An equipment to make packages containing a respective product within a corresponding envelope

Abstract

An equipment (10) for making packages (11) containing a respective product (13) within a corresponding envelope, in particular said envelope being in the form of a bag (15), preferably made of paper or paper material, comprises support means (12), and means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15). Said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise means (16) that are adapted to stretch so as to render the envelope, or bag, (15), taut or substantially taut, i.e., that are adapted to lay-out the respective envelope, or bag, (15), in particular when it is in the respective open condition.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] AN EQUIPMENT TO MAKE PACKAGES CONTAINING A RESPECTIVE PRODUCT WITHIN A CORRESPONDING ENVELOPE.

[0003] Field of application of the present invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an equipment for making packages containing a respective product within a corresponding envelope.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Equipments for making packages containing a respective product within a corresponding envelope are known, in which in particular said envelope is in the form of a bag, preferably made of paper or paper material, and that comprise support means, and means for packaging the respective product in the corresponding envelope, or bag.

[0007] However, with said already known packaging equipment, it is not always possible to ensure a proper execution of the packages, since a part thereof may be damaged during filling of said envelope, or bag, with the respective product.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] With the present invention, it is therefore intended to propose a new and alternative solution with respect to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is intended to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks or problems and / or to satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned needs, and / or in any case felt in the art, and in particular apparent from what has been set forth above.

[0010] Therefore, it is provided an equipment for making packages containing a respective product within a corresponding envelope, in particular said envelope being in the form of a bag, preferably made of paper or paper material; in particular said product being in the form of an article, preferably of a group of articles, wherein preferably the article is in the form of a respective good and / or of a packaging, especially a primary packaging of a respective good or of respective goods, which goods are preferentially goods of the so-called tissue industry and / or made of a corresponding paper material, i.e. , of thin layer or ply of a paper material, or they are non-woven fabric products, or absorbent pads or diapers for personal hygiene, or made of other material; the equipment comprises support means, and means for packaging the respective product in the corresponding envelope, or bag; characterized in that said means for packaging the respective product in the corresponding envelope, or bag, comprise said means that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, i.e., to completely or at least partially spread out, the respective envelope, or bag, in particular when it is in the respective open condition..

[0011] In this manner, envelopes, or bags, can be obtained that, in the respective open condition, are at least partially in a tensioned or laid-out condition, i.e., not folded or not comprising undesired folds, thereby allowing envelopes, or bags, to be provided in a condition that is particularly suitable for filling with said product, thus avoiding the production of corresponding defective packages.

[0012] Brief description of the drawings

[0013] This and other novel aspects, i.e., respective and specific advantageous embodiments, are, in any case, set forth in the appended claims, the specific technical features of which can be found, together with corresponding achieved advantages, in the following description, which illustrates in detail a merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0014] Fig. 1 B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 1 C illustrates a schematic, perspective enlarged view of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0016] Figs. 2A to 2G illustrate respective schematic, perspective views of the packaging zone of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0017] Figs. 3A to 3C illustrate respective schematic top plan and perspective views of the advancing means for the envelops or bags towards the packaging zone of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0018] Figs. 4A to 4E illustrate respective schematic perspective views, side elevation views, front elevation views, and top plan views of the advancing means for the envelops or bags towards the packaging zone of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0019] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate respective schematic perspective views of the transferring means for the envelops and bags of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0020] Figs. 6A to 6D illustrate respective schematic perspective, top plan, side elevation, and front elevation views of the gripping means for the envelops or bags towards the packaging zone of the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0021] Figs. 7A to 7E illustrate respective schematic perspective views of the various working steps of a preferred embodiment of means for spreading a part of said envelope, or bag, in particular of the bottom, i.e. , of the bottom wall, of the same envelope, or bag, which are usable in the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention; Figs. 8A to 8E illustrate respective schematic side elevation views of the various working steps corresponding to those of Figures 7A to 7E, of the preferred embodiment of means for spreading a part of said envelope, or bag, in particular of the bottom, i.e. , of the bottom wall, of the same envelope, or bag, which are usable in the preferred embodiment of equipment according to the present invention;

[0022] Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view taken on the side opposite the one in Fig. 7E.

[0023] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0024] A preferred embodiment 10 of equipment for making packages 11 containing a respective product 13 within a corresponding envelope is illustrated in the attached figures.

[0025] In particular, as illustrated, said envelope is in the form of a bag 15, preferably made of paper or paper material, which preferably, as illustrated, has a corresponding mouth 150 for the insertion of said product 13 into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0026] However, it is understood that, while the present envelope is made of paper, particularly preferred for packaging through the present equipment, the present equipment could also handle envelopes, or bags, made of any other material, for example, plastic film.

[0027] In addition, while the present equipment is particularly adapted to process predefined envelopes, or bags, the same equipment could, in any case, be suitably modified to provide for producing envelopes or bags starting from a corresponding film, preferably paper, which is preferably unwound from a respective reel.

[0028] In particular, as illustrated, the envelope, or bag, 15 is in the form of a thin-walled body, i.e., in the form of a body made of sheet, film, or foil material, which comprises a bottom wall 151 from which extend, in particular perpendicularly in use, corresponding peripheral walls defining on the opposite side, with the respective edge 150’, said mouth 150 for the introduction of said product 13.

