ITBO20120267A1 - APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING A TILE OR A STACK OF TILES BY MEANS OF A PAIR OF DIE CARTONS - Google Patents

Description

APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING A TILE OR A STACK OF TILES BY MEANS OF A PAIR OF DIE-CUT CARDBOARDS

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is part of the technical sector relating to the packaging of stacks of large format tiles; in particular, the invention refers to an apparatus for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles by means of a pair of punched cardboard boxes.

A â € œperimetricâ € packaging of a stack of tiles is known, which consists in applying a folded punched cardboard to the sides of the latter. The punched cardboard comprises a strip formed by four bands arranged one after the other and articulated between them, each of which has four sides and is sized to cover a corresponding side of the stack of tiles; the strip therefore surrounds the stack of tiles and the ends of this strip are then sealed together by glue: therefore, two opposite sides of each band are connected to the corresponding sides of adjacent bands. On the remaining opposite sides of each band are articulated two flaps which are then folded against the upper and lower side of the stack of tiles; the layers that contact the same facade of the stack of tiles and which overlap each other near the corners of the stack of tiles are glued together, completing the packaging of the stack of tiles.

The package thus obtained protects the stack of tiles and minimizes the amount of cardboard material used.

However, this type of perimeter packaging is not suitable for tile formats greater than 600 x 600 mm as the cardboard should have dimensions (the length would be greater than 2500mm) such as to make it difficult to manipulate during the packaging phases of the stack of tiles. ; furthermore, it would be necessary to use magazines of disproportionate dimensions compared to the rest of the packaging machine, which are very rare.

In the case of large formats, the `` tray '' packaging is used, which involves the use of a punched cardboard with a main face dimensioned to cover one side of the stack of tiles and four articulated flaps on the respective sides of the main face for cover the sides of the stack of tiles; only one side of the stack of tiles would remain uncovered.

Tray packaging is therefore suitable for large formats over 600 x 600 mm but has the drawback of requiring a greater quantity of packaging material than perimeter packaging.

The object of the present invention consists in solving the aforementioned drawbacks.

The aforesaid object has been achieved by means of an apparatus for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles by means of a pair of punched cardboard boxes, in accordance with claim 1.

The apparatus uses a pair of die-cut cartons, each of which can have a length significantly shorter than the length of the cartons used in the known art in perimeter packaging, preferably a length that is slightly greater than half the length of conventional cartons; a first punched cardboard is applied laterally to a tile or stack of tiles, forming a first half-pack which affects only a portion of the perimeter of the tile or stack of tiles; a second punched cardboard is subsequently applied laterally to the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles to form a second half-pack which counterfeits the first half-pack and completes the packaging of the tile or stack of tiles.

The first half-pack and the second half-pack can thus partially overlap each other if each punched carton has an overall length given by the sum of the length of the first side (or of the fourth side, in the case of the second half-pack) of the tile or stack of tiles, just over half the length of the second side of the tile or stack of tiles and just over half the length of the third side of the tile or stack of tiles. In this way, the entire perimeter of the tile or stack of tiles would be affected by the first punched cardboard or by the second punched cardboard.

These half-packs can be secured to each other and to the tile or stack of tiles preferably by gluing; alternatively it will be possible to use plastic straps also in combination with gluing.

Advantageously, the unit according to the invention makes it possible to pack perimeter even large-format tiles or piles of tiles, for example 600x1200 mm, 900x900 mm, 600x600 mm, and even 1200x1200 mm, allowing a considerable saving of cardboard compared to to traditional tray packaging.

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described in the rest of the present treatment, in accordance with what is reported in the claims and with the aid of the attached drawing tables, in which:

Figures 1, 2 show respectively in perspective and side views a first operating step of an apparatus, object of the present invention, for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles by means of a pair of punched cardboard boxes;

- figures 3, 4 show respectively in perspective and side view a second operating step of the apparatus of figures 1, 2;

- figures 5, 6 show respectively in perspective and side view a third operating phase of the apparatus of figures 1, 2;

- figures 7, 8 show respectively in perspective and side view a fourth operating phase of the apparatus of figures 1, 2;

- figures 7A, 7B illustrate perspective views of enlargements of two distinct parts of the apparatus illustrated in figure 7;

- figure 9 is a front view of the apparatus in question according to the arrow K indicated in figure 2, in which no stack of tiles has been represented;

- Figures 10 and 11 show a perspective view of a stack of tiles, two punched cartons and a stack of tiles packaged by means of the two punched cartons.

With reference to the attached drawing tables, the generic reference (1) indicates the apparatus for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles using a pair of punched cardboard boxes.

The apparatus (1) can manipulate a tile or a stack of tiles (2); the tile or stack of tiles (2) has a first side (3), a second side (4) opposite the first side (3), a first side (5), a second side (6) adjacent to the first side (5 ), a third flank (7) adjacent to the first flank (5) and opposite the second flank (6) and a fourth flank (8) opposite the first flank (5) and adjacent to the second flank (6) and the third flank ( 7).

The pair of punched cardboard boxes comprises a first punched cardboard (9) and a second punched cardboard (10), each of which comprising: a central band (11); a first lateral band (12) which is articulated to the central band (11) in correspondence with a first side of the central band (11); a second lateral band (13) which is articulated to the central band (11) in correspondence with a second side of the central band (11) which is opposed to the relative first side; a first pitch (14) which is articulated to the central band (11) in correspondence with a third side of the central band (11) which is adjacent to the relative first side and second side; a second pitch (15) which is articulated to the central band (11) in correspondence with a fourth side of the central band (11) which is opposed to the relative third side and is adjacent to the relative first side and second side; a third flap (16) which is articulated to the first lateral band (12) in correspondence with a first side of the first lateral band (12) which is adjacent to the side of the first lateral band (12) which is articulated to the first side of the central band (11); a fourth flap (17) which is articulated to the first lateral band (12) in correspondence with a second side of the first lateral band (12) which is adjacent to the side of the first lateral band (12) which is articulated to the first side of the central band (11); a fifth flap (18) which is articulated to the second lateral band (13) in correspondence with a first side of the second lateral band (13) which is adjacent to the side of the second lateral band (13) which is articulated to the second side of the central band (11); a sixth flap (19) which is articulated to the second lateral band (13) in correspondence with a second side of the second lateral band (13) which is adjacent to the side of the second lateral band (13) which is articulated to the second side of the central band (11).

