Abstract: The method comprises continuously wrapping ordered batches of containers (4) with either self adhesive or non-self adhesive films (A, B) of elastic plastics material (such as stretchable linear polyethylene). One of the films (A) forms the base of the wrapping and the other (B) the cover. The films (A, B) are welded together between one batch and the next (4) in a direction transverse to the direction in which the batches advance, and the batches are separated from each other by cutting the films. The apparatus comprises, for the spaced-apart batches of containers (4), a service conveyor (8) in contact with which the film (A) forming the base of the wrapping moves, and a plurality of mutually independent welding and cutting units (11) insertable individually into the gap between one batch and the next (4) to produce the weld and the cut, and extractable from said gap after welding and cutting.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine comprises a slide vertically sliding along a stationary load bearing column and provided with horizontal rails wherealong a power driven carriage is movable carrying a packaging foil web supply device for laying a top horizontal sheet onto a parcel or pile to be packaged.