[0029] Furthermore, preferably, as illustrated, in the envelope, or bag, 15, said peripheral walls comprise opposite, in particular wide, first and second front and rear walls 152, 153 and opposite, in particular narrow and / or gusseted first and second side walls 154, 155, which extend between, and are connected to, said first and second front and rear walls 152, 153.

[0030] In use, in particular at least some of, said side walls 152, 153, 154, 155 of said envelope, or bag, 15 extend beyond said product 13 and are thus associated, or made integral, to one another to close the package on the side opposite that of said bottom wall 151 .

[0031] The respective envelope, or bag, 15, as illustrated, can be advantageously provided with corresponding handle means 156, 157, which consist in a first and a second handle portions, which extend from a respective free edge 150’ of said peripheral walls, preferably from said wide first and second front and rear walls 152, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0032] Preferably, as is clear from the Figures, said envelope, or bag, 15 is provided to the equipment 10 in a closed or flattened configuration, in particular with said handle means projecting from the flattened body of said envelope, or bag, 15, and it is openable, in particular by expanding or moving apartthe edges 150’ of said mouth 150, so as to allow the insertion of said product 13 into the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0033] In particular, the product is in the form of an article 13, preferably of a group of articles, 13, wherein preferably the article is in the form of a respective good and / or of a packaging, especially a primary packaging of a respective good or of respective goods, in such a case, the present packages defining a corresponding secondary packaging, and which goods are preferentially goods of the so-called tissue industry and / or are made of a corresponding paper material, i.e. , of thin layer or ply of a paper material, or they are non-woven fabric products, i.e., are absorbent pads or diapers for personal hygiene, or made of other material.

[0034] In particular, said goods are preferably in the form of rolls, in particular of toilet paper, kitchen paper or paper towels, jumbo rolls, wipes, tissues, napkins, cloths, sheets, or the like, and / or said primary packaging of the respective goods is in the form of packets, packs, bags comprising a respective winding in plastic film or paper sheet, or the like, or are in the form of boxes, for example of cardboard or paperboard, i.e., in the form of another type of packaging.

[0035] As is best seen from said Figures, the equipment 10 essentially comprises support means 12 and corresponding means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0036] Advantageously, as illustrated, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15 comprise means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, i.e., to completely or at least partially spread out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, in particular when it is in the respective open condition.

[0037] In this manner, envelopes, or bags, can be obtained which, in the respective open condition, are in a tensioned or laid-out condition, i.e., a nonfolded condition, or not comprising undesired folds, thereby allowing envelopes, or bags, to be provided in a condition particularly suitable for filling with said product, thus avoiding the production of corresponding defective packages.

[0038] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15 are provided at the zone 140 of opening of said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or of insertion of the product 13 into said envelope 15, of said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0039] As is clear from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in particular at said zone 140 of opening of said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or of insertion of the product 13 into said envelope 15, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, comprise a surface 140xa, in particular horizontal, for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15, and a surface 140xb, in particular horizontal, of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0040] In particular, as illustrated, said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15, according to the advancement direction of the same product 13, is upstream, in particular immediately upstream, of said surface 140xa, in particular horizontal, for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15, according to the advancement direction of said product.

[0041] As illustrated, especially, said surface 140xb, in particular horizontal, of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15 is on the extension of, i.e. , is coplanar to, said surface 140xa, in particular horizontal, for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15.

[0042] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15 operate with said envelope, or bag, 15 that is in an open, or partially open, condition, i.e., with the same envelope, or bag, 15 having said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15 that is open, or at least partially open.

[0043] As is clear from said Figures, advantageously, said means that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15 comprise, or are in the form of, corresponding means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0044] As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to feed said gaseous agent into said envelope, or bag, 15 through said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, especially so as to exert, inside the same envelope, or bag, 15 an action tending to inflate or dilate, in particular in a quick or instantaneous manner, the same envelope, or bag, 15. In particular, in a particularly preferred manner, the pressure at which said gaseous agent is fed is about 4-6 bar, and / or the duration of the pressurized jet is about 1 -4 seconds.

[0045] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are located anteriorly to said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., to said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0046] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are arranged longitudinally aligned to the transverse shape of said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., of said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, in an open, or partially open, condition.

[0047] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are at said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular in the proximity of said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15.

[0048] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, protrude, in particular perpendicularly, from said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0049] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to move out of the transverse shape of said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., of the transverse shape said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, in an open, or partially open, condition.

[0050] In this manner, a free passage of said product 13 towards the same envelope, or bag, 15, is thus allowed.

[0051] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are movable between a working position, where they blow, or send pressurized jet of a corresponding gaseous agent into said envelope, or bag, 15, and a resting position, where they are out of the transverse shape of said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, in an open, or partially open, condition in particular, so as to allow thereby the free passage of said product 13 towards the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0052] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, in particular, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are movable, in particular with a linear, preferably vertical, movement between a working position, where they protrude from said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15, and a resting position, where they are below the level, or at most at the same level, with the respective upper surface, of the same surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15.

