WO2013171692A1

WO2013171692A1 - An apparatus or packing a tile or a stack of tiles with a pair of cardboard blanks

Info

Publication number: WO2013171692A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/053974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurizio Bardi
Original assignee: Nuova Sima S.P.A.
Priority date: 2012-05-16
Filing date: 2013-05-15
Publication date: 2013-11-21
Also published as: EP2723644B1; ES2549565T3; ITBO20120267A1; BR112014028538B1; CN104470806A; PL2723644T3; BR112014028538A2; EP2723644A1; CN104470806B; PT2723644E

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for packing a tile or a stack of tiles (2) by means of a pair of cardboard blanks, comprising: first folding means (36) for applying a first cardboard blank (9) to a tile or stack of tiles (2), realising a first semi-pack (91); a rotary platform (26) arranged downstream of the first folding means (36); a first structure (40) mounted on the rotary platform (26) and which comprises a first seating (51) for receiving a semi-packed 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 the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36) into the first seating (51), and a second angular position in which the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) can be expelled from the first seating (51); first pushing means (63, 64) acting along the first structure (40) such as to expell the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position; second folding means (37) arranged downstream of the first structure (40) such as to apply a second cardboard blank (10) to the semi- packed tile or stack of tiles (2), thus realising a second semi-pack (92) which together with the first semi-pack (91) forms a pack.

Description

AN APPARATUS OR PACKING A TILE OR A STACK OF TILES WITH A PAIR OF CARDBOARD BLANKS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical sector concerning packing stacks of large-format tiles; in particular the invention relates to an apparatus for packing a tile or a stack of tiles by means of a pair of cardboard blanks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A "perimeter" packing of a stack of tiles is known, which consists in applying a folded cardboard blankto the flanks of the pack. The cardboard blank comprises a strip formed by four bands arranged one after another and hinged to one another, each of which has four sides and is dimensioned such as to cover a corresponding flank of the stack of tiles; the strip thus surrounds the stack of tiles and the end of the strip are then sealed to one another by means of glue; thus, two opposite sides of each band are connected to corresponding sides of adjacent bands. On the remaining opposite sides of each band, two flaps are hinged which are then folded against the upper and lower surface of the stack of tiles; the flaps contacting the same surface of the stack of tiles and superposing on one another in proximity of the corners of the stack of tiles are glue to one another, completing the packing of the stack of tiles.

The pack thus obtained protects the stack of tiles and minimizes the quantity of cardboard material used.

However, this type of packaging is not suitable for perimeter tile sizes exceeding 600 x 600 mm as the cardboard blank would have to have dimensions (the length would be greater than 2500mm) which would make it difficult to manipulate during the steps of packaging of the stack of tiles; also in stores would have to be used having disproportionate size in comparison to the rest of the packaging machine; these stores are very rare.

In the case of large formats, "tray" packaging is instead used which involves the use of a cardboard blank having a main surface dimensioned so that it covers one side of the stack of tiles and four flaps hinged to the respective sides of the main surface so as to cover the sides of the stack of tiles; only one side of the stack of tiles would then be left uncovered.

The packaging tray is therefore suitable for large sizes, greater than 600 x 600 mm, but has the drawback of requiring a greater quantity of packaging material with respect to perimeter packing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to obviate the above-cited drawbacks.

The above aim is attained by a packing apparatus of a tile or a stack of tiles with a pair of cardboard blanks, in accordance with claim 1.

The apparatus uses a pair of cardboard blanks, each of which can have a length that is substantially shorter than the length of the blanks used in prior art in perimeter packaging, and preferably a length that is slightly greater than half the length of conventional blanks; a first cardboard blank is applied laterally to a tile or stack of tiles, forming a first semi-pack that involves only a portion of the perimeter of the tile or stack of tiles; a second cardboard blank is subsequently applied laterally to the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles such as to form a second semi-pack that faces the first semi-pack and completes the packing of the tile or stack of tiles.

The first semi-pack and the second semi-pack can thus partially overlap each other if each cardboard blank has a total length given by the sum of the length of the first side (or the fourth side, in the case of the second semi-pack) of the tile or stack of tiles, of little more than half the length of the second side of the tile or stack of tiles and of little more than 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 covered by the first cardboard blank or the second cardboard blank.

These semi-packs will be secured to one another and the tile stack of tiles or preferably by gluing; alternatively plastic strapping could also be used, in combination with the gluing. Advantageously, the unit according to the invention also enables perimeter packing of tiles or stacks of large-format tiles, for example, 600x1200 mm, 900x900 mm, 600x600 mm, and even 1200x1200 mm, enabling a considerable saving compared to traditional cardboard tray packing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below in this discussion, in accordance with what is set down in the claims and with the aid of the attached drawings, in which:

- figures 1 , 2 respectively illustrate in perspective view and side view a first operating step of an apparatus, object of the present invention, for packing a tile or a stack of tiles using a pair of cardboard blanks;

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

- figures 5, 6 illustrate respectively in perspective view and side view a third operational step of the apparatus of figures 1 , 2;

- figures 7, 8 respectively illustrate in perspective view and side view a fourth operational step of the apparatus of figures 1 , 2;

- figures 7A, 7B illustrate perspective views of magnifications 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, which was not represented in any stack of tiles;

- figures 10 and 11 illustrate a perspective view of a stack of tiles, two cardboard blanks and a stack of tiles packaged using the two cardboard blanks.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the appended tables of drawings, general numerical reference (1) denotes the packing apparatus of a tile or a stack of tiles by use of a pair of cardboard blanks.

The apparatus (1) can manipulate a tile or a stack of tiles (2); the tile or stack of tiles (2) has a first surface (3), a second surface (4) opposite the first surface (3), a first flank (5), a second flank (6) adjacent to the first flank (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 cardboard blanks comprises a first cardboard blank (9) and a second cardboard blank (10), each of which comprising: a central band (11); a first lateral band (12) which is hinged to the central band (11); a second lateral band (13) which is hinged to the central band (11) at a second side of the central band (11) which is opposite the first side; a first flap (14) which is hinged to the central band (11) at a third side of the central band (11) that is adjacent to the first side and second side; a second flap (15) which is hinged to the central band (11) at a fourth side of the central band (11) that is opposite the third side and is adjacent to the relative first side and second side; a third flap (16) which is hinged to the first lateral band (12) at a first side of the first lateral band (12) that is adjacent to the side of the first lateral band (12) which is hinged to the first side of the central band (11); a fourth flap (17) which is hinged to the first lateral band (12) at a second side of the first lateral band (12) that is adjacent to the side of the first lateral band (12) which is hinged to the first side of the central band (11); a fifth flap (18) which is hinged to the second lateral band (13) at a first side of the second lateral band (13) that is adjacent to the side of the second lateral band (13) which is hinged to the second side of the central band (11); a sixth flap (19) which is hinged to the second lateral band (13) at a second side of the second lateral band (13) that is adjacent to the side of the second lateral band (13) which is hinged to the second side of the central band (11).

