Apparatus and method for constructing a bag

Abstract

Apparatus (100) for forming bags (1) which comprises a supply device (103) for supplying a first tape material (M) along an advancement path (P) and a second supply device (104) for supplying a second tape material (N1, N2). The apparatus (100) comprises a step cutting device (130) which is configured to cut the second tape material (N1, N2) so as to obtain a plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) and a pairing device (200) suitable for receiving sheets (10A, 10B) of the plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) and configured to anchor at least one sheet (10, 10B) on predefined portions (27, 29) of the first tape material (M) at predefined intervals. The apparatus (100) also comprises a forming device (140) which is placed downstream of the pairing device (200) for folding and creasing the first tape material (M) provided with at least one sheet (10A, 10B) in order to form a tubular member extending along the advance direction (P) and provided therein with at least one sheet (10A, 10B).

Description

[0001] Apparatus and method for constructing a bag

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for forming bags, in particular bags comprising at least one reinforcement element. The apparatus and method of the invention are particularly suitable for the production of bags in which the reinforcement element is constrained in a stable manner to the bag.

[0003] The need to create bags through which to sort waste according to their type already at the domestic level of the disposal chain so that they can be directed, in this first step, towards an optimized disposal from which their optimal exploitation derives is now known. More precisely, the organic waste material should be separated from other types of waste as it can be appropriately treated to obtain therefrom, for example, biofuels, such as methane, and fertilizers for agriculture.

[0004] Such bags are typically obtained by winding a sheet so as to form a member of almost tubular shape whose longitudinal edges are glued together at a portion of the lateral wall in order to form the tubular member which is open at the two longitudinal ends.

[0005] The tubular member is folded and glued at one of the longitudinal ends in a manner known in the sector for forming the bottom of the bag. For this purpose, at this longitudinal end the sheet is suitably shaped. In the known machines, it is noted that folding the tubular cover may result in unwanted folding lines or folds whose orientation is not consistent with the bag forming. Correcting these folding lines usually entails an additional folding step to compensate for unwanted lines or may entail a more complex formation of the bag by the end user, with consequent production slow-down, process inefficiency and discomfort for the user.

[0006] At the opposite longitudinal end of the tubular member, the walls are not mutually constrained, but are open so that an opening for the bag to be formed remains defined.

[0007] These bags also comprise a reinforcement element which is inserted inside the member and intended to reinforce the bottom thereof.

[0008] The bags are initially formed in a flattened configuration with the reinforcement inserted into the member.

[0009] At the time of use, the user opens the bag so as to define its bottom and positions the reinforcement element so as to overlap it at least partially on the bottom of the bag in order to increase its strength and protect the gluing dots defining the bottom of the bag itself.

[0010] The production of such bags in an automated manner is not simple as it is necessary to position the reinforcement element inside the bag so that the bag can be easily opened and so that the reinforcement element can be easily positioned on the bottom. Particularly, such bags can be difficult to erect especially for inexperienced users. In particular, in some bags it is not always easy and immediate to correctly position the reinforcement element on the bottom of the bag. This results in the overall performance of these bags being compromised.

[0011] In particular, the machines known to make such types of bags require a difficult coordination between the movement of the reinforcement element and the blank during the formation of the bag in such a manner that, when the bag is formed, the reinforcement element is precisely positioned inside it. This coordination in movement is typically carried out by conveyor means which are provided with belts which make the bag forming apparatus complicated and complex to manage.

[0012] The term "swinging hinge" refers to the portion that mechanically connects a pair of elements and also allows their mutual rotation around it.

[0013] The term "bellows-like" refers to an element that can be alternately folded and extended in such a manner as to reduce and increase its surface area, respectively.

[0014] The term "advance direction" refer to the spatial orientation towards which the tapes are moved in the apparatus for constructing the bags.

[0015] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" indicate operating steps that have their own specific position in the sequencing of a process.

[0016] More specifically, if the operation B occurs upstream of the operation A, it means that the operation B will occur sequentially before said operation A.

[0017] Similarly, if the operation B occurs downstream of operation A, it means that the operation B will occur sequentially after said operation A.

[0018] These considerations made for operating steps also apply to devices and / or portions that are positioned respectively upstream or downstream of others according to the sequential operating flow of the process considered and described.

[0019] The term "fracturable lines" means lines made on a tape by cutting it in such a manner as to favour a subsequent separation thereof into a plurality of elements.

[0020] A task of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for constructing a blank and a relative bag made of biodegradable material that at least partially overcome the defects highlighted with reference to the cited prior art.

[0021] A task of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for constructing bags made of biodegradable material, such as paperboard, having at least one reinforcement element constrained to them.

[0022] An object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus that allow to produce reinforced bags in flattened configuration provided with a reinforcement element that is constrained inside the bag.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus that produce bags by reducing the amount of discarded bags produced compared to the existing methods and machines.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to provide a method and an apparatus that produce bags by increasing the production speed compared to the existing methods and machines.

[0025] A further object of the present invention is to make a bag that is mechanically resistant and at the same time foldable in such a manner as to have a minimum footprint.

[0026] Furthermore, with the method and apparatus of the invention it is possible to make an intact, tension-free bag especially at the bottom of the bag which, in use, is intended to bear the weight of waste or food arranged therein.

[0027] An object of the invention is to provide a bag whose bottom is reinforced.

[0028] An object of the invention is to make a disposable bag in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0029] A further object of the present invention is to make a bag that is disposable together with organic waste deposited therein.

[0030] This task, as well as these and other purposes are achieved by an apparatus and by a method for forming a bag according to one or more of the appended claims.

[0031] In particular, in a first aspect thereof, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for forming bags comprising a supply device for supplying a first tape material which develop in a longitudinal direction along an advancement path. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a second supply device for supplying a second tape material along a second advancement path. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a step cutting device for cutting the second tape material so as to obtain a plurality of sheets. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a pairing device suitable for receiving the sheets of the plurality of sheets. Preferably, the pairing device is configured to guide and anchor each sheet of the plurality of sheets on a predefined portion of the first tape material.

[0032] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a further step supply device for supplying the sheets to the pairing device. Preferably, the further supply device is configured to supply each sheet of the plurality of sheets intermittently at a predefined distance along the second advancement path of the second tape material from the previously fed sheet of the plurality of sheets.

[0033] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a forming device placed downstream of the pairing device for folding the first tape material provided with the at least one sheet to form a tubular member extending along the longitudinal direction and provided therein with at least one sheet of the second tape material. These features make it possible to provide the apparatus for forming a bag from tape material. In particular, these features allow making a bag comprising therein the layers constrained to the same. These features allow to associate the sheets with the first tape material and only subsequently to fold it, in such a manner as to arrange folding lines both on the first tape material and on the sheets of second tape material that are anchored to it.

[0034] A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for constructing a bag from a tape material. Preferably, the method comprises the step of supplying a first tape material, preferably which develop in a longitudinal direction, in an advance direction along an advancement path. Preferably, the method comprises the step of supplying a second tape material.

[0035] Preferably, the method comprises the step of cutting the second tape material so as to obtain a plurality of sheets.

[0036] Preferably, the method comprises the step of guiding and anchoring at least one sheet to the first tape material so that the at least one sheet is associated in a stable manner on at least a predefined portion of the first tape material.

[0037] Preferably, the method comprises the step of forming and folding a tubular member from the first material having anchored therein at least one sheet of the plurality of sheets of second tape material on at least one predefined portion.

[0038] Such features allow to provide a method for forming a bag from tape material. In particular, these features allow making a bag comprising therein the layers constrained to the same.

[0039] Preferably, the first and / or second aspect comprises one or more of the following features.

