Wrap for article clusters and apparatus for and method of applying same

摘要

This relates to the forming of shrink wrap packages. A continuous web predivided into wrap sections is delivered to moving article clusters and is drawn thereabout by a puller apparatus while article clusters are supported on a moving conveyor having openings therethrough at regularly spaced intervals. The article clusters are retarded relative to the conveyor so that the conveyor advances relative to the article clusters. The web is precut to define the individual wraps and the conveyor has adjacent each opening fingers for interlocking with the web to draw the web over a trailing article cluster. The wrap web is eventually clamped to the article cluster and as the conveyor continues to advance causes separation of the leading wrap section from the remainder of the web. The conveyor then moves a trailing flap under the article cluster and a forward flap is later moved under the article cluster and the trailing flap by discharge rollers.