Patent ID: 7322919

Claim:
A machine for forming tubular film lengths from straight portions of film ( 2 ) fed by a feed unit ( 1 ), comprising: at least one forming roller ( 3 ) that revolves about an axis ( 7 ) transversal to the direction of film feed; means ( 14 ) for applying the film portion ( 2 ) to the surface of the forming roller ( 3 ) as it revolves, at least until opposite edges ( 4 , 5 ) of the film portion ( 2 ) overlap; and means ( 11 ) for joining the overlapping edges ( 4 , 5 ) to each other to form a tubular film length ( 6 ); wherein the means for applying the film portion ( 2 ) to the surface of the forming roller ( 3 ) comprise means ( 14 ) for holding a first edge ( 4 ) of the film portion ( 2 ) in a fixed position in a first winding area of the forming roller ( 3 ); further comprising a plurality of forming rollers ( 3 ) revolving about respective axes ( 7 ) equi-spaced by an angle (α) around a circumference of a carousel ( 10 ) that rotates about an axis ( 12 ).