the plastic preform to the subsequent transport devices is possible reference sign b relates to the direction of movement of the two contacting devices 44 46 it can be seen that this direction of movement b is here perpendicular to the radial direction r of the carrier 42 in other words the movement direction b extends here tangentially to the transport path of the plastic preforms 10 however it would also be possible to position the two contacting devices 44 46 somewhat obliquely so that the plastic preform can be introduced between the contacting devices in its transport direction u201c from behind u201d fig8 shows a detailed view of the apparatus shown in fig7 it can be seen that the gripping device 48 has two clamp parts 48 a and 48 b reference numeral 32 schematically identifies a drive that is used for opening and closing the gripping device 48 this clamp 48 is here located in its entirety above the contacting devices 44 and 46 more specifically a carrier of this gripping clamp 48 is provided to be stationary relative to a carrier of the two contacting devices 44 and 46 fig9 shows a front view of the apparatus according to embodiments of the invention here too the two contacting devices 44 and 46 as well as the gripping clamp 48 can be seen apart from that also a coupling device is provided which is in its entirety.