Abstract: A means for binding wire around an object. The means comprises a feeding unit (2) with a feeding wheel (11) for feeding and stretching the wire (3). The measuring of fed wire length normally takes place in that the feeding wheel (11) rotates through a predetermined number of revolutions. Sliding between the wire (3) and feeding wheel (11), however, implies that the position of the wire cannot be determined accurately. As a solution of this problem a separate measuring means (5) is provided for continuously measuring the fed wire length (3), where the measuring is carried out without the measuring means (5) feeding the wire (3).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for banding fence posts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically disposed conveyor systems with U-shaped cradles for delivering the fence posts in a horizontal disposition to a pair of stationary strapping machines. Opposite the strapping machines are horizontally movable guide elements for directing banding material dispensed from the strapping machines around the fence posts. The strapping machines tighten the bands and connect the bands to themselves. The vertically disposed conveyor systems then move the banded fence posts to an exiting horizontally disposed conveyor system.

Abstract: A method for forming a decorative cover about a flower pot wherein a customer forms a sheet of material about the flower pot utilizing a cover forming apparatus to provide the decorative cover for the flower pot. The method may include automatically fastening the decorative cover to the flower pot, and optionally automatically placing a label on the covered flower pot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.

Abstract: A simple operation winds film around, and thereby wraps therewith, a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object through the circular path and along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again through the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film, and another film feeder may furnish a continuous string of film formed by compression of such a strip of film.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stretch wrapping a load in an efficient manner so as to tightly and securely wrap the load at a desired tension without rupturing the packaging material. The method and apparatus compensate for variation in demand rate as the load is wrapped so as to apply the wrapping material to a load at a desired force, maintain the desired containment tension on the wrapping material on the load after wrapping, and prevent the wrapping material from rupturing during wrapping. The apparatus combines two systems, power assisted roller stretch (“PRS”) and roller stretch (“RS”) to vary the supply rate of the packaging material as the demand rate varies. The apparatus automatically switches between the two types of prestretch to achieve “high” and “low” wrapping force dependent upon the demand rate.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A simple operation winds film around, and thereby wraps therewith, a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object through the circular path and along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again through the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film, and another film feeder may furnish a continuous string of film formed by compression of such a strip of film.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon. A film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member, and the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a counterweight which is movably disposed within the mast member. The mast member is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a redundant dual stop pin assembly is engageable within particular ones of the mast member apertures so as to incrementally lockingly retain the film roll carriage at a particular elevations along the mast member such that safe controlled movement of the film roll carriage along the mast member is achieved.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot containing a floral grouping with a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve. In one version, the sleeve is positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, with at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.

Abstract: A method of product packaging wherein oblong sleeve-simulating product packaging labels are adapted to be printed with variable product information as weight data and are fed long-edge first towards a product packaging station while being maintain in an indexed relationship to a series of product items which are likewise fed towards the product packaging station. By adopting a long-edge-first feed direction for the packaging elements the indexed relationship with the product items can be established and maintained whereby direct printing of the variable data on the packaging elements or sleeves is feasible without the need to resort to printing on adhesive labels for application to the sleeved product.

Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with an upper surface on the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body, and a workpiece-receiving slot in the body above the horizontal opening. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of placing a band into spaced slots having sides, pressing a workpiece overlying a central portion of the band which is not in the slots into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.

Abstract: A stretch-wrapping machine consists of a revolving ring with a packaging material dispenser mounted to it. The ring revolves about a horizontal axis to dispense the stretch wrap material around a load that is supported by a forklift. The revolving ring is mounted on a track that allows the ring to travel back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the ring. This allows the machine to wrap any load that fits within the ring. Thus the length and the weight of the load do not limit the wrapping capability of the machine.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a closed bottom and the sleeve is sized to contain a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the closed bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A method of shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover includes a sheet of material formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The method includes providing a portable platform having a plurality of stacking shells disposed therefrom. Each stacking shell is configured to be received in the object opening of one of the preformed flower pot covers. A stack of preformed flower pot covers is formed on each of the stacking shells such that the preformed flower pot covers of the stack are nested within one another and supported on the stacking shell and secured to the portable platform. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers is then transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for banding fence posts are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of vertically disposed conveyor systems with U-shaped cradles for delivering the fence posts in a horizontal disposition to a pair of stationary strapping machines. Opposite the strapping machines are horizontally movable guide elements for directing banding material dispensed from the strapping machines around the fence posts. The strapping machines tighten the bands and connect the bands to themselves. The vertically disposed conveyor systems then move the banded fence posts to an exiting horizontally disposed conveyor system.

Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth, wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible, laminated material having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The sleeve includes a lower portion, which has a base portion and a skirt portion, and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion. The base, skirt and/or upper portion of the sleeve may be provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth includes placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for bundling a stack (02) of sheet-type objects comprising a supporting plate (06) for the stack (02) and a banderole (01) intersecting between the surface of the supporting plate (06) and an underside of the stack (02). A channel (07) is formed in the supporting plate for pushing the banderole (01) through the stack. The supporting plate (06) can be pushed through a shaft (26) formed between two lateral defining walls (27) in order to bend the banderole (01) between the defining walls (27) and the lateral walls of the stack (02) counter to the lateral surface. A tongue (09) is displaceable between a retracted position, wherein it separates the channel (07) from the surface of the supporting plate (06), and a withdrawn position, wherein it the channel (07) is placed in an open position with respect to the surface of the supporting plate (06).

Abstract: A method for packaging a plant using a flexible sleeve having a cloth-like appearance.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a band refeeding method in a banding packing machine which can prevent the tip portion of a band from being excessively pulled back even if the band is not supplied correctly but is automatically pulled back, and can stay the band in a predetermined position and can successively supply the band to the band guide arch side. A length of a band to be pulled back to an original position by band pull back means (84) is previously detected based on the number of rotations of a touch roller (88) constituting band supply means (82). In addition, the number of rotations of the touch roller (88) before reaching a predetected set value is detected when the tip portion of the band is pulled back. Then, a rotating speed of a roller (94) of the band pull back means (84) is reduced when the number of rotations is detected. Therefore, the roller (94) of the band pull back means (84) is subsequently rotated at the low speed, thereby pulling back the tip of the band to a predetermined position.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a wrapping film around an object. The wrapping machine has a film dispensing unit (1), which comprises first supporting elements (2) for rotatably supporting a first wrapping film reel (3) on the film dispensing unit; first deflecting elements (51 . . . 510), over which the first wrapping film can be passed to the object to be wrapped; second supporting elements (6) for rotatably supporting a second wrapping film reel (7) on the film dispensing unit; a second deflecting element (9), over which the second wrapping film (8) can be passed. The second deflecting element (9) is mounted on the film dispensing unit (1) so as to be movable between a first position (I) and a second position (II). In position (I), the end of the second wrapping film (8) is in contact with the first wrapping film (4) to cause the first and second wrapping films to adhere to each other during the wrapping process in order to bring them one over the other onto the object to be wrapped.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A product stocking device is disclosed that retains a plurality of display packages, so that the plurality of display packages are readily aligned for simplified mounting onto a display hanger. The stocking device has a first section and a second section, the second section threads through apertures in the plurality of display packages and is then coupled to a coupling portion.

Abstract: The instant invention comprises an apparatus and method for wrapping a load under tension with a web of stretch wrap flexible material and then binding the wrapping material to the load by compressing the end of the flexible material into a rope-like configuration. The rope formed is wound around the load at least one turn. A second turn of the rope around the load is then bound to the first rope with a mechanical twisting tie around the two ropes to prevent unwrapping of the load during transit and storage. A hot wire cutting mechanism cuts the rope and the bound two ropes snap back into position against the wrapped load from the force of the stretch wrap tension.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: The distal end of a band remains held after a band-holding step. A band-tightening step is performed by operating a manual tightening switch, thereby driving a drive motor and hence rotating a drive roller under manual control. A band-sealing step and a band-feeding step are automatically and sequentially performed after a tightening stop switch is operated, generating a manual-tightening end signal. It is desirable to use a mode-changing switch for switching an operating mode of the apparatus between an automatic mode and a manual mode. The manual tightening switch and the tightening step are effective in the manual mode and are ineffective in the automatic mode.

