Handle-forming machine

A handle-forming machine for shaping and applying strap handles to bags or carrier bags in paper or other material, and/or to continuous rolls of paper for the production of bags or carrier bags, the strap handles being formed substantially by folding into a U shape at least one strip or strap, in paper or other material, characterised by the fact of comprising at least one carousel rotating around a main shaft, the carousel in turn comprising:

• guides which cause the raising and folding of two opposite end sections of the strap, so that it is substantially folded into a U shape, having a central section and two lateral sections, and wherein the folded strap is positioned, in the folding position, with the central section parallel to the main shaft of the carousel, and the lateral sections facing in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation around the main shaft,
• one or more cradles for gripping and folding the straps, wherein each cradle:
• comprises one central gripper which retains the central section of the folded strap, and two further lateral grippers which respectively retain the two lateral sections of the folded strap,
• rotates jointly with the carousel around the main shaft at least from one feed station of said strap/s, to one folding station of each strap into a U shape and to one loading station of the folded strap handle, for attachment to the bag or continuous roll of paper which the bag will be made from, and
• said cradle is mounted so as to swivel around its own axis radial to the main shaft, to rotate the position of the relative strap between the feed, folding and loading stations.