Patent ID: 7272917

Claim:
A method of overwrapping packets of substantially rectangular prismatic shape presenting two larger side faces parallel one with another and with a longitudinal axis, two smaller or flank faces disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis and at right angles to the larger faces, and two end faces lying transverse to the longitudinal axis, the method comprising: inserting single packets into holders carried by a transfer wheel, each disposed with the longitudinal axis parallel to an axis of the wheel and enveloped by a tubular wrap projecting beyond the two end faces; folding appendages of the tubular wrap projecting from one flank face of each packet against the respective end faces of the packet and leaving appendages of the tubular wrap projecting from at least one larger side otherwise unfolded while inserting the packet into the holder and holding the folded appendages against the respective end faces; heating the folded appendages while they are being held against the respective end faces in and the otherwise unfolded appendages the respective holder to maintain the folded appendages in the folded state upon removal of the packet from the respective holders to an outfeed conveyor.