A method of wrapping reams of paper, and equipment for the implementation of such a method

Reams (1) of paper moving forward in a horizontal direction (A) on a first belt (2) are straightened initially by interaction with a transverse vertical barrier (3), while wrapping paper (5) is drawn out from below the first belt and directed onto a third belt (6); the paper is pulled upright into the path of the ream by the elevation of a first gate (7) affording a gap of height at least equal to that of the ream, whereupon the ream is directed through the gap, becoming partially enveloped by the paper, then stopped on the third belt while the wrapping paper (5) is cut adjacent to the gate (7) and the trailing edge (5a) simultaneously moistened with gum. Finally, a second gate (8) identical to the first is raised at the entry to the third belt (6), drawing up the remaining portion of the paper (5), and the conveying direction (A) is reversed to take the ream back through the relative gap; the ream is thus enveloped completely and the gummed edge of the wrapping paper flattened and secured.