EP3732106A1

EP3732106A1 - Apparatus for packaging a product in a corresponding packaging

Info

Publication number: EP3732106A1
Application number: EP18852739.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Franzaroli
Original assignee: Pulsar SRL
Current assignee: Pulsar SRL
Priority date: 2017-12-28
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2020-11-04
Also published as: WO2019130200A1

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for packaging a product (11) in a corresponding package (13), preferably in the form of a wrapping (11), preferably of plastic film, especially of heat sealable film, and in particular in the form of an envelope, and such packaging or wrapping has a respective open side suitable for the introduction of the product inside the same packaging or wrapping; preferably said product (11) being defined by one or more articles, in particular of paper or tissue material, and especially said articles being defined by rolls, in particular of toilet paper or of kitchen paper, and/or by big rolls, wipes, handkerchiefs, napkins, nappies, sheets, or others, which may already be packaged in a respective package; the apparatus comprising a support frame (12), and means (25) for introducing the products (11) in the respective packagings or wrappings (13, 15) housing the respective product (11). The apparatus (10) is adapted to use first means or units (14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13) for housing the product (11) and/or second means (16) for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings (15) for housing said product (11).

Description

TITLE: APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT IN A CORRESPONDING PACKAGE

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging a product in a corresponding package.

Said package, preferably, is in the form of a wrapping, preferably made of plastic film, especially of heat sealable film, and in particular in the form of an envelope, and such package or wrapping has a respective open side suitable for the introduction of the product into the same package or wrapping.

In turn, said product is preferably defined by one or more articles, in particular made of paper or tissue material, and especially said articles being defined by rolls, in particular of toilet paper or of kitchen paper, and/or by big rolls, wipes, handkerchiefs, napkins, nappies, sheets, or others, which may already be packaged in a respective package.

State of the art

Apparatuses are known for packaging a product in a corresponding preconstituted envelope that has a respective open side suited for the introduction of the product into the same envelope, in which said product is defined by one or more articles, made of paper or tissue material.

Also known are apparatuses for packaging said product in a corresponding non-preconstituted package, i.e. which directly realise a plastic film wrapping around the product.

In the sector, in plants for the manufacture of said products, when both the apparatuses or machines illustrated above are used, it is necessary to prepare lines to feed the products to the respective machine and to extract the same products from the same machine. The result is a considerable use of space inside the industrial spaces for the production and packaging of these products, with the consequent need for sizeable economic investments for the manufacturers of this kind of products.

Therefore, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that is particularly flexible in use or employment.

Moreover, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that is particularly efficient.

In addition, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that operates in a particularly quick manner.

Furthermore, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that allows savings in the number of components that have to be used.

Additionally, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that allows to easily carry out restoring interventions in case of problems.

In the sector there is also a need to have available an apparatus that is easy to repair.

In addition, In the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that is easy to use.

Moreover, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that can be set up in a particularly quick manner.

Furthermore, in the sector there is a need to have available an apparatus that allows to obtain finely crafted packages, also from the aesthetic viewpoint. Summary of the invention

Flowever that may be, the present invention intends to propose a new and/or alternative solution to the solutions known hitherto and in particular to overcome one or more of the drawbacks or problems described above, and/or to meet one or more needs felt in the art, and in particular derivable from the above. Therefore, an apparatus for packaging a product in a corresponding package is provided, said package preferably being in the form of a wrapping, preferably of plastic film, especially of heat sealable film, and in particular in the form of an envelope, and such packaging or wrapping has a respective open side suitable for the introduction of the product in the same packaging or wrapping; preferably said product being defined by one or more articles, in particular of paper or tissue material, and especially said articles being defined by rolls, in particular of toilet paper or of kitchen paper, and/or by big rolls, wipes, handkerchiefs, napkins, nappies, sheets, or others, which may already be packaged in a respective package; the apparatus comprising a support frame, and means for introducing the products in the respective packagings or wrappings housing the respective product; characterised in that the apparatus is adapted to use first means for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings housing the product and/or second means for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings housing said product.

In this way, it is possible to use the same apparatuses to process different types of packagings or wrappings, with consequent saving of working spaces in industrial plants.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other innovative aspects, or specific advantageous embodiments are, nonetheless, set forth in the following claims, whose technical features are readily apparent in the following detailed description, illustrating preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention, which however are to be considered as purely exemplifying and non- limiting; said description being provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1A shows a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention; - Figure 1 B shows a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, taken from a different angle from that of Figure 1 A;

- Figure 1 C shows a schematic top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, taken from a different angle from that of Figure 1 A;

- Figure 2A shows a schematic perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, in a different working configuration from that of Figure 1 A;

- Figure 2B shows a schematic top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, in the working configuration of Figure 2A;

- Figure 3A shows a schematic perspective view of the preferred embodiment of units or means for feeding a second type of packaging or wrapping according to the present invention;

- Figure 3B shows a schematic top plan view of the preferred embodiment of units or means for feeding a second type of packaging or wrapping according to the present invention;

- Figure 3C shows a schematic side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of units or means for feeding a second type of packaging or wrapping according to the present invention;

- Figure 3D shows a schematic front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of units or means for feeding a second type of packaging or wrapping according to the present invention;

- Figure 4A shows a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 4B shows a schematic top plan view of a second preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an additional unit or means for feeding a second type of packaging or wrapping according to the present invention;

- Figure 6A shows a schematic perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 6B shows a schematic top plan view of the third preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention;

- Figure 7A shows a schematic perspective view of the unit or means for feeding the packagings or wrappings used in the third preferred embodiment of apparatus, in a first condition of use and without illustration of the related packagings or wrappings to be conveyed;

- Figure 7B shows a schematic perspective view of the unit or means for feeding the packagings or wrappings used in the third preferred embodiment of apparatus, in a first condition of use, with schematic illustration of the packages of related envelopes to be conveyed to the utilisation or filling area;

- Figure 7C shows a schematic side elevation view of the unit or means for feeding the packagings or wrappings used in the third preferred embodiment of apparatus, in the first condition of use;

- Figure 7D shows an enlarged detail of the schematic side elevation view of Figure 7 C;

- Figure 8A shows a schematic perspective view of the unit or means for feeding the packagings or wrappings used in the third preferred embodiment of apparatus, in a second condition of use;

- Figure 8B shows a schematic side elevation view of the unit or means for feeding the packagings or wrappings used in the third preferred embodiment of apparatus, in the second condition of use;

- Figure 8C shows an enlarged detail of the schematic side elevation view of Figure 8C;

- Figures 9A to 9D shows a perspective view of the different working steps of the pressing means and/or of the means for eliminating residual air from the interior of the respective package, or wrapping. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

The accompanying Figures 1A to 3D illustrate a first preferred embodiment 10 of an apparatus for packaging a product 1 1 in a corresponding package 13 or 15, preferably in the form of a wrapping, preferably made of plastic film, especially of heat sealable film, and in particular in the form of an envelope, and such package or wrapping has a respective open side suitable for the introduction of the product into the same package or wrapping.