[0040] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a guide device which is configured to guide the at least one sheet of the plurality of sheets of second tape material from said cutting device at the at least one predefined portion of the first tape material. This feature allows the sheets, i.e. the reinforcement layers of the bag, to be arranged in the desired positions in order to obtain the reinforced bag after they have been cut from the second tape material.

[0041] Preferably, the method comprises, in the step of anchoring at least one sheet, anchoring at least one sheet at predefined intervals on at least a predefined portion of the first tape material. Advantageously, defining predefined intervals allows to automate the production of the blanks and bags, making blanks / bags mutually identical.

[0042] Preferably, the second supply device comprises a pair of second supply elements which are intended to supply respectively a second tape material and a further second tape material.

[0043] Preferably, the guide device is arranged immediately downstream of the cutting device. Preferably, the cutting device comprises the guide device and, according to embodiments, a first guide device and a second guide device. These features allow, immediately after cutting the sheets, to convey them towards the predefined portions, thus reducing the downtime of the apparatus caused by the transport of the second tape material. Furthermore, these features allow a pair of sheets to be conveyed in the predefined portions so as to obtain blanks, and subsequently bags, having a pair of side-by-side layers.

[0044] Preferably, the guide device comprises a first guide device for guiding first sheets of the plurality of sheets at first portions of the first tape material. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a second guide device for guiding second sheets of the plurality of sheets at predefined second portions of the first tape material. Preferably each first portion and each second portion is provided at the same longitudinal height along the advancement path of the first tape material. Preferably each first portion and each second portion are arranged at a predefined distance along a transverse direction. Preferably, the transverse direction is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Thanks to this feature, each blank is associated with two sheets which are beside each other and preferably spaced at the same height in the first tape material, that is, with two reinforcement layers, making the same bag more resistant. Preferably, the guide device, and preferably the first and the second guide device, is made by means of a system of rollers and belts. This feature allows the cut sheets to be transported quickly and reliably.

[0046] Preferably, the apparatus comprises an application device for applying an adhesive to the first tape material at each predefined portion, so as to anchor each sheet to the first tape material in a stable manner.

[0047] This feature allows the sheets to be glued on the first material tape, thus creating a bond between them that is easily achievable and at the same time effective.

[0048] Preferably, the method comprises applying an adhesive at predefined intervals on the respective predefined portions of the first tape material. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to glue the sheets to the first tape at the same time as forming the bag.

[0049] According to embodiments the further supply device is configured to apply an anchoring portion of each sheet of the plurality of sheets on the predefined portion of the first tape material. Preferably, the method comprises the step of arranging anchoring portions of each sheet at each predefined portion of the first tape material.

[0050] This feature allows each sheet to be oriented and arranged on the material, particularly at the predefined portion, preferably where the adhesive is applied or where it is mechanically constrained to the predefined portions of the first tape material.

[0051] Preferably, the first guide device and the second guide device are arranged at the same longitudinal height along the advancement path of the first tape material. This feature allows the first sheet and the second sheet to be anchored simultaneously in the respective predefined portions.

[0052] According to embodiments of the invention the pairing device comprises a pair of pairing rollers, preferably arranged on opposite sides of the first tape material, configured to press the at least one sheet against the first tape material. This feature allows each sheet to be associated with the first tape material, for example by exploiting the application upstream of the adhesive on each predefined portion of the first tape material.

[0053] Preferably, the cutting device comprises a control device which is configured to vary the cutting interval, the control device is suitable for defining a cutting interval in such a manner as to obtain a predefined width and a predefined length of the sheets of second tape material less than or equal to respectively a first dimension and to a second dimension of a base wall of the bag.

[0054] This feature makes it possible to size the sheets of second tape material so that they adapt to the dimensions of the first tape material, which, by virtue of how it will be folded by the forming device, will be defined on the basis of the dimensions of the base wall of the bag.

[0055] Preferably, the method provides that the sheets are anchored in a stable manner in respective predefined portions on the first tape material in such a manner as to be arranged in pairs at the same longitudinal height along the advancement path of the first tape material.

[0056] This feature allows to associate a pair of sheets and further reinforce the bag. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a creasing device, preferably arranged between the pairing device and the forming device along the advancement path. Preferably, the creasing device is configured to make a bottom creasing line following the association between the first tape material and the sheets. Advantageously, the creasing device allows to preliminarily make on the first tape material foldable lines after associating the sheets therewith, this feature allows to make a single foldable line involving both the first tape material and the sheets associated with it.

[0057] According to embodiments of the invention, the creasing device comprises a creasing roller and / or an abutment roller, preferably mutually arranged on opposite sides with respect to the first tape material. Preferably, the creasing roller and the abutment roller are configured to abut the first tape material and the sheets in order to make a creasing line. These features make it possible to make foldable lines by means of the engagement of the creasing roller on the abutment roller.

[0058] According to embodiments of the invention, the creasing roller is arranged on the same side of the first tape material where the sheets of second tape material are applied. This feature allows to obtain creasing lines made both on the first tape material and on each sheet anchored to it that allow to separate the base panels from the lateral panels of the blank and to make the same base panels foldable towards each other in such a manner as to make a base wall of a bag. Preferably, the creasing roller has a blade developing in the transverse direction. Preferably each blade is configured to engage the abutment roller in order to make the bottom creasing line. Preferably, the creasing roller is rotatable about a rotation axis at a predefined speed so that the blade abuts the abutment roller at predefined intervals.

[0059] Preferably, the abutment roller is made of plastic material.

[0060] These features make it possible to make foldable lines at regular intervals on the first tape material and on the sheets constrained to it. Particularly the bottom creasing line is made when the blade engages the abutment roller, while when the blade disengages the abutment roller the first tape material can slide between the rollers so as to advance along the advancement path.

[0061] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a printing device for making decorations on the bag. Preferably, the printing device is arranged downstream, and preferably immediately downstream, of the supply device of the first tape material with respect to the advancement path. Thanks to this feature it is possible to arrange decorations in the bag following the unwinding of the first tape.

[0062] According to embodiments of the invention the pairing device comprises a pair of rollers. Preferably, the rollers are arranged on opposite sides of the tape material. Advantageously in this way the sheets of second tape material are compressed on the first tape material so as to associate them in a stable manner.

[0063] Preferably, the guide device is configured to provide an end of each sheet downstream with respect to the advancement path at the predefined portions. Preferably, the method comprises a step of creasing the first tape material at the at least one sheet in such a manner as to make a bottom creasing line involving both the first tape material and each at least one sheet. According to embodiments of the invention, the creasing step is between the pairing step and the step of forming and folding. Preferably, the creasing step takes place after the step of pairing and beforehand with respect to the step of forming and folding. In this way, creasing lines are made both on the tape material and on each layer, particularly making a creasing line before the formation of the tubular member allows a fold to be impressed to the tape material that is consistent with the formation of the base wall of the bag, particularly by orienting the panels so as to be folded with respect to the bottom creasing line towards each other. On the contrary, a subsequent realization of the creasing line with respect to the formation of the tubular member would force the base panels of the bag to be folded in a single direction with respect to the bottom creasing line, preventing the formation of the base wall and requiring at least one corrective folding.

[0064] Advantageously, providing for the realization of a creasing line before the formation of the tubular member of the bag, i.e. when the first tape material is still a planar blank, and subsequently with respect to the association of the sheets of second tape material on it, allows to make the bottom creasing line of the blank simultaneously on the first tape material and on the sheets of second tape material, i.e. on the layers. In this way, a creasing line is made whose folding possibility favours the formation of the bag from the blank. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a printing device to make decorations on the bag.

