Machine for packaging groups of soft products

Abstract

Described is a machine for packaging groups of products comprising, amongst other things, a packaging unit comprising a conveyor (4) provided with a plurality of pairs of containment elements (5) movable in order to define each time a housing for receiving a group (2) of products wrapped in a wrapping sheet (F) intercepted by the group (2) of products during the lifting of a lifting plate (3), and a plurality of longitudinal crossbars (6) arranged fixed and spaced apart, the machine also comprising an abutting plate (9) removably associated with a respective longitudinal crossbar (6), the abutting plate (9) having a contact surface (9a) arranged to be contacted, in place of the longitudinal crossbar (6), by a portion of the upper face of the group (2) of products when the lifting plate (3) is arranged in a lifting position and fixing members (10) are configured to associate the abutting plate (9) with the respective longitudinal crossbar (6), so as to allow the abutting plate (9) to travel along a vertical direction of travel.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] MACHINE FOR PACKAGING GROUPS OF SOFT PRODUCTS Technical field

[0003] This invention relates to a machine for packaging groups of soft products, for example those for sanitary use, in particular rolls of tissue paper products such as rolls of paper for sanitary and / or household use.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Currently, in the automatic machines which package the above-mentioned products there are:

[0006] - a line for feeding the individual products (for example rolls) configured for grouping together the individual products according to defined formats, such as a plurality of rolls aligned in rows side by side, and sent to a feed station downstream of which it is arranged

[0007] - a packaging unit configured to wrap the group of rolls with a sheet of heat-sealable wrapping material, and to stabilise the wrapper thus obtained.

[0008] According to a known machine configuration, the station for feeding the rolls and the packaging unit are arranged one after another, the first beneath the second and with the interposition of a horizontal lifting plate which receives the rolls in a predetermined format from the feed station and transfers them to the packaging unit.

[0009] The lifting plate is generally combined with two vertical side walls and a front base wall which laterally delimit the side and top size, that is to say, the format, of the group of rolls, and which allow the format to be stably maintained, in particular when this has two or more layers superposed on each other.

[0010] The packaging unit comprises:

[0011] - a chain or belt conveyor, which is closed in a looped fashion and is provided with a plurality of pairs of drive teeth configured to receive respective groups of rolls arriving through the lifting of the lifting plate; - a plurality of fixed upper contrasts (horizontal bars which extend along the conveyor) which allow the group of rolls, after reaching the end of the upper stroke of the plate, to be contained and stabilised during the wrapping step.

[0012] The conveyor is motor-driven and is arranged above the feed station for stopping, at each pause, a relative pair of teeth with the respective inlet opening facing the lifting plate.

[0013] The packaging unit is associated with a line for feeding wrapping sheets, which, simultaneously with each positioning of a pair of teeth, feeds a sheet of wrapping material beneath the pair of teeth which are arranged facing the lifting plate.

[0014] The sheet of wrapping material is fed in such a way as to close the inlet opening of the pair of teeth, so that, with the subsequent lifting of the lifting plate, the sheet is intercepted by the group of rolls and is forced by the latter to enter into the space defined by the pair of teeth until contact with the upper contrasts.

[0015] The insertion of the groups of rolls in the space defined by the pair of teeth determines a U-shaped folding downwards of the sheet of wrapping material around the group, after which the sheet of wrapping material comes out from the pair of teeth with two relative end flaps.

[0016] According to one of the known packaging solutions, a first of the two flaps of the sheet is folded at a right angle on the group of rolls by a first folding device of the packaging unit, and, subsequently, the second of the two flaps is folded, again at a right angle, and superposed on the first flap by a second folding device of the packaging unit.

[0017] After folding, the group of rolls and the wrapped film are transported by the conveyor, in a direction transversal to the lifting direction, towards a lateral pressing and / or sealing zone equipped with units for closing the package (bottom and tops).

[0018] Therefore, during the movement towards the lateral zone, the zone for superposing the flaps is initially subjected to an operation for stabilising the wrapper consisting, usually, in a reciprocal sealing of the flaps and subsequently along the two heads formed by the group of products is also closed after folding the respective portions of the sheet.