[0053] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., said means 16 that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, comprise a first and a second members 161 , 161 that are adapted to blow, or to send, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0054] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said first and second members 161 , 161 that are adapted to blow, or to send, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, comprise a respective, in particular elongated, body 162, 162 for supporting a corresponding nozzle 163, 163, which blows, or sends, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15 into said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., into said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0055] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said first and second members 161 , 161 that are adapted to blow, or to send, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, 15, are transversally spaced apart from one another, and, in use, are preferably in the proximity of the outermost side edges of said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0056] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15 comprise means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, which extends from the respective free edge 150’ of the corresponding side wall 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., for retaining the part of the handle 157 that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle 156b.

[0057] In this manner, it is avoided that the handle or part thereof hinders the filling of the envelope, or bag.

[0058] As is clear from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, are provided at the zone 140 of opening of said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or of insertion of the product 13 into said envelope 15, of said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0059] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, operate with said envelope, or bag, 15 that is in an open, or partially open, condition i.e., with the same envelope, or bag, 15 having said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15 that is open, or at least partially open, i.e. , with the respective side wall 153 from which said part of handle 157 to be retained extends that is rested on said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15, and with the other and opposite side wall 152 that is in a lifted condition relative to the same surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15.

[0060] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, are adapted to engage said part of handle 157, which extends from the respective free edge 150’ of the corresponding side wall 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the part of handle 157, that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle 156b.

[0061] As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e. , a part of a handle 157, are adapted to clamp, or push, said part of handle 157, which extends from the respective free edge 150’ of the corresponding side wall 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the part of handle 157 that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle 156b, against a corresponding surface, in particular against a corresponding edge of, or against part of, said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15. All of this, in particular, while the other and opposite part of the handle 156 is in a lifted condition.

[0062] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, are movable between a position, in particular a lifted position, for the free passage of said envelope, or bag, 15 at said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15 and a position, in particular a lowered position, for retaining said part of handle 157, which extends from the respective free edge 150’ of the corresponding side wall 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the part of handle 157 that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle 156b.

[0063] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, comprise a movable member 18, in particular movable in rotation, that is located at said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15 and at said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0064] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said movable retaining member 18 has a lower surface 181 , which is adapted to engage the upper face of said part of handle 157, which extends from the respective free edge 150’ of the corresponding side wall 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the part of handle 157 that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle 156b.

[0065] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said movable retaining member 18, extends from, in particular is hinged to, said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular at said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15.

[0066] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e., a part of a handle 157, i.e., said movable retaining member 18, in the respective lifted disengagement position, extend, or extends, upwardly, from said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular defining a corresponding angle, relative to said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15, and, in particular, to said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15. In particular, said angle is an angle of less than 90°.

[0067] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 18 for retaining corresponding handle means 156, 157, i.e. , a part of a handle 157, i.e., said movable retaining member 18, in the respective position lowered are, or is, coplanar with said surface 140xb of sliding for the same product 13 advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, 15, and, in particular, with said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15.

[0068] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said movable retaining member 18 has a planar or plate-like configuration, in particular a quadrangular configuration.

[0069] In this manner, the retaining of different types of handles, also positioned differently from one another, is ensured.

[0070] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15 comprise means 20 for opening the envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., for opening said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, in particular locating in said zone 140 for opening said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or for the insertion of the product 13 into said envelope 15.

[0071] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 20 for opening the envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., for opening said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15 comprise movable means 201 for gripping and moving away opposite walls 152, 153, in particular said first and second front and rear walls 152, 153, of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular operating in opposition with corresponding means 202 for retaining the opposite side wall 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, which are preferably defined by corresponding suctioning means that are provided at said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15, and which especially are in the form of corresponding through holes or slits 202 for a suctioning flow action on said side lower wall 153 of the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0072] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 201 for gripping and moving away opposite walls 152, 153, in particular said first and second front and rear walls 152, 153, of said envelope, or bag, 15, are movable, in particular vertically, between a lowered position for gripping the corresponding side wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15 and a lifted position for opening said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., for opening said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0073] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 201 for gripping and moving away opposite walls 152, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, have a small block, in particular a first and a second small blocks 203, 203, transversally spaced apart from one another, for gripping the respective side wall, in particular an upper side wall, during the packaging action, 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15, which respective small gripping block is arranged in said zone 140 for opening said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or for the insertion of the product 13 into said envelope 15, i.e., which is located on said surface 140xa for resting the respective envelope, or bag, 15. The respective small gripping block 203, 203 has a plurality of members or suction cups 204 for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15. Preferably, as illustrated, said first and second small blocks 203, 203, transversally spaced apart from one another, operate, i.e., engage said side upper wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in the proximity of the opposite side flanks or edges 204’, 205’ of the same side wall 152 to be grasped of the envelope, or bag, 15.

[0074] In this manner, a sure and reliable grip of the respective wall to be grasped and lifted of said envelope, or bag is obtained.