[0065] Preferably, the cutting device is controlled by a timer. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to automate in a precise manner the cutting and obtain respective predefined dimensions of the blank. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a precutting device which is configured to make fracturable line in the first tape material. Preferably, the fracturable line are configured so as to define the shaping of a bag, and preferably of a plurality of bags, in the first tape material. Preferably, the profile of the blank is identified by fracturable lines. Preferably, the precutting device is arranged upstream of the pairing device and / or upstream of the application device with respect to the advancement path.

[0066] Preferably, the precutting device is arranged downstream of the first supply device of the first tape material.

[0067] These features allow the shape of the profile of the blank to be identified and made in advance, in such a manner as to already confine in this step the predefined positions in which the sheets will be anchored and also in such a manner as to facilitate subsequent separation operations of the bags from the first tape material.

[0068] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a pair of supply devices of the second tape material which is dispensed from a pair of sources of the second tape material. Advantageously, this feature allows a pair of second material tapes to be provided simultaneously.

[0069] Preferably, the cutting device comprises a pair of cutting means configured to cut a first sheet and a second sheet of second tape material. This feature allows to simultaneously obtain a pair of sheets in such a manner as to optimize the production speed of the bags. Preferably, the method comprises a step of cutting the tubular member to obtain a plurality of tubular portions each provided with at least one sheet and separating the tubular member into tubular member portions each comprising at least one sheet anchored to it. Preferably, the apparatus comprises a separation device, preferably arranged downstream of the forming device, and which is configured to separate the first tape material along the fracturable line in order to separate the tubular member made by the forming device into a plurality of tubular members each paired with at least one sheet of the plurality of sheets of the second tape material. This feature allows to obtain a plurality of mutually separated bags from the first tape material. Preferably, the method comprises a step of cutting the tubular member in order to obtain a plurality of tubular portions each provided with a first sheet and with a second sheet and separating the tubular member into tubular member portions each comprising a first sheet and a second sheet which are arranged on respective predefined portions. These features make it possible to obtain a plurality of bags from the tubular member of first tape material to which a first sheet or a first and a second sheet have been anchored. According to embodiments of the invention, the method comprises the step of creasing the first tape material at least at one sheet so as to make a bottom creasing line involving both the first tape material and each of said at least one sheet. Preferably, the creasing step is between the anchoring step and the forming and folding step.

[0070] This feature allows the bottom creasing line to be made simultaneously in the tape material, involving also the layer in the same step, which is thus effectively divided between the anchoring portion and the operating portion by the same bottom creasing line. This bottom creasing line made in the blank not yet made tubular involves making folds which, during the formation of the bag, allow the base panels to be able to be oriented towards each other, thus cooperating in the creation of the base wall. According to embodiments of the invention the anchoring step comprises anchoring at least one anchoring portion of each sheet on each respective predefined portion of the first tape material.

[0071] According to embodiments of the invention, each anchoring portion is arranged downstream with respect to the operating portion of each sheet along the advancement path.

[0072] These features allow each sheet to be associated with the first tape material by acting primarily on the anchoring portion, the portion by means of which the sheets of second tape material are effectively constrained to the first tape material, and only subsequently on the operating portion so as to crush it against the relative lateral panel of the blank. In particular, in this way the sheet is not torn or pulled by the pairing device, a damage that can potentially occur if the operating portion is arranged downstream with respect to the anchoring portion along the advancement path.

[0073] Preferably, the forming device comprises a first and a second plate extending along the advancement path on which the first material is wound in order to conform the tubular member. Preferably, the first and second plates are mutually inclined. Preferably, the first and second plates have a width substantially coinciding with the transverse width of the bag to be formed. Thanks to these features, the bags are conformed from the first tape material. These features also allow the first material and the sheets that are constrained to it to remain adhered, avoiding the formation of unwanted folds.

[0074] Preferably, the first plate comprises a rounded edge defining the mouth of the forming device. Advantageously, this feature improves the connection between the pairing device, the guide device and the forming device, avoiding jams of the first tape material.

[0075] Preferably, the forming device comprises an accompanying device for winding the first material on the plates. Preferably, the accompanying device comprises a pair of accompanying elements which are arranged opposite along the transverse direction.

[0076] These features allow lateral portions of the bag to be properly engaged.

[0077] Preferably, the accompanying elements comprise arms which are intended to intercept the first tape material exiting the guide device in order to accompany them to the plates. Preferably, the forming device comprises folding elements for folding the flaps of first tape material on the second plate so as to form the tubular member.

[0078] Preferably, the folding elements comprise pressure rollers which are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction in order to engage opposite flaps of first material. Preferably, the pressure rollers are arranged both along the advance direction and along the transverse direction in the forming device.

[0079] These features allow the folding of the tape so as to form the tubular member. Preferably, the forming device comprises a plurality of creasing elements which is configured to fold the first tape material and to make the creasing and / or folding lines of the bag, particularly the lateral creasing lines separating the lateral panels and / or the bottom lateral creasing lines.

[0080] Preferably, each creasing element comprises forming wheels which are arranged on opposite sides in the transverse direction and / or in the advance direction. Thanks to these features, it is possible to make the relative creasing and / or folding lines of the bag in the first tape material. Preferably, the method comprises the step of precutting the outer profile of each blank in the first tape material following the unwinding thereof by making fracturable lines. This feature allows to define the profile of each bag before the first tape material is processed.

[0081] Preferably, the method comprises the step of printing decorations on the first tape material following the unwinding thereof.

[0082] This feature allows inserting decorations or printings to the bag while it is still in the form of a tape, greatly facilitating this operation, i.e. preventing folds and creasings from jeopardizing the effectiveness of this operation.

[0083] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the description of the apparatus and the relative method for constructing bags, illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, in the attached drawings in which:

[0084] - figure 1 illustrates a plan view of the blank according to the invention;

[0085] - figures 2, 2a show the bag constructed from the blank of figure 1 respectively according to a partially folded and totally folded configuration respectively in a perspective view and in a side view;

[0086] - figures 3 - 5 illustrate the erect bag from the blank of figure 1 in a rest configuration and in an operating configuration.

[0087] - figure 6 illustrates an overall side view of the apparatus;

[0088] - figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus shown in figure 5;

[0089] - figure 8 shows an intermediate step of making a plurality of mutually associated blanks of figure 1.

[0090] The blank 2 depicted in figure 1 is made of compostable material, such as for example paperboard or cardboard, and is configured to be suitably folded and glued in order to conform a bag 1 as illustrated in figures 2 - 5.

[0091] The blank 2 comprises a plurality of lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25 which are arranged in succession and mutually divided by respective lateral creasing lines 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a. The lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25 develop mainly along a longitudinal direction L and their width develops in a transverse direction T orthogonal thereto and have a substantially rectangular shape. The blank 2 at one end thereof comprises a coupling portion 20 which is side by side with and divided from a second lateral panel 25 by means of a second lateral creasing line 25a configured to be glued to a third lateral panel 22 arranged at the opposite end of the blank 2. Each lateral panel 22, 23, 24, 25 is side by side with and respectively connected to a corresponding base panel 26, 27, 28, 29 by means of a same bottom creasing line 21a developing in the transverse direction T. This bottom creasing line 21a develops substantially over the entire width of the blank 2 and subdivides the elements that will conform, when folded, a base wall E from the elements that will conform lateral walls A, B, C, D of the bag 1, as will be better clarified in the following description.

[0092] The base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 are, completely similarly to what described for the lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25, arranged in succession and mutually divided by respective bottom creasing lines 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a developing in the same longitudinal direction L, and substantially aligned with the respective lateral creasing lines 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a.

