of the containers when properly stretched and projected over a container. The bands of the strip are so formed that stretching of all of the bands into shapes substantially complementary to the containers occurs when merely the side marginal edges of the strip are stretched apart. The machine and method comprises an endless series of single pairs of jaws or force applying means which successively enter the apertures of the side bands of the strip, and transversely stretch all of the bands across the strip into shapes substantially complementary to the container shapes. The machine receives at least three adjacent rows of containers continuously therethrough.