WO2009130641A2 - Apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article. - Google Patents

Apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article. Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009130641A2
WO2009130641A2 PCT/IB2009/051589 IB2009051589W WO2009130641A2 WO 2009130641 A2 WO2009130641 A2 WO 2009130641A2 IB 2009051589 W IB2009051589 W IB 2009051589W WO 2009130641 A2 WO2009130641 A2 WO 2009130641A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
article
foregoing
folding
wrapper
engaging
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2009/051589
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009130641A3 (en
Inventor
Fiorenzo Draghetti
Original Assignee
Gima S.P.A. Con Unico Socio
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gima S.P.A. Con Unico Socio filed Critical Gima S.P.A. Con Unico Socio
Publication of WO2009130641A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009130641A2/en
Publication of WO2009130641A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009130641A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B49/00—Devices for folding or bending wrappers around contents
    • B65B49/12—Rotary folders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
    • B65B11/06—Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in common defined paths
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article.
  • the article is, in particular, a box-shaped body for housing or supporting a product, preferably a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, and the wrapper is a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding firm.
  • a product preferably a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items
  • the wrapper is a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding firm.
  • Another problem encountered relates to the fin-style sealing, or joining, of the free end of the wrapper, which is not always performed in an optimum way, creating problems with the seal and preservation of the foodstuff housed in the pack.
  • an apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article where the article is, in particular, a box-shaped body for housing or supporting a product, particularly a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, the wrapper being a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding film, the apparatus being characterised in that it comprises means for folding a corresponding lateral portion of an end seal of the wrapper on a corresponding face of the article, the folding means comprising a moving element with a profile for engaging with and folding the corresponding lateral portion.
  • an apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article where the article is, in particular, a box-shaped body for housing or supporting a product, particularly a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, the wrapper being a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding film, the apparatus being characterised in that it comprises means designed to engage with and open out a respective flap of an end portion of the wrapper which projects beyond a respective surface of the article.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of an article wrapped in the wrapper obtained with the present apparatus
  • Figure 2A is a schematic side view of the various stations, or operating steps, for making an end seal, or for sealing the longitudinal ends of the wrapper for the article;
  • Figure 2B is a schematic top view of the various operating stations of the apparatus according to the present preferred embodiment
  • Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are perspective schematic views of a preferred embodiment of an element for folding the lateral flaps of the wrapper end seal;
  • Figure 4A and Figure 4B are respectively a schematic side view and a schematic horizontal section of the preferred embodiment of an element for folding the projecting tabs of the wrapper end seal fin, in a first operating condition;
  • Figures 5 A to 12B are similar to Figures 4A and 4B, and illustrate the element for folding the projecting tabs of the wrapper seal end fins in other and different operating conditions;
  • Figure 13 is a schematic top view of a preferred embodiment of the device for opening out the end portion of the wrapper which projects beyond the respective transversal surface of the article.
  • Figure 1 shows a pack 7, comprising an article 9, in particular a box-shaped body, made of paperboard or the like, which houses and supports a respective product, in particular a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items.
  • a pack 7 comprising an article 9, in particular a box-shaped body, made of paperboard or the like, which houses and supports a respective product, in particular a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items.
  • the pack 7 also comprises a wrapper 15 which is wrapped round the box- shaped body 9 and seals, preferably hermetically, the inner container 9 from the outside environment.
  • the wrapper may comprise an extended element, or tear tape 11 for opening and tearing the wrapper.
  • the wrapper 15 is wrapped round the article and is obtained from a corresponding film made of plastic material, in particular layered plastic material, by means of cuts made to separate the sheet from the film.
  • the article 9 has opposite broad main longitudinal faces 9a, 9b joined by secondary longitudinal or lateral faces 9c, 9d, and opposite transversal end faces 9e, 9f.
  • the wrapper 15 comprises broad longitudinal portions 15 a, 15b and narrow longitudinal portions superposed on the faces 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d of the pack, or body, 9 as well as transversal portions 15e, 15f superposed on the transversal faces 9e, 9b ofthe body 9.
  • the transversal faces, in particular 15e, 15f, of the wrapper are each formed by a respective transversal seal 17 of the end of the wrapper which projects from the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
  • the sealed portion 17 is folded on the face 9e, 9f, with sequential folding of the tabs, or lateral portions 17a, 17b of the sealing fin 17 on the transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
  • an apparatus for wrapping and sealing comprises, in an upstream to downstream direction, means operating at 14, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, and in any case preferably comprising rotary or wheel means for wrapping the sheet 15 round the article 9, superposing and joining, by sealing, the opposite ends, or edges, of the wrapping sheet at 15"', thus forming a tubular element having respective longitudinal ends 15e, 15f projecting from or beyond a corresponding transversal end face 9e, 9f of the article.
  • edges superposed and joined at 15'" are folded over a respective broad longitudinal face 15a of the wrapper which is superposed on the broad longitudinal face 9a of the article.
  • the operations for sealing the wrapper round the article are performed in sequence.
  • the operating stations are labelled with Roman numerals from I to IX in
  • the belt, or conveyor extends longitudinally and linearly, forming a feed surface for the packs which is horizontal or substantially horizontal.
