Apparatus for wrapping or producing cylindrical articles and method for

Abstract

Apparatus for continuously applying a spiral wrap around successive cylindrical articles, securing the wrap to the cylindrical articles forming a series of wrapped articles, and subsequently severing individual wrapped articles from the wrapped series of same. Cylindrical articles are deposited onto a conveyor belt along which they are fed in proper alignment and in end to end abutting relationship to a wrapping station. At the wrapping station, a covering material, such as paper or the like is spirally applied to the successive rotating cylindrical articles in continuous fashion. Rotary and forwarding motion is supplied by a drive belt acting on previously wrapped articles which motion is imparted to the individual articles at the wrapping station. Subsequent to the wrapping station, the wrap or cover is secured to the cylindrical article by contact heaters, tunnel heaters, adhesive, or the like. The wrapped series of articles is fed to a severing station where cutters operating in timed relationship with movement of the series sever the individual articles therefrom. Cylindrical tubes may also be produced by the instant apparatus by utilizing a cylindrical, rotating mandrel and maintaining the mandrel at the wrapping station. Methods of continuously wrapping cylindrical articles, and producing cylindrical tubes are also disclosed.