The apparatus (1) comprises first folding means (36) to apply the first punched cardboard (9) to the tile or stack of tiles (2), thus creating a first half-pack (91), so that: the central band (11) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers the first side (5) of the tile or stack of tiles (2); the first side band (12) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a first part (21) of the second side (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the second side band (13) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a first part (22) of the third side (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a first peripheral strip (31) (figure 11) of the first side (3) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5) ; the second flap (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a second peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second side (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the third layer (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a third peripheral strip (23) (figure 11) of the first side (3), which third peripheral strip (23) borders with the first part (21) of the second side (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the third flap (16) partially overlapping the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a first overlapping zone (71); the fourth flap (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a fourth peripheral strip of the second side (4), which fourth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) borders with the first part (21) of the second side (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fourth layer (17) partially overlapping the second layer (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a second overlapping area (not visible in the figures); the fifth layer (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a fifth peripheral strip (25) of the first side (3), which fifth peripheral strip (25) (figure 11) borders with the first part (22) of the third side (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fifth layer (18) partially overlapping the first layer (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a third overlapping zone (73); the sixth flap (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a sixth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second side (4), which sixth peripheral strip borders with the first part (22) of the third side (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the sixth layer (19) partially overlapping the second layer (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a fourth overlapping area (not visible in the figures).

The apparatus (1) also comprises: a revolving platform (26) arranged downstream of the first folding means (36), which revolving platform (26) is preferably a fifth wheel (figure 9); a first structure (40) which is mounted on the revolving platform (26) and which comprises a first seat (51) for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which first structure (40) can rotate between a first angular position (A), in which it is possible to transfer in the first seat (51) the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36), and a second angular position in which it is possible to eject from the first seat (51) the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2); first thrust means (63, 64) acting along the first structure (40) to eject the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position ; second folding means (37) arranged downstream of the first structure (40) to apply the second punched cardboard (10) to the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), thus creating a second semi-pack (92) which together to the first half-pack (91) it forms a pack, so that: the central band (11) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers the fourth side (8) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2); the first side band (12) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a second part (20) of the third side (7) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the second side band (13) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a second part (28) of the second side (6) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a seventh peripheral strip (27) of the first side (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the second flap (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers an eighth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side ( 8); the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a ninth peripheral strip (29) of the first side (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which ninth peripheral strip (29) borders on the second part (20) of the third side (7) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the first layer (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with a fifth overlap area (75); the fourth flap (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a tenth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which 10th peripheral strip borders on the third side (7) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with a sixth overlapping zone (not visible in the figures); the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers an eleventh peripheral strip (30) of the first side (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which eleventh peripheral strip (30) adjoins the second part (28) of the second side (6) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10 ) in correspondence with a seventh overlapping area (77); the sixth flap (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a twelfth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which twelfth peripheral strip borders on the second side (6) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with an eighth overlapping area (not visible in the figures).

The turntable (26) is mounted on the frame of the apparatus (1).

Preferably, the apparatus (1) comprises first adhesive injection means (24) (not shown) for injecting adhesive (24) on selected portions (Figures 1, 10) of the third layer (16), of the fourth layer (17 ), of the fifth pad (18) and of the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) so that: the third pad (16) of the first punched carton (9) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the first overlap area (71); the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the second overlap zone; the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the third overlap zone (73); the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the fourth overlapping zone. As regards the first punched cardboard (9), the glue (24) is preferably applied: to the extremity of the third layer (16) which is closest to the first layer (14); at the end of the fourth pitch (17) which is closest to the second pitch (15); at the extremity of the fifth pitch (18) which is closest to the first pitch (14); and at the extremity of the sixth pitch (19) which is closest to the second pitch (15).

Preferably, the apparatus (1) comprises second glue injection means (24) (not shown) for injecting glue (24) on selected first portions (32) of the third layer (16), of the fourth layer (17), of the fifth pad (18) and of the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) so that: the third pad (16) of the second punched carton (10) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the second punched carton (10) in correspondence with the fifth overlap area (75); the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the sixth overlapping zone; the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the seventh overlap zone (77); the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the eighth overlap zone. As regards the second punched cardboard (10), the glue (24) is preferably applied: to the two ends of the third layer (16), to the two ends of the fourth layer (17), to the two ends of the fifth layer (18) and at the two ends of the sixth pitch (19). See figures 1, 10.

Preferably, the first punched cardboard (9) and the second punched cardboard (10) are sized so that once they have been applied to the tile or stack of tiles (2) to make a package then: the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a ninth overlap area (79); the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a tenth overlapping zone (not visible in the figures); the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with an eleventh overlapping zone (81); the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a twelfth overlapping zone (not visible in the figures); in addition, the second adhesive injection means (24) preferably inject adhesive (24) also on selected second portions (33) of the third layer (16), of the fourth layer (17), of the fifth layer (18) and of the sixth layer pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) so that: the third pad (16) of the second punched carton (10) can subsequently glue to the fifth pad (18) of the first punched carton (9) in correspondence with the ninth area of overlap (79); the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the tenth overlapping zone; the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the eleventh overlapping zone (81); the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the twelfth overlapping zone.

Preferably, the first seat (51) comprises: at least a first support surface for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) in support, so as to contact at least the second overlapping area of the first punched cardboard (9) and the fourth overlapping zone of the first punched cardboard (9); a first sheet (34) arranged above the first support surface to press elastically against the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) and thus stabilize the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard ( 9) to the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in the first overlap area (71) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51); a second foil (35) arranged above the first support surface to press elastically against the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) and thus stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard ( 9) to the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in the third overlap zone (73) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51).

The weight of the tile or stack of tiles (2) is discharged onto the first supporting surface through also the second overlapping area and the fourth overlapping area of the first punched cardboard (9); in this way the gluing of the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the second pad (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) and of the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the second pad (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) has time to stabilize during the subsequent operational steps of packaging the tile or stack of tiles (2). For this purpose, it is sufficient to keep the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) resting on the first support surface for a pre-established minimum time.

Preferably, the apparatus (1) comprises: a first pressure member (41) constrained to the first structure (40) to press against the first sheet (34) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), the first pressure member (41) pressing on a first portion of the first foil (34) so that the same first foil (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the first overlap zone (71); and a second pressure member (42) constrained to the first structure (40) to press against the second sheet (35) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), the second pressure member (42) pressing on a first portion of the second foil (35) so that the same second foil (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the third overlap zone (73).

Preferably, the apparatus (1) comprises a second structure (50) arranged downstream of the second folding means (37), which second structure (50) comprises a second seat (52) which in turn comprises: at least one second supporting surface for receiving a packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) in support, so as to contact at least the sixth overlapping area of the second punched cardboard (10) and the eighth overlapping zone of the second punched cardboard (10); a third foil (38) arranged above the second support surface to press elastically against the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) and thus stabilize the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard ( 10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in the fifth overlap area (75) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52); a fourth foil (39) arranged above the second support surface to press elastically against the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) and thus stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard ( 10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in the seventh overlapping area (77) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52).

The weight of the tile or stack of tiles (2) is discharged onto the second supporting surface through also the sixth overlapping area and the eighth overlapping area of the second punched cardboard (10); in this way the gluing of the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) and of the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) has time to stabilize during the subsequent operational steps of packaging the tile or stack of tiles (2). For this purpose, it is sufficient to keep the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) resting on the second support surface for a pre-established minimum time.