The apparatus (1) comprises first folding means (36) for applying the first cardboard blank (9) to the tile or stack of tiles (2), thus realising a first half- pack (91), such that: the central band (11) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers the first flank (5) of the tile or stack of tiles (2); the first lateral band (12) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a first part (21) of the second flank (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the first flank (5); the second lateral band (13) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a first part (22) of the third flank (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative first flank (5); the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a first peripheral strip (31) (figure 11) of the first surface (3) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative first flank (5); the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a second peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second surface (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative first flank (5); the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a third peripheral strip (23) (figure 11) of the first surface (3), which third peripheral strip (23) borders with the first part (21) of the second flank (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the third flap (16) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a first superposing zone (71); the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a fourth peripheral strip of the second surface (4), which fourth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) borders with the first part (21) of the second flank (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fourth flap (17) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a second superposing zone (not visible in the figures);the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a fifth peripheral strip (25) of the first surface (3), which fifth peripheral strip (25) (figure 11) borders with the first part (22) of the third flank (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fifth flap (18) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a third superposing zone (73);the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a sixth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second surface (4), which sixth peripheral strip borders with the first part (22) of the third flank (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the sixth flap (19) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a fourth superposing zone (not visible in the figures).

The apparatus further comprises: a rotary platform (26) arranged downstream of the first folding means (36), which rotary platform (26) is preferably a fifth wheel (figure 9); a first structure (40) which is mounted on the rotary platform (26) and which comprises a first seating (51) for receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which first structure (40) can rotate between a first angular position (A), in which it is possible to transfer the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36), and a second angular position in which the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) can be expelled from the first seating (51);first pushing means (63, 64) acting along the first structure (40) to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position;second folding means (37) arranged downstream of the first structure (40) for applying the second cardboard blank (10) to the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), thus realising a second semi-pack (92) which together with the first semi-pack (91) forms a pack, such that:the central band (11) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers the fourth flank (8) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles

(2) ;the first lateral band (12) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a second part (20) of the third flank (7) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8);the second lateral band (13) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a second part (28) of the second flank (6) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8);the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a seventh peripheral strip (27) of the first surface

(3) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8);the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers an eighth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second surface (4) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8);the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a ninth peripheral strip (29) of the first surface (3) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which ninth peripheral strip (29) borders with the second part (20) of the third flank (7) of the semi- packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at a fifth superposing zone (75);the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a tenth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second surface (4) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which tenth peripheral strip borders with the third flank (7) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) at a sixth superposing zone (not visible in the figures);the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers an eleventh peripheral strip (30) of the first surface (3) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which eleventh peripheral strip borders (30) with the second part (28) of the second flank (6) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the first flap (1 ) of the second cardboard blank (10) at a seventh superposing zone (77);the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a twelfth peripheral strip (not visible in the figures) of the second surface (4) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which twelfth peripheral strip borders with the second flank (6) of the semi- packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) at an eighth superposing zone (not visible in the figures).

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

The apparatus (1) preferably comprises first glue injection means for injecting glue (24) (not illustrated) onto selected portions (figures 1 , 10) of the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9), such thatthe third flap ( 6) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the first superposing zone (71); the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the second superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the third superposing zone (73); the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the fourth superposing zone (71).

As for the first cardboard blank (9), the glue (24) is preferably applied: at the end of the third flap (16) which is closer to the first flap (14); at the end of the fourth flap (17) which is closer to the second flap (15); at the end of the fifth flap (18) which is closer to the first flap (14); and at the end of the sixth flap (19) which is closer to the second flap (15).

The apparatus (1) preferably comprises second glue injecting means (24) (not illustrated) for injecting glue (24) on first selected portions (32) of the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) such that: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the fifth superposing zone (75); the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the sixth superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the seventh superposing zone (77); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the second flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the eighth superposing zone.

As for the second cardboard blank (10), the glue (24) is preferably applied: at the two ends of the third flap (16), at the two ends of the fourth flap (17), at the two ends of the fifth flap (18) and at the two ends of the sixth flap (19); see figures 1 , 10.

The first cardboard blank (9) and the second cardboard blank (10) are preferably of such dimensions that once they have been applied to the tile or stack of tiles (2) to realise a pack, then: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a ninth superposing zone (79); the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a tenth superposing zone (not visible in the figures); the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at an eleventh superposing zone (81); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a twelfth superposing zone (not visible in the figures); additionally, the second glue injection means (24) also inject glue preferably on selected second portions (33) of the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) such that: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the ninth superposing zone (79); the fourth flap

(17) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the tenth superposing zone; the fifth flap

(18) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the eleventh superposing zone (81); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the twelfth superposing zone.

The first seating (51) preferably comprises: at least a first rest surface for restingly receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), such as to contact the second superposing zone of the first cardboard blank (9) and the fourth superposing zone of the first cardboard blank (9); a first plate (34) arranged above the first rest surface able to elastically press against the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) and thus stabilise the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) in the first superposing zone (71) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51); a second plate (35) arranged above the first rest surface able to elastically press against the fifth flap ( 8) of the first cardboard blank (9) and thus stabilise the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) in the third superposing zone (73) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51).

The weight of the tile or stack of tiles (2) unloads onto the first rest surface also via the second superposing zone and the fourth superposing zone of the first cardboard blank (9); in this way the gluing of the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) has time to stabilize during the following operating steps for packing the tile or stack of tiles (2). For this purpose it is sufficient to maintain the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) resting on the first rest surface for a minimum predetermined time.

The apparatus (1) preferably comprises: a first presser member (41), constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the first plate (34) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles is in the first seating (51), the first presser member (41) pressing on the first portion of the first plate (34) so that the first plate (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the first superposing zone (71); and a second presser member (42) constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the second plate (35) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51), the second presser member (42) pressing on a first portion of the second plate (35) such that the second plate (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the third superposing zone (73).