  • the present preferred embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping and sealing comprises, operating in stations II and/or HI, means 18 for sealing the ends 15e, 15f of the wrapper 15 which project longitudinally from, or beyond, a corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, by joining opposite faces of the corresponding main flaps 15 a, 15b of the wrapper and corresponding opposite faces of the portions 15'c, 15"c, 15'd, 15"d of the short lateral flaps 15c,
  • Sealed strips, or end sealing fins 17, 17 are obtained, having respective portions, or tabs, 17a, 17b, which project laterally beyond the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
  • stations VIE and/or IX there are also means for joining, or sealing, the respective portion 17a, 17b of the seal fin on the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, downstream of the folding means 26, the means for sealing the respective portion 17a, 17b of the seal fin on the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article being provided in a plurality of stations, in particular in a first and second station 26', 26", downstream of the folding station 26.
  • the present apparatus for wrapping and sealing the wrapper 15 comprises means 26 for folding on the corresponding face 9e, 9f of the article the respective portion 17a, 17b of the end sealing fin 17, which projects laterally relative to the article, said means comprising a moving element 28 having a profile 30, 32, 34 for engaging with and folding, or rotating, the corresponding projecting portion 17a, 17b of the sealing fin 17.
  • the element 26 for folding the projecting portion 17a, 17b of the end seal 17 comprises means 32, 34 designed to perform a first rotation of the respective projecting part 17a, 17b between a position parallel with the corresponding transversal face 9e and a position substantially perpendicular to it, as illustrated in Figures 4 A to 8B.
  • the moving element 28 also comprises means 30 designed to perform a second rotation of the projecting part 17a, 17b between a position substantially perpendicular to the respective transversal wall 9e of the article and a position substantially parallel with and in front of the transversal face 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 9A to 1OB.
  • the moving element 28 also comprises means designed to push the projecting part 17a, 17b against the transversal face 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 11 A to 12B.
  • the moving element 28 is an element able to rotate about an axis Y which is parallel with the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the product, in particular parallel with or extending in the direction of feed "A" of the articles.
  • the moving element 28 is positioned in front of the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the product.
  • the moving element 28 comprises a shaft 29, forming a supporting pin for a first and a second element or block 28, located side by side or opposite each other and suitable for folding a corresponding tab 17a, 17b.
  • the first and second elements or blocks 28, 28 are positioned in such a way that they mirror each other relative to the centre line of the whole folding element which simultaneously folds both of the lateral tabs 17a, 17b of the sealing fin 17.
  • the shaft, or pin 29 can be inserted in a corresponding central hole or cylindrical cavity formed by a cylindrical surface 29' of the element 28.
  • the moving element 28 is preferably a suitably shaped body, preferably made of plastic material, having a shape that is generally cylindrical or has a circular cross-section.
  • the respective element 28 for folding the projecting portion 17a, 17b comprises a rear grip or striking portion 32 for the projecting portion 17a, 17b, consisting of a surface 32 which in the striking condition extends parallel with the face 9e of the article, in particular parallel with the axis of rotation Y of the rotary element 28.
  • the grip or striking portion in particular consists of a surface or edge 32 positioned radially relative to the main outer surface 28' of the rotary element 28, that is to say, consisting of a radially projecting surface of the rotary element 28.
  • the step of striking the projecting tabs 17a, 17b at the side 9e of the article is, in particular, illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B.
  • a folding or rotation portion or profile 34 for the respective projecting portion 17a, 17b consisting of a profile which extends away from the transversal face 9e of the article.
  • Said folding portion or profile 34 for the projecting portion 17a, 17b which extends away from the article is provided on the rotary element and consists of a profile extending radially and towards the axis of rotation Y of the rotary element 28.
  • the rotary element 28 has a radially projecting block 33, on which said axial surface or edge 32 for striking the corresponding portion or tab 17a, 17b to be folded is located, and a profile 34 radially approaching the axis of rotation Y, extending along a predetermined stretch of the circumference of the moving element 28.
  • the surface 34 extending substantially parallel with the axis Y is provided on a projecting block 33 extending cantilever-style along a respective stretch of the circumference of the body 28.
  • the surface 34 is provided on a circumferential face of the block 33 facing towards the centre of rotation of the element 28.
  • the profile 34 for engaging with the respective projecting portion 17a, 17b is transversally delimited by an edge 35, extending parallel with the corresponding lateral face or lateral edge 9c, 9d of the article.
  • transversal edge 35 facing towards the lateral face of the article, extending laterally relative to the respective side 9c, 9d of the article and parallel with the corresponding lateral face 9c, 9d of the article, or the lateral edge of the transversal face 9e of the article.
  • the transversal edge 35 remains at a zone to the side of or outside the transversal face 9e.
  • the lateral edges of the transversal face 9e, 9f are labelled 9'c and 9'd hi Figures 4 A and 4B.
  • the projecting tabs 17a, 17b pass over another profile 30 which, as may be inferred from the subsequent drawings, extends obliquely, or transversally, relative to the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article from a zone to the side of or outside the transversal face 9e, 9f until it is extending at a zone hi front of the transversal face 9e, 9f.
  • the engagement profile 30 extends circumferentially from the edge 35 which internally or transversally delimits the first rotation portion 34 for the tab 17a, 17b, extending, as already indicated, from a substantially external or lateral position to a position which is internal or in front of the transversal surface 9e of the article, when it is in the operating position in the station 26, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 9B, 1OB and 1 IB.