[0093] In particular, the coupling portion 20 develops mainly along the same longitudinal direction L and extends in such a manner as to flank both the second lateral panel 25 and a third base panel 29 and is divided from the same panels 25, 29 by means of the aforementioned second lateral creasing line 25a and by means of a second bottom creasing line 29a substantially aligned along the same longitudinal direction L.

[0094] The blank 2 also comprises a first layer 30 and a second layer 31 which are also made of compostable material, such as for example paperboard or cardboard, so that they can be properly disposed of together with the further elements of the blank 2, without the need to sort these elements for them to be suitably disposed of. The first layer 30 and the second layer 31 are respectively associated to a first base panel 27 and to the third base panel 29 by means of a first gluing portion 32 and a second gluing portion 33. These layers 30, 31 each respectively have a first operating portion 30a and a second operating portion 31a which, respectively, in a first rest configuration Pl and in a second rest configuration P2 overlap, at least partially, respectively, the first lateral panel 23 and the second lateral panel 25. More precisely, the first operating portion 30a and the second operating portion 31a are each reversibly able to be swinged about the bottom creasing line 21a respectively between the aforementioned first rest configuration Pl and second rest configuration P2, and respectively a first operating position SI and a second operating position S2. Respectively, the first operating portion 30a of the first layer 30 and the second operating portion 31a of the second layer 31 according to the first operating position SI and the second operating position S2 overlap, at least partially, the first base panel 27 and the third base panel 29. In particular, the first operating portion 30a and the second operating portion 31a are movable in a mutually independent manner, so that only one of the operating portions 30a, 31a can possibly swing.

[0095] Likewise, the first lateral panel 23 and the second lateral panel 25 comprise respectively a first median creasing line 230 and a second median creasing line 250 which develop in the longitudinal direction L and are configured to allow the folding about themselves of the relative panels 23, 25 at the same. Also, the first layer 30 and the second layer 31 respectively comprise a first layer creasing line 300 and a second layer creasing line 310. In particular, the first median creasing line 230 and the second median creasing line 250, when the first operating portion 30a and the second operating portion 31a respectively assume the first rest position Pl and the second rest position P2, respectively overlap the first layer creasing line 300 and the second layer creasing line 310. In particular, this feature simultaneously allows the folding of the first lateral panel 23 together with the relative first layer 30 which is overlapping with it according to the first rest configuration Pl and, independently, the second panel 25 with the relative second layer 31 which is overlapping with it according to the second rest configuration P2.

[0096] Furthermore, the first base panel 27 and the third base panel 29 respectively comprise a first median folding line 270 and a second median folding line 290, which develop substantially aligned respectively with the first median creasing line 230 and with the second median creasing line 250 along the same longitudinal direction L. Respectively, the first median creasing line 230 and the second median creasing line 250 each comprise a respective end at the bottom creasing line 21a. Respectively, the first median folding line 270 and the second median folding line 290 each comprise a respective further end. Particularly, each end of the first median creasing line 230 and of the second median creasing line 250 respectively coincides with each respective further end of the first median folding line 270 and of the second median folding line 290 Furthermore, the blank 2 comprises a plurality of coupling layers 320, 330, 340, 350 which protrude along the longitudinal direction L each at a respective base panel 26, 27, 28, 29 and are configured to be glued to them in such a manner as to conform and make the base wall E of the bag 1 in a stable manner. Each coupling layer 320, 330, 340, 350 has a different length along the longitudinal direction L, i.e. it protrudes differently from the corresponding base panel 26, 27, 28, 29. In particular, the coupling layers 320, 330, 340, 350 are configured in order to be suitably coupled with the base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 so as to make the base wall E foldable in a bellows-like manner.

[0097] The bag 1 is made, as previously described, starting from the blank 2 and comprises a first wall A, a second wall C, a third wall B and a fourth wall D which are mutually opposite and formed respectively by the lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25 which are folded at the respective creasing lines 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a and side by side in such a manner as to define an opening 11 from which the bag 1 can be accessed.

[0098] Also for conforming the bag 1 in a stable manner, the coupling portion 20 is glued, in a known manner, to one end of the third lateral panel 22.

[0099] Also, at the end of the formation of the bag 1, the coupling layers 320, 330, 340, 350 are folded and glued with the base panels 26, 27, 28, 29. The same base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 are also folded both with respect to the bottom lateral creasing lines 26a, 27a, 28a, 29a and with respect to the bottom creasing line 21a and glued in such a manner as to overlap each other and conform the aforementioned base wall E of the bag 1. Also the base wall E comprises a pair of shoulders 40, 41 which are conformed by folding and gluing the base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 with the coupling layers 320, 330, 340, 350. These shoulders 40, 41 are mutually opposite and are foldable in a bellows-like manner between a folded configuration R and an erect configuration F of the bag 1.

[0100] Therefore, the base wall E is made by folding and gluing the base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 and the coupling layers 320, 330, 340, 350 in such a manner as to confer stability and foldability to the base wall E, and consequently to the whole bag 1.

[0101] The conformation of the base wall E implicitly involves the overlapping, at least partial, of the first operating portion 30a of the first layer 30 with the first wall A and of the second operating portion 31a of the second layer 31 with the second wall C, while the first gluing portion 32 and the second gluing portion 33, being arranged respectively in the first base panel 27 and in the third base panel 29 of the blank 2, belong to the same base wall E of the bag 1.

[0102] Furthermore, the overlapping of the base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 so as to conform the base wall E is made in such a manner as to align the first median folding line 270 of the first base panel 27 and the second median folding line 290 of the third base panel 29 with the edge of a fourth base panel 26 and with the edge of the second base panel 28 along the transverse direction T thereby inducing the conformation of a terminal creasing line 4 of the bag 1.

[0103] This terminal creasing line 4 allows, by cooperating with the first and second median creasing lines 230, 250 and with the first and second layer creasing lines 300, 310 to fold the base wall E about itself and therefore the whole bag 1 and thus to assume the aforementioned folded configuration R. More precisely according to this folded configuration R, the bag 1 has the third wall B and the fourth wall D which are substantially overlapping, while the base wall E is folded about itself in a bellows-like manner by means of the terminal creasing line 4, at the same time the first wall A and the first layer 30 are folded about themselves respectively by means of the first median creasing line 230 and the first layer creasing line 300 which are mutually overlapping, at the same time the second wall C and the second layer 31 are folded about themselves respectively by means of the second median creasing line 250 and the second layer creasing line 310, also mutually overlapping.

[0104] Alternatively to the folded configuration R, the bag 1 can assume an erect configuration F in which, similarly to what is described for the folded configuration R, the first lateral wall A is substantially parallel and opposite to the second lateral wall C with respect to the base wall E, similarly the third lateral wall B is parallel and opposite to the fourth lateral wall D with respect to the same base wall E, likewise the first operating portion 30a of the first layer 30 is overlapping, at least partially, with the first lateral wall A while the second operating portion 31a of the second layer 31 is overlapping, at least partially, with the second lateral wall C thus assuming respectively a first rest position Pl and a second rest position P2.

[0105] Alternatively, according to the same erect configuration F, the first and second layers 30, 31 respectively assume a first operating configuration SI and a second operating position S2 in which the first operating portion 30a and the second operating portion 31a swing until they overlap each other at the base wall E in such a manner as to cover it entirely and form a protective layer of the same base wall E.

[0106] In particular, when each layer 30, 31 assumes the relative operating configuration SI, S2 it overlaps the base wall E in such a manner as to overlap at least partially the relative opposite shoulder 40, 41.

