Patent ID: 6904738
Filing Date: 2005-06-14
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A method of packing groups ( 4 ) of products ( 5 ), the method comprising the steps of feeding each said group ( 4 ) of products ( 5 ), at a loading station ( 10 ), to a respective first seat ( 23 ) of a first wheel ( 11 ), together with a respective sheet packing material element ( 18 ), which is first folded into a U and then completely about the respective group ( 4 ) of products ( 5 ) to form a packed group ( 54 ); and transferring said packed group ( 54 ), at a transfer station ( 15 ), to a respective second seat ( 24 ) of a second wheel ( 13 ), together with a respective overwrapping material element ( 21 ), which is first folded into a U and then completely about the respective packed group ( 54 ) to form an overwrapped group ( 7 ); the method being characterized in that the packing and overwrapping material elements ( 18 , 21 ) are both fed successively to a respective same gripper ( 30 ) associated with said first seat ( 23 ) and fitted to said first wheel ( 11 ), downstream from said first seat ( 23 ) in a travelling direction of the first wheel ( 11 ).