The apparatus (1) preferably comprises a second structure (50) arranged downstream of the second folding means (37), which second structure (50) comprises a second seating (52) which in turn comprises: at least a second rest surface for restingly receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), such as to contact the sixth superposing zone of the second cardboard blank (10) and the eighth superposing zone of the second cardboard blank (10); a third plate (38) arranged above the second rest surface able to elastically press against the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) and thus stabilise the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) in the fifth superposing zone (71) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); a fourth plate (39) arranged above the second rest surface able to elastically press against the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) and thus stabilise the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) in the seventh superposing zone (77) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52).

The weight of the tile or stack of tiles (2) unloads onto the second rest surface also via the sixth superposing zone and the eighth superposing zone of the second cardboard blank (10); in this way the gluing of the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) has time to stabilize during the following operating steps for packing the tile or stack of tiles (2). For this purpose it is sufficient to maintain the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) resting on the second rest surface for a minimum predetermined time.

The apparatus (1) preferably comprises: a third presser member (43), constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the third plate (38) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles is in the second seating (52), the third presser member (43) pressing on the first portion of the third plate (38) so that the third plate (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the fifth superposing zone (75); and a fourth presser member (44) constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the fourth plate (39) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), the fourth presser member (44) pressing on a first portion of the fourth plate (39) such that the fourth plate (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the seventh superposing zone (77).

The apparatus (1) preferably comprises: a fifth presser member (45) constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the third plate (38) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), the fifth presser member (45) pressing on a second portion of the third plate (38) so that the third plate (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the ninth superposing zone (79); and a sixth presser member (46) constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the fourth plate (39) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), the sixth presser member (46) pressing on a second portion of the fourth plate (39) such that the fourth plate (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the eleventh superposing zone (81).

The first structure (40) preferably: has a longitudinal development identifying a first end (54) and a second end (55) opposite the first end (54); affords a first seating (51) which is arranged at the first end (54); comprises a third seating (53) for receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which third seating (53) is arranged at the second end (55); is configured such that: when it is in the first angular position (A), a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles can be expelled from the third seating (53); and when it is in the second angular position a semi-packed tile (2) or semi-packed stack of tiles originating from the first folding means (36) can be transferred into the third seating (53). Further, the first pushing means (63, 64) can preferably act along the structure such as to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) and to expel the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) from the third seating (53).

The first structure (40) preferably comprises: a first structural member (61) which is provided with a first longitudinal rest base (56); a second structural member (62) which is provided with a second longitudinal rest base (57); the first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57) identifying the first rest surface; the first structural member (61) and the second structural member (62) being spaced from one another such that the first longitudinal rest base (56) contacts the second superposing zone and the second longitudinal rest base (57) contacts the fourth superposing zone when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51).

The first seating (51) and the third seating (53) are preferably identified by the first longitudinal rest base (56), by the second longitudinal rest base (57), by the first plate (34) and by the second plate (35). Consequently, the first longitudinal rest base (56) contacts the sixth superposing zone and the second longitudinal rest base (57) contacts the eighth superposing zone when the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53).

The first structure member (61) is preferably provided with a first straight guide (58) (figure 9) which develops parallel to the first longitudinal rest base (56);the second structural member (62) is provided with a second straight guide (159) (figure 9) which develops parallel to the second longitudinal rest base (57);the first pushing means (63, 64) comprise a first carriage (63) for sliding on the first straight guide (58) and a second carriage (64) for sliding on the second straight guide (159), the first carriage (63) and the second carriage

(64) being activated synchronously with one another and both being provided with: a first abutting head (65) for abutting a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) arranged in the first seating (51); and a second abutting head

(65) , which is opposite the first abutting head (65) such as to abut a semi- packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) arranged in the third seating (53); the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) being interposed between the first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57). The apparatus (1) preferably comprises a seventh presser member (47) constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the first plate (34) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53), the seventh presser member (47) pressing on the second portion of the first plate (34) so that the first plate (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of a first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the first superposing zone (71); and an eighth presser member (48) constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the second plate (35) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53), the eighth presser member (48) pressing on a second portion of the second plate (35) such that the second plate (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the third superposing zone (73).

The second structure (50) preferably comprises: a third structural member (89) which is provided with a third longitudinal rest base (90); a fourth structural member (93) which is provided with a fourth longitudinal rest base (94); the third longitudinal rest base (90) and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) identifying the second rest surface; the third structural member (89) and the fourth structural member (93) being spaced from one another such that the third longitudinal rest base (90) contacts the sixth superposing zone and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) contacts the eighth superposing zone when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); the second seating (52) being identified by the third longitudinal rest base (90), by the fourth longitudinal rest base (94), by the third plate (38) and by the fourth plate (39).

The apparatus (1) can comprise first positioning means (not shown) to collect a first cardboard blank (9) from a first store (also not shown) and position the first cardboard blank (9) in a position such that the first cardboard blank (9) is in front of the first seating (51) when the first structure (40) is in the first angular position (A) (figure 1) and in front of the third seating (53) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position, the first cardboard blank (9) released by the first store is flat and is arranged vertically orientated so that the central band (11) thereof is centred with respect to the first seating (51). The first glue injection means (24) act on the first cardboard blank (9) before it is inserted in the first seating (51) of the first structure (40): note that the glue (24) is applied to the first cardboard blank (9) in figure 1. In particular, the first cardboard blank (9) is arranged transversally to the advancement direction (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 seating (51) of the first structure (40) when the first structure (40) is in the first angular position (A) or in the third seating (53) of the first structure (40) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position. The second thrust means movement to the tile or stack of tiles (2) in one direction and the advancement direction (D), see figure 1.

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

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

The first structure (40) can further comprise: a third longitudinal support (67) fixed to the first frame (49), which third longitudinal support (67) bears the first plate (34), the first presser member (41) and the seventh presser member (47), and a fourth longitudinal support (68) fixed to the first frame (49), which fourth longitudinal support (68) bears the second plate (35), the second presser member (42) and the eighth member pressure (48), the third longitudinal support (67) and the fourth longitudinal support (68) being arranged at a same height which is greater than the height at which the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support are arranged, and this height is adjustable 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) orientated 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 advancement direction (D) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) so that the first roller (70) abuts the first side band (12), the third flap (16) and the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (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) abuts the second side band (13), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) determining the folding of the second side band (13) against the first part (22) of the third flank (7).