[0019] The packaging machine described is used both with products in a roll fed to the packaging unit with the core arranged with a horizontal axis and with products in a roll arranged with the core positioned with a vertical axis.

[0020] The products fed with a vertical core (of particular interest in this invention) are always fed to the feeding line with the core having a horizontal axis.

[0021] A tipping device is applied on the feeding line configured to allow a "straightening" of each individual roll by a right angle in such a way as to have the roll with a vertical core orientation.

[0022] For this type of roll with a vertical core there are some differences and drawbacks relative to the process for folding the packaging material or sheet on the flaps inside the packaging unit.

[0023] When there is the configuration with rolls with a horizontal core, the lateral folds and the respective seals are made at the cores of the rolls (cores made of more rigid material).

[0024] On the other hand, in the groups in the packs with rolls with a vertical core the folds of the flaps and the seals are at the roll itself, so, on a “rounded or semi-circular” surface which is softer, this makes the procedure more delicate and difficult and may result in a reduction in the overall performance for the machine.

[0025] Moreover, another critical step for the rolls with a vertical core is due to the positioning of the group which arrives at the end of the upper stroke of the lifting plate which helps the step of stabilising the wrapper obtained by the mutual sealing of the free flaps of the sheet.

[0026] As already mentioned, the group of rolls is contained at the top by the upper contrasts (rigid bars) at the end of the lifting stroke.

[0027] When these contrasts are formed with rolls in a horizontal direction they are located at a height relative to the plane for feeding products towards the lateral closing zone close to the diameter of the rolls, since the rolls can always be compressed, so as to allow their compression against the contrasts creating, after their drawing down simultaneously with the step of folding the flaps of the sheet, which in this way remains perfectly adherent without creating “creases” or empty spaces with air.

[0028] This type of procedure and its drawing down effect cannot be actuated in rolls with a vertical core and alternative solutions were therefore examined. The first prior art solution comprises the removal of all the upper contrasts present in the machine and the replacement of all the transport systems (thrust carriages) with similar systems but equipped with blades for pushing and containing the products (having the shape of an inverted “L”) connected to the new carriages.

[0029] A second solution comprises replacing all the drive carriages with other specific carriages on which pushing teeth or fingers are mounted equipped with a projection configured for containing the rolls during the rising of the lifting plate.

[0030] According to both solutions, it is a good practice to provide, in the upper part in contact with the product, a portion of soft material (for example, sponge or rubber) configured to lessen the impact of the flat surface of the rolls with a vertical core, in particular the central part which, as mentioned, is more rigid.

[0031] For both the solutions described the greatest disadvantage is that of having to remove the drive teeth or having to remove the contrasts, or having to remove both.

[0032] In addition, there is a further drawback of these solutions due to the reduced relative flexibility of the height of the products; a roll with a first extension calculated along the vertical axis requires a specific blade or a specific positioning of the appendage on the tooth. If the size of the roll changes even by a few millimetres a new blade or an attachment in a different position for the appendage would be necessary.

[0033] Disclosure of the Invention The aim of the invention is to provide a machine for packaging groups of soft products that overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0034] In particular, the aim of this invention is to provide a machine for packaging groups of soft products which is able to reduce the size changeover time in the machine to pass from a configuration of groups of rolls with a horizontal axis to the groups of rolls with a vertical axis and vice versa.

[0035] A further aim of this invention is to provide a machine for packaging groups of soft products in which the correct quality of wrapping and sealing is always guaranteed in the configuration of rolls with a vertical axis.

[0036] Said aims are fully achieved by the machine for packaging groups of soft products according to the invention as characterised in the appended claims.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of it, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] - Figure 1 is a perspective view from above with some parts cut away to better illustrate others of a machine for packaging groups of soft products according to this invention;

[0040] - Figure 2 is a front view of the machine for packaging groups of soft products referred to in Figure 1 ;

[0041] - Figure 3 is a side view of the machine for packaging groups of soft products referred to in Figures 1 and 2;

[0042] - Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged detail of Figure 2, in particular a crossbar and an abutting plate associated with the crossbar;

[0043] - Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the crossbar and the abutting plate of Figure 4;

[0044] - Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of Figure 5; - Figure 7 is a cross-section of Figure 4.