Nevertheless, the material for making the packaging, or wrapping (or envelope) could of any suitable type, for example it could also be constituted by paper material, i.e. by paper, appropriately adapted for the purpose.

Preferably, said product 1 1 is defined by one or more articles, in particular made of paper or tissue material, and especially said articles being defined by rolls, in particular of toilet paper or of kitchen paper, and/or by big rolls, wipes, handkerchiefs, napkins, nappies, sheets, or others, which may already be packaged in a respective package.

As shown in Figures 1A to 3D, the apparatus 10 comprises a support frame 12, and means 25 for the introduction of the products 1 1 in the respective packagings or wrappings 13, 15 housing the respective product 1 1 .

Advantageously, the apparatus 10 is adapted to use first means or units 14 for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings 13 for housing the product 1 1 and/or second means, or units 16 for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings 15 for housing said product 1 1 .

Advantageously, as shown in Figures 1A to 2B, said first supplying means 14 and/or said second supplying means 16 for supplying respective packagings or wrappings 15 are engageable and disengageable with said frame 12 of the apparatus.

For this purpose, means are provided with allow the engagement and the disengagement of the respective supplying means with the frame of the apparatus, which, however, are not particularly shown in the respective accompanying figures.

In this way, it is possible to replace, when necessary, the first supplying means 14 with the second supplying means 16, or vice versa, and thus packaging the product in the desired package.

In particular, as shown in the figures, when the apparatus 10 uses respective supply means, for example, as shown in Figures 1 B and 1 C, of the supply means 14 for supplying respective preconstituted envelopes 15, or, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, supply means 16 for supplying non- preconstituted envelopes formed by the same supply means 16, which means for supplying the respective envelope will in any case be more thoroughly illustrated further on in the present description.

The other supply means that at the time are not used by the apparatus, respectively the supply means 16, i.e. the supply means 14, can advantageously be kept at the side of the apparatus 10, in view of their possible and subsequent replacement of the supply means that at the time are in use by the same apparatus 10, as is readily apparent from the accompanying figures.

In particular, as is readily apparent in particular from Figure 1 A, the respective type of packagings or wrappings, and in particular the first type of packagings or wrappings 13, is defined by preformed or preconstituted envelopes, in particular having a respective openable side 13’ for the introduction of the product and preferably having a respective support handle 13’, in particular that is provided on the side opposite the one in which said opening 13’ for introducing the product 1 1 is provided. In particular, as is readily apparent in particular from Figure 2B, the respective type of packagings or wrappings, in particular said second type of packagings or wrappings 15, is defined by a wrapping, in particular by a respective envelope, preferably having a respective open side 15’ for the introduction of the product and preferably having a respective support handle 15”, in particular that is provided on the side opposite the one in which said opening 15’ for introducing the product 1 1 is provided, and such packaging or wrapping 15 is made of respective film, in particular of plastic film, by corresponding means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15, which are directly provided at the apparatus 10, or, as is readily apparent in the figures, that are at, or defined by, said means 16 for supplying the respective type of packagings or wrappings 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 are provided at an end 16’ of the same means 16 for supplying the same packaging or wrapping 15, in particular at an end thereof that is opposite to the end 16” of the same supply means 16, which is adapted, in use to be at the area 12i, of the apparatus 10, in which the product 1 1 is introduced in the packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular in Figure 2B, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 extend, in use, i.e. in condition of engagement of the corresponding supply means 16 with the packaging apparatus 10, in parallel with the same packaging apparatus 10.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular in Figure 2B, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 are prolonged, in use, i.e. in condition of engagement of the corresponding supply means 16 with the packaging apparatus 10, distanced from the corresponding lateral flank 10s of the same packaging apparatus 10, and in particular distanced therefrom to such an extent as to allow access to assigned personnel.

In this way, the assigned personnel can advantageously access the apparatus 10, i.e. in the environs of the same supply means 16, to perform work for the resumption of operation or repairs of the apparatus itself.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 comprise at least one respective reel 180 for feeding a film for making the packaging or wrapping 15, in particular said film being preferably in the form of a corresponding preformed tubular film 180’, or in the form of a laid or flat film, or defined by a single flat sheet, 180”, which is carried out by a respective reel 1800, as shown in the additional embodiment of Figure 5.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 comprise means 182 for unrolling the film, in particular said means 182 for unrolling the tubular film are able to realise a path of the same film that allows a passage for persons, i.e. that has an air segment 183 that makes accessible to personnel, especially in erect condition, the space that underlies it 184.

As shown, said means for unrolling the film are in particular in the form of a plurality of rollers or scrolling elements of the film, in particular able to define means for maintaining the same film under tension.

In additions, means 187 can be provided for forming lateral bellows in said tubular film 180.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 comprise respective means 185 for transversely joining, or sealing, said film 180’ to define, downstream of said transverse union or seal, a corresponding extreme portion of film that defines a related packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 comprise respective means 185 for transversely cutting said film 180’ to separate, therefrom, a related packaging or wrapping 15, in particular, said means for transversely cutting said film 180’ are provided at the same means 185 for transversely joining, or sealing, the film 180’.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 are adapted to define a handle 15” in the respective packaging or wrapping 15”, in particular said handle is obtained by means of a through hole, preferably elongated transversely, which is provided in said film 180’, especially at an area of the same said film 180’ that is interposed between respective transverse seals or junctions.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 comprise means 186 for drawing the respective film 180’ and/or the respective packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 186 for drawing the respective film 180’ and/or the respective packaging or wrapping 15 are in the form of means that grip the free end of said film 180’ and/or the respective packaging or wrapping 15 and that are able to pull it forward, in particular horizontally, for a segment of predefined length, in particular according to the longitudinal direction, or according to the parallel direction to the direction of advance of the packages or products in the packaging apparatus 10.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from said Figure 5, said means 18 of forming the packaging or wrapping 15 comprise, upstream of said means for processing the tubular film, or the respective reels 180 supporting the tubular film, means 181 that are adapted to shape tubularly said laid or flat film 180”, unrolled from said reel 1800.

Said means 181 for tubularly shaping said laid or flat film 180” comprise forming and tubularly folding means 181 a and means 181 b for longitudinally sealing, and possibly cutting a longitudinal scrap portion of the same flat film.