  • the folding means also comprise, on the rotary element 28, a portion 36 for pushing the respective projecting portion 17a, 17b onto the transversal face 9e of the article.
  • the portion 36 for pushing the projecting portion 17a, 17b onto the transversal face 9e consists of a face which, in the operating condition, is parallel with the transversal face 9e of the article and which is parallel with the axis of rotation Y of the rotary element 28.
  • the surface 36 engages, between itself and the corresponding transversal surface 9e of the article, the projecting tabs 17a, 17b, pushing them against that face 9e of the article.
  • said portion 36 of the portion for pushing the projecting tabs 17a, 17b onto the transversal face 9e consists of a circumferential outer surface of the element 28, which is positioned opposite the corresponding transversal face 9e of the article, engaging against that transversal face 9e.
  • the means for engaging and retaining the article comprise the circumferential outer surface 36.
  • the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article are provided by the means 28 for folding the respective projecting tab 17a, 17b and are designed to engage with the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
  • the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article comprise a respective circumferential portion 40, inside the profiles 30, 34, and forming an outer or circumferential face for engaging with the transversal face 9e of the article.
  • the circumferential portion 40 extends parallel with the axis Y.
  • the means for circumferentially engaging with and retaining the article therefore consist of an annular circumferential portion 40, inside the folding means 34, 35, and which is axially spaced from the latter, forming a circumferential space 42 for insertion of the corresponding portion or tab 17a, 17b of the wrapper to be folded.
  • the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article extend in front of the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
  • the means for longitudinally retaining the article are formed by the circumferential surface or means 36 for pushing the tabs onto the transversal face 9e of the article.
  • the tabs 17a, 17b folded onto the transversal wall 9e of the article are sealed to the firm below.
  • Figure 13 shows means 50 designed to engage with and open out the respective lateral flap 15c, 15d of the longitudinally projecting portion of the wrapper, as can clearly be inferred from Figure 2A.
  • the means 50 engage with and push the respective lateral flap
  • the engaging and opening out means 50 are designed to engage with the inner face of the lateral flap 15c, 15d of the wrapper in a vertically intermediate position of the flap 15c, 15d, so as to fold it into two parts 15'c, 15"c and 15'd, 15"d, which are then sealed to each other.
  • the fin seal of the longitudinal end of the wrapper is created by opposite horizontal sealers, able to move vertically against each other. Only the upper horizontal sealers, of the respective pairs of opposite sealers, are illustrated in Figure 2B and labelled 60.
  • the wrapper end fin 17 is sealed in a first and a second station 18' 18", as illustrated in Figure 2B.
  • the seals made in different stations allow improved article sealing and a higher article feed speed.
  • the means 50 for engaging with and opening out the respective wrapper lateral flap 15c, 15d comprise an element able to move transversally relative to the article, having a respective end 52 designed to suitably engage with the wrapper lateral flap.
  • the engaging and opening out means 50 consist of an element which can move horizontally, which, in particular, is a vertically pivoting element.
  • the engaging and opening out elements 50, 50 for each longitudinal end of the article engage with and push away from each other the opposite wrapper lateral flaps 15c, 15d.
  • the moving element 50 is an element able to rotate, or move, between a retracted home position, allowing the article to pass freely at the opening out station 18, and an operating position in which the respective rotary element extends inside the tube-shaped wrapper projecting portion 15e, 15f, to open out the lateral flaps 15c, 15d.
  • the engaging and opening out means are provided in front of the corresponding transversal surface 9e, 9f of the article when the latter is positioned in the station 18.
  • the engaging and opening out means consist of means able to rotate in a plane parallel with the direction or plane of feed A, in particular consisting of means able to rotate in a horizontal plane, that is to say, consisting of means, able to rotate according to a respective axis perpendicular to the feed plane.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper (15) round an article, in which the article is in particular a box-shaped body (9) for housing or supporting a product, in particular a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items. The apparatus comprises means (26) for folding a corresponding portion, or tab, (17a, 17b) of a wrapper end seal (17) fin, the folding means comprising a rotary element (28) having a respective profile (30, 32, 34) for engaging with and folding the corresponding projecting portion (17a, 17b).

Description

Description
Apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article-
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article.
The article is, in particular, a box-shaped body for housing or supporting a product, preferably a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, and the wrapper is a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding firm.
Background Art There are prior art apparatuses for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article which are designed, among other things, to seal the ends of the wrapper by securing fin-style the opposite faces of the wrapper projecting longitudinally from the article, and which are designed to smooth down, or fold, projecting lateral portions of the seal fin, on the respective transversal face of the article. One problem concerning these prior art sealing apparatuses relates to the excessive complexity of such systems designed to smooth down, on the corresponding transversal surface of the box-shaped body, lateral projecting portions of the sealed end fin. According to the prior art, these involve feeding the article on a rotary carousel, or wheel, and using complex folding systems for smoothing down the laterally proj ecting portions of the fin.
Another problem encountered relates to the fin-style sealing, or joining, of the free end of the wrapper, which is not always performed in an optimum way, creating problems with the seal and preservation of the foodstuff housed in the pack.
Disclosure of the Invention
It is provided an apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article, where the article is, in particular, a box-shaped body for housing or supporting a product, particularly a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, the wrapper being a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding film, the apparatus being characterised in that it comprises means for folding a corresponding lateral portion of an end seal of the wrapper on a corresponding face of the article, the folding means comprising a moving element with a profile for engaging with and folding the corresponding lateral portion.
