Patent ID: 6964144
Filing Date: 2005-11-15
Classification: B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method of packaging multiple containers in unitized packages, wherein a first unitized package includes containers having a first diameter and a second unitized package includes containers having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is at least 10% smaller than the first diameter, the method comprising the steps of: providing containers having the first diameter to an applicating machine, said applicating machine including a drum with a plurality of jaw pairs, each jaw pair spaced at a pitch length from a circumferentially adjacent pair; moving a first carrier through said applicating machine, said first carrier having a plurality of transverse pairs of apertures, centers of each transverse pair of apertures spaced at said pitch length from centers of longitudinally adjacent transverse pairs; positioning said first carrier over the containers having the first diameter to form the first unitized package; adjusting a transverse distance between each jaw pair of said plurality of jaw pairs around a circumference of the drum while maintaining said pitch length between circumferentially adjacent jaw pairs; providing containers having the second diameter to said applicating machine; moving a second carrier through said applicating machine, said second carrier having a plurality of transverse pairs of elongated apertures, centers of each transverse pair of elongated apertures spaced at said pitch length from centers of longitudinally adjacent transverse pairs; and positioning said second carrier over the containers having the second diameter to form the second unitized package.