As shown in said Figure 5, said means 181 for tubularly shaping said laid or flat film 180” also comprise means for recovering the scrap in the form of a corresponding collecting reel 181 c.

As show, said scrap recovery means 181 c are positioned above said means 181 b for longitudinally sealing and cutting the same scrap.

As is readily apparent from Figure 5, said means 181 b for longitudinally sealing, and possibly cutting a longitudinal portion of scrap of the same flat film, and/or said scrap recovery means 181 c are provided between the means for supporting the reels 180 for supplying the laid or flat film 180” and the supporting means of the reels 180 for supplying the film in tubular form, and in particular between the means 181 a for forming and tubularly folding the laid or flat film 180” and the same supporting means of the reels 180 feeding the film in tubular form.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 16 for supplying respective wrappings or envelopes, in particular said second means 16 for supplying respective envelopes 15, comprise means 19 for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes 15 towards the filling area 12i in the apparatus 10.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 19 for supporting and advancing said wrappings or envelopes 15 towards the filling area 12i in the apparatus 10 are in the form of respective conveyor belt means 190, or in the form of a corresponding endless conveyor belt.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 19 for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes 15 towards the filling area 12i in the apparatus 10 comprise respective means 191 for retaining the respective packaging or wrapping 15 on said supporting and advancing means, in particular said retaining means are in the form of respective means 191 for aspirating the respective packaging or wrapping 15 on the respective surface of said supporting and advancing means, in particular on the outer surface of said conveyor belt 190. Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 19 for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes 15 extend transversely to the packaging apparatus 10 and/or to the means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15, in particular between said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15 and the same packaging apparatus 10.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related figures, said means 186 for drawing the respective film 180’ and/or the respective packaging or wrapping 15 position the respective packaging or wrapping 15 entering into, and/or on, said means 19 for supporting and advancing the packaging or wrapping 15 towards the filling area 12i of the packaging apparatus 10.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the related Figures, in accordance with said first preferred embodiment, said first 14 and second 16 means for supplying the respective packagings or wrappings 13, 15 are engageable with the frame 12 at the same side thereof.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from Figures 4A and 4B, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment 100 of packaging apparatus, which has similar components to those of the previous embodiment which are not described again in detail, to avoid excessively burdening the present description, said first 14 and second 16 means for supplying the respective types of packagings or wrappings 13, 15, in particular the respective supporting and advancing means 141 19 thereof, are engaged, or associated, especially simultaneously, with the packaging apparatus 10, in particular with the frame 12 thereof, at opposite sides thereof, in particular extending transversely aligned to each other.

In this way, the respective supply means are selectively activated to feed respective packaging or wrappings 13, 15 to the packaging apparatus.

Advantageously, for this purpose, in accordance with said second preferred embodiment 100 of the apparatus, said first 14 and second 16 means for supplying the respective types of packagings or wrappings 13, 15 have respective activation means that can be selectively activated alternatively to each other to feed corresponding types of packagings or wrappings 13, 15 to the packaging apparatus.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures, the packaging apparatus 10 is provided with means 22 for feeding products to be packaged 1 1 , in particular according to a respective longitudinal direction of the apparatus, preferably parallel to the direction of extension, in use, of said means 18 for forming said wrappings or envelopes 15.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures, the packaging apparatus 10 is provided with means 24 that are adapted to define a respective group of products to be packaged in a respective packaging or wrapping 13, 15, the respective group of products comprising one or more products, preferably arranged according to respective longitudinal and/or transverse rows of products, possibly arranged according to respective vertically superposed layers, for example in the form of a first and a second vertically superposed layers.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures, the apparatus is provided with means 25 that are able to push the product inside the respective packaging or wrapping 13, 15, and in particular comprising a corresponding pusher movable longitudinally between a backward position of rear engagement of the product and a forward position of pushing and inserting the same product 11 in the respective packaging or wrapping 13, 15, and especially of advancement of the entire package at the closing means thereof.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures, the packaging apparatus 10 is provided with means 24 that are adapted to close the respective packaging or wrapping 13, 15 with the product 1 1 contained inside it, in particular in the form of corresponding means for joining, or sealing, in particular transversely, the respective open end of the corresponding packaging or wrapping 13, 15.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures, the packaging apparatus 10 is provided with an area 12i for introducing the product 1 1 in the packaging or wrapping 13, 15.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures, said product introduction area 12i in the respective packaging or wrapping, or envelope, is defined by the terminal end of the respective means 14, 16 for supplying the respective packagings or wrappings, in particular their respective supporting and advancing means 141 , 19.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the figures, said second supply means 16 comprise a support frame 16i, in particular for said means 19 for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes 15 towards the filling area 12i in the apparatus 10 and/or for said means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15.

In practice, as is readily apparent from the figures, said first supply means 14 comprise a support frame 14i, in particular for means 17 for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or preconstituted envelopes 13 towards the filling area 12i in the apparatus 10, which supporting and advancing means 17 are in the form of respective conveyor belt means 170, or in the form of a corresponding endless conveyor belt, in particular having means, preferably pin-like, for blocking or stopping the preconstituted envelopes 13.

Said means 14 for supplying the preconstituted envelopes 13 can be embodied as illustrated in the corresponding International patent application number WO2017/021928 held by the same applicant and whose content through the present reference is to be considered an integral part of the present description.

The following figures 6A to 9D show a third preferred embodiment 200 of an apparatus according to the present invention, whose components that are similar or equivalent to those of the previous preferred embodiments are designated with the same numerical reference and, to avoid excessively burdening the present description, they are not further commented in detail.

Advantageously, in this third preferred embodiment 200, the first means for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings 13 for housing the product, in particular in the form of preconstituted envelopes, i.e. that are not produced on the same apparatus and that are supplied to the apparatus in corresponding packages, and the second means for supplying a second type of packagings or wrappings 15 for housing said product 11 , in particular in the form of wrappings or envelopes produced or formed directly in the same apparatus, are defined or implemented by a common supply unit 146.

In particular, as is readily apparent from the figures from 6A to 9D, said supply unit 146, defining or implementing said first means 14 for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings 13 for housing the product 1 1 and said second means 16 for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings 15 of housing said product 1 1 , comprises a respective and common supporting frame 146i.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent from the figures from 6A to 9D, said supply unit 146, defining said first means 14 for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings 13 for housing the product 1 1 and said second means 16 for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings 15 for housing said product 1 1 , comprises common means 179 for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to said first type 13 and according to said second type 15, especially in the form of a corresponding single endless conveyor belt 1790, in particular supported by said respective and common supporting frame 146i.