[0075] As is clear from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, the members or suction cups 204 for suctioning and retaining the respective small gripping block 203, 203, are distributed according to a transverse direction and / or according to a longitudinal direction, in particular preferably according to both said transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0076] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the members or suction cups 204 for suctioning and retaining the respective small gripping block 203,

[0077] 203 are arranged according to a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, transverse rows 205, 205, in particular each having a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, members or suction cups 204, 204, and preferably in which respective transverse row 205, 205 said members or suction cups 204,

[0078] 204 for suctioning and retaining the respective row are transversally aligned with one another, and / or are arranged according to a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, longitudinal rows 206, 206, in particular each having a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, members or suction cups 204, 204, and preferably in which respective longitudinal row 206, 206 said members or suction cups 204, 204 for suctioning and retaining the respective row are longitudinally aligned with one another.

[0079] In this manner, a sure and reliable grip of the respective wall to be grasped and lifted of said envelope, or bag, 15, is obtained, in particular also implementable for bags of a different type, and however they are located, i.e., without having to perform complex and / or troublesome operations for adjusting the position of said gripping means.

[0080] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 201 for gripping and moving away opposite walls 152, 153, in particular said first and second front and rear walls 152, 153, of said envelope, or bag, 15, have a respective shaped frame 207, 207 for supporting the respective small gripping block 203, 203, which small gripping block 203, 203 is in particular carried at the corresponding end 207’, 207’ of said same support frame 207, 207. As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, the respective frame 207, 207 for supporting the respective small gripping block 203, 203 is defined by a corresponding tubular member, which preferentially defines a respective suctioning conduit that is in communication with the same small gripping block 203, 203, i.e., with the respective members or suction cups 204 for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0081] In this manner, an essential and not too bulky structure is obtained for said gripping means.

[0082] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective small gripping block 203, 203 is defined by a body, in particular made of moulded plastic, which has a tubular trunk 203’ opening to an inner chamber 203”, not particularly illustrated in the attached figures, which is in communication with a plurality of holes 203”’ for defining said members or suction cups 204 for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0083] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said tubular trunk 203’ of the body defining the respective small gripping block 203, 203 extends, in particular according to a curvilinear path, so as to deflect the suctioning flow between the holes 203’” for defining said members or suction cups 204 for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15, which, in use, rest on a respective, preferably horizontal, plane, and the outermost portion of the corresponding suctioning conduit 207, 207, in particular longitudinally extended, and especially defined by the end of said support frame 207, 207 to which said small gripping block 203, 203 is directly connected, or onto which is inserted.

[0084] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15 comprise guiding means 19, which preferably include corresponding shaped rods, in particular movable to arrange the respective outer face 191 into an engagement and enlargement condition of the inner surface of said envelope, or bag, 15, at said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, and the respective inner surface 192 in a guide condition of said product 13 during the insertion into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0085] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15 comprise means 21 for inputting said product 13 into said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular in the form of a pusher 211 movable longitudinally between a retracted position for withdrawing said product 13 and an advanced position for inputting said envelope, or bag, 15 into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0086] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15 comprise means 23 for closing the open end of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular in the form of corresponding jaw means comprising opposite portions 231 , 232, which are movable between a mutually detached position for the free passage of the respective package 11 downstream, in particular obtained by said pusher 211 , and a mutual contact position, where they clamp and join opposite portions to one another, in particular of said front and rear side walls 152, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, on which corresponding adhesive agents are provided.

[0087] In particular, means 25 for unloading the completed package are provided downstream of the means 23 for closing the open end of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0088] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, means 22 for feeding said envelopes, or bags, 15 are provided for in the equipment. Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 22 for feeding said envelops, or bags, 15 comprise means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), in particular towards said zone 140 for opening said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or for inserting the product 13 into said envelope 15.

[0089] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelops, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, comprise respective stations 241 for housing a respective single envelope, or bag, 15, in particular which stations 241 for housing the respective envelope, or bag, 15 are advanced in succession towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, in particular towards said zone 140 for opening said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or for inserting the product 13 into said envelope 15.

[0090] As is clear from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelops, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, extend, in particular linearly, between a zone 240, arranged upstream, for receiving the respective envelope, or bag, 15 on the respective housing station 241 , and said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, i.e. , said zone 140 for opening said envelope, or bag, 15, and / or for inserting the product 13 into said envelope 15.

[0091] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective station 241 for housing the single envelope, or bag, 15 has a surface 241 ya for resting said envelope, or bag, 15, which is in particular planar and / or horizontal. Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective station 241 for housing the respective envelope, or bag, 15 has, upstream and / or downstream of said surface 241 ya for resting said envelope, or bag, 15, corresponding abutment bars 241 yb, 241 yc, in particular transversally extended, which longitudinally define the respective station 241 for housing the individual envelope, or bag, 15, and between which abutment bars 241 yb, 241 yc a respective individual envelope, or bag, 15 is positioned.

[0092] As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelops, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, are in the form of conveyor belt means 242, in particular defined by a plurality of conveyor belts extending parallel to one another and which together define a plurality of housing stations 241 for the respective envelope, or bag, 15 that are in succession or longitudinally aligned to one another, and in particular longitudinally spaced apart from one another.

[0093] In this manner, it is particularly convenient to operate, especially by the personnel in charge, in particular when an issue arises.

