Method of and apparatus for packaging rolled article

An apparatus for packaging a rolled article by winding a packaging sheet having skirt members on respective opposite side edges thereof around the rolled article which has a rolled elongate sheet with end packaging members attached respectively to opposite sides thereof, comprising:

• a packaging sheet feed mechanism for gripping a side edge of said packaging sheet and feeding the packaging sheet from the side edge thereof to a winding position to position the packaging sheet in the winding position;
• a rotating and supporting mechanism for positioning said rolled article with respect to said packaging sheet in said winding position, and rotating said rolled article;
• an attaching mechanism for attaching an end of said packaging sheet to an end of said elongate sheet of said rolled article;
• a packaging sheet holding mechanism for gripping a winding end of said packaging sheet and moving the packaging sheet toward said rolled article when said rolled article is rotated;
• a pressing mechanism for pressing the end packaging members against respective opposite ends of said rolled article;
• and
• a skirt installing mechanism for installing said skirt members on said end packaging members.