Also advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, means are provided for switching the configuration of the common supply unit 146 from a configuration defining or implementing said first means 14 for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings 13, for housing the product, to a configuration defining or implementing said second means 16 for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings 15, for housing said product, or vice versa.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, said means for switching the configuration of the supply unit 146 are adapted to switch the configuration of the means 179 for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings 13, 15 from a configuration supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings according to the first type 13 to a configuration supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings according to the second type 15, or vice versa.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, said switching means of said supporting and advancing means 179 are in the form of means that are adapted to move the same supporting and advancing means 179 between a first position supporting and advancing said first type of packagings or wrappings 13 for housing the product 11 and a second position supporting and advancing said second type of packagings or wrappings 15.

In particular, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from

7A to 8C, said switching means of said supporting and advancing means 179 are in the form of means that are adapted to move the same supporting and advancing means 179, in particular the respective endless conveyor belt 1790 supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings, between a lowered position supporting and advancing said first type of packagings or wrappings 13 for housing the product 1 1 and a raised position supporting and advancing said second type of packagings or wrappings 15.

For this purpose, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures 7D and 8C, means are provided for raising and lowering the endless respective conveyor belt 1790, in particular in the form of corresponding uprights, especially extended vertically, 1791 , which support said endless conveyor belt 1790 and that are actuated to move vertically between a lowered position shown in Figure 7D, in which the endless conveyor belt 1790 is adapted to support and to advance corresponding packagings or wrappings according to said first type 13 and a raised position, shown in Figure 8C, in which the same endless conveyor belt 1790 is able to support and advance corresponding packagings or wrappings according to said second type 15.

In particular, as shown said supporting uprights 1791 are actuated by corresponding actuating means 1791 , in particular in the form of corresponding gears housed in corresponding boxes, which gears are driven by corresponding driving means through corresponding rotating transmission shafts 1793, as shall be made more readily apparent further on in the present description.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, said supporting and advancing means 179 comprise, in particular for supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings in accordance with the first type 13, first movable means 1790 for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings 13, in particular in the form a respective endless conveyor belt 1790, and second movable means 1790b, supporting, or defining, means, in particular shaped as pins, 14p for blocking, or retaining, and drawing said packagings or wrappings 13 according to the first type, and in particular said movable blocking and drawing means 1790b comprise a corresponding endless belt 1790b that supports said blocking and drawing means 14p, i.e. from which extend, in particular perpendicularly, preferably vertically in the positive segment of advance of the same packagings or wrappings 13, said pins 14p for blocking and drawing respective packets of envelopes 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, said first movable means 1790 for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings 13, in particular in the form of a respective endless conveyor belt 1790, and said second movable means 1790b supporting, or defining, means, in particular shaped as pins, 14p for blocking, or retaining, and drawing said packagings or wrappings 13, and in particular in the form of a corresponding endless belt 1790b supporting said blocking and drawing means, or pins 14p, at least in the positive segment of advance of the same packagings or wrappings 13, extend mutually parallel, and preferably adjacent, and, in particular in said configuration for supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings according to the first type 13, are movable in unison to convey together the respective packagings or wrappings according to the first type 13 towards the area 12i of the apparatus for filling the same packagings or wrappings 13 with the respective product.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, said first movable means 1790 for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings 13, in particular in the form of a respective endless conveyor belt 1790, and said second movable means 1790b supporting, or defining, means, in particular shaped as pins, 14p for blocking, or retaining, and drawing said packagings or wrappings 13, and in particular in the form of a corresponding endless belt 1790b supporting said blocking and drawing means, or pins 14p, are movable, in particular vertically, with respect to each other between a respective position, in particular lowered, shown in Figure 7D and a respective position, in particular raised, shown in Figure 8C, to allow the switching of said means 179 for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to the first type 13 into means for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to said second type 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, said first movable means 1790 for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings, i.e. said endless conveyor belt 1790, in the position defining corresponding means for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to said second type 15, is positioned, in particular is raised, so as to conceal, or so as to exceed in height, as is readily apparent from said Figure 7B, said blocking and drawing means, or pins 14p.

In particular, said movable means, or endless conveyor belt 1790, for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings, and said movable means, or band, 1790b supporting, or defining, said means for blocking and drawing 14p the same packagings or wrappings, are actuated in rotation by respective motors operating synchronously with each other to make the packagings or wrappings according to the first type 13 advance homogenously towards the area 12i of utilisation of the same packagings or wrappings.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 8C, means 1794 are provided for controlling said switching of the supplying unit 146, and/or said supporting and advancing means 179, from a configuration defining or implementing said first means 14 for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings 13 to a configuration defining or implementing said second means 16 for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings 15, or vice versa.

Said control means are, in particular, as shown, in the form of a corresponding handwheel 1794, in particular actuated according to opposite angular directions, which preferably actuates said transmission shafts 1793 that control the means 1792 for actuating said uprights or support shafts 1791 that respectively rise and drop to respectively raise and lower said conveyor belt 1790.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, means 30, 32 are provided for pressing and/or eliminating the residual air from the interior of the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15, in particular of the respective packaging or wrapping in accordance with said second type of packagings or wrappings 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, said means for pressing and/or eliminating the residual air, from the interior of the respective packaging or wrapping 15, are in the form of corresponding means 30, 32 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15, in particular supported on the corresponding supporting and advancing means 179, preferably said means 30, 32 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 compressing the same packaging, or wrapping 15, especially against the same supporting and advancing means 179.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, said means for engaging the respective packaging or wrapping 15, in particular supported on the corresponding supporting and advancing means 179, are in the form of corresponding rotating, or roller, means 30, 32, whose outer surface engages and rolls on the respective packaging or wrapping 15.

Particularly advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, said means for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 comprise first engagement, or roller means 30 and/or second engagement, or roller means, 32, in particular said first and/or second engagement, or roller means, are defined by a respective individual rotating roller 30 and/or 32.

In particular, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the first, means, or roller, 30 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 extend longitudinally, or extend with the respective axis of rotation directed longitudinally, according to the direction of extension of said supporting and advancing means 179.

As is readily apparent in the figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the first, means, or roller, 30 engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15, in condition of engagement of the respective packaging or wrapping 15, are movable between a respective position at an area upstream of the respective packaging or wrapping to be processed 15 and a respective position at an area downstream of the same packaging or wrapping 15.

In this way, it is possible to obtain an advantageous compression of the entire packaging or wrapping 15.