[0045] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0046] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular Figures 1 to 3, the machine for packaging groups of soft products according to the invention is used, in particular, but without limiting the scope of the invention, for packaging groups of rolls for sanitary use (known to experts in the field as "tissue paper” rolls).

[0047] As illustrated, the machine 100 for packaging groups of products comprises a feeding line 1 configured for feeding, along a feed direction A, a group 2 of products arranged side by side.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this case and by way of an example, the line 1 for feeding individual rolls is configured for grouping together the rolls according to formats having at least two rows side by side.

[0049] Each of the rows comprises a plurality of rolls in succession and each roll has an orientation with a vertical axis of its central core relative to the feed direction.

[0050] Moreover, the machine 100 comprises a lifting plate 3 configured to lift vertically the group 2 of products arriving from the feeding line 1 .

[0051] Again as illustrated, the machine 100 has a packaging unit comprising a conveyor 4 provided with a plurality of pairs of movable containment elements 5 (teeth), each pair being arranged in such a way as to define each time a seat for receiving the group 2 of products wrapped in a wrapping sheet F.

[0052] The sheet F is intercepted by the group 2 of products when the plate 3 is in a raised position.

[0053] The packaging unit also comprises a plurality of longitudinal crossbars 6, which are fixed and spaced from each other in such a way that the containment elements 5 pass between them (during receiving and transporting of the groups 2 of products wrapped in the sheet F).

[0054] The packaging unit also comprises a first folder 7 and a second folder 8 configured to fold the free flaps of the sheet F wrapping the group 2 of products to define a wrapper.

[0055] The first folder device 7 and the second folder 8 are movable relative to each other between a non-operating position, wherein the first folder 7 and the second folder 8 are arranged away from each other (Figures 1 to 3), in such a way as to allow the lifting of the group 2 of products by the lifting plate 3, and an operating position for folding, wherein the first folder 7 and the second folder 8 are moved towards each other, in such a way to fold the flaps of the sheet F below the group 2 of products (which has been lifted by the lifting plate 3).

[0056] The first folder 7 and the second folder 8 operate on a folding plane arranged horizontally.

[0057] Again as illustrated, also in Figures 4 to 6, the machine 100 comprises at least one abutting plate 9 removably associated with a respective longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0058] The abutting plate 9 has an operating contact surface 9a arranged so that it can be contacted, in place of the longitudinal crossbar 6, by a portion of the upper face of the group 2 of products wrapped in the sheet F, when the lifting plate 3 is in the lifting position.

[0059] The lifting position is that in which the plate 3 is substantially coplanar with the folding surface.

[0060] The machine 100 also comprises fixing members 10 configured for associating the abutting plate 9 to the respective longitudinal crossbar 6. These fixing members 10 are arranged to allow displacement of the abutting plate 9 along a vertical direction of displacement, when the abutting plate 9 is subjected to an upward stroke by the group 2 of products lifted by the lifting plate 3, so that the operating contact surface 9a of the abutting plate 9 remains in contact with the upper front portion of the group 2 of products wrapped in the sheet F, thereby keeping the group 2 of products close to each other.

[0061] It should be noted that the fixing members 10 comprise a guide member 11 and a sliding element 12.

[0062] The sliding element 12 is configured to slide on the guide member 11 .

[0063] In light of this, the guide member 11 is fixed to the respective longitudinal crossbar 6 and the sliding element 12 to the abutting plate 9.

[0064] Alternatively, the guide member 11 is fixed to the abutting plate 9 and the sliding element 12 to the respective longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0065] As also shown in Figure 5, the sliding element 12 comprises a pair of fastening member 13 fixed to the longitudinal crossbar 6, spaced from each other.

[0066] In turn, the guide member 11 comprises a pair of guide bodies 14 fixed to the abutting plate 9, spaced from each other.

[0067] Each guide body 14 is provided with a slot 15 sized and configured for slidably receiving a corresponding fastening member 13 along the vertical direction of travel.

[0068] In light of this, each guide body 14 is provided with a channel 14a in which a bracket 16 is mounted in a slidable fashion fixed to the respective fastening member 13.

[0069] It should be noted that the abutting plate 9 also comprises an engagement wall 9b arranged perpendicular to the above-mentioned contact operating surface 9a and configured to be associated with the corresponding longitudinal crossbar 6 by means of the fixing means 10.

