Patent ID: 6675556
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method of forming a tubular wrapping about a rectangular-prism-shaped product, the method comprising a first folding step in which a sheet (6) of packing material is folded into a U about the product (3) so that an end portion (51) of the sheet of packing material projects crosswise to a longitudinal axis (4) of the product (3) and beyond the product (3) itself; and a second folding step in which said end portion (51) is folded further about the product (3) to define said tubular wrapping (2); said end portion (51) being subjected, in the course of said second folding step, to traction in a direction (54) crosswise to said longitudinal axis (4); said first folding step being performed by placing said sheet (6) of packing material in front of, and so as to close, an inlet (25) of a U-shaped pocket (15) for said product (3); and inserting the product (3) and said sheet (6) of packing material inside said pocket (15) by moving said product (3) against said sheet (6) of packing material and through said inlet (25); said traction being applied by feeding said product (3) and said sheet (6) of packing material along a packing path (P1), and by said end portion (51) being engaged by braking means (38) located along said packing path (P1); said braking means (38) comprise an anvil (43) movable with (said product (3) along said packing path (P1); and a hammer (37) located along said packing path (P1), at a braking station (35), and moved across said packing path (P1) by elastic means (42) to grip said end portion (51) against said anvil (43) as said product (3) reaches an unloading station (22) located along said packing path (P1).