Abstract: Packaging for a stack of paper sheets is described having a relatively rigid top and bottom sheet, a sleeve, and at least one band to secure the package together around the stack of paper. Also described is a method of packaging a stack of paper by locating a relatively rigid top and bottom sheet on the top and bottom of the stack of paper, and a placing sleeve around the stack of paper, and applying a band to secure the top and bottom sheets and the sleeve in place to form a package. Additionally, there is described a method of loading paper into a drawer of a machine comprising the steps of: placing a package formed in accordance with the above mentioned method into the drawer; cutting the band and removing it; and removing the top sheet and the sleeve from the stack of paper.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for wrapping a load (18) placed on a turntable (4) having a mast assembly (8), a carriage assembly (12) adapted for vertical slideable movement along said mast assembly (8) and dispensing means (13) for dispensing tape material (80). The tape material (80) is transferred from the dispensing means (13) in response to rotation of the turntable (4) such that the tape material (80) wraps around the load (18) in a predefined pattern. The carriage assembly (12) and turntable (4) are configured for automated movement in response to a computer program stored in memory means (306) to enable wrapping of the load (18) with the tape material (80) in the predefined pattern. The carriage assembly (12) is positioned along the mast assembly (8) under control of the computer program in accordance with a rotational position of the load (18) to locate the tape material (80) at locations on the load (18). A pretensioning apparatus is also disclosed for pretensioning the tape material (80).

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. A fill material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag such that the outer wrap secures the fill material in the bag. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled with a fill material and while being filled the fill level of the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction coordinated with the fill level. Once the bag is filled the open top of the bag is released. In some embodiments the open top is then sealed and in others it is left open.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket, using the apparatus.

Abstract: A band applicator for applying a band about a sheet of material disposed about a pot to provide a decorative cover for the pot. The band applicator includes a pot frame having a pot opening and a band holder configured to releasably hold a plurality of bands. The sheet of material is extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and the pot with the sheet of material disposed thereabout is disposed in a pot receiving space in the pot frame. The pot frame holds the sheet of material positioned about the pot. A band is removed from the band holder and disposed about the sheet of material and pot for cooperating to hold the sheet of material positioned about the pot.

Abstract: An arch type strapping machine suitable for a quick strapping operation and having a long service life is presented. A sealing mechanism 17 for a strapping band is constituted by a right gripper 45, a left gripper 61 and a compression head 63, wherein the right gripper 45 is operated by a solenoid plunger for fixing 41, and the left gripper 61 and the compression head 63 are operated by the rotation of a cam for fixing 65 and a cam for bonding 67 which are attached to a shaft for sealing 59.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot containing a floral grouping with a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve. In one version, the sleeve is positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a lower portion which is tapered and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element, leaving a non-linear upper peripheral edge in the lower portion. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A film clamping mechanism for use in connection with film wrapping apparatus comprises a pair of film clamping fingers or members which are movable between first and second CLOSED and OPENED states for respectively clamping and releasing a leading end portion of a wrapping film, and between first and second RAISED and LOWERED states for respectively clamping the leading end portion of the wrapping film at the commencement of the film wrapping operation and for maintaining the leading end portion of the wrapping film during the film wrapping operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically wrapping a sheet about a bouquet of flowers. The sheet having spaced apart defined first and second portions is placed against a support member, such as a prepared table top, and the bouquet is positioned on the sheet with the first and second portions of the sheet extending on right and left sides, respectively, of the bouquet. The first sheet portion is then moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet, and the second sheet portion is moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet and to extend over part of the first sheet portion. The two sheet portions may be secured together by a bonding material, or the first and second portions of the sheet of wrapping material can themselves act as a bonding material by application of appropriate heat sealing, sonic welding, vibratory welding, and similar methods. A stiff wrap ring form may be positioned suspended over the sheet, and the bouquet inserted in the wrap ring form.