[0070] In particular (see also Figure 7) each fastening member13 comprises a pin 13a which can be associated in a through cavity 6a made in the lateral face of the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0071] Each pin 13a has a head 13b provided with front seats for coupling with screw means 21 for joining to the bracket 16.

[0072] In use, each head 13b is housed in the respective slot 15 of each guide body 14 and defines the reference element of the vertical working stroke which the guide body can perform.

[0073] Each head 13b has in turn a flange 13c interposed between the guide body 14 and the longitudinal crossbar 6. It should be noted that each bracket 16 has an “L” shape comprising a vertical portion 16a arranged parallel to the engagement wall 9b of the abutting plate 9, housed, in use, in the channel 14a and associated with the head 13b of the fastening members 13.

[0074] Each bracket 16 has a horizontal portion 16b arranged above the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0075] It should be noted that the fixing members 10 also comprise an adjusting element 17 configured for adjusting the position of the abutting plate 9 relative to the longitudinal crossbar 6 to which it is associated, in such a way as to change the position of said travel according to the height of the group 2 of products.

[0076] More specifically (see Figures 4 to 7), each adjusting element 17 comprises a contact plug 17a interposed, in use, between the respective horizontal portion 16b of the bracket 16 and the head of the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0077] Each plug 17a is associated with the horizontal portion 16b of the bracket 16 by means of screw means 22 with which it is possible to modify the position in height of the plug 17a and consequently modify the position of the abutting plate 9 relative to the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0078] This makes it possible to modify the position of the guide body 14 relative to the head 13b engaged in the slot 15.

[0079] It should be noted that the fixing members 10 also comprise an elastically compressible element 18 arranged between the abutting plate 9 and the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0080] The elastically compressible element 18 is configured to oppose the thrust exerted by the group 2 of products in such a way as to help to keep the operating contact surface 9a in contact with the portion of the upper face of the group 2 of products wrapped by the sheet F, when the lifting plate 3 is in the lifting position.

[0081] Figures 4 and 7 show, by way of non-limiting example, a spring defining the elastically compressible elements 18 interposed between the operating surface 9a and the bottom head of the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0082] It should be noted that the fixing members 10 also comprise a quick coupling and release element configured to allow the quick coupling and release of the abutting plate 9 to / from the respective longitudinal crossbar 6. In light of this, each fastening and unfastening element comprises an engagement element 19 configured to remain in contact with the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0083] In light of this, each engagement element 19 comprises a knob provided with an end pin 19a.

[0084] Each knob can engage a respective slot 23 made on the horizontal portion 16b of the bracket 16 in such a way as to insert the pin 19a in a through seat 24 of the plug 17a until reaching and contacting a lateral face of the longitudinal crossbar 6 and stabilise by contact the abutting plate 9 on the longitudinal crossbar 6.

[0085] Thanks to this system, each abutting plate 9 can be arranged and locked and unlocked quickly and easily.

[0086] In this way, when the abutting plate 9 is subjected to an upwards thrust by the group 2 of products (raised by the plate 3), it allows the plate 9 and the sliding element 12 to move vertically in both directions relative to the bracket 16 and to the fixing members 17.

[0087] Again as illustrated, the machine 100 also comprises a sealing station 20 where the flaps of the sheet F folded under the group 2 of products are sealed to each other.

[0088] In light of this, the abutting plate 9 is also arranged in the sealing station 20.

[0089] In a first case, the sealing station 20 can be arranged on one of the first and second folders 7 or 8 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0090] In a second case, the sealing station 20 may be arranged downstream of the lifting zone of the group 2 of products and is reached by the group 2 of products by the horizontal movement of the pair of pulling elements 5.

[0091] In Figure 1 the alternative sealing station 20 is illustrated with a dashed line.

[0092] In this case, the abutting plate 9 is made of two portions independent from each other, wherein a first portion 9c is arranged at the lifting plate 3, and a second portion 9d is arranged at the sealing station 20.