The first folding means (36) can further comprise: a first plurality of rollers (74) which are rotatably borne by a first support roller (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 orientated parallel to the advancement direction (D), a second plurality of rollers (76) which are rotatably borne by another first support roller (69) fixed to the first frame (49) of the first structure (40), which second plurality of rollers (76) comprises rollers arranged in a row orientated parallel to the advancement direction (D); a third plurality of rollers (78) which are rotatably borne by a second support roller (86) connected to the end of the third longitudinal support (67) which is located at the first seating (51), which third plurality of rollers (78) comprises rollers arranged in a row orientated parallel to the advancement direction (D) a fourth plurality of rollers (80) which are rotatably borne by another second support roller (86) connected to the end of the fourth longitudinal support (68) which is located at the first seating (51), which fourth plurality of rollers (80) comprises rollers arranged in a row orientated parallel to the advancement direction (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 feeding direction (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 cardboard blank (9) and perform the function of folding the second flap (15) against the second surface (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) that is parallel to the feeding direction (D). The third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are aligned so as to act simultaneously on the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) and perform the function of bending the first flap (14) against the first surface (3) of the tile or stack of tiles (2).

The first folding means (36) can further comprise: a first helical element (82) fixed to the ends of the first longitudinal support which is located at the first seating (51), which first helical element (82) is shaped such as to progressively bend the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) against the second flank (4) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seating (51) moved by the second thrust means and a second helical element (83) fixed to the end of the second longitudinal support which is located at the first seating (51), which second helical element (83) is shaped so as to progressively fold the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) against the second flank (4) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seating (51); a third helical element (84) fixed to the end of the third longitudinal support (67) which is located at the first seating (51), which third helical element (84) is shaped to progressively fold the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) against the first flank (3) gradually as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seating (51); and a fourth helical element (85) fixed to the end of the fourth longitudinal support (68) which is located at the first seating (51), which fourth helical element (85) is shaped so as to progressively fold the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) against the first flank (3) as the tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the first seating (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), the second element helical (83), the third helical element (84) and the fourth helical element (85) so that the first flap (14) and the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) are respectively folded against the first flank (3) and the second flank (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) before the third flap (16) and the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) are folded against the first flank (3) and before the fourth flap (17) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) are folded against the second flank (4).

The tile or stack of tiles (2) advances in the advancement direction (D) and abuts against the first cardboard blank (9), which is drawn along with the tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the first seating (51); during this drawing the first lateral band (12), the second lateral band (13), the first flap (14), the second flap (15), the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) encounter the first folding means (36) and are folded as described herein above to form a first semi-pack (91) which surrounds 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 helical element (82), the second helical element (83), the third helical element (84) and the fourth helical element (85) form a sub-set of the first folding means (36) and are arranged at the first end (54) of the first structure (40), where the first seating (51) is located; this sub-set is preferably replicated, for example, identically also at the second end (55) of the first structure (40), where the third seating (53) is located. Therefore the same considerations as mentioned above apply and the same reference numbers are used.

Preferably, the first plate (34) is aligned with and faces the first longitudinal rest base (56), while the second plate (35) is aligned with and faces the second longitudinal rest base (57); the first plate (34 ), the second plate (35), the first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57) are horizontal and mutually positioned such that: the first rest base (56) contacts the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9), and therefore also the second superposing zone, when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51) or in the third seating (53), the second base of support (57) contacts the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9), and therefore also the fourth superposing zone, when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51) or in the third seating (53); the first plate (34) contacts the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9), and therefore also the first superposing area (71), when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51) or in the second seating (52), the second plate (35) contacts the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9), and therefore also the third superposing zone (73), when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51) or in the second seating (52).

The first plate (34) and the second plate (35) are developed preferably over the entire length respectively of the third longitudinal support (67) and the fourth longitudinal support (68); the first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57) preferably extend over the entire length respectively of the first longitudinal support and the second longitudinal support.

The first plate (34) and the second plate (35) preferablyhave a straight and horizontal profile at a central area and an arched profile at both ends which are fixed respectively to the third longitudinal support (67) and to the fourth longitudinal support (68); the end of the first plate (34) and the second plate (35) that is arranged at the first end (54) of the first structure (40) has an arched profile that serves as a lead-in for insertion of the tile or stack of tiles (2) into the first seating (51), while the end of the first plate (34) and the second plate (35) that is arranged at the second end (55) of the first structure (40) has an arched profile that serves as a lead-in for the insertion of the tile or stack of tiles (2) into the third seating (53).

The first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57) are preferablymade of polyzene (high density polyethylene).

The first plate (34) and the second plate (35) are preferablymade of spring steel, for example C72 steel; this material, due to its elastic memory, enables simultaneously exerting the necessary pressure for gluing the third flap (16) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) and the fifth flap (18) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) and to compensate for surface irregularities of the tile or stack of tiles (2) .

The first presser member (41) and the seventh presser member (47) preferablyeach comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a mobile rod which ends with a buffer, whichpneumatic cylinder is fixed to the third longitudinal support (67) and is arranged above the first plate (34); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the first presser member (41) is vertically aligned with the first superposing zone (71) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51), while the pneumatic cylinder of the seventh pressermember (47) is vertically aligned with the third superposing zone (71) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53). In this way the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the first presser member (41) can contact a corresponding portion of the first plate (34) which in turn contacts the first superposing zone (71) of the first cardboard blank (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51), while the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the seventh presser member(47) can contact a corresponding portion of the first plate (34) which in turn contacts the third superposing zone (71) of the first cardboard blank (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53).

The use of the first presser member (41) and seventh presser member (47) further facilitates the gluing of the third flap (16) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) and fifth flap (18) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9), respectively, when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51) and when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53).

Preferably, the second presser member (42) and the eighth presser member (48) each comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a mobile stem which ends with a buffer, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the fourth longitudinal support (68) and which is arranged above the second plate (35); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the second presser member (42) is vertically aligned with the thirdsuperposing zone (73) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51), while the pneumatic cylinder of the eighth presser member (48) is vertically aligned with the first superposing zone (73) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53). In this way the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the second presser member (42) can contact a corresponding portion of the second plate (35) which in turn contacts the third superposing zone (73) of the first cardboard blank (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51), while the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the eighth presser member (48) can contact a corresponding portion of the second plate (35) which in turn contacts the first superposing zone (73) of the first cardboard blank (9) when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53).

The use of the second presser member (42) and the eighth presser member (48) further facilitates the gluing of the fifth flap (18) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) and of the third flap (16) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank respectively when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51) and when the tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53).

