Device and process for applying gripping handles on packaging films, and shrinkwrap packer provided with such a device

Device for applying gripping handles on packaging films, preferably heat-shrinkable ones, being supplied on shrinkwrap packers for making bundles of bottles, cans and/or similar containers, the applying device comprising:

• at least one applying head provided with at least one roller for applying a plurality of gripping handles supplied in the form of a continuous tape and subsequently cut into sections;
• at least one abutment mechanism for operatively supporting a plurality of packaging films in the form of a continuous tape and subsequently cut into sections, optionally heat-shrinkable, being supplied on a respective shrinkwrap packer on which the applying device is mounted, the applying roller of the applying head and the abutment mechanism being movable with respect to one another between a non-operating condition, in which the applying roller of the applying head is spaced apart from the abutment mechanism, and an operating condition, wherein the applying roller of the applying head is arranged, at the abutment mechanism, against at least one of the packaging films being supplied for applying a respective gripping handle on this latter,
• wherein the abutment mechanism comprises at least one supporting tape, preferably higher than the width of the packaging films being supplied, having an advancement surface facing, at least partially, the applying head for advancing the packaging films being supplied on the shrinkwrap packer, the advancement surface of the supporting tape providing, in the operating condition, an abutment for the applying roller of the applying head, the applying roller of the applying head applying a gripping handle on each packaging film being supplied, against the advancement surface of the supporting tape.