| 摘要 |
<p>A method and appears is provided for packaging resilient items such as sponges (12) and similar items, in particular disposable, hygienically wrapped individual sponge items. The apparatus comprises means (14, 15, 16, 17) for compressing and rolling the item (12) into a substantially cylindrical form, a combined space defined by rollers (21, 22, 23, 24) adapted to receive the compressed, rolled item (12) when the item (12) is introduced laterally thereto, the confined space being dimensioned to prevent the item (12) from unrolling and having a first open and through which the substantially cylindrically rolled item (12) can be ejected axially and means for ejecting the item (12) from the confined space through the first open end. A conduit is located adjacent the first open end of the confined space and extends axially therefrom to a packaging means, the conduit having an internal diameter sufficiently narrow to maintain the item (12) in compressed rolled form, and a packaging means adapted to package the item (12) while still in a compressed rolled state.</p> |