The apparatus (1) can comprise second positioning means (not shown) to take a second cardboard blank (10) from a second store (also not shown) and position the second cardboard blank (10) such that the second cardboard blank (10) is located in front of the second seating (52) of the second structure (50) (figure 1); the second cardboard blank (10) released by the second stock is flat and is arranged vertically orientated so that the relative central band (11) is centred with respect to the second seating (52). The second glue injection means (24) act on the second cardboard blank (10) before it is inserted in the second seating (52) of the first structure (40): note that the glue (24) is applied to the second cardboard blank (10) in figure 1. In particular, the second cardboard blank (10) is arranged transversely to the advancement direction (D) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the second seating (52).

The apparatus (1) can comprise third thrust means (99), acting in phase relation with the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) of the first thrust means (63, 64) (figures 3, 5), so as to collect the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) in outlet from the first seating (51) or in outlet from the third seating (53) and move it into the second seating (52) of the second structure (50). The third thrust means (99) move to the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) in the advancement sense and direction (D).

The second structure (50) can comprise a second frame (59) secured to the frame of the apparatus (1) of the invention.

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 a same height.

The second structure (50) can further comprise: a seventh longitudinal support (95) fixed to the second frame (59), which seventh longitudinal support (95) bears the third plate (38), the third presser member (43) and the fifth presser member (45); an eighth longitudinal support (96) fixed to the second frame (59), which eighth longitudinal support (96) bears the fourth plate (39), the fourth presser member (44) and the sixth pressermember (46), the seventh longitudinal support (95) and the eighth longitudinal support (96) being arranged at a 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 is adjustable 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), so in the following description the same terms and reference numerals will be used.

The second folding means (37) can comprise a first roller (70) and a second roller (72) orientated 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 advancement direction (D) of the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) so that the first roller (70) abuts the first side band (12), the third flap (16) and the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) causing the folding of the first side band (12) against the second part (20) of the third flank (7) of the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) and that the second roller (72) finds the second lateral band (13), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) determining the folding of the second lateral band (13) against the second part (28) of the second flank (6).

The second folding means (37) can further comprise: a first plurality of rollers (74) which are rotatably borne by a first support roller (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 orientated parallel to the advancement direction (D); a second plurality of rollers (76) which are rotatably borne by another first support roller (69) fixed to the second frame (59) of the second structure (50), which second plurality of rollers (76) comprises rollers arranged in a row orientated parallel to the advancement direction (D); a third plurality of rollers (78) which are rotatably borne by a second support roller (86) connected to the end of the seventh longitudinal support (95) which is located at the second seating (52), which third plurality of rollers (78) comprises rollers arranged in a row orientated parallel to the advancement direction (D); a fourth plurality of rollers (80) which are rotatably borne by another second support roller (86) connected to the end of the eighth longitudinal support (96) which is located at the second seating (52), which fourth plurality of rollers (80) comprises rollers arranged in a row orientated parallel to the advancement direction (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-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) which is parallel to the advancement direction (D). The first plurality of rollers (74) and the second plurality of rollers (76) are aligned to act simultaneously on the second flap ( 5) of the second cardboard blank (10) and perform the function of folding the second flap (15) against the second surface (4) of the semi-packed 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 advancement direction (D). The third plurality of rollers (78) and the fourth plurality of rollers (80) are aligned so as to act simultaneously on the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) and perform the function of bending the first flap (14) against the first surface (3) of the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2).

The second folding means (37) can further comprise: a first helical element (82) fixed to the end of the fifth longitudinal support (89) which is located at the second seating (52), which first helical element (82) is shaped so as to progressively fold the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) against the second flank (4) as the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) advances toward the second seating (52) pushed by the third thrust means (99); a second helical element (83) fixed to the end of the sixth longitudinal support (93) which is located at the second seating (52), which second helical element (83) is shaped so as to progressively fold the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) against the second flank (4) as the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the second seating (52); a third helical element (84) fixed to the end of the seventh longitudinal support (95) which is located at the second seating (52), which third helical element (84) is shaped so as to progressively bend the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) against the first flank (3) as the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) advances toward the second seating (52); and a fourth helical element (85) fixed to the end of the eighth longitudinal support (96) which is located at the second seating (52), which fourth helical element (85) is shaped so as to progressively bend the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) against the first flank (3) as the semi-packaged tile or stack of tiles (2) advances towards the second seating (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), the second element helical (83), the third helical element (84) and the fourth helical element (85) so that the first flap (14) and the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) are respectively folded against the first flank (3) and the second flank (4) of the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) before the third flap (16) and the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) are folded against the first flank (3) and before the fourth flap (17) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) are folded against the second flank (4).

The semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) advances in the advancement direction (D) and abuts against the second cardboard blank (10), which is drawn along with the semi-packed tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the second seating (52); during this drawing operation the first side band (12), the second side band (13), the first flap (14), the second flap (15), the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) having the second folding means (37) and are folded as mentioned herein above to form a second semi-pack (92) which surrounds the remaining part of the tile or stack of tiles (2), completing the packing 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 helical element (82), the second helical element (83), the third helical element (84) and the fourth helical element (85) form a sub-set of the second folding means (37) and are arranged at the end of the second structure (50) in which the second seating (52) is located.

The third plate (38) is preferably aligned with and faces the third longitudinal rest base (90), while the fourth plate (39) is aligned with and faces the fourth longitudinal rest base (94); the third plate (38), the fourth plate (39), the third longitudinal rest base (90) and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) are horizontal and their mutual position is such that: the third rest base contacts the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9), and thus also the fourth superposing zone, the tenth superposing zone and the sixth superposing zone, when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); the fourth rest plate contacts the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) and the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9), and thus also the second superposing zone, the twelfth superposing zone and the eighth superposing zone, when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); the third plate (38) contacts the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) and the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9), and therefore also the third superposing zone (73), the ninth superposing zone (79) and the fifth superposing zone (75), when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); the fourth plate (39) contacts the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) and the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9), and therefore also the first superposing zone (71), the eleventh superposing zone (81) and the seventh superposing zone (77), when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52) (see for example figures 5, 7).

The third plate (38) and the fourth plate (39) are developed preferably for the entire length respectively of the seventh longitudinal support (95) and the eighth longitudinal support (96); the third longitudinal rest base (90) and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) are developed preferably over the entire length respectively of the fifth longitudinal support (89) and the sixth longitudinal support (93).

