Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for differentially softening plastic used to package articles. Select areas of the sheet are selectively softened by treating those areas to allow either increased or decreased softening of the sheet in response to radiation absorption. The treatment can include the application of coating materials to the select areas or the lamination of different types of plastics. In the illustrated embodiment, heat is applied to the sheet by use of a infrared radiation source. Either before or after the sheet has been softened in the areas, the sheet is positioned adjacent to a forming plate for stretch forming the sheet. The plate causes the softened areas of the sheet, along with any unsoftened areas bordering the softened areas, to be drawn and stretched over and around the surface of the article intended to be covered or held.

Abstract: A heater plate for a heat-printed carrier process is provided in which the contact surface of the heater plate is shaped so as to reduce the formation of air pockets between the sheet and the contact surface of the heater plate.

Abstract: A conveyor system is provided which is capable of forming precisely positioned arrays of containers for packing and other processing operations. Unique alignment pins are provided for stopping the advancement of containers being conveyed by conveyor belts. Each pin has a top surface shaped to conform substantially to the contour of the gap defined by the bases of two adjacent touching containers. The top surface engages the bases of passing containers when the pin is in its retracted position.

Abstract: The invention provides a cover for one or more articles, the cover being easily applied to each article by softening a portion of a sheet then forcing the non-softened portion around the article to cause the softened portion to stretch and conform to the article, providing a closely fitting cover. The shape of the softened area can be different than the shape of the article; various advantages are indicated for different configurations. A machine, a method, and the cover itself are all disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed cover, carrier and package for one or more articles, is formed from a sheet of material which is stretchable when softened but relatively rigid otherwise. In a preferred apparatus and process, such a sheet is positioned over the top of the object to be covered and the portion of the sheet directly over the object is softened. A downward force is applied to the unsoftened, still relatively rigid portion of the sheet so as to force it down and around the top of the object. This causes the softened portion of the sheet to be stretched over the top and down the side of the object, conforming closely to it and thus providing a tight seal. By covering multiple articles a carrier may be formed. Methods for controlling the thickness of different parts of the carrier are described. In addition, a carrier may be applied to both the top and bottom of an array of articles in order to form a rigid carton or case.