In this way, it is possible to obtain, with a simple and economical structure, the smoothing down, or folding, of the corresponding laterally projecting portion, or tab, of the end seal of the wrapper.
According to another and different advantageous aspect, it is provided an apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article, where the article is, in particular, a box-shaped body for housing or supporting a product, particularly a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, the wrapper being a sheet which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding film, the apparatus being characterised in that it comprises means designed to engage with and open out a respective flap of an end portion of the wrapper which projects beyond a respective surface of the article. In this way, it is more certain that at the moment of sealing, the parts to be joined in order to form the respective end seal of the wrapper will be in the desired and appropriate position.
Brief Description of the Drawings These and other features of the present apparatus are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of an article wrapped in the wrapper obtained with the present apparatus;
Figure 2A is a schematic side view of the various stations, or operating steps, for making an end seal, or for sealing the longitudinal ends of the wrapper for the article;
Figure 2B is a schematic top view of the various operating stations of the apparatus according to the present preferred embodiment;
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are perspective schematic views of a preferred embodiment of an element for folding the lateral flaps of the wrapper end seal;
Figure 4A and Figure 4B are respectively a schematic side view and a schematic horizontal section of the preferred embodiment of an element for folding the projecting tabs of the wrapper end seal fin, in a first operating condition;
Figures 5 A to 12B are similar to Figures 4A and 4B, and illustrate the element for folding the projecting tabs of the wrapper seal end fins in other and different operating conditions;
Figure 13 is a schematic top view of a preferred embodiment of the device for opening out the end portion of the wrapper which projects beyond the respective transversal surface of the article.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
Figure 1 shows a pack 7, comprising an article 9, in particular a box-shaped body, made of paperboard or the like, which houses and supports a respective product, in particular a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items.
The pack 7 also comprises a wrapper 15 which is wrapped round the box- shaped body 9 and seals, preferably hermetically, the inner container 9 from the outside environment. As shown, the wrapper may comprise an extended element, or tear tape 11 for opening and tearing the wrapper.
The wrapper 15 is wrapped round the article and is obtained from a corresponding film made of plastic material, in particular layered plastic material, by means of cuts made to separate the sheet from the film.
As illustrated, the article 9 has opposite broad main longitudinal faces 9a, 9b joined by secondary longitudinal or lateral faces 9c, 9d, and opposite transversal end faces 9e, 9f. hi turn, the wrapper 15 comprises broad longitudinal portions 15 a, 15b and narrow longitudinal portions superposed on the faces 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d of the pack, or body, 9 as well as transversal portions 15e, 15f superposed on the transversal faces 9e, 9b ofthe body 9.
As may be inferred in more detail from the description below, the transversal faces, in particular 15e, 15f, of the wrapper are each formed by a respective transversal seal 17 of the end of the wrapper which projects from the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the article. The sealed portion 17 is folded on the face 9e, 9f, with sequential folding of the tabs, or lateral portions 17a, 17b of the sealing fin 17 on the transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
As Figures 2A and 2B clearly show, the present preferred embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping and sealing comprises, in an upstream to downstream direction, means operating at 14, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, and in any case preferably comprising rotary or wheel means for wrapping the sheet 15 round the article 9, superposing and joining, by sealing, the opposite ends, or edges, of the wrapping sheet at 15"', thus forming a tubular element having respective longitudinal ends 15e, 15f projecting from or beyond a corresponding transversal end face 9e, 9f of the article.
As illustrated, the edges superposed and joined at 15'" are folded over a respective broad longitudinal face 15a of the wrapper which is superposed on the broad longitudinal face 9a of the article.
At the outfeed of said means for wrapping the wrapper 15 in a tubular configuration round the article 9, there are means for feeding the pack being formed, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings and in any case preferably comprising a conveyor belt or conveyor supporting and feeding the articles, or packs being formed, with intermittent motion, having pack feed steps alternating with dwell steps.
During the dwell steps, with the packs at the respective operating stations, or means, of the present apparatus, the operations for sealing the wrapper round the article are performed in sequence. The operating stations are labelled with Roman numerals from I to IX in
Figures 2A and 2B. hi particular, the belt, or conveyor extends longitudinally and linearly, forming a feed surface for the packs which is horizontal or substantially horizontal. As illustrated, the present preferred embodiment of an apparatus for wrapping and sealing comprises, operating in stations II and/or HI, means 18 for sealing the ends 15e, 15f of the wrapper 15 which project longitudinally from, or beyond, a corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, by joining opposite faces of the corresponding main flaps 15 a, 15b of the wrapper and corresponding opposite faces of the portions 15'c, 15"c, 15'd, 15"d of the short lateral flaps 15c,
15d of the wrapper, folded against each other.
Sealed strips, or end sealing fins 17, 17 are obtained, having respective portions, or tabs, 17a, 17b, which project laterally beyond the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article. Operating in the station IV, there are also means for folding, relative to a horizontal fold line 17', and joining the sealing fin 17 on the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article. That is to say, the sealing fin 17 is folded and joined on the corresponding portion of the wrapper which covers the respective transversal wall 9e, 9f. Operating in the station VII, there are also means 26 for folding the respective lateral portion, or tab 17a, 17b of the seal fin which projects laterally from the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, on the same transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, that is to say, on the central portion of the end sealing fin or seal 17 which has already been folded on the same wall 9e, 9f.
