Patent ID: 6354064
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A machine for wrapping an elongated object with a plastic film, said machine comprising drive means for continuously advancing a narrow thin film strip from a supply means to a wrapper loading and forming means, said wrapper loading and forming means having a trough former for folding said advancing film strip into a film trough, insert means for positioning spaced-apart elongated objects into said film trough of said advancing film strip for engagement and conveyance of said objects by said film trough, object dispensing means for supplying pre-oriented elongated objects to said insert means, sealing and severing means for heat sealing said film trough about individual ones of said elongated objects and severing said film trough between adjacent ends of said elongated objects to form individually wrapped elongated objects;a film stretching means prior to said trough former, whereby to stretch said film to increase the yield of said supply means and to weaken said film to facilitate the removal of a straw wrapped with said film.