[0094] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 22 for feeding said envelopes, or bags, 15 comprise means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15, in particular to be provided to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0095] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 for feeding the envelops, or bags comprise one or more, in particular a first and a second, housing seats 261 , 261 for corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15, in particular said housing seats 261 , 261 for corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15 are arranged side by side with each other.

[0096] In particular, the respective batch of envelops, or bags, comprises a plurality of envelops, or bags.

[0097] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said means 26 for feeding the envelops, or bags 15, i.e., the respective housing seat 261 , 261 for corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15, comprise, or comprises, backing means 262, in particular in a vertical position, preferably in a hanging condition, of said envelopes, or bags, 15, in particular of a corresponding batch of said envelopes, or bags, 15.

[0098] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said backing means 262 of said envelopes, or bags, 15, comprise a corresponding bracket 263 onto which said envelopes, or bags, 15 are slid, i.e., a corresponding batch thereof, in particular the corresponding handle means of the same envelopes, or bags, 15, and from which said envelopes, or bags, 15 are slid off one at a time, in particular which bracket 263 extends anteriorly cantilevered, in particular horizontally, or substantially horizontally. Especially, as illustrated, the respective bracket 263 is in the form of an elongated small plate, preferably arranged horizontally, preferentially made in metal material.

[0099] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the respective housing seat 261 , 261 for corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15, has a table, 264 in particular a vertical table, for resting said envelopes, or bags, 15, especially having a front surface 264’ relative to which the respective bracket 263 for backing said envelopes, or bags, 15 perpendicularly extends.

[0100] As is clear from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, the respective housing seat 261 , 261 for corresponding envelops, or bags, 15, especially per corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15, can be moved, in particular vertically, between a position, especially a lowered position, for loading the envelopes, or bags, 15 and a working position, especially a lifted working position, i.e., for withdrawing said corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0101] In this manner, the personnel may insert a new batch of envelops, or bags, in a lowered position, thereby exerting less physical effort.

[0102] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 for feeding the envelops, or bags, 15 comprise a main support framework 265 for a corresponding small frame 266, 266 carrying the respective seat, i.e., both the housing seats 261 , 261 , for corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15, i.e., carrying the corresponding table, or the corresponding tables, 264, 264 for resting said envelopes, or bags, 15, and / or the corresponding bracket, or both brackets 263, 263, for backing said envelopes, or bags, 15.

[0103] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 26 for feeding the envelops, or bags, are in the form of a corresponding movable, especially manually movable, cart, in particular on corresponding casters 267, especially which support said main support framework 265 of the same means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15.

[0104] As is clear from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 26 for feeding the envelops, or bags, 15 comprise means 268 for actuating the lowering and lifting of the respective seat, in particular of both housing seats 261 , 261 , for corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15, which preferably actuating means comprise a rotatable knob or handwheel 269 that controls the movement along corresponding guide means, in particular vertical, 2610, of said small frame 266, 266 carrying the respective seat, i.e., both the seats 261 , 261 , for housing the corresponding envelopes, or bags, 15, especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, 15. In particular, the control handwheel rotates a corresponding gear 2611 meshing with a rack, especially vertical, 2612. As illustrated, said actuating means are arranged on the rear part of said main frame of said means 26 for feeding the envelopes, or bags, 15.

[0105] In this manner, the operation by the personnel in charge can be made easier.

[0106] Advantageously, as is clear from the same figures, said means 22 for feeding said envelopes, or bags, 15 comprise means 28 for transferring said envelope, or bag, 15 from said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15 to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0107] Advantageously, as is clear from the same figures, said means 28 for transferring said envelope, or bag, 15 from said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15 to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, comprise corresponding robot means 281 , especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot.

[0108] As is clear from the same figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said robot means 281 , especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot, are, or is, adapted to take an individual envelope, or bag, 15 from said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15, and are, or is, adapted to transfer it to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0109] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said robot means 281 , especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot, are, or is, configured so as to take the envelope, or bag, 15 that is frontally, or anteriorly, located on said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15, and are, or is, adapted to position the respective envelope, or bag, 15 at a predefined position in a corresponding station 240 for housing the respective envelope, or bag, 15 on said means 24 for advancing the respective envelope, or bag, 15 towards the packaging zone, in particular rotating said envelope, or bag, 15 from a position where it is vertically positioned to a position where it is horizontal and transversal to the advancing direction towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0110] Advantageously, as is clear from the same figures, said means 28 for transferring said envelope, or bag, 15 from said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15 to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, comprise means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15, in particular brought to the wrist 283 of the arm 282 of said robot means 281 , especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot.

[0111] As is clear from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15 have an elongated configuration with corresponding engaging and retaining means 301 , in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, 15, especially of the corresponding side wall 152, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., of the front face thereof, which engaging and retaining means 301 , in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, 15 are provided at the opposite ends 30T, 30T of the same elongated means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15.

[0112] In this manner, it is also possible to handle envelopes, or bags, 15 that are rather elongated.

[0113] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15 comprise a chassis, in particular an elongated chassis, 302 for supporting corresponding engaging and retaining means 301 , in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular in the form of a plurality of suctioning cups, especially four suctioning cups 301 per end 30T, 301 of said means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15.