Preferably, the apparatus (1) comprises a third pressure member (43) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the third sheet (38) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat ( 52), the third pressure member (43) pressing on a first portion of the third lamina (38) so that the same third lamina (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first layer (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the fifth overlap area (75); and a fourth pressure member (44) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the fourth sheet (39) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), the fourth pressure member (44 ) pressing on a first portion of the fourth sheet (39) so that the same fourth sheet (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the seventh overlapping area (77).

Preferably the apparatus (1) comprises a fifth pressure member (45) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the third plate (38) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52 ), the fifth pressure member (45) pressing on a second portion of the third lamina (38) so that the same third lamina (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to stabilize further gluing of the third pad (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the ninth overlap area (79); and a sixth pressure member (46) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the fourth plate (39) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), the sixth pressure member (46 ) pressing on a second portion of the fourth sheet (39) so that the same fourth sheet (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the eleventh overlap area (81).

Preferably the first structure (40): has a longitudinal development identifying a first end (54) and a second end (55) opposite the first end (54); it has the first seat (51) which is arranged at the first end (54); it comprises a third seat (53) for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which third seat (53) is arranged at the second end (55); It is configured in such a way: that when it is in the first corner position (A) then it is possible to eject from the third seat (53) a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2); and that when it is in the second angular position it is possible to transfer a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36) into the third seat (53). Furthermore, the first thrust means (63, 64) can preferably act along the structure to eject the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51) and to expel the semi-finished tile or stack of tiles (2) -packaged by the third location (53).

Preferably the first structure (40) comprises: a first structural member (61) which is provided with a first longitudinal support base (56); a second structural member (62) which is provided with a second longitudinal support base (57); the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57) identifying the first support surface; the first structural member (61) and the second structural member (62) being spaced apart so that the first longitudinal support base (56) contacts the second overlap zone and the second longitudinal support base (57) contacts the fourth overlap zone when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51).

Preferably, the first seat (51) and the third seat (53) are identified by the first longitudinal support base (56), the second longitudinal support base (57), the first plate (34) and the second plate (35) ; consequently, the first longitudinal support base (56) contacts the sixth overlap area and the second longitudinal support base (57) contacts the eighth overlap area when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third office (53).

Preferably the first structural member (61) is provided with a first rectilinear guide (58) (figure 9) which develops parallel to the first longitudinal support base (56); the second structural member (62) is provided with a second rectilinear guide (159) (figure 9) which develops parallel to the second longitudinal support base (57); the first thrust means (63, 64) comprise a first carriage (63) for sliding on the first rectilinear guide (58) and a second carriage (64) for sliding on the second rectilinear guide (159), the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) being operated synchronously with each other and both being provided with: a first abutment head (65) for locating a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) arranged in the first seat (51); and of a second stop head (65), which is opposed to the first stop head (65), to abut a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) arranged in the third seat (53); the first trolley (63) and the second trolley (64) being interposed between the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57).

Preferably the apparatus (1) comprises a seventh pressure member (47) bound to the first structure (40) to press against the first sheet (34) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53), the seventh pressure member (47) pressing on a second portion of the first lamina (34) so that the same first lamina (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of a first punched cardboard (9) at the in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the first overlap zone (71); and an eighth pressure member (48) bound to the first structure (40) to press against the second sheet (35) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53), the eighth pressure member (48) pressing on a second portion of the second lamina (35) so that the same second lamina (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the third overlap zone (73).

Preferably the second structure (50) comprises: a third structural member (89) which is provided with a third longitudinal support base (90); a fourth structural member (93) which is provided with a fourth longitudinal support base (94); the third longitudinal support base (90) and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) identifying the second support surface; the third structural member (89) and the fourth structural member (93) being spaced apart so that the third longitudinal support base (90) contacts the sixth overlapping zone and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) contacts the eighth overlapping zone when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52); the second seat (52) being identified by the third longitudinal support base (90), by the fourth longitudinal support base (94), by the third plate (38) and by the fourth plate (39).

The apparatus (1) can comprise first positioning means (not illustrated) which take a first punched cardboard (9) from a first magazine (also not illustrated) and position the first punched cardboard (9) in a position such that the first punched cardboard (9) is in front of the first seat (51) when the first structure (40) is in the first angular position (A) (figure 1) and in front of the third seat (53) when the first structure ( 40) is in the second angular position; the first punched cardboard (9) released from the first magazine is flattened and is arranged vertically oriented so that the relative central band (11) is centered with respect to the first seat (51). The first adhesive injection means (24) act on the first punched cardboard (9) before it is inserted into the first seat (51) of the first structure (40): note in fact the glue (24) applied to the first punched cardboard ( 9) in figure 1. In particular, the first punched cardboard (9) is arranged transversely with respect to the direction of advancement (D) of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The apparatus (1) can comprise second thrust means (not shown) to move the tile or stack of tiles (2) into the first seat (51) of the first structure (40) when the latter is in the first position angular (A) or in the third seat (53) of the first structure (40) when the latter is in the second angular position. The second thrust means move the tile or stack of tiles (2) in one direction and direction of advance (D), see Figure 1.

The first structure (40) can comprise a first frame (49) fixed to the turntable (26).

The first structural member (61) and the second structural member (62) can respectively be a first longitudinal support and a second longitudinal support fixed to the first frame (49), arranged at the same height between them.

The first structure (40) can further comprise: a third longitudinal support (67) fixed to the first frame (49), which third longitudinal support (67) carries the first lamina (34), the first pressure member (41) and the seventh pressure member (47); a fourth longitudinal support (68) fixed to the first frame (49), which fourth longitudinal support (68) carries the second lamina (35), the second pressure member (42) and the eighth pressure member (48), the third longitudinal support (67) and fourth longitudinal support (68) being arranged at the same height which is greater than the height at which the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support are arranged; this height can be adjusted according to the height of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The first folding means (36) can comprise a first roller (70) and a second roller (72) oriented vertically and rotatably fixed to the frame of the apparatus (1); the first roller (70) and the second roller (72) are positioned upstream of the first structure (40) with respect to the direction of advancement (D) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) so that the first roller (70) meets the first side band (12), the third pad (16) and the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) causing the folding of the first side band (12) against the first part (21) of the second side (6 ) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) and that the second roller (72) strikes the second side band (13), the fifth layer (18) and the sixth layer (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) causing the folding of the second side band (13) against the first part (22) of the third side (7).

The first folding means (36) may further comprise: a first plurality of rollers (74) which are rotatably carried by a first roller support (69) fixed to the first frame (49) of the first structure (40) (Figure 7A), which first plurality of rollers (74) comprises rollers arranged in a row oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (D); a second plurality of rollers (76) which are rotatably carried by another first roller support (69) fixed to the first frame (49) of the first structure (40), which second plurality of rollers (76) comprises rollers arranged according to a row oriented parallel to the feed direction (D); a third plurality of rollers (78) which are rotatably carried by a second roller support (86) connected to the end of the third longitudinal support (67) which is located in correspondence with the first seat (51), which third plurality of rollers ( 78) comprises rollers arranged in a row oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (D); a fourth plurality of rollers (80) which are rotatably carried by another second roller support (86) connected to the end of the fourth longitudinal support (68) which is located in correspondence with the first seat (51), which fourth plurality of rollers (80) comprises rollers arranged in a row oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (D).

