Abstract: Successive block-shaped objects of a continuously moving row of objects are draped into two continuously moving webs by causing one of the webs to advance in a horizontal plane below the moving row of objects so that the marginal portions of the one web extend laterally beyond the objects. The other web is converted into an inverted U-shaped body which overlies three sides of each object and has two laterally outwardly extending marginal portions which overlie and are thereupon welded to the respective marginal portions of the one web. Conversion of the other web into the inverted U-shaped body can take place in several successive stages.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously severing and heat sealing of overlapping portions of thermoplastic sheets between a fixedly mounted anvil and a reciprocable heated blade has an uncooled hold down device with two metallic plate-like members which flank the blade and are confined in layers of silicone so that they are thermally insulated from the blade and need not come in direct contact with the thermoplastic material. Those portions of the silicone layers which contact the exposed side of the adjacent sheet opposite the anvil at the respective sides of the blade tend to stretch the sheets in a direction at right angles to the cutting plane to thus ensure immediate separation of the welded seams which are formed by the blade during severing of the sheets.