[0114] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 28 for transferring said envelope, or bag, 15 from said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15 to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, comprise detection means, in particular video camera means, 303 to detect the position of said envelope, or bag, 15, and, in particular, to thereby make the withdrawal and release of said respective envelope, or bag, 15 easier.

[0115] As is clear from said Figures, with advantage, said detection means, in particular video camera means, 303 to detect the position of said envelope, or bag, 15 are carried by the means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15, in particular at a respective end 30T thereof.

[0116] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, the equipment, in particular said means 28 for transferring said envelope, or bag, 15 from said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15 to said means 24 that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, 15 towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15, comprise means 304 that are adapted to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, 15 at said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15.

[0117] In this manner, it is possible to avoid performing redundant and undesired operations.

[0118] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures, said means 30 for grasping said envelope, or bag, 15 comprise probe means 304 to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, 15 at said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15.

[0119] As is clear from the same figures, in an advantageous manner, said probe means 304, to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, 15 at said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) at said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15, are provided at a respective end 301 ’ of said means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15.

[0120] Advantageously, as is clear from the same figures, said probe means 304, to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, 15, at said means 26 for providing the envelopes, or bags, 15, comprise a respective member 304, that is adapted to engage said envelope, or bag, 15, which is in particular provided at said engaging and retaining means 301 , in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, 15, and in particular arranged between the respective suctioning cups of said means 30 for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, 15.

[0121] It should nevertheless be understood that, even being the present means for providing said envelopes or bags particularly preferred, it is also conceivable to realize the same by means that prepare the same bag starting from a corresponding film, preferably made of paper, which is unwound from a respective reel, i.e. , thus entirely operating within the present equipment. Advantageously, as is clear from the same figures, in the equipment means 27 are provided for feeding said product 13, in particular towards said means 14 for packaging the respective product 13 in the corresponding envelope, or bag, 15.

[0122] In the Figures 7A to 9, a second preferred embodiment of means adapted to tension, or to lay out, i.e., to completely or at least partially spread out, the respective envelope, or bag, according to the present invention, is illustrated. This second preferred embodiment of means adapted to tension, or to lay out, is preferably used in combination with said means 20 for opening the envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., for opening said mouth 150 for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, 15, as clearly seen in said figures, and can be used in combination with, or alternatively to, said means 161 , 161 that are adapted to render taut or unfold, at least partially, the respective envelope, or bag, 15 of the first preferred embodiment 10 of equipment.

[0123] Advantageously, in the equipment 10 it is therefore possible to provide that said means 16 that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, i.e., to completely or at least partially spread out, the respective envelope, or bag, 15, comprise means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular of the bottom, i.e., of the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0124] In particular, as is clear from the Figures, in a flattened or folded condition, said envelope, or bag, 15 has the respective bottom wall 151 which is folded against an outermost portion 152’ of the respective side wall, in particular front, 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15, which extends from the same bottom wall 151 and which, in turn, is folded, in particular along a corresponding transverse folding line P’, against the adjacent portion 152” of the same side wall, in particular front, 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15. In a flattened or folded condition, in turn, the respective extreme portion 153’ of the opposite side wall, in particular rear, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, which extends from the same bottom wall 151 , is in line with, or coplanar to, the adjacent portion 153” of the same side wall, in particular rear, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15, while being separated from it by a corresponding predefined transverse folding line P”, which is at the transverse folding line P’ provided between the outermost portion 152’ and the adjacent portion 152” of the same side wall, in particular front, 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0125] Said first and second side walls or lateral walls 154, 155 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in turn, define a corresponding gusseted bottom portion 154’, 155’, which, in a flattened or folded condition, is interposed between said outermost portions 152’, 153’ of said lateral walls, in particular front and rear, 152, 153 of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0126] With advantage, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, said means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to open, or to dislocate at an open condition of said envelope, or bag, 15, the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, starting from a flattened, or folded, condition of the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0127] As is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, advantageously, said means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to rotate the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, in particular relative to a respective folding line P’, P”, preferably transversal to the corresponding side wall, or the corresponding side walls, 152, 153 of the same envelope, or bag, 15, i.e., transversally to the direction for inserting the same product 13 into said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0128] As is clear from said Figures da 7A a 9, advantageously, said means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to rotate the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, by an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90°, in particular relative to the remaining part of said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0129] As is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, advantageously, said means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, while being adapted to rotate the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, dilate the outermost portions 152’, 153’, 154’, 155’ of said envelope, or bag, 15, making them taut, in particular thus making said outermost portions 152’, 153’, 154’, 155’ of said envelope, or bag, 15 coplanar with the corresponding remaining portions of said side walls 152, 153, 154, 155.

[0130] With advantage, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, said means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, comprise means 191 for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, in particular being adapted to take said part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, when said bottom wall 151 is folded in contact with the corresponding side wall 152 of said envelope, or bag, 15, in a flattened condition.

[0131] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, said means 191 for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to engage, in particular to retain, the outer surface 151 e of said part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15.