Preferably, as is readily apparent in the figures from 7 A to 9D, the respective, or the first, means, or roller, 30 engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 are movable between a lowered position, of engagement of the respective packaging or wrapping 15, and a raised position, of disengagement of the same packaging or wrapping 15, in particular to allow it to be advanced by the supporting and advancing means 179.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the first, means, or roller, 30 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 are provided on, or are borne by, the means 186 for drawing the respective film 180’ and/or the respective packaging or wrapping 15.

As show, in this preferred embodiment 200, the means 186 for drawing the film or wrapping 15 are movable transversely to the supporting and advancing means 179 and comprise a movable support 186a, in particular horizontally, above said supporting and advancing means 179, which frame 186a of the drawing means 186 supports a respective actuator, in particular, a pneumatic cylinder 186b, which moves the gripping means, in particular in the form of suction cup means 186v for aspirating the respective film 180' and/or of the respective packaging or wrapping 15, between a lowered position, shown in Figures 9D and 9A, in which are executed, respectively, the gripping, the pulling and the release of the respective film 180’ and/or of the respectively packaging or wrapping 15 on said supporting and advancing means 179, and a raised position, shown in Figures 9B and 9C, of free return motion of the same gripping means 186v to the starting or pick-up position of said Figure 9D.

As is readily apparent from the figures, of the corresponding means, in particular belt means 186d, actuated by a corresponding motor 186c, move, the same means 186 for drawing the respective film 180’ and/or of the respective packaging or wrapping 15, i.e. the respective movable support 186a, along the path of drawing of the film or respective wrapping 15 to the position of release on the same means of support and advance 179 and of return to the starting position and of grip of the film or subsequent wrapping 15 to be pulled.

Once the respective wrapping 15 is positioned on said support and advance means, or belt 179, the corresponding retaining means, in the form of respective means, or holes, 191 for aspirating the respective packaging or wrapping 15 on the respective surface of the same supporting and advancing means, allow to block the same packaging to the same supporting and advancing means or belt 179.

The numerical reference 189, in the figures from 9A to 9D, designates a support plane for the corresponding wrapping or envelope 15, which extends transversely to said supporting and advancing means, or belt 179, projecting laterally therefrom, which supporting plane is co-planar with the bearing surface of the same wrapping 15 of the supporting and advancing means or belt 179 and allows, together with the same bearing surface of the supporting and advancing means or belt 179, the positioning of the corresponding wrapping 16 on an overall contrasting surface for said, in particular first, engagement roller 30.

In practice, in this way, the means, in particular the first means 30 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping 15 compressing, the same packaging, or wrapping 15, against an overall surface defined by the same supporting and advancing means 179 and from a fixed plane 189 transversely projecting therefrom. As is readily apparent from the related figures, the respective, or the first, means, or roller, 30 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 are vertically movable with respect to the same drawing means 186, in particular being supported by said movable support 186a by means of corresponding actuator means, in particular in the form of a first and a second pneumatic cylinder 301 , 301 , that support, in particular at opposite ends, a respective frame 302 rotatably supporting said engaging roller 30.

Preferably, therefore, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the first, means, or roller, 30 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 are provided at the respective means 18 for forming the respective packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the second, means, or roller, 32 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 extend transversely, or extend with the respective axis of rotation directed longitudinally, with respect to the direction of extension of said supporting and advancing means 179.

Advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the second, means, or roller, 32 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 bear by gravity on the respective packaging or wrapping 15, or on the respective packaging or wrapping 15 laid down on said supporting and advancing means 179.

Particularly advantageously, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective, or the second, means, or roller, 32 for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, 15 engage the respective packaging or wrapping 15, when it is movable on said supporting and advancing means 179.

As is readily apparent in particular from Figure 8A, said second means, or roller, 32 are borne by a corresponding element or crosspiece 321 of the support frame, which element or crosspiece 321 rotatably supports the same roller 32.

Said element or crosspiece 321 and/or the corresponding roller 32 remains, at least vertically, in fixed position, with said supporting and advancing means 179 that engage against the same roller 32 in the raised position for conveying the packagings or wrappings in accordance with said second type 15.

In particular, as is readily apparent in particular from said figures from 7A to 9D, the respective engagement, or roller, means, in particular said second engagement, or roller means 32, are provided at, or immediately downstream of, the outlet from the respective means 18 for forming the packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, means are provided that are adapted to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping 15, in particular according to the format of the product to be packaged, or according to the condition of pulling or drawing, or tensioning, of the same packaging or wrapping with respect to, or on, the product to be packaged.

Advantageously, said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping 15 are in the form of means that regulate the transverse dimension, or width, of the same packaging or wrapping 15.

Particularly advantageously, said means that regulate the transverse dimension, or width, of the same packaging or wrapping 15 are provided at said means for forming the packaging or wrapping, in particular at the means for forming the tubular film 180’ from the respective film laid down or flat 180” and/or they are preferably in the form of means that regulate, in particular vary, the width of said tubular film 180’, from which the respective packaging or wrapping 15 is obtained.

Advantageously, said means that regulate the transverse dimension, or width, of the same packaging or wrapping 15 operate on the means 181 that are adapted to shape tubularly said film laid down or flat 180”, in particular they operate on the shaping and tubularly folding means 181 a and/or on said means 181 b of longitudinal sealing, and/or of possibly cutting a longitudinal portion of scrap of the same flat film 180”.

Advantageously, said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping 15 are in the form of means that regulate the longitudinal dimension, or length, of the same packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, said means that regulate the longitudinal dimension, or length, of the same packaging or wrapping 15 are provided at said means for producing the packaging or wrapping 15 from said tubular film 180’.

Advantageously, said means that regulate the longitudinal dimension, or length, of the respective packaging or wrapping 15 regulate the length of the pulling stroke of the respective film 180’ by the respective drawing means 186 and/or the execution of the cut by said means 185 for the transverse cutting of said film 180’ to separate, therefrom, a related packaging or wrapping 15.

Advantageously, said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping 15 are able to regulate the dimension of the respective bellows, in particular the width or breadth of extension, measured in perpendicular direction to the corresponding lateral edge of the tubular film, of the respective bellows.

In particular, said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping 15 can be activated manually or at the command of corresponding control means, in particular at the command of the computerised control means of the apparatus and/or of the plant in which the present apparatus is inserted.