[0093] This invention also provides a method for packaging groups 2 of products, comprising the steps of:

[0094] - feeding a group 2 of products, arranged side by side, along the feed direction A, by means of a feeding line 1 ;

[0095] - vertically lifting the group 2 of products arriving from the feeding line 1 by means of the lifting plate 3;

[0096] - arranging the wrapping sheet F so as to be intercepted by the group 2 of products during the lifting of the lifting plate 2 forming a U-shaped fold (inverted) around the group 2 of products;

[0097] - providing a packaging unit comprising: the conveyor 4 having the plurality of pairs of movable containment elements 5, where each pair defines (each time) a seat for receiving the group 2 of products wrapped by the U- shaped wrapping sheet F, and the plurality of longitudinal crossbars 6, fixedly arranged and spaced apart from each other and with the containment elements 5 passing between them;

[0098] - folding the free flaps of the sheet F wrapped around the group 2 of products using the first folding device 7 and the second folding device 8, whilst the group 2 of products is contained by the pair of containment elements 5;

[0099] - removably associating at least one abutting plate 9 to a respective longitudinal crossbar 6, wherein the abutting plate 9 has an operating contact surface 9a arranged so that it can be contacted, in place of the respective longitudinal crossbar 6, by a portion of the upper face of the group 2 of products wrapped in the sheet F, when the lifting plate 3 is located in a lifting position, wherein the abutting plate 9 is associated with the respective longitudinal crossbar 6 by means of fixing members 10 configured to allow a vertical travel of the plate 9, when the abutting plate 9 is subjected to a thrust upwards by the group 2 of products which is lifted by the lifting plate 3, when the latter is in the lifting position, so that the operating contact surface 9a of the abutting plate 9 remains in contact with the portion of the upper face of the group 2 of products wrapped in the sheet F, in such a way as to keep the group 2 of products compact.

[0100] Thanks to the structure of this machine it is possible to obtain a modification of the packaging unit in order to be able to correctly package products, for example, with a different orientation of the relative core.

[0101] This modification, thanks to the structure of the abutting plates is quick and easy and avoids disassembly of components used for other sizes.

[0102] The presence of the plates is useful during the lifting step in such a way as to allow a precise stabilisation of the group of products lifted, but it is also useful during the sealing step on the lower face of the group of products which occurs by joining the lower flaps of heat-sealable material, after having superposed them during the folding process.

[0103] In this case, the plates are designed to apply a counter-thrust downwards to oppose the upward thrust applied by the group of products raised by the sealers during the step of sealing the two lower flaps.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A machine for packaging groups of products, said machine (100) comprising:- a feeding line (1 ) configured to feed a group (2) of products arranged side by side along a feed direction (A);- a lifting plate (3) configured to vertically lift the group (2) of products arriving from said feeding line (1 );- a packaging unit comprising a conveyor (4) provided with a plurality of pairs of movable containment elements (5), each pair defining a respective seat for receiving the group (2) of products wrapped in a wrapping sheet (F), said sheet (F) being intercepted by the group (2) of products when the lifting plate (3) is in a raised position, a plurality of longitudinal crossbar (6), fixedly arranged and spaced apart from each other, between which said containment elements (5) pass; and- a first folder (7) and a second folder (8) configured to fold free flaps of the sheet (F) wrapping around the group (2) of products to form a wrap; said first (7) and second (8) folders being movable to each other between an inoperative position, in which the first (7) and second (8) folders are arranged spaced apart to allow the group (2) of products to be lifted by the lifting plate (3), and an operative folding position, in which the first (7) and second (8) folders are arranged closer together to fold the flaps of the sheet (F) beneath the group (2) of products, said machine (100) being characterised by further comprising:- at least one abutting plate (9) removably associated with a respective longitudinal crossbar (6), said abutting plate (9) having an operating contact surface (9a) arranged to be contacted, in place of the longitudinal crossbar (6), by an upper front portion of the group (2) of products wrapped in the sheet (F), when the lifting plate (3) is in the raised position,- fixing members (10) configured to associate said abutting plate (9) withthe respective longitudinal crossbar (6), said fixing members (10) being arranged to allow displacement of the abutting plate (9) along a vertical direction of displacement when the abutting plate (9) is subjected to an upward stroke by the group (2) of products lifted by the lifting plate (3), so that the operating contact surface (9a) of the abutting plate (9) remains in contact with said upper front portion of the group (2) of products wrapped in the sheet (F), thereby keeping the group (2) of products narrower to each other.