The first plurality of rollers (74) and the second plurality of rollers (76) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which is parallel to the direction of advancement (D). The first plurality of rollers (74) and the second plurality of rollers (76) are aligned to act simultaneously on the second flap (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) and perform the function of folding the second flap (15) against the second facade (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which is parallel to the direction of advancement (D). The third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are aligned to act simultaneously on the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) and perform the function of folding the first flap (14) against the first facade (3) of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The first folding means (36) may further comprise: a first helical element (82) fixed to the end of the first longitudinal support which is located in correspondence with the first seat (51), which first helical element (82) is shaped to progressively fold the fourth flap (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) against the second side (4) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seat (51) by the second means of thrust; a second helix element (83) fixed to the end of the second longitudinal support which is located in correspondence with the first seat (51), which second helix element (83) is shaped to progressively bend the sixth pitch (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) against the second side (4) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seat (51); a third helical element (84) fixed to the end of the third longitudinal support (67) which is located in correspondence with the first seat (51), which third helical element (84) is shaped to progressively bend the third flap (16 ) of the first punched cardboard (9) against the first face (3) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seat (51); a fourth helical element (85) fixed to the end of the fourth longitudinal support (68) which is located in correspondence with the first seat (51), which fourth helical element (85) is shaped to progressively bend the fifth flap (18 ) of the first punched cardboard (9) against the first side (3) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seat (51).

The first plurality of rollers (74), the second plurality of rollers (76), the third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are arranged with respect to the first helical element (82), to the second element helix (83), the third helix element (84) and the fourth helix element (85) so that the first flap (14) and the second flap (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) are folded respectively against the first side (3) and the second side (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) before the third layer (16) and the fifth layer (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) are folded against the first side (3) and before the fourth flap (17) and the sixth flap (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) are folded against the second side (4).

The tile or stack of tiles (2) advances in the direction of advancement (D) and impacts against the first punched cardboard (9), which is dragged together with the tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the first seat (51); during this dragging the first side band (12), the second side band (13), the first layer (14), the second layer (15), the third layer (16), the fourth layer (17), the fifth layer (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) meet the first folding means (36) and are folded as specified above to form a first half-pack (91) which wraps a part of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The first plurality of rollers (74), the second plurality of rollers (76), the third plurality of rollers (78), the fourth plurality of rollers (80), the first helix element (82), the second helix element (83), the third helix element (84) and the fourth helix element (85) form a subset of the first folding means (36) and are arranged at the first end (54) of the first structure (40), where The first site is planned (51); this subset is preferably replicated, for example in an identical way, also at the second end (55) of the first structure (40), where the third seat (53) is provided. Therefore, the same considerations as above apply and the same reference numbers have been used.

Preferably, the first lamina (34) is aligned with and faces the first longitudinal support base (56), while the second lamina (35) is aligned with and faces the second longitudinal support base (57); the first lamina (34), the second lamina (35), the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57) are horizontal and their mutual position is such that: the first support base (56) contacts the fourth flap (17) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the second overlapping zone, when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51) or in the third seat ( 53); the second support base (57) contacts the sixth flap (19) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the fourth overlapping area, when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51) or in the third location (53); the first sheet (34) contacts the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the first overlap area (71), when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51 ) or in the second location (52); the second sheet (35) contacts the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the third overlapping zone (73), when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51 ) or in the second location (52).

The first lamina (34) and the second lamina (35) preferably extend along the entire length of the third longitudinal support (67) and the fourth longitudinal support (68) respectively; the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57) preferably extend for the entire length of the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support respectively. Preferably, the first lamina (34) and the second lamina (35) have a straight and horizontal profile in correspondence of a central area and an arched profile in correspondence of both ends which are fixed respectively to the third longitudinal support (67) and to the fourth longitudinal support (68); the end of the first lamina (34) and of the second lamina (35) which is arranged at the first end (54) of the first structure (40) has an arched profile which acts as an invitation for the insertion of the tile or pile of tiles (2) in the first seat (51), while the end of the first sheet (34) and of the second sheet (35) which is arranged at the second end (55) of the first structure (40) has an arched profile which acts as an invitation for the insertion of the tile or stack of tiles (2) in the third seat (53).

Preferably, the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57) are made of polyzene (high density polyethylene).

Preferably, the first lamina (34) and the second lamina (35) are made of spring steel, for example C72 steel; this material, thanks to its elastic memory, allows at the same time to exert the necessary pressure to glue the third flap (16) to the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) and of the fifth flap (18) to the first flap ( 14) of the first punched cardboard (9) and to compensate for the surface irregularities of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

Preferably, the first pressure member (41) and the seventh pressure member (47) each comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a movable stem terminating in a plug, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the third longitudinal support (67) and is arranged above the first lamina (34); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the first pressure member (41) is vertically aligned with the first overlap zone (71) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), while the pneumatic cylinder of the seventh pressure member (47) is vertically aligned with the third overlap zone (71) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53). In this way the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the first pressure member (41) can contact a corresponding portion of the first sheet (34) which in turn contacts the first overlap area (71) of the first punched cardboard (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), while the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the seventh pressure member (47) can contact a corresponding portion of the first sheet (34) which in turn contacts the third overlapping zone ( 71) of the first punched cardboard (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53). The use of the first pressure member (41) and the seventh pressure member (47) further favors the gluing of the third layer (16) to the first layer (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) and of the fifth layer (18 ) to the first pitch (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) respectively when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51) and when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat ( 53).

Preferably, the second pressure member (42) and the eighth pressure member (48) each comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a movable stem which ends with a plug, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the fourth longitudinal support (68) and which It is arranged above the second lamina (35); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the second pressure member (42) is vertically aligned with the third overlap zone (73) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), while the pneumatic cylinder of the € ™ eighth pressure member (48) is vertically aligned with the first overlap zone (73) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53). In this way, the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the second pressure member (42) can contact a corresponding portion of the second sheet (35) which in turn contacts the third overlap zone (73) of the first punched cardboard (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), while the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the eighth pressure member (48) can contact a corresponding portion of the second sheet (35) which in turn contacts the first area of overlapping (73) of the first punched cardboard (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53).

The use of the second pressure member (42) and the eighth pressure member (48) further favors the gluing of the fifth layer (18) to the first layer (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) and of the third layer (16) to the first pitch (14) of the first punched cardboard respectively when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51) and when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53) ).