[0107] Likewise, the bag 1 subject matter of the invention is made by means of the apparatus 100 as represented in figures 6 - 8. More precisely, the apparatus 100 comprises a source of a first tape material M and a source of a second tape material N1 which are intended to be associated and to form respectively the outer member of the blank 2 and, consequently once it is erect, of the bag 1, and the layers 30, 31. Advantageously, the apparatus can provide a pair of second sources of second material Nl, N2, in particular two reels. The first tape material M and the second tape material Nl, N2 are wound respectively on a first reel 101 and on a pair of second reels 102. Reels having various transverse extension can be used depending on the dimensions of the bag 1 to be formed and / or the reinforcement element, i.e. the layers 30, 31, to be associated therewith.

[0108] Particularly, the bag 1 in the folded configuration has the operating portion 30, 31 subdivided in half by the relative layer creasing line 300, 310 of the relative layer 30, 31, while the relative lateral panel 23, 25 is subdivided in half by the relative median creasing line 230, 250.

[0109] The overlap of the relative median creasing line 230, 250 with the respective layer creasing line 300, 310 means that each half of operating portion 30a, 31a is overlapping with a relative half of the respective lateral panel 23, 25, while the relative halves of the respective lateral panels 23, 25 are folded about themselves and wound by the respective halves of the relative operating portions 30a, 31a of the layers 30, 31.

[0110] During the transition of the bag 1 from the folded configuration R to the erect configuration F, the operating portion 30a, 31a and the relative lateral panel 23, 25 simultaneously pass from being folded, as described above, to being unfolded along the transverse direction T until the respective lateral panel 23, 25 is substantially flat, i.e. until when each lateral panel 23, 25 is conformed as a respective wall A, C of the bag 1. In this way, the relative operating portion 30a, 31a is freed from the cohesion offered by the folding of the respective lateral panel 23, 25 of the bag 1 so as to allow its swinging about the relative bottom creasing line 21a. More precisely, the unfolding of the relative lateral panel 23, 25 entails a detachment, at least partial, of the operating portion 30a, 31a of the layer 30, 31 from the surface of the same lateral panel 23, 25. The operating portion 30a, 31a is thus stressed by the creasing and folding lines arranged as described so as to rotate around the bottom creasing line 21a in order to overlap the base wall E, formed at the same time as the unfolding of the lateral panels 23, 25 of the bag 1 in a substantially automatic manner, i.e. without the need for an explicit intervention by the user who physically modifies the configuration of the layers 30, 31 so as to detach the operating portion 30a, 31a from the relative lateral wall A, C. The first tape material M is unwound along the transverse direction T and has a width LI measured in the transverse direction T which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to an unwinding direction Y2 chosen on the basis of the dimensions of the bag to be formed.

[0111] The second tape material Nl, N2 is unwound along its longitudinal direction Y3 and has a second width L2 measured in the transverse direction T which is perpendicular to the longitudinal unwinding direction Y3 chosen on the basis of the dimensions of the bag 1 to be formed. The second width L2 of the second tape material Nl, N2 substantially corresponds to the width W of the lateral wall A, C of the bag 1 when it assumes the erect configuration F.

[0112] The first tape material M and the second tape material Nl, N2 are in paperboard or cardboard and the second material Nl, N2 has a greater thickness than the first material M. However, all the materials suitable for making and forming bags 1 and the relative layers 30, 31 can be used. Purely by way of example, recycled paperboard with weight comprised between 60 and 80 g / m2can be used for the first tape material M. Purely by way of example, for the second tape material Nl, N2 it is possible to use recycled paperboard with weight comprised between 60 and 140 g / m2if the bag 1 provides a single sheet 10A, while the weight of the recycled paperboard is comprised between 40 and 100 g / m2if the bag 1 provides for the coupling of a pair of sheets 10A, 10B to the first tape material M.

[0113] The apparatus 100 comprises a first unwinding device 103 for unwinding the first tape material M from the first reel 101 and advancing it through the treatment devices provided in the apparatus 100 along an advancement path P so that it is subjected to the operations necessary to form a bag 1. The first tape material M is moved in an advance direction V along the advancement path P delineated within the apparatus 100.

[0114] The first unwinding device 103 is designed so that the first tape material M is moved at an advance speed VA that depends on the productivity of the apparatus 100 and that can be defined while designing the apparatus 100 itself. The apparatus 100 further comprises a second unwinding device 104 comprising a pair of unwinding elements respectively for unwinding the second tape material Nl, N2 from the pair of second reels 102 and advancing it along the advancement path P within the apparatus 100.

[0115] The first unwinding device 103 comprises a plurality of towing devices 105 which are spaced along the advancement path P and arranged to tow the first tape material M, and a plurality of advance rollers 106 which are spaced along the treatment path and on which the first tape material M is led in order to be guided in the advance direction V and along the advancement path P.

[0116] The advance rollers 106 may be idle and be driven in rotation by the towing devices 105 in order to advance the first tape material M in the way of the advance direction V. The first unwinding device 103 further comprises return rollers to define the desired path for the first tape material M in the apparatus 100.

[0117] The apparatus 100 may optionally comprise a printing device 108, wherein the first tape material M is towed to be printed in order to make any decorations on the bag 1. The printing device 108 can preferably be arranged downstream of the first unwinding device 103 in such a manner as to decorate the first tape material M as soon as it is unwound from the relative reel and above all before it receives other treatments such as for example cuts or foldings. Alternatively, the printing device 108 can be arranged differently along the advancement path P, as long as upstream with respect to the forming device 140, so that the printings are made in the first tape material M before it is folded to conform the bag 1.

[0118] The apparatus 100 further comprises a cutting device 130 and a pairing device 200 which is placed upstream of the same pairing device 200 and of the forming device 140, wherein the second tape material N is towed by means of second towing devices 110 arranged downstream of the second unwinding device 104 and wherein the second tape material N is cut into a plurality of sheets 10A, 10B, each intended to respectively form the layers 30, 31 of a plurality of bags 1. Advantageously, the cutting device 130 comprises a pair of cutting areas arranged in such a manner as to be supplied each by a respective reel 102 of second tape material N to thereby make a pair of sheets 10A, 10B.

[0119] The cutting device 130 is operated at predefined and adjustable time intervals tl in such a manner to generate sheets 10A, 10B and, therefore, support elements 10, having a desired longitudinal extension D2.

[0120] The first unwinding device 103 is designed so that the first tape material M is moved at an advance speed VA that depends on the productivity of the apparatus 100 and that can be defined while designing the apparatus 100 itself. The second unwinding device 104, 107 is designed so that the second tape material Nl, N2 is moved at a second advance speed VB lower than the first advance speed VA. The ratio between the first and the second advance speed VA / VB depends on the dimensions of the bag 1 to be formed, on the dimensions of the base wall E of the bag 1 to be formed and on the dimensions of the reinforcement element, i.e. of the layer 30, 31 it is wished to be made. By varying the second advance speed VB and / or the cutting interval tl it is possible to vary the longitudinal extension D2 of the sheets 10A, 10B of the second tape material Nl, N2 and / or the frequency with which these are supplied.

[0121] The cutting device 130 is controlled by a timer, not shown in the figures, which adjusts the cutting interval tl.

[0122] The cutting device 130 is operated so as to obtain sheets 10A, 10B having longitudinal extension D2 less than or equal to a first dimension G of the base wall E of the bag 1, also equal to the width of a fourth lateral panel 24 of the blank, and also having transverse extension L2 less than or equal to a second dimension Q of the same base wall E

[0123] Between the cutting device 130 and the forming device 140 there is provided the aforementioned pairing device 200 which is configured to pair the sheets 10A, 10B of the second tape material Nl, N2 with the first tape material M, as better described below. The pairing device 200 is intended to receive the first tape material M moved by the unwinding device 103 in the advance direction V and towards the forming device 140, and the sheets 10A, 10B of the second tape material Nl, N2 exiting the cutting device 130 and to pair them with each other to supply them already constrained to the forming device 140. The apparatus 100 further comprises a creasing device 133 which is arranged downstream of the pairing device 200 for preliminarily folding the first tape material M as soon as the sheets 10A, 10B have been mutually associated. More precisely, this operation is aimed at creating on the first tape material M, to which the first and / or second layer 30, 31 have already been adhered, the bottom creasing line 21a, which, as previously described, is a common folding line both to the lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25 of the blank 2 and to the sheets 10A, 10B.

