Abstract: A carrier is disclosed for interconnecting an array of cans or the like to hold them together as a unitary package. Preferably the carrier is made from a sheet of a material such as polyvinyl chloride that may be cut, expanded and set in its expanded state, then later after being placed around an array of cans, shrunk to interconnect the cans and form a package. Because of the design of the carrier and its method of application to an array of cans, a cover film may be attached by the carrier over the array of cans to keep the can tops clean. Machines and methods are disclosed for forming, transporting and applying in a rapid and economic manner, a web of such carriers to a series of cans or the like.

Abstract: A carrier is disclosed for interconnecting and holding an array of cans or the like together as a unitary package. Preferably the carrier is made from a thermally shrinkable plastic sheet, and is formed to be placed around an array of cans then shrunk by application of heat to interconnect the cans and form the package. A machine is disclosed for performing this packaging operation efficiently and rapidly, the method including the step of preforming the plastic sheets to provide a cylindrical collar about each opening, thereby enhancing the hold and interconnection afforded by the carrier. A cover sheet may be employed with the carrier to keep the can tops clean. The method for performing this packaging operation also is disclosed.