The third plate (38) and the fourth plate (39) preferably have a straight and horizontal profile at a central area and an arched profile at both ends which are fixed respectively to the seventh longitudinal support (95) and the eighth longitudinal support (96); the end of the third plate (38) and the fourth plate (39), which is arranged at the end of the second structure (50) in which the second seating (52) is provided, has in particular an arched profile that serves as a lead-in for the insertion of the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) in the second seating (52).

The third longitudinal rest base (90) and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) are preferably made of polyzene (high density polyethylene).

The third plate (38) and the fourth plate (39) are preferably made of spring steel, for example C72 steel; this type of material, due to its elastic memory, enables compensating for surface irregularities of the tile or stack of tiles (2) and exerting the necessary pressure for gluing: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the fifth superposing zone (75); of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the fifth flap ( 8) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the ninth superposing zone (79); of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the seventh superposing zone (77), and the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the eleventh superposing zone (81).

The third pressure member (43) and the fifth pressure member (45) each preferably comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a mobile stem which ends with a buffer, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the seventh longitudinal support (95) arid is arranged above the third plate (38); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the third presser member (43) is vertically aligned with the fifth superposing zone (75) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), while the pneumatic cylinder pressure of the fifth member (45) is vertically aligned with the ninth superposing zone (79) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52). In this way the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the third presser member (43) can contact a corresponding portion of the third plate (38) which in turn contacts the fifth superposing zone (75) of the second cardboard blank (10) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), while the buffer of the fifth member of the pneumatic cylinder presser (45) can contact a corresponding portion of the third plate (38) which in turn contacts the ninth superposing zone (79) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52).

The use of the third presser member (43) and the fifth presser member (45) further facilitates the gluing respectively of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) in the fifth superposing zone (75) and of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the ninthsuperposing zone (79) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52).

The fourth member of pressure (44) and the sixth pressure member (46) each preferably comprise a pneumatic cylinder having a mobile rod which ends with a buffer, which pneumatic cylinder is fixed to the eighth longitudinal support (96) and is arranged above the fourth plate (39); in particular, the pneumatic cylinder of the fourth presser member (44) is vertically aligned with the seventh superposing zone (77) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), while the pneumatic cylinder of the sixth presser member (46) is vertically aligned with the eleventh superposing zone (81) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52). In this way the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the fourth presser member (44) can contact a corresponding portion of the fourth plate (39) which in turn contacts the seventh superposing zone (77) of the second cardboard blank (10) when the packed tile or stack of tries (2) is in the second seating (52), while the buffer of the pneumatic cylinder of the sixth presser member (46) can contact a corresponding portion of the fourth plate (39) which in turn contacts the eleventh superposing zone (81) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52).

The use of the fourth presser member (44) and the sixth pressure member (46) further facilitates the gluing respectively of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) in the seventh superposing zone (77) and fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the eleventh superposing zone (81) when the packed tile or stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52).

The third thrust means (99) can comprise a telescopic device (99) which in turn comprises: a mobile telescopic arm (97) that can move along the advancement direction (D): an abutment tooth (98) hinged to the free end of the mobile telescopic arm (97) so as to abut a tile or stack of tiles (2) from the outlet of the first seating (51) or of the third seating (53) and transfer it to the second seating (52). The telescopic device (99) can be mounted on the second frame (59) of the apparatus (1).

The telescopic device (99) preferably comprises: a stop (not shown) for limiting the angular excursion of the abutment tooth (98), so that when the abutment tooth (98) abuts the stop, the abutment tooth (98) is located substantially vertically orientated and can abut a stack of tile or tiles (2), and elastic means (not shown) interposed between the mobile telescopic arm (97) and the abutment tooth (98) to force the abutment tooth (98) against the stop. The abutment tooth (98) can then rotate around the hinge axis thereof between a vertical position in which it contacts the stop and can abut a tile or stack of tiles (2), and a retracted position in which it can pass below a tile or stack of tiles (2).

The third thrust means (99) preferably comprise two identical telescopic devices (99), which are arranged so that a tile or stack of tiles (2) can be abutted by the teeth thereof during the pathway of the tile or stack of tiles (2) to the second seating (52), at the central band (11) of the first cardboard blank (9), symmetrically with respect to the axis of the tile or stack of tiles (2) that is parallel to the advancement direction (D).

The mobile telescopic arm (97) of each telescopic device (99) contacts the first seating (51) or the third seating (53) when it has to draw the tile or stack of tiles (2) towards the second seating (52), but returns towards the second seating (52) enabling 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 collect a tile or stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) or from the third seating (53) and then completely disengage tile or stack of tiles (2) enabling the rotation of the first structure (40).

There follows a description of the operation of the apparatus (1) of the present invention.

Figures 1-8 illustrate three stacks of tiles that are located in different positions internally of the apparatus (1) of the invention during the packing process: a first stack of tiles (2) is located in front of the first seating (51) of the first structure (40), a second stack of tiles (2) is located in front of the second seating (52) of the second structure (50) and a third stack of tiles (2) has completed the packing process and is about to be ejected from the third thrust means (99).

The first stack of tiles (2) is moved from the second thrust means towards the first seating (51) of the first structure (40): this first stack of tiles (2) finds the first cardboard blank (9) (figures 1 , 2) and is drawn together with first cardboard blank (9) into the first seating (51), causing the intervention of the first folding means (36) (figures 3, 4) up to the realization of a first semi-pack (91); the first semi-packed stack of tiles (2) reaches the first seating (51) (figures 5, 6) and then the rotary platform (26) is actuated and the first structure (40) rotates, for example clockwise, and for example by one hundred and eighty degrees, to bring the first semi-packed stack of tiles (2) in front of the second seating (52) of the second structure (50).

During the rotation of the first structure (40) the first stack of tiles (2) remains in the first seating (51) for a time sufficient to stabilize the gluing of the flaps of the first cardboard blank (91) to one another by means of the first plate (34), the second plate (35) and by the action of the additional first presser member (41) and the second presser member (42). There are advantageously no dead times while waiting for the glue to stabilise.

The additional intervention of the first presser member (41) and the second presser member (42) during the rotation of the first structure (40) advantageously blocks the first stack of tiles (2) in the first seating (51), compensating for the centrifugal force that with high rotation speeds (as a consequence of high productivity demands) would tend instead to displace the first stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51).

The first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) can advantageously serve as an abutment for the first stack of tiles (2) during the insertion thereof in the first seating (51), to accompany the first stack of tiles (2) until it reaches the first seating (51). When the first structure (40) has completed a rotation of one hundred and eighty degrees the first stack of tiles (2) occupies 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 into the third seating (53), after which there will be an anti-clockwise rotation in order to bring the fourth stack of tiles (2) in front of the second seating (52) of the second structure (50) .