The apparatus (1) can comprise second positioning means (not shown) which take a second punched cardboard (10) from a second magazine (also not shown) and position the second punched cardboard (10) in a position such that the second punched cardboard (10) is in front of the second seat (52) of the second structure (50) (Figure 1); the second punched cardboard (10) released from the second magazine is flattened and is arranged vertically oriented so that the relative central band (11) is centered with respect to the second seat (52). The second adhesive injection means (24) act on the second punched cardboard (10) before it is inserted into the second seat (52) of the first structure (40): note in fact the glue (24) applied to the second punched cardboard ( 10) in figure 1. In particular, the second punched cardboard (10) is arranged transversely with respect to the direction of advancement (D) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the second seat (52).

The apparatus (1) can comprise third thrust means (99), acting in phase relationship with the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) of the first thrust means (63, 64) (figures 3, 5), to take the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) out of the first seat (51) or out of the third seat (53) and move it to the second seat (52) of the second structure (50). The third thrusting means (99) move the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) in the direction and direction of advancement (D).

The second structure (50) can comprise a second frame (59) fixed to the frame of the apparatus (1) in question.

The third structural member (89) and the fourth structural member (93) can respectively be a fifth longitudinal support (89) and a sixth longitudinal support (93) fixed to the second frame (59), arranged at the same height between them. The second structure (50) can also comprise: a seventh longitudinal support (95) fixed to the second frame (59), which seventh longitudinal support (95) carries the third lamina (38), the third pressure member (43) and the fifth pressure member (45); an eighth longitudinal support (96) fixed to the second frame (59), which eighth longitudinal support (96) carries the fourth lamina (39), the fourth pressure member (44) and the sixth pressure member (46), the seventh support longitudinal (95) and the eighth longitudinal support (96) being arranged at the same height which is greater than the height at which the fifth longitudinal support (89) and the sixth longitudinal support (93) are arranged; this height can be adjusted according to the height of the tile or stack of tiles (2) The second folding means (37) can be similar or identical to the first folding means (36); therefore in the following description the same terms and numerical references will be used.

The second folding means (37) can comprise a first roller (70) and a second roller (72) oriented vertically and rotatably fixed to the frame of the apparatus (1); the first roller (70) and the second roller (72) are positioned upstream of the second structure (50) and downstream of the first structure (40) with respect to the direction of advancement (D) of the tile or stack of tiles (2). -packaged so that the first roller (70) encounters the first side band (12), the third pad (16) and the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) causing the folding of the first side band (12) against the second part (20) of the third side (7) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) and that the second roller (72) encounters the second side band (13), the fifth pitch (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) causing the folding of the second side band (13) against the second part (28) of the second side (6).

The second folding means (37) may further comprise: a first plurality of rollers (74) which are rotatably carried by a first roller support (69) fixed to the second frame (59) of the second structure (50) (Figure 7B), which first plurality of rollers (74) comprises rollers arranged in a row oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (D); a second plurality of rollers (76) which are rotatably carried by another first roller support (69) fixed to the second frame (59) of the second structure (50), which second plurality of rollers (76) comprises rollers arranged according to a row oriented parallel to the feed direction (D); a third plurality of rollers (78) which are rotatably carried by a second support for rollers (86) connected to the end of the seventh longitudinal support (95) which is located in correspondence with the second seat (52), which third plurality of rollers ( 78) comprises rollers arranged in a row oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (D); a fourth plurality of rollers (80) which are rotatably carried by another second roller support (86) connected to the end of the eighth longitudinal support (96) which is located in correspondence with the second seat (52), which fourth plurality of rollers (80) comprises rollers arranged in a row oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (D). The first plurality of rollers (74) and the second plurality of rollers (76) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which is parallel to the direction of advancement (D). The first plurality of rollers (74) and the second plurality of rollers (76) are aligned to act simultaneously on the second flap (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) and perform the function of folding the second flap (15) against the second face (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2).

The third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which is parallel to the direction of advancement (D). The third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are aligned to act simultaneously on the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) and perform the function of folding the first flap (14) against the first facade (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2).

The second folding means (37) may further comprise: a first helical element (82) fixed to the end of the fifth longitudinal support (89) which is located in correspondence with the second seat (52), which first helical element (82) It is shaped to gradually fold the fourth flap (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) against the second side (4) as the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the second seat (52) by the third thrust means (99); a second helix element (83) fixed to the extremity of the sixth longitudinal support (93) which is located in correspondence with the second seat (52), which second helix element (83) is shaped to progressively bend the sixth flap (19 ) of the second punched cardboard (10) against the second side (4) as the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the second seat (52); a third helical element (84) fixed to the end of the seventh longitudinal support (95) which is located in correspondence with the second seat (52), which third helical element (84) is shaped to progressively bend the third flap (16 ) of the second punched cardboard (10) against the first side (3) as the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the second seat (52); a fourth helical element (85) fixed to the extremity of the eighth longitudinal support (96) which is located in correspondence with the second seat (52), which fourth helical element (85) is shaped to gradually bend the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) against the first side (3) as the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the second seat (52).

The first plurality of rollers (74), the second plurality of rollers (76), the third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are arranged with respect to the first helical element (82), to the second element helix (83), the third helix element (84) and the fourth helix element (85) so that the first flap (14) and the second flap (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) are folded respectively against the first side (3) and the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) before the third layer (16) and the fifth layer (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) are folded against the first side (3) and before the fourth layer (17) and the sixth layer (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) are folded against the second side (4).

The semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) advances in the direction of advancement (D) and impacts against the second punched cardboard (10), which is dragged together with the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the second seat (52); during this dragging the first side band (12), the second side band (13), the first layer (14), the second layer (15), the third layer (16), the fourth layer (17), the fifth layer (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) meet the second folding means (37) and are folded as specified above to form a second half-pack (92) which wraps the remaining part of the tile or pile of tiles (2), completing the packaging of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The first plurality of rollers (74), the second plurality of rollers (76), the third plurality of rollers (78), the fourth plurality of rollers (80), the first helix element (82), the second helix element (83), the third helix element (84) and the fourth helix element (85) form a subset of the second folding means (37) and are arranged at the end of the second structure (50) in which the second location (52).

Preferably, the third lamina (38) is aligned with and faces the third longitudinal support base (90), while the fourth lamina (39) is aligned with and faces the fourth longitudinal support base (94); the third lamina (38), the fourth lamina (39), the third longitudinal support base (90) and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) are horizontal and their reciprocal position is such that: the third support base contacts the fourth pad (17) of the second punched board (10) and the sixth pad (19) of the first punched board (9), and therefore also the fourth overlap zone, the tenth overlap zone and the sixth overlap zone, when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second location (52); the fourth support base contacts the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) and the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the second overlap zone, the twelfth overlap zone and the eighth overlapping zone, when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52); the third sheet (38) contacts the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) and the fifth layer (18) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the third overlapping zone (73), the ninth zone of overlap (79) and the fifth overlap zone (75), when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52); the fourth foil (39) contacts the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) and the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9), and therefore also the first overlap zone (71), the eleventh zone of overlap (81) and the seventh overlap zone (77), when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52) (see for example Figures 5, 7).

