Method and apparatus for the production of packs of rolls of paper with relative carry handle

Abstract

A method for the production of packs of rolls of paper, in which the rolls are collectively wrapped with a sheet of plastic film which is folded and sealed, allows a rational method of closing one front surface of packs and the simultaneous automatic production of an opening at the surface for the pack handle. An apparatus for implementing the method comprises suction plates, which move vertically in opposite directions to join end flaps of the sheet of plastic film, closing the pack. The flaps are joined with the aid of means designed to neatly arrange the material of the side surface of the sheet between the flaps inside the flaps as they are joined. Further means seal the two flaps and make a pack handle opening.

What is claimed:  
     
         1 . A method for the production of packs of rolls of paper, the packs having a substantially prismatic shape in which the side surfaces are wrapped with a sheet of plastic film and in which one front surface is closed, the method wherein the other front surface of the pack is closed with the steps of: using retaining plates to hold the flaps so that they lie parallel with the side surfaces of the pack of which they are respective extensions; bringing the flaps together, allowing their controlled sliding at a tangent to the plates; and inserting the side surfaces of the sheet adjacent to them between the flaps gradually as they are brought together; the pack production method comprising the further steps of stably connecting the flaps joined together, forming a single appendage; and making an opening in the appendage for use as the pack handle.  
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein as the flaps are brought together, gradually being joined, the material of the other two side surfaces of the sheet of plastic film is neatly arranged by the action of thrust means directed at the side surfaces.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the thrust means consist of air flows of suitable intensity directed at the side surfaces.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the two opposite flaps of the sheet of plastic film are held stretched out opposite one another by the retaining plates which operate by sucking the flaps of the sheet of polyethylene film, the suction from the plates being modulated according to points of the stroke on which the flaps are brought together.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for the automatic production of packs of rolls of paper wrapped in sheets of film made of polyethylene or a similar material, wherein it comprises suction plates which move vertically in opposite directions to bring together the opposite flaps of the sheet of plastic film located at one of the two front surfaces of the pack, keeping them stretched out opposite one another, with the possibility of sliding at a tangent to the suction plates; the apparatus also comprising: means designed to neatly push the material of the side surfaces of the sheet between the flaps into the space between the flaps, gradually as they are brought together; means designed to connect the two flaps once they have been brought together; and means designed to make an opening in the surface on which the two flaps are joined.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the means designed to neatly push the material of the side surfaces of the sheet between the flaps into the space between the two flaps consist of means which emit air flows with adjustable intensity and direction.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the means designed to connect the two flaps of the sheet of plastic film comprise sealing means designed to seal the two flaps along parallel seal lines.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to the foregoing claim, wherein the parallel seal lines are close to the internal and external edges of the surface on which the flaps are joined, forming a layer of material.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the means designed to make an opening in the layer of material comprise punches with dimensions and shape useful for obtaining openings suitable for a pack handle.