Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping groups of products with plastic film comprises: a platform that rotates about a vertical axis and supports a group of products which, as the platform rotates, are wrapped with the film to form a package; a reel, from which the film is unwound, which rotates about a vertical axis and which can move up and down in such a way as to wrap the group in height as the platform rotates; a unit for gripping and tearing the film mounted outside the profile of the platform and designed to intercept and grip at least one portion of the film located between the group and the reel (4) once the group has been wrapped, in such a way that, acting in conjunction with a partial rotation of the platform, it tears the film at that portion to form an end or trailing free edge of film torn off by the gripping and tearing unit.

Abstract: In a device for loading film (3) on machines for wrapping groups of products, there is an area (H) designed to allow the free passage of the film (3) and located between a drive carriage (4) and one end (6a, 7a) of each of the film (3) feed rollers (6, 7). This area is defined by an extension of each roller (6, 7) and is tapered in relation to the circumference of the rollers. The film (3) can pass freely when it has a narrow configuration, in the form of a tongue (C), and when the free end (3a) of the film (3) is inserted and fed along a path (P) parallel to an original feed path. In the area (H) there are means (8) on which the tongue (c) can slide and which guide the tongue onto the contact and sliding surfaces (6s, 7s) of the rollers (6, 7). The invention also concerns a method for loading the film (3).

Abstract: A device and method for cutting and re-attaching film for wrapping groups of palletized products are provided. Following the wrapping of a pack, the width of the section of film extending between a reel and the pack is reduced, using an assembly that defines a band of film with minimum width that, at least at one point, is coplanar with a rotating platform. The section of film is then gripped by a gripper and cutting unit. The gripper and cutting unit are attached to the outer edge of the platform. The section of film is then cut by the cutting unit following rotation of the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an invention that relates to packaging techniques and, in particular, to a process and a device for overwrapping containers and the like that hold edible products needing constant aeration.The technical problem that has to be solved is how to achieve the foregoing without either obstructing the aeration or having to resort to the use of overwrapping nets that are particularly expensive and none too easy to place in position.The solution to the problem is attained through a process for overwrapping containers and the like that hold edible products, and this consists in: reeling a band of film that can be tension deformed, dividing the said band into a plurality of strips placed, one at the side of the other, parallel to the axis of the said reel, and applying tension to the said strips prior to their being placed in contact with the containers to be overwrapped, in such a way as to obtain a shrinkage in width and a set spacing of one strip with respect to the other.