Abstract: An apparatus is provided for disposing a sheet adjacent a flexible member. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for transporting the sheet to a loading position and a mechanism, located adjacent the loading position, for receiving and holding the sheet. The receiving and holding mechanism is capable of moving the sheet into juxtaposition with a surface of the flexible member so that the sheet contacts the surface of the flexible member upon being released by the receiving and holding mechanism. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for wrapping the flexible member about itself with the sheet interposed between opposed surfaces of the flexible member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for wrapping a sheet about an external surface of a flexible member to package the flexible member. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for receiving and clamping a free end of the sheet and a first portion of the flexible member, as well as a mechanism for spacing a second portion of the flexible member a preselected distance from the first portion thereof. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for moving the receiving and clamping mechanism to urge the spacing mechanism toward the receiving and clamping mechanism so that movement of the receiving and clamping mechanism wraps the flexible member and sheet with the sheet being wrapped about the external surface of the flexible member.