[0124] Unlike the creasing device 133, the forming device 140 receives the first tape material M, with which the sheets 10A, 10B are already associated, and is folded there to form a continuous tubular member having the relative folding and creasing lines previously described and made as better described below.

[0125] The pairing device 200 allows to pair the sheets 10A, 10B with the first tape material M so that they are constrained in the desired positions on the first tape material M. More precisely, the pairing device 200 anchors the sheets 10A, 10B in pairs on the first tape M so that they are side by side and mutually spaced along the transverse direction T.

[0126] The apparatus 100 comprises an application device 160 which is configured to apply on predefined portions 27, 29 of the tape M, in which the sheets 10A, 10B must be constrained, dots or stripes of adhesive in such a manner as to be able to anchor the sheets 10A, 10B in a stable manner to the same first tape material M. The pairing device 200 couples the sheets 10A, 10B to the first tape material M in such a manner that a pair of sheets 10A, 10B are glued for each bag 1 exiting the apparatus 100. The pairing device 200 comprises pairs of coupling rollers which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the first tape material M and configured to compress the sheets 10A, 10B on the first tape material M so as to allow the glue to associate them in a stable manner.

[0127] The sheets 10A, 10B are positioned and substantially simultaneously glued in predefined positions 27a, 29a to then be subject to foldings, in particular the realization of the bottom creasing line 21a by the creasing device 133. To this end, each sheet 10A, 10B is positioned on the first tape material M so as to be placed with the anchoring portion 32, 33 below the bottom creasing line 21a and the operating portion 30a, 31a above the same bottom creasing line 21a, as previously described.

[0128] More precisely, the sheets 10A, 10B are arranged on the first tape material M parallel with respect to the advance direction V, in such a manner that both proceed simultaneously along the advancement path P at the same time as the first tape material M, as they are associated with it. Particularly the sheets 10A, 10B are oriented in such a manner as to have the relative anchoring portions 32, 33 upstream with respect to the respective operating portion 30a, 31a along the advancement path P. This arrangement of the sheets 10A, 10B in the first tape material M allows to more stably constrain the sheets 10A, 10B to the first tape material M. Particularly, the pairs of coupling rollers 200a by compressing in a first engagement step the anchoring portions 32, 33 to the predefined portions 27a, 29a of the first tape material M stabilize the association between layers 30, 31 and first tape material M. By proceeding along the advancement path P, the coupling rollers 200a engage the swinging hinges of the layers 30, 31 and the relative operating portions 30a, 31a against the relative lateral panels 23, 25 thus maintaining the layers 30, 31 in the respective rest configurations Pl, P2. In this way, unwanted stresses of the operating portions 30a, 31a are prevented, which, pulled by the coupling rollers 202, could lead to an unwanted detachment of the layers 30, 31 from the first tape material M. In this way, the amount of blanks or bags discarded from the production process is reduced and it is also possible to move the first tape material M associated with the relative layers 30, 31 at a higher speed along the advancement path P.

[0129] Likewise, the apparatus 100 comprises a precutting device 202 configured to preliminarily obtain on the first tape material M the conformation of the shaping that each blank 2, or bag 1, will have to assume at the end of the advancement path P. The precutting device 202 therefore realizes fracturable lines in order to facilitate the subdivision of the same into a plurality of bags 1 in the subsequent processing steps of the first tape material M. The precutting device 202 is preferably arranged between the supply device 103 and the pairing device 200, and preferably of the cutting device 130, in such a manner as to preliminarily conform the profile of each blank 2 on the first tape material M. The cutting device 130 comprises a plurality of pairing rollers, not illustrated in the attached figures, defining a path along the cutting device 130 for the sheets 10A, 10B and conformed so as to provide for the pairing thereof between the latter and the first tape material M by the pairing device 200.

[0130] The apparatus 100 may further comprise a first guide device 210 and a second guide device 220 for guiding respectively a first sheet 10A and a second sheet 10B of the second tape material Nl, N2 along the cutting device 130 so that each sheet 10A, 10B is arranged at a first predefined portion 27a and a second predefined portion 29a. According to embodiments of the invention, the cutting device 130 is side by side with, or immediately adjacent to, the first and second guide devices 210, 220, in such a manner as to arrange each sheet 10A, 10B immediately after these have been made by cutting the second tape material Nl, N2.

[0131] The first and second guide devices 210, 220 are preferably at the same longitudinal height of the advancement path P of the first tape material M, so as to guide the respective first and second sheets 10A, 10B simultaneously in predefined positions 27, 29 which are beside each other in the first tape material M.

[0132] The apparatus 100 further comprises a first application device 160 for applying an adhesive at the predefined portions 27a, 29a in order to anchor the sheets 10A, 10B to the first tape material M in a stable manner. In particular, the application device 160 is arranged upstream of the pairing device 200 with respect to the advancement path P. A second gluing device 161 is also provided which is intended to apply further adhesive on the first tape material M, in particular in the portion that will conform the coupling portion 20 of the blank 2 in order to subsequently mutually constrain the two opposite sides of the first tape material M so as to conform the tubular member from which the bag 1 will be made. In this way, when the coupling portion 20 and the third lateral wall 22 of the blank 2 are folded towards each other, they are glued so as to conform the tubular member.

[0133] The first application device 160 is preferably arranged near the cutting device 130 and upstream of the pairing device 200, so that the adhesive is applied on the predefined portions 27a, 29a of the first tape material M and the sheets 10A, 10B obtained from the second tape material Nl, N2 are positioned there as soon as possible.

[0134] According to embodiments, the second gluing device 161 is arranged upstream of the or in the forming device 140, in such a manner as to apply the adhesive before the first tape material M is folded so as to conform the tubular member and, advantageously, at the pairing device 200 so as to reduce and optimize the overall dimensions of the apparatus 100 and exploit the arrangement of all the first and second application devices 160, 161 in a single area of the same apparatus 100 or alternatively during the folding process of the first tape material M, in such a manner as to allow a minimum time lapse between the application of the glue and the actual gluing between the respective flaps of the tape material.

[0135] The forming device 140 comprises a first plate 41 and a second forming plate 42 which extend in the advancement path P on which the first material M is wound to form the tubular member.

[0136] The first plate 41 and the second plate 42 are, in a horizontal positioning of the apparatus 100, mutually spaced along a vertical axis Z and are positioned so that the first plate 41 is interposed between the second plate 42 and the ground. The first plate 41 which, in a horizontal positioning of the apparatus 100 is closer to the ground, extends substantially parallel to a horizontal axis Y of the apparatus 100, the second plate 42 is inclined with respect to the horizontal axis Y with respect to the advance direction V.

[0137] In general, the first plate 41 and the second plate 42 are inclined with respect to each other in the advance direction V.

[0138] The first 41 and the second 42 plates are positioned so that a gap with decreasing dimensions in the advance direction V is defined between them.

[0139] Such positioning of the plates 41, 42 allows to facilitate the formation of the bag 1 as better clarified below.

[0140] The inclination angle between the second plate 42 and the horizontal Y is chosen on the basis of the dimensions of the bag to be formed and in particular of its lateral walls 22, 23, 24, 25.