Operating in stations VIE and/or IX, there are also means for joining, or sealing, the respective portion 17a, 17b of the seal fin on the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, downstream of the folding means 26, the means for sealing the respective portion 17a, 17b of the seal fin on the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article being provided in a plurality of stations, in particular in a first and second station 26', 26", downstream of the folding station 26. As may also be inferred with reference to the other drawings, in a particularly advantageous way, the present apparatus for wrapping and sealing the wrapper 15 comprises means 26 for folding on the corresponding face 9e, 9f of the article the respective portion 17a, 17b of the end sealing fin 17, which projects laterally relative to the article, said means comprising a moving element 28 having a profile 30, 32, 34 for engaging with and folding, or rotating, the corresponding projecting portion 17a, 17b of the sealing fin 17.
In particular, the element 26 for folding the projecting portion 17a, 17b of the end seal 17 comprises means 32, 34 designed to perform a first rotation of the respective projecting part 17a, 17b between a position parallel with the corresponding transversal face 9e and a position substantially perpendicular to it, as illustrated in Figures 4 A to 8B.
Moreover, the moving element 28 also comprises means 30 designed to perform a second rotation of the projecting part 17a, 17b between a position substantially perpendicular to the respective transversal wall 9e of the article and a position substantially parallel with and in front of the transversal face 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 9A to 1OB.
Moreover, the moving element 28 also comprises means designed to push the projecting part 17a, 17b against the transversal face 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 11 A to 12B. Advantageously, as illustrated, the moving element 28 is an element able to rotate about an axis Y which is parallel with the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the product, in particular parallel with or extending in the direction of feed "A" of the articles.
As illustrated, in station VII the moving element 28 is positioned in front of the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the product.
As illustrated, the moving element 28 comprises a shaft 29, forming a supporting pin for a first and a second element or block 28, located side by side or opposite each other and suitable for folding a corresponding tab 17a, 17b. In particular, the first and second elements or blocks 28, 28 are positioned in such a way that they mirror each other relative to the centre line of the whole folding element which simultaneously folds both of the lateral tabs 17a, 17b of the sealing fin 17.
The shaft, or pin 29 can be inserted in a corresponding central hole or cylindrical cavity formed by a cylindrical surface 29' of the element 28.
The moving element 28 is preferably a suitably shaped body, preferably made of plastic material, having a shape that is generally cylindrical or has a circular cross-section.
The respective element 28 for folding the projecting portion 17a, 17b comprises a rear grip or striking portion 32 for the projecting portion 17a, 17b, consisting of a surface 32 which in the striking condition extends parallel with the face 9e of the article, in particular parallel with the axis of rotation Y of the rotary element 28.
The grip or striking portion in particular consists of a surface or edge 32 positioned radially relative to the main outer surface 28' of the rotary element 28, that is to say, consisting of a radially projecting surface of the rotary element 28.
The step of striking the projecting tabs 17a, 17b at the side 9e of the article is, in particular, illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B.
Extending from the transversal edge 32 there is a folding or rotation portion or profile 34 for the respective projecting portion 17a, 17b, consisting of a profile which extends away from the transversal face 9e of the article.
Said folding portion or profile 34 for the projecting portion 17a, 17b which extends away from the article is provided on the rotary element and consists of a profile extending radially and towards the axis of rotation Y of the rotary element 28.
As illustrated, the rotary element 28 has a radially projecting block 33, on which said axial surface or edge 32 for striking the corresponding portion or tab 17a, 17b to be folded is located, and a profile 34 radially approaching the axis of rotation Y, extending along a predetermined stretch of the circumference of the moving element 28.
In practice, the surface 34 extending substantially parallel with the axis Y is provided on a projecting block 33 extending cantilever-style along a respective stretch of the circumference of the body 28. The surface 34 is provided on a circumferential face of the block 33 facing towards the centre of rotation of the element 28. As illustrated, the profile 34 for engaging with the respective projecting portion 17a, 17b is transversally delimited by an edge 35, extending parallel with the corresponding lateral face or lateral edge 9c, 9d of the article.
In practice, extending from the circumferential profile 34 there is a transversal edge 35, facing towards the lateral face of the article, extending laterally relative to the respective side 9c, 9d of the article and parallel with the corresponding lateral face 9c, 9d of the article, or the lateral edge of the transversal face 9e of the article.
As illustrated, the transversal edge 35 remains at a zone to the side of or outside the transversal face 9e.
The lateral edges of the transversal face 9e, 9f are labelled 9'c and 9'd hi Figures 4 A and 4B.
Folding of the projecting tab 17a, 17b by this inner circumferential profile
34, provided on the projecting portion 33, moves the laterally projecting tabs 17a, 17b from the position in which they are substantially a continuation of the transversal face 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B, 5 A and 5B, to a position in which the laterally projecting tabs 17a, 17b are substantially perpendicular to the transversal face 9e of the article, and they are at a slight angle to the direction perpendicular to the transversal surface 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B. AU of this occurs by means of a movement whose sequence is illustrated hi Figures 6 A, 6B, 7 A and 7B.
