The invention is directed to method and apparatus for wrapping pads. A web of
flexible wrapping material is adapted to be pulled in tension over a forming device.
The forming device has first and second folding members having angled folding edges
adapted for contact by respective opposite side margins of the web as the web is
pulled past the folding edges. A web guide guides the web toward the folding edges.
An opening between the web guide and the folding edges is adapted to be spanned
by a central portion of the web as the web is pulled past the forming device. A
series of pads are conveyed by a conveyor, one after another, and placed on the
web as it is pulled past the forming device so that the pads move with the web
over the opening and past the folding edges of the forming device. A surface applies
a force to the pads to force the pads against the central portion of the web as
the pads move across said opening. The force is sufficient to cup the web to position
the pads for travel past the first and second folding members with concurrent folding
of the side margins of the web by respective folding edges to form a tube around
the pads.
