Patent ID: 7040325
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: A24C

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for convoluting flexible bands around rod-shaped articles each having a predetermined diameter, comprising: rolling means defining a rolling zone having an inlet, said rolling means including first and second surfaces which flank said rolling zone and confront each other across said rolling zone, at least one of said surfaces being arranged to move relative to the other thereof and said surfaces being spaced apart from each other a distance less than said diameter; means for advancing a series of successive articles, with portions of bands adhering thereto, sideways in a predetermined direction along a predetermined path toward and into said inlet; and means for pressing the bands against the respective articles in a portion of said path immediately upstream of said inlet, as seen in said direction, wherein said portion of said path has a width that decreases toward said inlet to an extent such that the articles undergo deformation on their way into said rolling zone and wherein the width of said portion of said path decreases gradually all the way to said inlet.