The third lamina (38) and the fourth lamina (39) preferably develop along the entire length of the seventh longitudinal support (95) and the eighth longitudinal support (96), respectively; the third longitudinal support base (90) and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) preferably extend along the entire length of the fifth longitudinal support (89) and the sixth longitudinal support (93) respectively.

Preferably, the third lamina (38) and the fourth lamina (39) have a straight and horizontal profile in correspondence of a central area and an arched profile in correspondence of both ends which are fixed respectively to the seventh longitudinal support (95) and to the € ™ eighth longitudinal support (96); the end of the third lamina (38) and of the fourth lamina (39), which is arranged at the end of the second structure (50) in which the second seat (52) is provided, has in particular an arched profile which acts for the insertion of the tile or stack of tiles (2) packaged in the second seat (52).

Preferably, the third longitudinal support base (90) and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) are made of polyzene (high density polyethylene).

Preferably, the third lamina (38) and the fourth lamina (39) are made of spring steel, for example C72 steel; this type of material, thanks to its elastic memory, allows to compensate for the surface irregularities of the tile or stack of tiles (2) and to exert the pressure necessary for gluing: of the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the fifth overlap area (75); from the third pad (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the ninth overlap area (79); from the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the seventh overlap zone (77); and of the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) with the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the eleventh overlapping zone (81).

Preferably, the third pressure member (43) and the fifth pressure member (45) each comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a movable stem terminating in a plug, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the seventh longitudinal support (95) and is arranged above the third lamina (38); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the third pressure member (43) is vertically aligned with the fifth overlapping zone (75) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), while the pneumatic cylinder of the fifth pressure member (45) is vertically aligned with the ninth overlap zone (79) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52). In this way the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the third pressure member (43) can contact a corresponding portion of the third lamina (38) which in turn contacts the fifth overlap area (75) of the second punched cardboard (10) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) packaged is in the second seat (52), while the pad of the pneumatic cylinder of the fifth pressure member (45) can contact a corresponding portion of the third plate (38) which in turn contacts the ninth overlap area (79) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second location (52).

The use of the third pressure member (43) and the fifth pressure member (45) further favors the gluing respectively of the third pad (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard ( 10) in the fifth overlap area (75) and the third pitch (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the fifth pitch (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the ninth overlap zone (79) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) packed is in the second location (52).

Preferably, the fourth pressure member (44) and the sixth pressure member (46) each comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a movable stem which ends with a plug, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the eighth longitudinal support (96) and is ̈ arranged above the fourth lamina (39); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the fourth pressure member (44) is vertically aligned with the seventh overlapping zone (77) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), while the pneumatic cylinder of the sixth pressure member (46) is vertically aligned with the eleventh overlap zone (81) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52). In this way, the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the fourth pressure member (44) can contact a corresponding portion of the fourth sheet (39) which in turn contacts the seventh overlapping area (77) of the second punched cardboard (10) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) packed is in the second seat (52), while the plug of the pneumatic cylinder of the sixth pressure member (46) can contact a corresponding portion of the fourth plate (39) which in turn contacts the eleventh overlapping area (81) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second location (52).

The use of the fourth pressure member (44) and the sixth pressure member (46) further favors the gluing respectively of the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard ( 10) in the seventh overlapping area (77) and the fifth pitch (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the third pitch (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the eleventh overlapping zone (81) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) packed is in the second location (52).

The third thrusting means (99) can comprise a telescopic device (99) which in turn comprises: a movable telescopic arm (97) which can move along the direction of advancement (D): an articulated stop tooth (98) to the free end of the mobile telescopic arm (97) to find a tile or stack of tiles (2) from the exit of the first seat (51) or of the third seat (53) and transfer it to the second seat (52). The telescopic device (99) can be mounted on the second frame (59) of the apparatus (1).

Preferably, the telescopic device (99) comprises: a stop (not shown) to limit the angular excursion of the reference tooth (98), so that when the reference tooth (98) strikes the stop then the reference tooth ( 98) is substantially oriented vertically and may encounter a tile or stack of tiles (2); and elastic means (not shown) interposed between the movable telescopic arm (97) and the abutment tooth (98) to force the abutment tooth (98) against the stop. The reference tooth (98) can therefore rotate around its own axis of articulation between a vertical position in which it contacts the stop and can encounter a tile or stack of tiles (2) and a retractable position in which it can pass under a tile or stack of tiles (2).

Preferably, the third thrusting means (99) comprise two identical telescopic devices (99), which are arranged in such a way that a tile or stack of tiles (2) can be encountered by the relative abutment teeth, during its journey towards the second seat (52), in correspondence with the central band (11) of the first punched cardboard (9), symmetrically with respect to the axis of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which is parallel to the direction of advancement (D).

The movable telescopic arm (97) of each telescopic device (99) affects the first seat (51) or the third seat (53) when it has to drag the tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the second seat (52), but retracts precisely towards the second seat (52) making possible the subsequent rotation of the first structure (40); the use of these telescopic devices (99) is therefore particularly advantageous for this apparatus, since it is necessary to take a tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51) or from the third seat (53) and then disengage the latter completely allowing the rotation of the first structure (40).

The description of the operation of the apparatus (1) object of the present invention follows.

Figures 1-8 illustrate three stacks of tiles that are located in different positions within the apparatus (1) in question during the packaging process: a first stack of tiles (2) is located in front of the first seat ( 51) of the first structure (40), a second stack of tiles (2) is located in front of the second seat (52) of the second structure (50) and a third stack of tiles (2) has completed the packaging process and is about to be expelled by the third thrust means (99).

The first stack of tiles (2) is moved by the second thrust means towards the first seat (51) of the first structure (40): this first stack of tiles (2) encounters the first punched cardboard (9) (Figures 1, 2 ) and is dragged together with the same first punched cardboard (9) in the first seat (51), causing the intervention of the first folding means (36) (figures 3, 4) until a first half-pack is created (91) ; the first semi-packaged stack of tiles (2) reaches the first seat (51) (Figures 5, 6) and subsequently the rotating platform (26) is activated and the first structure (40) rotates, for example in a clockwise direction and for example of one hundred and eighty degrees, to bring the first semi-packaged stack of tiles (2) in front of the second seat (52) of the second structure (50).

During the rotation of the first structure (40) the first stack of tiles (2) remains in the first seat (51) for a sufficient time to stabilize the gluing of the flaps of the first punched cardboard (91) to each other by the first lamina (34), of the second lamina (35) and by the additional action of the first pressure member (41) and of the second pressure member (42). Advantageously, there is therefore no downtime to wait for the bonding to stabilize.