The second stack of tiles (2) is moved by the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) towards the exit of the third seating (53) (figures 1 , 2) and collected, in suitable phase relation, by the third thrust means (99) (figures 3, 4) in order to be moved towards the second seating (52), where it pauses for a time sufficient to stabilize the gluing by action of the third plate (38), the fourth plate (39) and by the action of the third additional presser member (43), the fourth presser member (44), the fifth presser member (45) and the sixth presser member (46) (figures 5, 6, 7, 8).

Subsequently, the second stack of tiles (2) is again moved by the third thrust means (99) such as to be ejected from the second structure (50); the position of the third stack of tiles (2) shown in figures 1 , 2 coincides with one of the positions in which the second stack of tiles (2) is located during the ejection from the second structure (50), then to be conveyed for example to a store of stacks of tiles, or onto a pallet.

The foregoing has been described by way of non-limiting example, for which reason any possible variants are understood to fall within the protective scope of the present technical solution, as claimed in the following.

Claims

CLAIMS An apparatus (1) for packing a tile or a stack of tiles (2) by means of a pair of cardboard blanks, the tile or stack of tiles (2) comprising a first surface (3), a second surface (4) opposite the first surface (3), a first flank (5), a second flank (6) adjacent to the first flank (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 cardboard blanks comprising a first cardboard blank (9) and a second cardboard blank (10), each of which comprising: a central band (11); a first lateral band (12) which is hinged to the central band (11); a second lateral band (13) which is hinged to the central band (11); a first flap (14) which is hinged to the central band (11) at a third side of the central band (11); a second flap (15) which is hinged to the central band (11) at a fourth side of the central band (11); a third flap (16) which is hinged to the first lateral band (12); a fourth flap (17) which is hinged to the first lateral band (12); a fifth flap (18) which is hinged to the second lateral band (13); a sixth flap (19) which is hinged to the second lateral band (13); the apparatus (1) being characterised in that it comprises: first folding means (36) for applying the first cardboard blank (9) to the tile or stack of tiles (2), thus realising a first half-pack (91), such that: the central band (11) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers the first flank (5) of the tile or stack of tiles (2); the first lateral band (12) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a first part (21) of the second flank (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the first flank (5); the second lateral band (13) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a first part (22) of the third flank (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative first flank (5); the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a first peripheral strip (31) of the first surface (3) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative first flank (5); the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a second peripheral strip of the second surface (4) of the tile or stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative first flank (5); the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a third peripheral strip (23) of the first surface (3), which third peripheral strip (23) borders with the first part (21) of the second flank (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the third flap (16) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a first superposing zone (71); the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a fourth peripheral strip of the second surface (4), which fourth peripheral strip borders with the first part (21) of the second flank (6) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fourth flap (17) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a second superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a fifth peripheral strip (25) of the first surface (3), which fifth peripheral strip (25) borders with the first part (22) of the third flank (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the fifth flap (18) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a third superposing zone (73); the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) covers a sixth peripheral strip of the second surface (4), which sixth peripheral strip borders with the first part (22) of the third flank (7) of the tile or stack of tiles (2), the sixth flap (19) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a fourth superposing zone; a rotary platform (26) arranged downstream of the first folding means (36); a first structure (40) which is mounted on the rotary platform (26) and which comprises a first seating (51) for receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which first structure (40) can rotate between a first angular position (A), in which it is possible to transfer the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) coming from the first folding means (36) to the first seating (51), and a second angular position in which the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) can be expelled from the first seating (51); first pushing means (63, 64) acting along the first structure (40) to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) when the first structure (40) is in the second angular position; second folding means (37) arranged downstream of the first structure (40) for applying the second cardboard blank (10) to the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2), thus realising a second semi-pack (92) which together with the first semi-pack (91) forms a pack, such that: the central band (11) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers the fourth flank (8) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2); the first lateral band (12) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a second part (20) of the third flank (7) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8); the second lateral band (13) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a second part (28) of the second flank (6) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8); the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a seventh peripheral strip (27) of the first surface (3) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8); the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers an eighth peripheral strip of the second surface (4) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) which borders with the relative fourth flank (8); the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a ninth peripheral strip (29) of the first surface (3) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which ninth peripheral strip (29) borders with the second part (20) of the third flank (7) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at a fifth superposing zone (75); the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a tenth peripheral strip of the second surface (4) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2), which tenth peripheral strip borders with the third flank (7) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) at a sixth superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers an eleventh peripheral strip (30) of the first surface (3) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2), which eleventh peripheral strip borders (30) with the second part (28) of the second flank (6) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2), the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at a seventh superposing zone (77); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) covers a twelfth peripheral strip of the second surface (4) of the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2), which twelfth peripheral strip borders with the second flank (6) of the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposing on the second flap (15) of the second cardboard blank (10) at an eighth superposing zone. ). The apparatus (1) of claim 1 , wherein the first structure (40): has a longitudinal development identifying a first end (54) and a second end (55) opposite the first end (54); has a first seating (51) arranged at the first end (54); comprises a third seating (53) for receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which third seating (53) is arranged at the second end (55); is configured such that: when it is in the first angular position (A), it is possible to expel from the third seating (53) a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles; and when it is in the second angular position it is possible to transfer, into the third seating (53), a semi-packed tile (2) or semi-packed stack of tiles originating from the first folding means (36); and wherein the first pushing means (63, 64) can act along the structure such as to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) and to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the third seating (53).

3) . The apparatus (1) of claim 1 , comprising first glue injection means for injecting glue (24) onto selected portions of the third flat (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9), such that: the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the first superposing zone (71); the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the second flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the second superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the third superposing zone (73); the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) can successively glue to the second flap (15) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the fourth superposing zone.

4) . The apparatus (1) of the preceding claim, wherein the first seating (51) comprises: at least a first rest surface for restingly receiving a semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2), such as to contact the second superposing zone of the first cardboard blank (9) and the fourth superposing zone of the first cardboard blank (9); a first plate (34) arranged above the first rest surface able to elastically press against the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) and thus stabilise the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) in the first superposing zone (71) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51); a second plate (35) arranged above the first rest surface able to elastically press against the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) and thus stabilise the gluing of the fifth flap ( 8) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) in the third superposing zone (73) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51). ). The apparatus (1) of the preceding claim, comprising: a first presser member (41), constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the first plate (34) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles is in the first seating (51), the first presser member (41) pressing on the first portion of the first plate (34) so that the first plate (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the first superposing zone (71); and a second presser member (42) constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the second plate (35) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51), the second presser member (42) pressing on a first portion of the second plate (35) such that the second plate (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the third superposing zone (73). 6) . The apparatus (1) of any one of claims from 3 to 5, comprising second glue injecting means (24) for injecting glue (24) on first selected portions (32) of the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) such that: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the fifth superposing zone (75); the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the second flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the sixth superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the seventh superposing zone (77); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) can subsequently glue to the second flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the eighth superposing zone.