In practice, as is evident, the technical features illustrated above allow, individually or in respective combination, the present invention to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

- it is possible use less space inside the industrial spaces for the production and packaging of these products, thereby overcoming the need to make sizeable economic investments;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that is particularly flexible to use or employ;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that is particularly efficient;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that operates in a particularly quick manner;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that allows savings in the number of components that are used;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that allows to easily carry out restoring interventions in case of problems;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that is easy to repair;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that is easy to use;

- it is possible to have available an apparatus that can be set up in a particularly quick manner.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of evident industrial application. The person skilled in the art will, moreover, be able to imagine numerous variants and/or modifications to be made to the invention illustrated in the specific preferred embodiment, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept, as is amply disclosed above. Moreover, additional preferred embodiments of the invention can be imagined that comprise one or more of the features illustrated above. Moreover, it must be understood that all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1 . Apparatus (10) for packaging a product (1 1 ) in a corresponding package (13, 15) preferably in the form of a wrapping, preferably of plastic film, especially of heat sealable film, and in particular in the form of an envelope, and such packaging or wrapping has a respective open side suitable for the introduction of the product in the same packaging or wrapping; preferably said product (1 1 ) being defined by one or more articles, in particular of paper or tissue material, and especially said articles being defined by rolls, in particular of toilet paper or of kitchen paper, and/or by big rolls, wipes, handkerchiefs, napkins, nappies, sheets, or others, which may already be packaged in a respective package; the apparatus comprising a support frame (12), and means (25) for introducing the products (1 1 ) in the respective packagings or wrappings (13, 15) housing the respective product (1 1 ); characterised in that the apparatus is adapted to use first means, or units, (14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13) housing the product (1 1 ) and/or second means, or units, (16) for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings (15) housing said product (1 1 ).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , characterised in that said first supplying means (14) and/or said second means (16) for supplying respective packagings or wrappings (15) are engageable and disengageable with said frame (12) of the apparatus.

3. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the respective type of packagings or wrappings, and in particular the first type of packagings or wrappings (13), is defined by preformed or preconstituted envelopes, in particular having a respective openable side (13’) for the introduction of the product and preferably having a respective support handle (13”), in particular that is provided on the side opposite the one in which said opening (13’) for introducing the product (11 ) is provided.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterising part of the claim 1 , characterised in that a respective type of packagings or wrappings, in particular said second type of packagings or wrappings (15), is defined by a wrapping, in particular by a respective envelope, and such packaging or wrapping (15) is made of respective film, in particular of plastic film, by corresponding means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15), which are directly provided at the apparatus (10), or that are at, or defined by, said means (16) for supplying the respective type of packagings or wrappings (15).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) are provided at an end (16’) of the same means (16) for supplying the same packaging or wrapping (15), in particular at an end thereof that is opposite to the end (16”) of the same supply means (16), which is adapted, in use, to be at the area (12i), of the apparatus (10), in which the product (1 1 ) is introduced in the respective packaging or wrapping (15).

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 4 and 5, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) extend, in use, i.e. in condition of engagement of the corresponding supply means (16) with the packaging apparatus 10, in parallel with the same packaging apparatus (10).

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 4 to 6, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) extend, in use, i.e. in condition of engagement of the corresponding supply means (16) with the packaging apparatus (10), distanced from the corresponding lateral flank (10s) of the same packaging apparatus (10), and in particular distanced to such an extent as to allow access to assigned personnel.

8. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 4 to 7, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) comprise at least one respective reel (1800, 180) for feeding a film for making the packaging or wrapping (15), in particular said film being preferably in the form of a corresponding laid or flat film, or defined by a single sheet, (180”), or in the form of a corresponding tubular film, in particular preformed, (180’).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) comprise means (181 ) for tubularly shaping said laid or flat film (180”).

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 4 to 9, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping

(15) comprise means (182) for unrolling the film, in particular said means (182) for unrolling the film are able to realise a path of the same film that allows a passage for persons, i.e. that has an air segment (183) that makes accessible to personnel, especially in erect condition, the space that underlies it (184).

1 1 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) comprise respective means (185) for transversely joining, or sealing, said film (180’) to define, downstream of said transverse union or seal, a corresponding extreme portion of film that defines a related packaging or wrapping (15).

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 4 to 1 1 , characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) comprise respective means (185) for transversely cutting said film (180’) to separate, therefrom, a related packaging or wrapping (15), in particular, said means for transversely cutting said film (180’) are provided at the same means (185) for transversely joining, or sealing, the film (180’).

13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 4 to 12, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) are adapted to define a handle (15”) in the respective packaging or wrapping (15”), in particular said handle is obtained by means of a through hole, preferably elongated transversely, which is provided in said film (180’), especially at an area of the same said film (180’) that is interposed between respective transverse seals or junctions.

14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 4 to 13, characterised in that said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping

(15) comprise means (186) for drawing the respective film (180’) and/or the respective packaging or wrapping (15).

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterised in that said means (186) for drawing the respective film (180’) and/or the respective packaging or wrapping (15) are in the form of means that grip the free end of said film 180’ and/or the respective packaging or wrapping (15) and that are able to pull it forward, in particular horizontally, for a segment of predefined length, in particular according to the longitudinal direction or according to the parallel direction to the direction of advance of the packages or products in the packaging apparatus (10).

16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterising part of the claim 1 , characterised in that said means

(16) for supplying respective wrappings or envelopes, in particular said second means (16) for supplying respective envelopes (15), comprise means (19) for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes (15) towards the filling area (12i) in the apparatus (10).

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterised in that said means (19) for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes (15) towards the filling area (12i) in the apparatus (10) are in the form of respective conveyor belt means (190), or in the form of a corresponding endless conveyor belt.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 16 and 17, characterised in that said means (19) for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes (15) towards the filling area (12i) in the apparatus (10) comprise respective means (191 ) retaining of the respective packaging or wrapping (15) on the same supporting and advancing means, in particular which retaining means are in the form of respective means (191 ) for aspirating the respective packaging or wrapping (15) on the respective surface of the same supporting and advancing means, in particular on the outer surface of said conveyor belt (190).

19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 16 to 18, characterised in that said means (19) for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes (15) extend transversely to the packaging apparatus (10) and/or to said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15), in particular between said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15) and the same packaging apparatus (10).

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 14 to 19, characterised in that said means (186) for drawing the respective film (180’) and/or the respective packaging or wrapping (15) position the respective packaging or wrapping (15) entering into, and/or on, said means (19) for supporting and advancing the packaging or wrapping (15) towards the filling area (12i) of the packaging apparatus (10).

21 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first (14) and second (16) means for supplying the respective packagings or wrappings (13, 15) are engageable with the frame (12) at the same side thereof.

22. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 1 to 20, characterised in that said first (14) and second (16) means for supplying the respective types of packagings or wrappings (13, 15), in particular the respective supporting and advancing means (141 19) thereof, are engaged, especially simultaneously, with the packaging apparatus (10), in particular with the frame (12) thereof, at opposite sides thereof, in particular extending transversely aligned to each other.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterised in that said first (14) and second (16) means for supplying the respective types of packagings or wrappings (13, 15) have respective activation means that can be selectively activated alternatively to each other to feed corresponding types of packagings or wrappings (13, 15) to the packaging apparatus.

24. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that means (22) are provided for feeding products to be packaged (1 1 ), in particular according to a respective longitudinal direction of the apparatus, preferably according to a direction parallel to the direction of extension, in use, of said means (18) for forming said wrappings or envelopes (15).

25. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that means (24) are provided that are able to define a respective group of products to be packaged in a respective packaging or wrapping (13, 15), the respective group of products comprising one or more products, preferably arranged according to respective longitudinal and/or transverse rows of products, possibly arranged according to respective vertically superposed layers.

26. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that means (25) are provided that are able to push the product inside the respective packaging or wrapping (13, 15), and in particular comprising a corresponding pusher movable longitudinally between a backward position of rear engagement of the product and a forward position of pushing and inserting the same product (1 1 ) in the respective packaging or wrapping (13, 15), and especially of advancement of the entire package at the closing means thereof.

27. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that means (24) are provided that are able to close the respective packaging or wrapping (13, 15) with the product (1 1 ) contained inside it, in particular in the form of corresponding means for joining, or sealing, in particular transversely, the respective open end of the corresponding packaging or wrapping (13, 15).

28. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that an area (12i) is provided for introducing the product (1 1 ) in the packaging or wrapping (13, 15).

29. Apparatus according to claim 28, characterised in that said area (12i) for introducing the product in the respective packaging or wrapping, or envelope, is defined by the terminal end of the respective means (14, 16) for supplying the respective packagings or wrappings, in particular their respective supporting and advancing means (141 , 19).

30. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said second supply means (16) comprise a support frame (16i), in particular for said means (19) for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or envelopes (15) towards the filling area (12i) in the apparatus (10) and/or for said means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15).

31 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first supply means (14) comprise a support frame (14i), in particular for means (17) for supporting and advancing the same wrappings or preconstituted envelopes (13) towards the filling area (12i) in the apparatus (10), which supporting and advancing means (17) are in the form of respective conveyor belt means (170), or in the form of a corresponding endless conveyor belt, in particular having means, preferably pin-like, for blocking or stopping the preconstituted envelopes (13).

32. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said means (181 ) for tubularly shaping said laid or flat film (180”) comprise forming and tubularly folding means (181 a) and means (181 b) for longitudinally sealing, and possibly cutting a longitudinal scrap portion of the same flat film; in particular said means (181 ) for tubularly shaping said laid of flat film (180”) comprise means for recovering the scrap in the form of a corresponding collecting reel (181 c), preferably said means for recovering the scrap being positioned above said means (181 b) for longitudinally sealing and cutting the same scrap.

33. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first means (14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13) for housing the product (1 1 ), in particular in the form of preconstituted envelopes, and the second means (16) for supplying a second type of packagings or wrappings (15) for housing said product (1 1 ), in particular in the form of wrappings or envelopes produced or formed directly in the same apparatus, are defined or implemented by a common supply unit (146).

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterised in that said supply unit (146), defining or implementing said first means (14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13) for housing the product (1 1 ) and said second means (16) for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings (15) of housing said product (1 1 ), comprises a respective and common supporting frame (146i).

35. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 33 and 33, characterised in that said supply unit (146), defining said first means (14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13) for housing the product (1 1 ) and said second means (16) for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings (15) for housing said product (1 1 ), comprises common means (179) for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings (13, 15) according to said first type and according to said second type, especially in the form of a corresponding single endless conveyor belt (1790).

36. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 33 to 35, characterised in that means are provided for switching the configuration of the common supply unit (146) from a configuration defining or implementing said first means (14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13), for housing the product, to a configuration defining or implementing said second means (16) for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings (15), for housing said product (1 1 ), or vice versa.

37. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterised in that said means for switching the configuration of the supply unit (146) are adapted to switch the configuration of the means (179) for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings (13, 15) from a configuration supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings according to the first type (13) to a configuration supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings according to the second type (15), or vice versa.

38. Apparatus according to claim 37, characterised in that said switching means of said supporting and advancing means (179) are in the form of means that are adapted to move the same supporting and advancing means (179) between a first position supporting and advancing said first type of packagings or wrappings (13) and a second position supporting and advancing said second type of packagings or wrappings (15).

39. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 37 and 38, characterised in that said switching means of said supporting and advancing means (179) are in the form of means that are adapted to move the same supporting and advancing means (179), in particular the respective endless conveyor belt (1790) supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings, between a lowered position supporting and advancing said first type of packagings or wrappings (13) for housing the product (1 1 ) and a raised position supporting and advancing said second type of packagings or wrappings (15).

40. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 33 to 39, characterised in that said supporting and advancing means (179) comprise, in particular for supporting and advancing the packagings or wrappings in accordance with the first type (13), first movable means (1790) for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings (13), in particular in the form a respective endless conveyor belt (1790), and second movable means (1790b), supporting, or defining, means, in particular shaped as pins, (14p) for blocking, or retaining, and drawing said packagings or wrappings (13) according to the first type, and in particular said movable blocking and drawing means (1790b) comprise a corresponding endless belt (1790b) that supports said blocking and drawing means (14p), i.e. from which extend, in particular perpendicularly, preferably vertically in the positive segment of advance of the same packagings or wrappings (13), said blocking and drawing pins (14p).

41 . Apparatus according to claim 40, characterised in that said first movable means (1790) for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings (13), in particular in the form of a respective endless conveyor belt (1790), and said second movable means (1790b) supporting, or defining, means, in particular shaped as pins, (14p) for blocking, or retaining, and drawing said packagings or wrappings (13), and in particular in the form of a corresponding endless belt (1790b) supporting said blocking and drawing means, or pins (14p), at least in the positive segment of advance of the same packagings or wrappings (13), extend mutually parallel, and preferably adjacent, and are movable in unison to convey together the respective packagings or wrappings according to the first type (13) towards the area (12i) of the apparatus for filling the same packagings or wrappings (13).

42. Apparatus according to claim 41 , characterised in that said first movable means (1790) for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings (13), in particular in the form of a respective endless conveyor belt (1790), and said second movable means (1790b) supporting, or defining, means, in particular shaped as pins, (14p) for blocking, or retaining, and drawing said packagings or wrappings (13), and in particular in the form of a corresponding endless belt (1790b) supporting said blocking and drawing means, or pins (14p), are movable, in particular vertically, with respect to each other between a respective position, in particular lowered and a respective position, in particular raised, to allow the switching of said means (179) for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to the first type (13) into means for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to said second type (15).