Abstract: A semi-automatic round baler having an “auto kick” or “auto wrap” mode. In the auto kick mode, at the conclusion of the forming cycle the baler will stop and await the operator's signal to continue. Once the operator has signaled to continue, the baler will wrap the bale and will immediately proceed to the ejecting cycle. In auto wrap mode, the baler will automatically enter into and complete the wrapping cycle (after a short delay) following completion of the forming cycle. At the conclusion of the wrapping cycle in the auto wrap mode, the baler will await the operator's signal before ejecting the completed bale.

Abstract: A banding fixture including a body having a horizontal opening therein, a carriage movable into and out of the horizontal opening, a recess in the carriage, and the carriage with the recess therein movable into the horizontal opening with a surface in the carriage in underlying near contiguous relationship to an undersurface of a plate on the body. A method of banding a workpiece including the steps of pressing a workpiece overlying a band into a recess in a member, and moving the member relative to a surface so that the ends of the band which extend beyond the workpiece are pressed together in overlapping relationship as the member passes in contiguous relationship to the surface.

Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.

Abstract: For sequentially strapping stacks of printed products (3) with a strapping tape (27), stacks are conveyed to a strapping position pressed together between two presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) and are there strapped in a pressed-together condition. A loop of the strapping tape (27) positioned around the stack (3) is tightened, locked and cut-off from a supply roll. In doing so, the tape loop is applied in a zone of the stack face sides outside the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) and aligned with slot-shaped apertures (19.1, 19.2) in the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) such that the strapping tape (27), when it is being tightened, is moved through the apertures (19.1, 19.2) and comes to lie directly on the face sides of the stack. The strapping is advantageous to strap stacks (3), which have either been previously, or are being simultaneously, enveloped with an enveloping material (25), whereby the envelope is applied around the stack (3) and the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: Apparatus for packing a pack of boards, eg plaster board, for wrapping and then delivery to a site is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises broadly about 30 to 40 board storage units or bins 2, 3 arranged in two sets. Each bin 2, 3 stores a different size and specification of plasterboard. The apparatus 1 also includes a conveyor 4 onto which the boards are tipped from the bin 2, 3 and which conveys the boards from the bins 2, 3 to a packing point. The apparatus 1 also includes a stacker 5 at the packing point for stacking the boards and also attaching for tying the boards together to form a single pack suitable for transport to the site.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing a package containing high moisture content particulate plant material intended for human consumption or for use as animal feed stock which will preserve same without the particulate plant material undergoing a drying process, the method involving either providing a flexible walled container or alternatively forming such a container from a web of plastics material cling film (15), at least partially filling the flexible walled container with particulate plant material via a delivery chute (17) into an upper open mouth of the flexible walled container, pressing the particulate plant material to expel air therefrom, closing the flexible walled container and preferably applying two circumferentially extending bands (22, 23) of plastics material film overlapping one another at 90° around the closed flexible walled container with sufficient web thicknesses and tension to compress the flexible walls of said container inwardly.

Abstract: A new and improved film wrapping or packaging machine has incorporated therein a new and improved mechanism or system for implementing the downward folding of outwardly projecting edge or tab portions of slip sheets interposed between successive tiers, levels, or layers of articles or goods forming a palletized load. The folding mechanism or system comprises a plurality of vertically oriented posts which are initially disposed above the outwardly projecting tab portions, subsequently independently aligned with outer edge portions of the outwardly projecting tab portions of the slip sheets, and thereafter lowered so as engage the tab portions of the slip sheets and fold the same vertically downwardly against the vertical sides of the palletized load such that the downwardly folded tab portions can now be enveloped within the wrapping or packaging film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a group of rolls of at least two rolls of paper, board or cellulosic material web, said method comprising the steps of separating apart from each other the rolls (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of a roll set received from said slitter-winder (1), and combining desired rolls (3, 4, 5) of the roll set into a multi-roll pack. At least one of the desired rolls (3, 4, 5) to be included in the multi-roll pack is taken apart from the other rolls (6, 7) of the roll set resting on a conveyor (8, 9) and is moved to a waiting station (10) and is then moved back from the waiting station (10) onto the conveyor (9) in a manner allowing the desired rolls (3, 4, 5) of the multi-roll pack to be sorted into a desired order having the adjacent ends of the rolls facing each other.