Advantageously, the additional intervention of the first pressure member (41) and of the second pressure member (42) during the rotation of the first structure (40) blocks the first stack of tiles (2) in the first seat (51), compensating for the force centrifuge which, due to high rotation speeds (as a consequence of high productivity required), would tend instead to move the first stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51).

Advantageously, the first trolley (63) and the second trolley (64) can act as an abutment for the first stack of tiles (2) during the insertion of the latter in the first seat (51), to accompany the first stack of tiles (2) until the latter reaches the first location (51).

When the first structure (40) has completed the rotation of one hundred and eighty degrees, the first stack of tiles (2) finds itself occupying the position of the second stack of tiles (2) illustrated in Figure 1; a fourth stack of tiles (2) (not shown) can be moved by the second thrust means in the third seat (53), after which a counter-clockwise rotation will take place to bring this fourth stack of tiles (2) in front of the second seat (52) of the second structure (50).

The second stack of tiles (2) is moved by the first trolley (63) and by the second trolley (64) towards the outlet of the third seat (53) (figures 1, 2) and picked up, in a suitable phase relationship, from the third thrust means (99) (figures 3, 4) to be moved towards the second seat (52), where it remains for a sufficient time so that the gluing is stabilized by the third lamina (38), of the fourth lamina (39) and by the additional action of the third pressure member (43), of the fourth pressure member (44), of the fifth pressure member (45) and of the sixth pressure member (46) (Figures 5, 6, 7, 8) .

Subsequently the second stack of tiles (2) is moved again by the third thrust means (99) to be expelled from the second structure (50); the position of the third stack of tiles (2) illustrated in figures 1, 2 coincides with one of the positions in which the second stack of tiles (2) is found during the expulsion from the second structure (50), to be conveyed for example to a storage warehouse for piles of tiles or on a pallet.

