METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING GROUPS OF ITEMS IN AN ENVELOPING FILM

摘要

An apparatus (10) for enveloping successive groups of items (20) in plastic film (72) as the items traverse a linear path. Items (20) are gathered in a group, and the group of items (20) is then inserted in a tubular packaging film (72) as the items (20) and the film (72) are conveyed at the same linear velocity. After the items (20) are completely enveloped in the film (72), the film (72) is severed and sealed to fully encapsulate them in the film (72). A vacuum is used to eliminate excess air generated within the tube, and also, in one form of the invention, form side gussets as sealing dies (86, 88) are closed. A tight package made at speeds results, with no need for any holes in the film (72) to relieve internal air pressure.