43. Apparatus according to claim 42, characterised in that said first movable means (1790) for supporting and advancing said packagings or wrappings, i.e. said endless conveyor belt (1790), in the position defining corresponding means for supporting and advancing packagings or wrappings according to said second type (15), is positioned, in particular is raised, so as to conceal, or so as to exceed in height said blocking and drawing means, or pins (14p).

44. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 36 to 43, characterised in that means (1794) are provided for controlling said switching of the supplying unit (146), and/or said supporting and advancing means (179), from a configuration defining or implementing said first means

(14) for supplying a first type of packagings or wrappings (13) to a configuration defining or implementing said second means (16) for feeding a second type of packagings or wrappings (15), or vice versa.

45. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterising part of claim 1 , characterised in that means (30, 32) are provided for pressing and/or eliminating the residual air from the interior of the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15), in particular of the respective packaging or wrapping in accordance with said second type of packagings or wrappings 15.

46. Apparatus according to claim 45, characterised in that said means for pressing and/or eliminating the residual air, from the interior of the respective packaging or wrapping (15), are in the form of corresponding means (30, 32) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15), in particular supported on the corresponding supporting and advancing means (179), preferably said means (30, 32) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) compressing the same packaging, or wrapping

(15), especially against the same supporting and advancing means (179).

47. Apparatus according to claim 46, characterised in that said means for engaging the respective packaging or wrapping (15), in particular supported on the corresponding supporting and advancing means (179), are in the form of corresponding rotating, or roller, means (30, 32), whose outer surface engages and rolls on the respective packaging or wrapping (15).

48. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 46 and 47, characterised in that said means for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) comprise first engagement, or roller means (30) and/or second engagement, or roller means, (32), in particular said first and/or second engagement, or roller means, are defined by a respective individual rotating roller (30 and/or 32).

49. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 48, characterised in that the respective, or the first, means, or roller, (30) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) extend longitudinally, or extend with the respective axis of rotation directed longitudinally, according to the direction of extension of said supporting and advancing means (179).

50. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 49, characterised in that the respective, or the first, means, or roller, (30) engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15), in condition of engagement of the respective packaging or wrapping (15), are movable between a respective position at an area upstream of the respective packaging or wrapping to be processed (15) and a respective position at an area downstream of the same packaging or wrapping (15).

51 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 50, characterised in that the respective, or the first, means, or roller, (30) engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) are movable between a lowered position, of engagement of the respective packaging or wrapping (15), and a raised position, of disengagement of the same packaging or wrapping (15), in particular to allow it to be advanced by the supporting and advancing means (179).

52. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 51 , characterised in that the respective, or the first, means, or roller, (30) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) are provided on, or are borne by, the means (186) for drawing the respective film (180’) and/or the respective packaging or wrapping (15).

53. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 52, characterised in that the respective, or the first, means, or roller, (30) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) are provided at the respective means (18) for forming the respective packaging or wrapping (15).

54. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 53, characterised in that the respective, or the second, means, or roller, (32) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) extend transversely, i.e. extend with the respective axis of rotation directed transversely, with respect to the direction of extension of said supporting and advancing means (179).

55. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 54, characterised in that the respective, or the second, means, or roller, (32) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) bear by gravity on the respective packaging or wrapping (15), or on the respective packaging or wrapping (15) laid down on said supporting and advancing means (179).

56. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 55, characterised in that the respective, or the second, means, or roller, (32) for engaging the respective packaging, or wrapping, (15) engage the respective packaging or wrapping (15) while it is movable on said supporting and advancing means (179).

57. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 46 to 56, characterised in that the respective engagement, or roller, means, in particular said second engagement, or roller means (32), are provided at, or immediately downstream of, the outlet from the respective means (18) for forming the packaging or wrapping (15).

58. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterising part of claim 1 , characterised in that means are provided that are adapted to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping (15), in particular according to the format of the product to be packaged, or according to the condition of pulling or drawing of the same packaging or wrapping with respect to, or on, the product to be packaged.

59. Apparatus according to claim 58, characterised in that said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping (15) are in the form of means that regulate the transverse dimension, or width, of the same packaging or wrapping (15).

60. Apparatus according to claim 59, characterised in that said means that regulate the transverse dimension, or width, of the same packaging or wrapping (15) are provided at said means for forming the packaging or wrapping, in particular at the means for forming the tubular film (180’) from the respective film laid down or flat (180”) and/or they are preferably in the form of means that regulate, in particular vary, the width of said tubular film (180’), from which the respective packaging or wrapping (15) is obtained.

61 . Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 59 and 60, characterised in that said means that regulate the transverse dimension, or width, of the same packaging or wrapping (15) operate on the means (181 ) that are adapted to shape tubularly said film laid down or flat (180”), in particular they operate on the shaping and tubularly folding means (181 a) and/or on said means (181 b) of longitudinal sealing, and/or of possibly cutting a longitudinal portion of scrap of the same flat film (180”).

62. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 58 to 61 , characterised in that said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping (15) are in the form of means that regulate the longitudinal dimension, or length, of the same packaging or wrapping (15).

63. Apparatus according claim 62, characterised in that said means that regulate the longitudinal dimension, or length, of the same packaging or wrapping (15) are provided at said means for producing the packaging or wrapping (15) from said tubular film (180’).

64. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 62 and 63, characterised in that said means that regulate the longitudinal dimension, or length, of the respective packaging or wrapping (15) regulate the length of the pulling stroke of the respective film (180’) by the respective drawing means (186) and/or the execution of the cut by said means (185) for the transverse cutting of said film (180’) to separate, therefrom, a related packaging or wrapping (15).

65. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 58 to 64, characterised in that said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping (15) are able to regulate the dimension of the respective bellows, in particular the width or breadth of extension, measured in perpendicular direction to the corresponding lateral edge of the tubular film, of the respective bellows.

66. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims from 58 to 65, characterised in that said means that are able to regulate at least one dimension of the respective packaging or wrapping (15) can be activated manually or at the command of corresponding control means, in particular at the command of the computerised control means of the apparatus and/or of the plant in which the present apparatus is inserted.

67. Unit, or means (16, 146), for feeding respective packagings or wrappings, in particular a second type of packagings or wrappings (15) characterised in that it is realised according to any of the corresponding preceding claims.

68. Unit, or means (18), for forming the packaging or wrapping (15), characterised in that it is realised according to any of the corresponding preceding claims.

69. Apparatus (10), unit (16, 146) for feeding respective packagings or wrappings or unit (18) for forming the respective packagings or wrappings (15), each respectively characterised in that it is according to any of the corresponding preceding claims and/or as described in the description and, in particular, illustrated with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.