It is understood that what above has been described by way of non-limiting example, therefore any constructive variants are understood to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS 1) Apparatus (1) for packaging a tile or a stack of tiles (2) by means of a pair of punched cartons, the tile or stack of tiles (2) comprising a first side (3), a second side (4) opposite the first side (3), a first side (5), a second side (6) adjacent to the first side (5 ), a third flank (7) adjacent to the first flank (5) and opposite the second flank (6) and a fourth flank (8) opposite the first flank (5) and adjacent to the second flank (6) and the third flank ( 7), the pair of punched cardboard boxes comprising a first punched cardboard (9) and a second punched cardboard (10), each of which comprising: a central band (11); a first lateral band (12) which is articulated to the central band (11); a second lateral band (13) which is articulated to the central band (11); a first pitch (14) which is articulated to the central band (11) in correspondence with a third side of the central band (11); a second pitch (15) which is articulated to the central band (11) in correspondence with a fourth side of the central band (11); a third pitch (16) which is articulated to the first lateral band (12); a fourth pitch (17) which is articulated to the first lateral band (12); a fifth pitch (18) which is articulated to the second lateral band (13); a sixth pitch (19) which is articulated to the second lateral band (13); the apparatus (1) being characterized by the fact that it includes: first folding means (36) to apply the first punched cardboard (9) to the tile or stack of tiles (2), thus creating a first half-pack (91), so that: the central band (11) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers the first side (5) of the tile or stack of tiles (2); the first side band (12) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a first part (21) of the second side (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the second side band (13) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a first part (22) of the third side (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a first peripheral strip (31) of the first side (3) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the second layer (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a second peripheral strip of the second side (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative first side (5); the third layer (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a third peripheral strip (23) of the first side (3), which third peripheral strip (23) borders with the first part (21) of the second side (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the third layer (16) partially overlapping the first layer (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a first overlapping zone (71); the fourth flap (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a fourth peripheral strip of the second side (4), which fourth peripheral strip borders on the first part (21) of the second side (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fourth flap (17) partially overlapping the second flap (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a second overlapping area; the fifth layer (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a fifth peripheral strip (25) of the first side (3), which fifth peripheral strip (25) borders with the first part (22) of the third side (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fifth layer (18) partially overlapping the first layer (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a third overlapping zone (73); the sixth flap (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) covers a sixth peripheral strip of the second side (4), which sixth peripheral strip borders with the first part (22) of the third side (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the sixth flap (19) partially overlapping the second flap (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a fourth overlapping zone; a revolving platform (26) arranged downstream of the first folding means (36); a first structure (40) which is mounted on the revolving platform (26) and which comprises a first seat (51) for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which first structure (40) can rotate between a first angular position (A), in which it is possible to transfer in the first seat (51) the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36), and a second angular position in which it is possible to eject from the first seat (51) the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2); first thrust means (63, 64) acting along the first structure (40) to eject the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position ; second folding means (37) arranged downstream of the first structure (40) to apply the second punched cardboard (10) to the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), thus creating a second semi-pack (92) which together to the first half-pack (91) forms a pack, so that: the central band (11) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers the fourth side (8) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2); the first side band (12) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a second part (20) of the third side (7) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the second side band (13) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a second part (28) of the second side (6) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a seventh peripheral strip (27) of the first side (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the second flap (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers an eighth peripheral strip of the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) which adjoins the relative fourth side (8); the third layer (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a ninth peripheral strip (29) of the first side (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which ninth peripheral strip (29) borders on the second part (20) of the third side (7) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), the third pad (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with a fifth overlap area (75); the fourth flap (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a tenth peripheral strip of the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which tenth peripheral strip borders on the third side (7) of the tile or semi-packaged stack of tiles (2), the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with a sixth overlap zone; the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers an eleventh peripheral strip (30) of the first side (3) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which eleventh peripheral strip (30) adjoins the second part (28) of the second side (6) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10 ) in correspondence with a seventh overlapping area (77); the sixth flap (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) covers a twelfth peripheral strip of the second side (4) of the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which twelfth peripheral strip adjoins the second side (6) of the tile or semi-packaged stack of tiles (2), the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlapping the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with an eighth overlap zone. 2) Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first structure (40): it has a longitudinal development identifying a first extremity (54) and a second extremity (55) opposite to the first extremity (54); it has the first seat (51) which is arranged at the first end (54); it comprises a third seat (53) for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which third seat (53) is arranged at the second end (55); It is configured in such a way: that when it is in the first corner position (A) then it is possible to eject a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the third seat (53); and that when it is in the second angular position it is possible to transfer a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36) into the third seat (53); and in which the first thrust means (63, 64) can act along the structure to eject the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51) and to expel the tile or stack of tiles (2) semi-packaged from the third location (53). 3) Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, comprising first adhesive injection means (24) for injecting adhesive (24) on selected portions of the third layer (16), of the fourth layer (17), of the fifth layer (18) and of the sixth flap (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) so that: the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the first overlap zone (71); the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the second overlap zone; the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the third overlap zone (73); the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the fourth overlapping zone. 4) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first seat (51) comprises: at least a first support surface for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) in support, so as to contact the second overlapping zone of the first punched cardboard (9) and the fourth overlapping zone of the first punched cardboard (9); a first sheet (34) arranged above the first support surface to press elastically against the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) and thus stabilize the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard ( 9) to the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in the first overlap area (71) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51); a second foil (35) arranged above the first support surface to press elastically against the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) and thus stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard ( 9) to the first flap (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in the third overlap zone (73) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51). 5) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising: a first pressure member (41) constrained to the first structure (40) to press against the first sheet (34) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is ̈ in the first seat (51), the first pressure member (41) pressing on a first portion of the first foil (34) so that the same first foil (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard ( 9) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the first overlap zone (71); and a second pressure member (42) constrained to the first structure (40) to press against the second sheet (35) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51), the second pressure member (42) pressing on a first portion of the second foil (35) so that the same second foil (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the third overlap zone (73). 6) Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising second adhesive injection means (24) for injecting adhesive (24) on selected first portions (32) of the third layer (16), of the fourth layer ( 17), of the fifth pad (18) and of the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) so that: the third pad (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the fifth overlap zone (75); the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the sixth overlapping zone; the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the first pad (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the seventh overlap zone (77); the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the second pad (15) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the eighth overlap zone. 7) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a second structure (50) arranged downstream of the second folding means (37), which second structure (50) comprises a second seat (52) which in turn comprises: at least a second supporting surface for receiving a packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) in support, so as to contact the sixth overlapping zone of the second punched cardboard (10) and the eighth overlapping zone of the second punched cardboard (10); a third foil (38) arranged above the second support surface to press elastically against the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) and thus stabilize the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard ( 10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in the fifth overlap area (75) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52); a fourth foil (39) arranged above the second support surface to press elastically against the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) and thus stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard ( 10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in the seventh overlapping area (77) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52). 8) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising: a third pressure member (43) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the third sheet (38) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), the third pressure member (43) pressing on a first portion of the third lamina (38) so that the same third lamina (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third flap ( 16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the fifth overlapping area (75); and a fourth pressure member (44) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the fourth sheet (39) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), the fourth pressure member (44 ) pressing on a first portion of the fourth sheet (39) so that the same fourth sheet (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the first flap (14) of the second punched cardboard (10) in correspondence with the seventh overlapping area (77). 9) Apparatus (1) according to claim 6 or 7 or 8, wherein the first punched cardboard (9) and the second punched cardboard (10) are sized so that once they have been applied to the tile or stack of tiles ( 2) to make a package then: the third pad (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a ninth overlap area (79); the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a tenth overlapping zone; the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with an eleventh overlapping zone (81); the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) partially overlaps the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with a twelfth overlapping zone; and in which the second glue injection means (24) also injects glue (24) on selected second portions (33) of the third layer (16), of the fourth layer (17), of the fifth layer (18) and of the sixth layer pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) so that: the third pad (16) of the second punched carton (10) can subsequently glue to the fifth pad (18) of the first punched carton (9) in correspondence with the ninth area of overlap (79); the fourth pad (17) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the sixth pad (19) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the tenth overlapping zone; the fifth pad (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the third pad (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the eleventh overlapping zone (81); the sixth pad (19) of the second punched cardboard (10) can subsequently glue to the fourth pad (17) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the twelfth overlapping zone. 10) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising: a fifth pressure member (45) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the third sheet (38) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), the fifth pressure member (45) pressing on a second portion of the third lamina (38) so that the same third lamina (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third flap ( 16) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the ninth overlap area (79); and a sixth pressure member (46) constrained to the second structure (50) to press against the fourth plate (39) when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52), the sixth pressure member (46 ) pressing on a second portion of the fourth sheet (39) so that the same fourth sheet (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second punched cardboard (10) to the third flap (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the eleventh overlap area (81). 11) Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the first structure (40): it has a longitudinal development identifying a first extremity (54) and a second extremity (55) opposite to the first extremity (54); it has the first seat (51) which is arranged at the first end (54); it comprises a third seat (53) for receiving a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2), which third seat (53) is arranged at the second end (55); It is configured in such a way: that when it is in the first corner position (A) then it is possible to eject a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the third seat (53); and that when it is in the second angular position it is possible to transfer a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36) into the third seat (53); and in which the first thrust means (63, 64) can act along the structure to eject the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seat (51) and to expel the tile or stack of tiles (2) semi-packaged from the third location (53). 12) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first structure (40) comprises: a first structural member (61) which is provided with a first longitudinal support base (56); a second structural member (62) which is provided with a second longitudinal support base (57); the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57) identifying the first support surface; the first structural member (61) and the second structural member (62) being spaced apart so that the first longitudinal support base (56) contacts the second overlap area and the second longitudinal support base (57) contacts the fourth overlapping zone when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seat (51); the first seat (51) and the third seat (53) being identified by the first longitudinal support base (56), the second longitudinal support base (57), the first plate (34) and the second plate (35). 13) Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which: the first structural member (61) is provided with a first rectilinear guide (58) which develops parallel to the first longitudinal support base (56); the second structural member (62) is provided with a second rectilinear guide (159) which develops parallel to the second longitudinal support base (57); the first thrust means (63, 64) comprise a first carriage (63) for sliding on the first rectilinear guide (58) and a second carriage (64) for sliding on the second rectilinear guide (159), the first carriage (63) and the second trolley (64) being operated synchronously with each other and both being provided with: a first abutment head (65) for locating a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) arranged in the first seat (51); and of a second stop head (65), which is opposed to the first stop head (65), to abut a semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) arranged in the third seat (53); the first trolley (63) and the second trolley (64) being interposed between the first longitudinal support base (56) and the second longitudinal support base (57). 14) Apparatus (1) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising: a seventh pressure member (47) constrained to the first structure (40) to press against the first sheet (34) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is packaged is in the third seat (53), the seventh pressure member (47) pressing on a second portion of the first lamina (34) so that the same first lamina (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of a first punched cardboard (9) in order to further stabilize the gluing of the third layer (16) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first layer (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the first overlap area (71) ; and an eighth pressure member (48) bound to the first structure (40) to press against the second sheet (35) when the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seat (53), the eighth pressure member (48) pressing on a second portion of the second lamina (35) so that the same second lamina (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) in order to further stabilize the gluing the fifth pad (18) of the first punched cardboard (9) to the first pad (14) of the first punched cardboard (9) in correspondence with the third overlap zone (73). 15) Apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second structure (50) comprises: a third structural member (89) which is provided with a third longitudinal support base (90); a fourth structural member (93) which is provided with a fourth longitudinal support base (94); the third longitudinal support base (90) and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) identifying the second support surface; the third structural member (89) and the fourth structural member (93) being spaced apart so that the third longitudinal support base (90) contacts the sixth overlapping zone and the fourth longitudinal support base (94) contacts the eighth overlapping zone when the packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seat (52); the second seat (52) being identified by the third longitudinal support base (90), the fourth longitudinal support base (94), the third plate (38) and the fourth plate (39).