As illustrated in Figures 9A, 9B, at the end of the profile 34, the projecting tabs 17a, 17b pass over another profile 30 which, as may be inferred from the subsequent drawings, extends obliquely, or transversally, relative to the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article from a zone to the side of or outside the transversal face 9e, 9f until it is extending at a zone hi front of the transversal face 9e, 9f.
The engagement profile 30 extends circumferentially from the edge 35 which internally or transversally delimits the first rotation portion 34 for the tab 17a, 17b, extending, as already indicated, from a substantially external or lateral position to a position which is internal or in front of the transversal surface 9e of the article, when it is in the operating position in the station 26, as may be inferred in particular from Figures 9B, 1OB and 1 IB. hi this way, the profile 30, which is substantially perpendicular to the axis Y, causes the projecting part 17a, 17b to rotate between a position substantially perpendicular to the respective transversal wall 9e of the article and a position superposed on and hi front of the transversal face 9e of the article, as illustrated in Figures 9A, 9B and 1OA, 1OB.
The folding means also comprise, on the rotary element 28, a portion 36 for pushing the respective projecting portion 17a, 17b onto the transversal face 9e of the article. The portion 36 for pushing the projecting portion 17a, 17b onto the transversal face 9e consists of a face which, in the operating condition, is parallel with the transversal face 9e of the article and which is parallel with the axis of rotation Y of the rotary element 28. hi practice, as shown in Figures 1OA, 1OB, HA, HB and 12A, 12B, after the projecting tab 17a, 17b has been folded, or rotated, towards the corresponding face 9e, thanks to the oblique profile 30, the rotation of the element 28, brings a circumferential surface 36 into contact with the tabs 17a, 17b.
As illustrated, the surface 36 engages, between itself and the corresponding transversal surface 9e of the article, the projecting tabs 17a, 17b, pushing them against that face 9e of the article.
In particular, said portion 36 of the portion for pushing the projecting tabs 17a, 17b onto the transversal face 9e consists of a circumferential outer surface of the element 28, which is positioned opposite the corresponding transversal face 9e of the article, engaging against that transversal face 9e. Advantageously, there are also means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article 9 while the projecting tabs 17a, 17b are folded.
In particular, the means for engaging and retaining the article comprise the circumferential outer surface 36.
The means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article, in particular for longitudinally retaining the article, are provided by the means 28 for folding the respective projecting tab 17a, 17b and are designed to engage with the corresponding transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
In practice, by rotating the elements 28, located at the two longitudinal ends of the article, they provide means for engaging with the faces 9e, 9f of the article and hold the article stationary in the longitudinal direction.
The means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article comprise a respective circumferential portion 40, inside the profiles 30, 34, and forming an outer or circumferential face for engaging with the transversal face 9e of the article. The circumferential portion 40 extends parallel with the axis Y.
The means for circumferentially engaging with and retaining the article therefore consist of an annular circumferential portion 40, inside the folding means 34, 35, and which is axially spaced from the latter, forming a circumferential space 42 for insertion of the corresponding portion or tab 17a, 17b of the wrapper to be folded.
In practice, the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article extend in front of the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
At the end of folding of the respective tab 17a, 17b, the means for longitudinally retaining the article are formed by the circumferential surface or means 36 for pushing the tabs onto the transversal face 9e of the article. hi the subsequent stations, labelled 26', 26", or numbered Vm and DC, the tabs 17a, 17b folded onto the transversal wall 9e of the article are sealed to the firm below.
Figure 13 shows means 50 designed to engage with and open out the respective lateral flap 15c, 15d of the longitudinally projecting portion of the wrapper, as can clearly be inferred from Figure 2A. In practice, the means 50 engage with and push the respective lateral flap
15c, 15d of the wrapper, laterally, or externally relative to the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the article.
The engaging and opening out means 50 are designed to engage with the inner face of the lateral flap 15c, 15d of the wrapper in a vertically intermediate position of the flap 15c, 15d, so as to fold it into two parts 15'c, 15"c and 15'd, 15"d, which are then sealed to each other.
In particular, said engagement with and opening out of the lateral flaps 15c,
15d of the wrapper, at the portion 15e, 15f of the wrapper which projects longitudinally from the respective transversal face 9e, 9f of the article, is performed in an upstream station I, in particular just upstream of the sealing stations 18', 18", or II and III designed to form the wrapper end sealing fin 17.
The fin seal of the longitudinal end of the wrapper is created by opposite horizontal sealers, able to move vertically against each other. Only the upper horizontal sealers, of the respective pairs of opposite sealers, are illustrated in Figure 2B and labelled 60.
The wrapper end fin 17 is sealed in a first and a second station 18' 18", as illustrated in Figure 2B.
The seals made in different stations allow improved article sealing and a higher article feed speed. The means 50 for engaging with and opening out the respective wrapper lateral flap 15c, 15d comprise an element able to move transversally relative to the article, having a respective end 52 designed to suitably engage with the wrapper lateral flap.
In practice, the engaging and opening out means 50 consist of an element which can move horizontally, which, in particular, is a vertically pivoting element.
In practice, there is a pair of engaging and opening out elements 50, 50 for each longitudinal end of the article, said elements simultaneously engaging with opposite lateral flaps 15c, 15d of the wrapper.
