Abstract: A machine which installs a carrier of elastic material having openings therein onto an end portion of an article such as a beverage can and the like. The machine moves the article generally forwardly relative to the carrier so that a leading edge of the end portion of the article engages the carrier along a portion of the periphery of one of the openings. The carrier is forced by a guide bar downwardly against the end portion of the article so that the carrier tends to be stretched and to be pushed onto the end portion of the article with the end portion being received in the opening. Fingers engaging the carrier in its openings operate cooperatively with the guide bar as the article moves forwardly relative to the carrier to force the carrier against the end portion. The fingers stretch the carrier laterally around the periphery of the end portion as the article moves forwardly relative to the carrier, generally following the contour of the article.