(57) Machine and method for forming a wrap-around package accommodating a plurality of
containers and of the type having a top panel (16) side wall panels (14, 18) and base
panels (12, 20) providing a sleeve-like structure and end panel structures at each
end of the sleeve including an end panel (34, 34a) and tuck panels (38, 38a : 40,
40a) joined to the end panel by gusset panels (46, 46a : 52, 52a). A first folding
step deflects upwardly the side panels of the carton with respect to the top panel
thereof in order to cause the tuck flaps to be folded into overlapping relationship
with said panels. Thereafter, the side wall panels are caused to be folded downwardly
with respect to the top panel whereby the tuck flaps are disposed between the containers
being packaged and the side walls and finally the base panels are folded into overlapping
relationship beneath the containers.
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