In practice, the engaging and opening out elements 50, 50 for each longitudinal end of the article engage with and push away from each other the opposite wrapper lateral flaps 15c, 15d. There is a first and a second pair of engaging and opening out means at the longitudinal ends, or transversal faces 9e, 9f, of the article for opening out the longitudinally opposite ends 15e, 15f of the wrapper.
In practice, the moving element 50 is an element able to rotate, or move, between a retracted home position, allowing the article to pass freely at the opening out station 18, and an operating position in which the respective rotary element extends inside the tube-shaped wrapper projecting portion 15e, 15f, to open out the lateral flaps 15c, 15d.
In practice, the engaging and opening out means are provided in front of the corresponding transversal surface 9e, 9f of the article when the latter is positioned in the station 18.
Therefore, as illustrated, the engaging and opening out means consist of means able to rotate in a plane parallel with the direction or plane of feed A, in particular consisting of means able to rotate in a horizontal plane, that is to say, consisting of means, able to rotate according to a respective axis perpendicular to the feed plane.
In this way, it is guaranteed that at the moment of sealing the parts to be joined in order to form the wrapper end sealing fin 17 will be in the desired and appropriate position.
The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. Moreover, the invention may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

Claims
1. An apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper (15) round an article (9), in which the article is, in particular, a box-shaped body (9) for housing or supporting a product, particularly a foodstuff such as sweets, chewing-gum, dragees, chocolates and other items, the wrapper being a sheet (15) which is wrapped round the article and which is obtained from a corresponding film, the apparatus being characterised in that it comprises means (26) for folding a corresponding lateral portion (17a, 17b) of an end seal (17) of the wrapper onto a corresponding face (9e, 9f) of the article, the folding means comprising a moving element (28) with a profile (30, 32, 34, 36) for engaging with and folding the corresponding lateral portion (17a, 17b).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (26) for folding a corresponding lateral portion (17a, 17b) of an end seal (17) of the wrapper onto a corresponding face (9e, 9f) of the article, the folding means comprising a moving element (28) forming means designed to cause the projecting portion (17a, 17b) of the seal to rotate between a position in which it is a continuation of the transversal face (9e, 9f) and a position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the transversal face.
3. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (26) for folding a corresponding lateral portion (17a, 17b) of an end seal (17) of the wrapper onto a corresponding face (9e, 9f) of the article, the folding means comprising a moving element (28) forming means designed to cause the projecting portion (17a, 17b) to rotate between a position substantially perpendicular to the transversal face (9e, 9f) and a position superposed on and in front of the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
4. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (26) for folding a corresponding lateral portion (17a, 17b) of an end seal (17) of the wrapper onto a corresponding face (9e, 9f) of the article, the folding means comprising a moving element (28) forming means designed to push the projecting portion (17a, 17b) against the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
5. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the moving element is a rotary element (28).
6. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the moving element is an element (28) able to rotate about an axis (Y) parallel with the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the moving element is an element (28) able to rotate about an axis (Y) parallel with the direction of article feed (A).
8. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the moving element (28) is positioned in front of the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
9. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (26) for folding a corresponding lateral portion (17a, 17b) of an end seal (17) of the wrapper onto a corresponding face (9e, 9f) of the article, the folding means comprising a rear engagement portion (32) for the projecting portion (17a, 17b).
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the rear engagement portion (32) is provided on the rotary element (28).
11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the rear engagement portion is a surface (32) extending parallel with the corresponding transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
12. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 11, characterised in that the rear engagement portion is a surface (32) extending parallel with the axis (Y) of the rotary element (28).
13. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 12, characterised in that the rear engagement portion is a radially projecting surface (32) of the rotary element (28).
14. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the folding means comprise a portion (34) for folding the projecting portion (17a, 17b), said folding portion consisting of a profile which extends radially.
15. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the folding means comprise a portion (34) for folding the projecting portion (17a, 17b), said folding portion consisting of a profile which extends away from the respective transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the portion (34) for folding the projecting portion (17a, 17b) which extends radially, or away from the article, is provided on the moving element (28).
17. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 16, characterised in that the folding means comprise a portion (34) for folding the projecting portion (17a, 17b), said folding portion consisting of a profile which extends radially towards the axis of rotation (Y) of the moving element (28).
18. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 17, characterised in that the radially extending profile (34) extends circumferentially.
19. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 18, characterised in that the rear engagement portion (32) is at the end of the folding portion (34) which extends away from the article or which extends radially.
20. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 19, characterised in that the profile (34) for engaging with the projecting portion (17a, 17b) delimits a transversal edge (35) which extends laterally relative to the respective side (9c, 9d) of the article.
21. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 14 to 20, characterised in that the profile (34) for engaging with the projecting portion (17a, 17b) has a transversal edge (35) which extends parallel with the corresponding lateral face (9c, 9d) of the article or with the lateral edge (9'c, 9'd) of the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
22. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the folding means comprise a portion for folding the projecting portion (17a, 17b), said folding portion consisting of a profile (30) which extends obliquely, or transversally, relative to the corresponding transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, characterised in that the folding profile (30) extending obliquely, or transversally, relative to the corresponding transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article extends from a zone to the side of or outside the transversal face (9e, 9f).
24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterised in that the folding profile (30) extending obliquely, or transversally, relative to the corresponding transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article extends at a zone in front of the transversal face (9e, 9f).
25. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 22 to 24, characterised in that the oblique profile (30) for engaging with the projecting portion (17a, 17b) is transversal to the axis (Y) of the rotary element (28).
26. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 22 to 25, characterised in that the oblique profile (30) for engaging with the projecting portion (17a, 17b) extends circumferentially.
27. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 22 to 26, characterised in that the oblique profile (30) is provided on the moving element (28).
28. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the folding means comprise a portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f).
29. The apparatus according to claim 28, characterised in that the portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f) is provided on the rotary element.
30. The apparatus according to claim 28 or 29, characterised in that the portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f) is a face (36) parallel with the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
31. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 28 to 30, characterised in that the portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f) is a face (36) parallel with the axis (Y) of the moving element (28).
32. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 28 to 31, characterised in that the portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f) is a circumferential surface.
33. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 28 to 32, characterised in that the portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f) is a face (36) opposite the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
34. The apparatus according to claim 33, characterised in that the portion (36) for pushing the projecting portion (17a, 17b) onto the transversal face (9e, 9f) is an opposite face (36) engaging against the transversal face (9e,9f) of the article.
35. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (36, 40) for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article.
36. The device according to claim 35, characterised in that the means (36, 40) for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article are provided on the means for folding the projecting portion (17a, 17b).
37. The apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, characterised in that the means (36, 40) for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article are designed to engage with the corresponding transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
38. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 37, characterised in that the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article comprise a respective circumferential portion (40), inside the folding profile, and having an outer or circumferential face for engaging with the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
39. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 38, characterised in that the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article comprise an annular circumferential portion (40) spaced from the folding means and, together with the latter, forming a circumferential space (42) for the insertion of the projecting portion (17a, 17b).
40. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 39, characterised in that the means for longitudinally engaging with and retaining the article extend in front of the respective transversal face (9e, 9f).
41. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a first and a second element
(28, 28) positioned side by side for folding corresponding projecting portions (17a, 17b).
42. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the folding means consist of an element (28) made of plastic material.
43. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a folding element (28) supported on a pin, or shaft, (29) which can be inserted in a central hole in the element.
44. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the folding means consist of an element (28) having a generally circular shape.
45. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (50) designed to engage with and open out a respective flap (15c, 15d) of an end portion of the wrapper projecting beyond a respective surface (9e, 9f) of the article.
46. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (50) for engaging with and pushing the respective lateral flap (15c, 15d) of the wrapper laterally relative to the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
47. The apparatus according to claim 45 or 46, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the respective lateral flap (15c, 15d) of the wrapper are designed to engage with the inner face of the lateral flap (15c, 15d) of the wrapper.
48. The device according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 47, characterised in that said engagement occurs just before the sealing which forms the wrapper seal end fin (17).
49. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 48, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap (15c, 15d) of the wrapper comprise an element able to move transversally and having an end (52) designed to engage with the lateral flap of the wrapper.
50. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 49, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper comprise an element able to move horizontally.
51. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 50, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper can move between a retracted position allowing the article to pass freely and an extended engagement and opening out position.
52. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 51, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper are rotary means.
53. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 52, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper are means able to rotate in a plane parallel with the direction of feed (A).
54. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 53, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper are means able to rotate in a horizontal plane.
55. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 54, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper are positioned in front of the transversal face (9e, 9f) of the article.
56. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 55, characterised in that the means (50) for engaging with and opening out the lateral flap of the wrapper comprise a respective moving and pivoted element.
57. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 56, characterised in that the engaging and opening out means (50) comprise a pair of engaging elements designed to make contact with opposite lateral flaps of the wrapper.
58. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 45 to 57, characterised in that it comprises a first and a second pair of engaging and opening out means (50) designed to open out longitudinally opposite ends (15e, 15f) of the wrapper.
PCT/IB2009/051589 2008-04-24 2009-04-16 Apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article. WO2009130641A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITBO20080264 ITBO20080264A1 (en) 2008-04-24 2008-04-24 APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING AND CLOSING OF A BOX AROUND A ARTICLE.
ITITBO2008A000264 2008-04-24

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009130641A2 true WO2009130641A2 (en) 2009-10-29
WO2009130641A3 WO2009130641A3 (en) 2010-04-01

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2009/051589 WO2009130641A2 (en) 2008-04-24 2009-04-16 Apparatus for wrapping and sealing a wrapper round an article.

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IT (1) ITBO20080264A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009130641A2 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB937775A (en) * 1960-04-01 1963-09-25 Sig Schweiz Industrieges Improvements in or relating to apparatus for folding package closures
EP0836993A1 (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-04-22 G.D. S.p.A. A method and a unit for carton-wrapping packets of cigarettes
EP1057726A1 (en) * 1999-06-03 2000-12-06 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Wrapping wheel of a cigarette packing machine

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB937775A (en) * 1960-04-01 1963-09-25 Sig Schweiz Industrieges Improvements in or relating to apparatus for folding package closures
EP0836993A1 (en) * 1996-10-17 1998-04-22 G.D. S.p.A. A method and a unit for carton-wrapping packets of cigarettes
EP1057726A1 (en) * 1999-06-03 2000-12-06 G.D Societa' Per Azioni Wrapping wheel of a cigarette packing machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITBO20080264A1 (en) 2009-10-25
WO2009130641A3 (en) 2010-04-01

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