[0141] The forming device 140 is provided with adjustment elements, not visible, for adjusting the mutual distance between the first plate 41 and the second plate 42 and / or for adjusting the inclination of the second forming plate 42.

[0142] The first 41 and the second plate 42 have a width measured in the transverse direction T of the first tape material M, almost corresponding to the width LI of the bag 1 to be formed.

[0143] Advantageously the first 41 and the second plate 42 have a predefined width less than the width LI of the bag 1 to be formed, preferably about 99-90% of the width of the bag 1 to be formed.

[0144] This further favours the formation of the tubular member by avoiding the formation of wrinkles in the first tape material M. This also favours the adherence of the sheets 10A, 10B to the first plate 41, in such a manner as to allow an effective and precise folding thereof.

[0145] Furthermore, this conformation makes it possible to avoid the use of pushing elements to push the first tape material M towards the first plate 41 and to keep it adhering thereto.

[0146] This also allows to avoid having to stretch the first tape material M to make it adhere to the first plate 41, effectively avoiding unwanted stresses in the first tape material M.

[0147] The first plate 41 is delimited at the mouth of the forming device 140, i.e. at the end facing the pairing device 200, by a rounded edge.

[0148] The rounded edge defines the mouth of the forming device 140.

[0149] The rounded edge is advantageously curved towards the pairing device 200 to improve the connection with the forming device 140 and avoid jams of the first tape material M.

[0150] The rounded conformation of the edge makes it possible to avoid jams of the first M and / or of the second tape material N entering the forming device 140. In the version shown, the forming device 140 is also provided with an accompanying device, not shown in the figures, to accompany the winding of the first tape material M on the plates 41, 42.

[0151] Advantageously, the accompanying device comprises at least one pair of accompanying elements arranged on opposite parts in the transverse direction X of the forming device 140 and intended to engage transversely opposite lateral bands of the first tape material M to accompany them towards the forming plates 41, 42. In the version shown, the accompanying elements are provided at the mouth of the forming device 140.

[0152] Each accompanying element comprises, in the form shown, an arm 44A, 44B which is pivoted on a support pin, not shown, and intended to intercept the first tape material M to accompany it towards the plates 41, 42.

[0153] In the version shown, there is provided a plurality of pairs of accompanying elements, which are spaced along the forming device 140 in the advance direction V.

[0154] Advantageously, the forming device 140 further comprises a folding element 45 for folding the flaps of first tape material M on the second plate 42 in order to form the tubular member.

[0155] Advantageously, the folding device 45 comprises a plurality of pairs of pressure rollers 45A, the rollers of each pair of pressure rollers being spaced apart in the transverse direction X so as to engage opposite flaps of the first tape material M.

[0156] A plurality of pairs of pressure rollers 45A, 45B are positioned along the advance direction V.

[0157] The pressure rollers 45A, 45B are intended to intercept the flaps of the first tape material M and to fold them on the second plate 42, in such a manner as to mutually overlap the coupling portion 20 and the third lateral wall 22 of the blank 2 so as to conform the tubular member, and, since they are provided with glue supplied by the second application device 161, they are mutually constrained to each other and the tubular member is progressively defined.

[0158] The pressure rollers 45A, 45B are fixed to an adjustment element for adjusting their position with respect to the first tape material M and adjusting the pressure acting on it. The position of the pressure rollers 45A is adjusted independently of each other.

[0159] The forming device 140 further comprises at least one creasing element 47 intended to fold the first tape material M in order to define the lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25 and the relative creasing lines of the blank 2, and therefore of the bag 1. Each creasing element 47 is intended to fold the first tape material M by inserting it into the gap between the first 41 and the second plate 42.

[0160] The creasing element 47 comprises at least one pair of forming wheels 47A, 47B arranged at opposite parts in the transverse direction X of the forming device 140.

[0161] The forming wheels 47A, 47B allow to define the longitudinal creasing lines 22a, 23a, 24a, 25a of the panels in order to be able to fold the walls A, B, C, D of the bag 1 in a bellows-like manner between the plates 41, 42.

[0162] Advantageously, the creasing element 47 comprises a plurality of pairs of forming wheels 47A, 47B which are spaced along the advance direction V.

[0163] The forming wheels 47A, 47B are idle on their own rotation pin and are driven into rotation by contact with the first tape material M.

[0164] The wheels of the pairs of wheels 47A, 47B are placed at a decreasing mutual distance in the advance direction V.

[0165] The forming device 140 comprises at least one support roller 85 arranged below the first plate 41, i.e. so that the first plate 41 is interposed between the support roller 85 and the ground. The support roller 85 is arranged to accompany the first tape material M along the forming device 140 keeping it stretched and adhered to the first plate 41.

[0166] At the exit of the forming device 140, a tubular member is obtained having a width corresponding to the width W, G of the lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 of the bag 1 being formed, with the lateral walls A, C folded in a bellows-like manner between the two further walls B, D and the sheets 10A, 10B of the second tape material Nl, N2 glued to the respective lateral walls A, C.

[0167] The apparatus 100 further comprises, downstream of the forming device 140, a separation device 150 in which the tubular member is separated at predefined fracturable points previously imposed by means of the precutting device 202, so as to generate distinct tubular portions each suitable for forming a single bag 1 each comprising the respective constrained sheets 10A, 10B, i.e. the layers 30, 31.

[0168] In particular, the operation of the apparatus 100 above is illustrated below.

[0169] Preliminarily, the first tape material M is unwound by means of the supply device 101 and the second supply device 104 unwinds a pair of second material tapes Nl, N2 along the advancement path P.

[0170] Subsequently, the printing device 108 decorates the outer face of the first tape material M with predefined images and the same is sent towards the advance direction V to the precutting device 202 in which the outer profile of each blank 2 resulting from the first tape material M by making fracturable lines is defined. The applicator device 160 subsequently provides an adhesive in each predefined first portion 27 and second portion 29. While as far as the second material tapes Nl, N2 are concerned, these are cut by the cutting device 130 so as to make pairs of first sheets 10A and second sheets 10B. The first guide device 210 and the second guide device 220 respectively convey the first sheet 10A and the second sheet 10B in the predefined first portions 27 and second portions 29 of the first tape material M in which the adhesive has previously been provided by the applicator device 160. Likewise, the first tape material M and the sheets 10A, 10B are moved along the advancement path P to be mutually constrained there. More precisely, on each pre-cut blank 2 the adhesive is provided in the first portion 27 and in the second portion 29 and a first sheet 10A and a second sheet 10B is anchored there respectively by conveying them by means of the first guide device 210 and the second guide device 220. The rollers of the pairing device 200 constrain the sheets 10A, 10B to the predefined portions 27, 29.

[0171] Subsequently, the first tape material M to which the sheets 10A, 10B have been constrained is folded by means of the creasing device 133 in such a manner as to make the bottom creasing line 21a thus making the creasing line that is interposed both between lateral panels 22, 23, 24, 25 and base panels 26, 27, 28, 29 and between operating portions 30a, 31a and anchoring portions 32, 33 of the layers 30, 31.

[0172] The first tape material M that has received the treatments described above is then conveyed towards the forming device 140 where the first and second plates 41, 42 conform the tubular member.