2. Machine according to claim 1 , wherein said fixing members (10) comprise a guide member (11 ) and a sliding element (12) configured to slide along the guide member (11 ), wherein either the guide member (11 ) is fixed to the respective longitudinal crossbar (6) and the guide member (11 ) to the abutting plate (9), or the guide member is fixed to the abutting plate (9) and the sliding element (12) to the respective longitudinal crossbar (6).

3. Machine according to claim 2, wherein said sliding element (12) comprises a pair of fastening members (13), fixed and spaced apart from each other on the longitudinal crossbar (6), and wherein said guide member (11 ) comprises a pair of guide bodies (14), fixed and spaced apart from each other on the abutting plate (9), each guide body (14) being provided with a slot (15) dimensioned and configured to slidingly accommodate a corresponding fastening member (13) along said vertical direction of displacement.

4. Machine according to claim 3, wherein each said guide body (14) is provided with a channel (14a) within which a bracket (16), fixed to the respective fastening member (13), is slidably mounted.

5. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjusting element (17) configured to adjust the position of said abutting plate (9) relative to the associated longitudinal crossbar (6) according to the height of the group (2) of products.

6. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, further comprisingan elastically compressible member (18) arranged between the abutting plate (9) and the respective longitudinal crossbar (6), said compressible member (18) being configured to counteract the uplift exerted by the group (2) of products, thereby helping to maintain the operating surface (9a) in contact with the upper front portion of the group (2) of products wrapped by the sheet (F), when the lifting plate (3) is in the raised position.

7. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a quick coupling / release element configured to allow quick coupling and releasing of the abutting plate (9) to and from the respective longitudinal crossbar (6), said coupling / release element comprising an engagement element (19) configured to remain in contact with said longitudinal crossbar (6).

8. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said abutting plate (9) further comprises an engagement wall (9b) arranged perpendicular to said operating contact surface (9a), said engagement wall (9b) being configured to be associated with the corresponding longitudinal crossbar (6) by means of the fixing members (10).

9. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing station (20) in which the flaps of the sheet (F), folded underneath the group (2) of products, are sealed together, said abutting plate (9) being also arranged in said sealing station (20).

10. Machine according to claim 9, wherein said abutting plate (9) is made of two portions independent from each other, a first portion (9c) being arranged at the lifting plate (3), and a second portion (9d) being arranged at said sealing station (20).

11. Method for packaging groups (2) of products, said method comprising the steps of:- feeding a group (2) of products, arranged side by side, along a feed direction (A), by means of a feeding line (1 );- vertically lifting the group (2) of products arriving from said feeding line (1 ) by means of a lifting plate (3);- arranging a wrapping sheet (F) so as to be intercepted by the group (2) of products during the lifting of the lifting plate (2), thereby forming a U- shaped fold around the group (2) of product;- providing a packaging unit comprising: a conveyor (4) having a plurality of pairs of movable containment elements (5), each pair defining a respective seat for receiving the group (2) of products wrapped in the U- shaped wrapping sheet (F), and a plurality of longitudinal crossbars (6), fixedly arranged and spaced apart from each other, with the containment elements (5) passing between them;- folding free flaps of the wrapping sheet (F) underneath the group (2) of products by means of a first (7) folder and a second folder (8), , while said group (2) of products is held between the pair of containment elements (5), said method being characterised by further comprising the step of removably coupling at least one abutting plate (9) to a respective longitudinal crossbar (6), said abutting plate (9) having an operational contact surface (9a) arranged to be contacted, in place of the respective longitudinal crossbar (6), by an upper front portion of said group (2) of products wrapped in said sheet (F), when the lifting plate (3) is in a raised position, wherein he abutting plate (9) is associated with the respective longitudinal crossbar (6) by fixing members (10) configured to allow vertical displacement of the abutting plate (9) when subjected to an upward stroke by the group (2) of products lifted by the lifting plate (3), so that, the operational contact surface (9a) of the abutting plate (9) remains in contact with said upper front portion of the group (2) of products wrapped in the sheet (F), thereby keeping the group (2) of products narrower to each other.

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