7) . The apparatus (1) of the preceding claim, comprising a second structure (50) arranged downstream of the second folding means (37), which second structure (50) comprises a second seating (52) which in turn comprises: at least a second rest surface for restingly receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), such as to contact the sixth superposing zone of the second cardboard blank (10) and the eighth superposing zone of the second cardboard blank (10); a third plate (38) arranged above the second rest surface able to elastically press against the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) and thus stabilise the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) in the fifth superposing zone (71) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); a fourth plate (39) arranged above the second rest surface able to elastically press against the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) and thus stabilise the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) in the seventh superposing zone (77) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52).

8) .The apparatus (1) of the preceding claim, comprising: a third presser member (43), constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the third plate (38) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles is in the second seating (52), the third presser member (43) pressing on the first portion of the third plate (38) so that the third plate (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the fifth superposing zone (75); and a fourth presser member (44) constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the fourth plate (39) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), the fourth presser member (44) pressing on a first portion of the fourth plate (39) such that the fourth plate (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the second cardboard blank (10) at the seventh superposing zone (77).

9) .The apparatus (1) of claim 6 or 7 or 8, wherein the first cardboard blank (9) and the second cardboard blank (10) are of such dimensions that once they have been applied to the tile or stack of tiles (2) to realise a pack, then: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a ninth superposing zone (79); the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a tenth superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at an eleventh superposing zone (81); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) partially superposes the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) at a twelfth superposing zone; and wherein the second glue injection means (24) also inject glue (24) on selected second portions (33) of the third flap (16), the fourth flap (17), the fifth flap (18) and the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard blank (10) such that: the third flap (16) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the ninth superposing zone

(79); the fourth flap (17) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the sixth flap (19) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the tenth superposing zone; the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the eleventh superposing zone (81); the sixth flap (19) of the second cardboard flap (10) can subsequently glue to the fourth flap (17) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the twelfth superposing zone. ). The apparatus (1) of the preceding claim, comprising: a fifth presser member (45) constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the third plate (38) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), the fifth presser member (45) pressing on a second portion of the third plate (38) so that the third plate (38) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the ninth superposing zone (79); and a sixth presser member (46) constrained to the second structure (50) such as to press against the fourth plate (39) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52), the sixth presser member (46) pressing on a second portion of the fourth plate (39) such that the fourth plate (39) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the second cardboard blank (10) to the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the eleventh superposing zone (81).

11) .The apparatus (1) of any one of claims from 3 to 10, wherein the first structure

(40): has a longitudinal development identifying a first end (54) and a second end (55) opposite the first end (54); affords a first seating (51) which is arranged at the first end (54); comprises a third seating (53) for receiving a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2), which third seating (53) is arranged at the second end (55); is configured such that: when it is in the first angular position (A), a semi- packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles can be expelled from the third seating (53); and when it is in the second angular position a semi-packed tile (2) or semi-packed stack of tiles originating from the first folding means (36) can be transferred into the third seating (53); and wherein the first pushing means (63, 64) can act along the structure such as to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the first seating (51) and to expel the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) from the third seating (53).

12) . The apparatus (1) of the preceding claim, wherein the first structure (40) comprises: a first structural member (61) which is provided with a first longitudinal rest base (56); a second structural member (62) which is provided with a second longitudinal rest base (57); the first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57) identifying the first rest surface; the first structural member (61) and the second structural member (62) being spaced from one another such that the first longitudinal rest base (56) contacts the second superposing zone and the second longitudinal rest base (57) contacts the fourth superposing zone when the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) is in the first seating (51); the first seating (51) and the third seating (53) being identified by the first longitudinal rest base (56), by the second longitudinal rest base (57), by the first plate (34) and by the second plate (35).

13) . The apparatus (1) of the preceding claims, wherein: the first structural member (61) is provided with a first straight guide (58) which develops parallel to the first longitudinal rest base (56); the second structural member (62) is provided with a second straight guide (159) which develops parallel to the second longitudinal rest base (57); the first pushing means (63, 64) comprise a first carriage (63) for sliding on the first straight guide (58) and a second carriage (64) for sliding on the second straight guide (159), the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) being activated synchronously with one another and both being provided with: a first abutting head (65) for abutting a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) arranged in the first seating (51); and a second abutting head (65), which is opposite the first abutting head (65) such as to abut a semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) arranged in the third seating (53); the first carriage (63) and the second carriage (64) being interposed between the first longitudinal rest base (56) and the second longitudinal rest base (57).

14) . The apparatus (1) of claim 12 or 13, comprising: a seventh presser member

(47) constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the first plate (34) when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53), the seventh presser member (47) pressing on the second portion of the first plate (34) so that the first plate (34) exerts a pressure against the third flap (16) of a first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the third flap (16) of the first cardboard blank (9) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the first superposing zone (71); and an eighth presser member (48) constrained to the first structure (40) such as to press against the second plate (35) when the semi-packed tile or semi- packed stack of tiles (2) is in the third seating (53), the eighth presser member (48) pressing on a second portion of the second plate (35) such that the second plate (35) exerts a pressure against the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (9) with the aim of further stabilising the gluing of the fifth flap (18) of the first cardboard blank (10) to the first flap (14) of the first cardboard blank (9) at the third superposing zone (73). ). The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second structure (50) comprises: a third structural member (89) which is provided with a third longitudinal rest base (90); a fourth structural member (93) which is provided with a fourth longitudinal rest base (94); the third longitudinal rest base (90) and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) identifying the second rest surface; the third structural member (89) and the fourth structural member (93) being spaced from one another such that the third longitudinal rest base (90) contacts the sixth superposing zone and the fourth longitudinal rest base (94) contacts the eighth superposing zone when the semi-packed tile or semi-packed stack of tiles (2) is in the second seating (52); the second seating (52) being identified by the third longitudinal rest base (90), by the fourth longitudinal rest base (94), by the third plate (38) and by the fourth plate (39).