Method of grouping a plurality of objects to be handled includes positioning the objects on a support surface and wrapping the objects and support surface with a tape of non-creped paper material. The tape having an extensibility of at least 6% in the longitudinal direction and 6% in the transverse direction and is maintained before or during the winding of the tape in a state of tension which causes it to extend to a lesser extent than its maximum extensibility.

A machine (100) and a method for stabilising palletised loads (900) are described, comprising: a functional arrangement (105) provided with a reel (110) on which a covering tape (800) is wound, a gripping device (350) adapted to take a first end of the covering tape (800) wound on the reel (110) and to make it integral with the palletised load (900), a first movement apparatus (215) adapted to generate a relative motion of revolution of the functional arrangement (105) around the palletised load (900), according to a predetermined revolution axis (Z), a second movement apparatus (275) adapted to generate a relative motion of translation of the functional arrangement (105) with respect to the palletised load (900) in a direction parallel to the revolution axis (Z), a cutting device (115) placed in the functional arrangement (105) so as to separate the covering tape (800) from the reel (110), a fixing device (400) adapted to fix at least a second end of the covering tape (800) to the palletised load (900).

Packaging material may be profiled to generate an incremental containment force per revolution (ICF) attribute that is represented by a function that is variable as a function of wrap force. Moreover, the performance of different packaging materials, e.g., in terms of speed or cost, may be compared for a particular load through simulation of wrap operations based upon dimensions of the load and a desired load containment force requirement for the load.

An automatic roll change system for a stretch wrapping machine may include multiple mechanically-actuated load stations capable of being actuated by a common actuator assembly, as well as pivotable support members for use in positioning packaging material in a tortuous path for loading into a packaging material dispenser.

An automatic roll change system for a stretch wrapping machine may include multiple mechanically-actuated load stations capable of being actuated by a common actuator assembly, as well as pivotable support members for use in positioning packaging material in a tortuous path for loading into a packaging material dispenser.

A roll-packing machine (100) is provided with a belt drive mechanism having a closed-loop belt (110). Further, the roll-packing machine (100) is provided with a feed mechanism (130, 140) configured to feed a mattress (10) to the belt (110). The belt drive mechanism is configured to form an inner loop (115) of the belt, to receive the mattress (10) in the inner loop (115), and to roll the mattress (10) by advancing the belt (110) while the mattress (10) is received in the inner loop (115). The inner loop (115) of the belt may thus act as a rolling chamber for the mattress (10).

A roll-packing machine (100) is provided with a belt drive mechanism having a closed-loop belt (110). Further, the roll-packing machine (100) is provided with a feed mechanism (130, 140) configured to feed a mattress (10) to the belt (110). The belt drive mechanism is configured to form an inner loop (115) of the belt, to receive the mattress (10) in the inner loop (115), and to roll the mattress (10) by advancing the belt (110) while the mattress (10) is received in the inner loop (115). The inner loop (115) of the belt may thus act as a rolling chamber for the mattress (10).

A plant for packing bottles or similar containers includes an operating unit carrying out a rapid assembly that includes a portable pack made by three straps: a first one applied on the lower half of the body of the bottles, a second one applied at the neck of the bottles, both arranged on planes perpendicular to the vertical axes of the bottles, and a third one applied loosely and perpendicularly to the other two straps and laying on a vertical plane passing through the center of gravity of the pack.

A plant for packing bottles or similar containers includes an operating unit carrying out a rapid assembly that includes a portable pack made by three straps: a first one applied on the lower half of the body of the bottles, a second one applied at the neck of the bottles, both arranged on planes perpendicular to the vertical axes of the bottles, and a third one applied loosely and perpendicularly to the other two straps and laying on a vertical plane passing through the center of gravity of the pack.

Methods and apparatus for unitizing groups of individual packages into pallet loads, stabilizing the loads and facilitating general movement of the pallets, including the loading and unloading of pallets into and out of transport vehicles, includes wrapping the loads with stretchable crepe paper, rather than conventional plastic wrap material. Crepe paper can be produced and recycled with less environmental impact than plastic wrap. These methods involve a new use for crepe paper, and a new use for conventional plastic-wrapping equipment.