[0173] During the crossing of the first tape material M, conformed as a tubular member, in the forming device 140 all the predefined creasing or folding lines for the blank 2 are made by means of the components of the same forming device 140 as previously described. The second gluing device 161 applies, during the crossing of the forming device 140, to the first tape material M adhesive at each coupling portion 20 of the blank 2 for the opposite sides of the blank 2 to be constrained during the same crossing of the forming device 140. At the exit of the forming device 140, the separation device 150 separates the single tubular member made by winding the first tape material in each bag 1 following the profile defined by the fracturable lines during the precutting of the first tape material M by the precutting device 202.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (100) for forming bags (1) comprising:- a supply device (103) for supplying a first tape material (M) which develop in a longitudinal direction (L) along an advancement path (P);- a second supply device (104) for supplying a second tape material (Nl, N2) along a second advancement path (P2);- a step cutting device (130) which is configured to cut said second tape material (Nl, N2) so as to obtain a plurality of sheets (10A, 10B);- a pairing device (200) suitable for receiving a sheet (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) and which is configured to anchor said sheet (10, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) on a predefined portion (27a, 29a) of said first tape material (M);- a further step supply device (104a) for supplying said sheets (10A, 10B) to said pairing device (200), said further supply device (104a) being configured to supply the sheets (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) intermittently to said pairing device so that two consecutive sheets of said plurality of sheets are positioned on said first tape material (M) at a desired mutual distance along said advancement path (P);- a forming device (140) which is placed downstream of said pairing device (200) in order to fold said first tape material (M) provided with said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) in order to form a tubular member extending along said longitudinal direction (L) and provided therein with at least one sheet (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A; 10B) of said second tape material (Nl, N2).

2. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising an application device (160) for applying an adhesive on said first tape material (M) at each said predefined portion (27, 29) in order to anchor in a stable manner each said sheet (10A, 10B) to said first tape material (M), said application device (160) being provided upstream of said pairing device (200).

3. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second supply device (104) comprises a pair of second supply elements which are intended to supply respectively a second tape material (Nl, N2) and a further second tape material (N2, Nl).

4. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide device (210) which is configured to guide said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) of said second tape material (Nl, N2) from said cutting device (130) at said predefined portion (27, 29) of said first tape material (M).

5. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said further supply device (104a) is configured to apply an anchoring portion (32, 33) of each sheet (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) on said predefined portion (27a, 29a) of said first tape material (M), said anchoring portion (32, 33) preferably having an extension considered along said advancement path (P) smaller than the extension (D2) of said sheet (10A, 10B), so as to define on said sheet (10A, 10B) an anchoring portion (32, 33) which is applied to said tape material (M) and a free portion movable with respect to said tape material (M).

6. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first guide device (210) for guiding first sheets (10A) of saidplurality of sheets (10A, 10B) at first portions (27) of said first tape material (M) and a second guide device (220) for guiding second sheets (10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) at second predefined portions (29) of said first tape material (M), each said first portion (27) and each said second portion (29) being preferably provided at the same longitudinal height along the advancement path (P) of said first tape material (M) and being spaced along a transverse direction (T) which is substantially orthogonal with respect to said longitudinal direction (L).

7. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a precutting device (202) configured to make fracturable line in said first tape material (M), said fracturable line being configured so as to define the shaping of a blank (2) of a bag (1) in said first tape material (M).

8. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a creasing device (133) which is arranged between said pairing device (200) and said forming device (140) along said advancement path (P), said creasing device (133) being configured to make a plurality of bottom creasing lines (21a) on said blank (2) following the association between said first tape material (M) and said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) so as to define said bottom creasing line (21a) both on said first tape material (M) and on said at least one sheet (10A, 10B).

9. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said pairing device (200) comprises at least one pair of pairing rollers (200A) which are arranged on opposite sides of said first tape material (M) for compressing each said sheet (10A, 10B) on said first tape material (M).

10. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein saidcreasing device (133) comprises a creasing roller (133a) and an abutment roller (133b) which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the first tape material (M), said creasing roller (133a) and said abutment roller (133b) being configured to abut said first tape material (M) and said sheets (10A, 10B) to make said bottom creasing line (21a).

11. Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said creasing roller (133a) has a blade developing along a transverse direction (T) which is substantially orthogonal with respect to the longitudinal direction (L), said blade being configured to engage said abutment roller (133b) in order to make said bottom creasing line (21a), said creasing roller (133a) being rotatable about a rotation axis at a predefined speed so that said blade abuts said abutment roller (133b) at predefined intervals.

12. Apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a separation device (150) which is configured to separate the first tape material (M) along fracturable lines in order to separate said tubular member made by said forming device (140) into a plurality of tubular members of said first tape material (M) each paired with at least one sheet (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B).

13. Method for constructing a bag (1) from a first tape material (M) comprising the steps of: a. supplying a first tape material (M) which develop in a longitudinal direction (L) in an advance direction (V) along an advancement path (P); b. supplying a second tape material (N); c. cutting said second tape material (N) so as to obtain a plurality of sheets (10A, 10B);d. anchoring at least one sheet of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) of said second tape material (N) on said first tape material (M) so that said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) is associated in a stable manner on at least one predefined portion (27, 29) of said first tape material (M); e. forming and folding a tubular member from said first tape material (M) having anchored at least one sheet of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) of said second tape material (N) on said at least one predefined portion (27, 29).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein between said step c. and said step d. is included the step of: c'. guiding at least one said sheet (10A, 10B) of said second tape material (N) on at least one said predefined portions (27, 29) of said first tape material (M), preferably guiding an anchoring portion of the at least one sheet (10A, 10B) of said second tape material (N).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein between said step d. and said step e. is included the step of: creasing said first tape material (M) and said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) so as to make a creasing line both on said first tape material (M) and on each of said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) in such a manner as to allow making creasing lines suitable for conforming a base wall of a bag.

16. Method according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein step d. comprises guiding and anchoring a first sheet (10A) and a second sheet (10B) respectively in a first portion (27) and in a second portion (29) side by side along a transverse direction (T) which is substantially orthogonal with respect to said longitudinal direction (L) on said first tape material (M) insuch a manner as to be arranged at the same longitudinal height along the advancement path (P) of said first tape material (M).

17. Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, wherein between said step b. and said step c. is included step b'. of applying an adhesive at predefined intervals on at least said predefined portion (27, 29) of said first tape material (M).

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein said method comprises a step a', of precutting said first tape material (M) making fracturable lines so as to identify a relative shaping of each said bag (1), and preferably the step e'. of cutting said tubular member at said fracturable lines in order to obtain a plurality of tubular portions each provided with at least one sheet (10A, 10B), and preferably a first sheet (10A) and a second sheet (10B) which are beside each other.

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, wherein said step d. comprises anchoring at predefined intervals said at least one sheet (10A, 10B) on said at least one predefined portion (27a, 29a) of said first tape material (M).

20. Method according to one of claims 13 to 19, wherein said anchoring step comprises anchoring at least one anchoring portion (32, 33) of each said sheet (10A, 10B) on each said respective predefined portion (27a, 29a) of said first tape material (M), each said anchoring portion (32, 33) being arranged advanced with respect to an operating portion (30a, 31a) of each said sheet (10A, 10B) with reference to said advancement path (P).

21. Method according to one of claims 13 to 20, comprising supplying sheets (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) intermittently such that two consecutive sheets of said plurality of sheets are positioned on said firsttape material (M) at a desired mutual distance along said advancement path (P), preferably said step of supplying said sheets (10A, 10B) is between said step c. of cutting and said step d. of anchoring.

22. Method according to one of claims 13 to 21, comprising a step of identifying an anchoring portion (32, 33) on said sheets (10A, 10B) of said plurality of sheets (10A, 10B) preferably having an extension, considered along said advancement path (P), smaller than the extension (D2) of each said sheet (10A, 10B), so as to define on said sheet (10A, 10B) an anchoring portion (32, 33) which is applicable to said tape material (M) and a free portion which is movable with respect to said tape material (M).

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