Patent ID: 7140166

Claim:
A method for making packages ( 1 ) containing groups ( 2 ) of products wrapped with stretch film, presenting a front face (FD) and moving along a transporting surface ( 3 ) in a defined feed direction (A), the method comprising at least the following steps: feeding at least one portion of film from a first film feed station ( 4 ), located outside the transporting surface ( 3 ), to a respective first unit ( 7 ) for forming a tubular length of film ( 9 ); and simultaneously positioning a second forming unit ( 8 ) with a second length of film ( 10 ) on it in a stretched configuration at the transporting surface ( 3 ) to form a part of the latter, at least through first means ( 6 ) for driving and supporting the units ( 7 , 8 ); passing a group ( 2 ) of products into the second length of film ( 10 ) and then releasing the second length of film ( 10 ) over the group ( 2 ) of products, by driving the second unit ( 8 ), in order to wrap the group ( 2 ) of products; driving the first means ( 6 ) in order to move the first unit ( 7 ), with the first tubular length of film ( 9 ) formed on it, on the transporting surface ( 3 ) so as to wrap the next group ( 2 ) of products; and simultaneously moving the second unit ( 8 ) from its position at the transporting surface ( 3 ) to a position outside the transporting surface ( 3 ) so as to feed the next film portion onto the second unit ( 8 ).