Apparatus and method for closing flexible containers or bundles of objects

A method for closing flexible containers or clamping bundles of adjacent objects by means of an apparatus according to any one the preceding claims,

• comprising the steps:
• a) providing a reel of a closing band;
• b) advancing the closing band along said direction by means of said conveying means;
• c) inserting a portion of band in the through openings facing each other;
• d) positioning the neck of a container or of a bundle of adjacent objects in said forming seat;
• e) activating said movement mechanism to move said applicator device along said trajectory;
• f) cutting the portion of closing band by means of said cutting means;
• g) providing interaction of said winding means with the portion of cut band;
• h) actuating said winding means to promote the twisting of the portion of cut band around the neck of the container or around the bundle of objects;
• i) removing the closed container or the bundle of clamped objects;
• wherein prior to step c) of insertion of the portion of band said movable engagement member is approached to said fixed engagement member to facilitate the insertion of the band and prevent it from being damaged during the advancement thereof, and
• wherein after the activation step e) said movable engagement member is spaced apart from said fixed engagement member to support the portion of band in a substantially extended position and interact with the neck of a flexible container or with a bundle of adjacent objects.