Method of producing film-wrapped packages or packaged units, and apparatus for carrying out such method

An apparatus for wrapping a package, comprising:

• a wrapping device through which said package can be conveyed;
• upper and lower transport means for conveying a package towards and through said wrapping device;
• means for providing a tear-up thread having first and second sides, and applying the first side of said tear-up thread to a said package as said package is being conveyed through said wrapping device, said second side of said tear-up thread having an adhesive coating;
• means for providing a film hose and wrapping said film hose about said package and said upper transport means as said package passes through said wrapping device, said film hose being formed by helically wrapping a stretch wrap film hose enclosing foil about said package, said film hose enclosing said tear-up thread along the length of a said package, said second side of said tear-up thread contacting said film hose and being adhesively bound thereto;
• and
• means for severing said thread after said package passes through said wrapping device and
• means for forming a material weakening line in the film hose wrapped around a package upon the passage of the wrapped package through said wrapping device, said material weakening line extending substantially the length of said tear-up thread, said film hose being maintained by said upper transport means at a spaced distance from said package while said material weakening line is being formed in said film hose.