[0132] As is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, with appreciable advantage, said means 191 for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are in the form of corresponding suctioning means 192, acting on said part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular on the bottom, i.e., on the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15. Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, said suctioning means 192, of said means 191 for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, comprise a plurality of suctioning cups 193, in particular a first and second groups of suctioning cups, in particular each group comprising one, in particular a first and a second, suction cups 193, 193, which groups are spaced apart from one another, in particular transversally, and, preferably, are adapted to engage said bottom wall 151 in the proximity of the side or flank edges of the same bottom wall 151.

[0133] In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, said suctioning means 192, of said means 191 for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are adapted to rotate between a position where the gripping and retaining ends, in particular of the suction cups 193, lie in a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, plane, and a position where the same gripping and retaining ends, in particular of the suction cups 193, lie in a vertical, or substantially vertical, plane, in particular by performing a rotation of 90°, or substantially 90°.

[0134] Advantageously, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, said means 191 for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, comprise a member, in particular transversally elongated, 194 for supporting said suctioning means 192, especially said support member, in particular transversally elongated, 194 is movable in rotation, preferably by performing a rotation of 90°, or around 90°. As illustrated, said suction cups 193, 193 protrude, or extend from said support member, in particular transversally elongated, 194.

[0135] With advantage, as is clear from said Figures 7A to 9, while not being particularly shown in the attached figures, said means 19 for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, 15, in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall 151 , of the same envelope, or bag, 15, are movable between a lifted position for the free passage of said envelope, or bag, 15 containing said product 13, and a lowered position for engaging and deploying said envelope, or bag, 15.

[0136] In practice, as is clear, the above-described technical features allow, individually or in a respective combination, achieving one or more of the following advantageous results:

[0137] - a sure and reliable grip of the respective wall to be grasped and lifted of said envelope, or bag is obtained;

[0138] - an essential and not too bulky structure is obtained;

[0139] - envelopes, or bags, are provided in a condition that is particularly suitable for obtaining a safe and effective packaging of the product;

[0140] - it is avoided that the handle or part thereof hinders the filling of the envelope, or bag;

[0141] - it is particularly convenient and easy to operate, especially for the personnel in charge;

[0142] - it is also possible to handle envelopes, or bags, that are rather elongated;

[0143] - it is also possible to process envelopes, or bags, that are of different types or not positioned in a particularly precise manner;

[0144] - it is possible to avoid performing redundant and undesired operations.

[0145] The present invention is susceptible of evident industrial application. Those skilled in the art may further envisage a number of modifications and / or variants to be made to the same invention, while remaining within the scope of the inventive concept, as widely set forth. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may envisage further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the above-illustrated features of the above-mentioned preferred embodiment, in particular as set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that all details of the invention may be replaced with technically equivalent elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An equipment (10) to make packages containing un respective product within a corresponding envelope, in particular said envelope being in the form of a bag, preferably made of paper or paper material; in particular said product being in the form of an article (13), preferably of a group of articles, (13), wherein preferably the article is in the form of a respective good and / or of a packaging, especially a primary packaging of a respective good or respective goods, which goods are preferentially goods of the so-called tissue industry and / or are made of a corresponding paper material, i.e. , of thin layer or ply of a paper material, or they are non-woven fabric products, or absorbent pads or diapers for personal hygiene, or made of other material; the equipment comprises support means (12), and means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15); characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, i.e., to completely or at least partially spread out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), in particular when it is in the respective open condition.

2. The equipment according to claim 1 , characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15) are provided at the zone (140) for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), and / or for inserting the product (13) into said envelope (15), of said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

3. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), comprise a surface (140xa), in particular horizontal, for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15), anda surface (140xb), in particular horizontal, of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15).

4. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15) operate with said envelope, or bag, (15) that is in an open, or partially open, condition, i.e. , with the same envelope, or bag, (15) having said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15) that is open, or at least partially open.

5. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15) comprise, or are in the form of, corresponding means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15).

6. The equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to feed said gaseous agent into said envelope, or bag, (15) through said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15).

7. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are located anteriorly to said envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., to said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15).

8. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to layout, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are arranged longitudinally aligned to the transverse shape of said envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., of said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15), in an open, or partially open, condition.

9. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are at said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular on the proximity of said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

10. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 9, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), protrude, in particular perpendicularly, from said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15).11 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to move out of the transverse shape ofsaid envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., of the transverse shape said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15), in an open, or partially open, condition.

12. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 11 , characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are movable between a working position, where they blow, or send pressurized jet of a corresponding gaseous agent into said envelope, or bag, (15), and a resting position, where they are out of the transverse shape of said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15), in an open, or partially open, condition.

13. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 12, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are movable, in particular with a linear, preferably vertical, movement between a working position, where they protrude from said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15), and a resting position, where they are below the level of the same surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

14. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 13, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said means (16) that are adapted to blow, or to send a corresponding pressurized jet of, a corresponding gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), comprise a first and a second members (161 , 161 )that are adapted to blow, or send, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15).

15. The equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that said first and second members (161 , 161 ) that are adapted to blow, or send, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), comprise a respective, in particular elongated, body (162, 162) for supporting a corresponding nozzle (163, 163), which blows, or sends, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15) into said envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., into said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15).

16. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 15 and16, characterized in that said first and second members (161 , 161 ) that are adapted to blow, or send, a gaseous agent, i.e., a corresponding pressurized jet of said gaseous agent, in particular in the form of air, into said envelope, or bag, (15), are transversally spaced apart from one another, and, in use, are preferably in the proximity of the outermost side edges of said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15).

17. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), which extends from the respective free edge (150’) of the corresponding side wall (153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., for retaining the part of the handle (157) that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle (156b).

18. The equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), are provided at the zone (140) for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), and / or for inserting the product (13) into said envelope (15), of said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

19. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 and 18, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), operate with said envelope, or bag, (15) that is in an open, or partially open, condition, i.e., with the same envelope, or bag, (15) having said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15) that is open, or at least partially open, i.e., with the respective side wall (153) from which said part of handle (157) to be retained extends that is rested on said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15), and with the other and opposite side wall (152) that is in a lifted condition relative to the same surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

20. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), are adapted to engage said part of handle (157), which extends from the free edge (150’) of the corresponding side wall (153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the part of handle (157) that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle (156b).21 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 20, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), are adapted to clamp, or push, said part of handle (157), which extends from the free edge (150’) of the corresponding side wall (153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particularthe part of handle (157) that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle (156b), against a corresponding surface, in particular against a corresponding edge of, or against part of, said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

22. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 21 , characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), are movable between a position, in particular a lifted position, for the free passage of said envelope, or bag, (15) at said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15) and a position, in particular a lowered position, for retaining said part of handle (157), which extends from the free edge (150’) of the corresponding side wall (153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the part of handle (157) that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle (156b).

23. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 22, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), comprise a movable member (18), in particular movable in rotation, that is located at said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15) and at said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15).

24. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 23, characterized in that said movable retaining member (18) has a lower surface (181 ), which is adapted to engage the upper face of said part of handle (157), which extends from the free edge (150’) of the corresponding side wall (153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the part of handle (157) that, during the packaging operation, is arranged inferiorly or below the other part of the handle (156).

25. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 24, characterized in that said movable retaining member (18), extends from, in particular is hinged to, said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular at said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

26. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 25, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), i.e., said movable retaining member (18), in the respective lifted disengagement position, extend, or extends, upwardly, from said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular defining a corresponding angle, relative to said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15), and, in particular, to said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

27. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 26, characterized in that said means (18) for retaining corresponding handle means (156, 157), i.e., a part of a handle (157), i.e., said movable retaining member (18), in the respective lowered position are, or is, coplanar, to said surface (140xb) of sliding for the same product (13) advancing towards and into said envelope, or bag, (15), and, in particular, to said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15).

28. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 27, characterized in that said movable retaining member (18) has a planar or plate-like configuration, in particular a quadrangular configuration.

29. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise means (20) for opening the envelope, or bag,(15), i.e., for opening said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15).

30. The equipment according to claim 29, characterized in that said means (20) for opening the envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., for opening said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15) comprise movable means (201 ) for gripping and moving away opposite walls (152, 153), in particular said first and second front and rear walls (152, 153), of said envelope, or bag, (15).31 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 29 and 30, characterized in that said means (201 ) for gripping and moving away opposite walls (152, 153), in particular said first and second front and rear walls (152, 153), of said envelope, or bag, (15), are movable, in particular vertically, between a lowered position for gripping the corresponding side wall (152) of said envelope, or bag, (15) and a lifted position for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., for opening said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15).

32. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 29 to 31 , characterized in that said means (201 ) for gripping and moving away opposite walls (152, 153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), have a small block, in particular a first and second small blocks (203, 203), transversally spaced apart from one another, for gripping the respective side wall(152) of said envelope, or bag, (15), which respective small gripping block (203, 203) is arranged in said zone (140) for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), and / or for inserting the product (13) into said envelope (15), i.e., that is located on said surface (140xa) for resting the respective envelope, or bag, (15), the respective small gripping block (203, 203) having a plurality of members or suction cups (204) for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall (152) of said envelope, or bag, (15).

33. The equipment according to claim 32, characterized in that the members or suction cups (204) for suctioning and retaining the respective small gripping block (203, 203), are distributed according to a transverse direction and / or according to a longitudinal direction.

34. The equipment according to claim 33, characterized in that the members or suction cups (204) for suctioning and retaining the respective small gripping block (203, 203) are arranged according to a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, transverse rows (205, 205), in particular each having a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, members or suction cups (204, 204), and preferably in which respective transverse row (205, 205) said members or suction cups (204, 204) for suctioning and retaining the respective row are transversally aligned with one another, and / or are arranged according to a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, longitudinal rows (206, 206), in particular each having a plurality of, in particular a first and a second, members or suction cups (204, 204), and preferably in which respective longitudinal row (206, 206) said members or suction cups (204, 204) for suctioning and retaining the respective row are longitudinally aligned with one another.

35. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 29 to 34, characterized in that said means (201 ) for gripping and moving away opposite walls (152, 153), in particular said first and second front and rear walls (152, 153), of said envelope, or bag, (15), have a respective shaped frame (207, 207) for supporting the respective small gripping block (203, 203), which small gripping block (203, 203) is in particular carried at the corresponding end (207’, 207’) of said same support frame (207, 207).

36. The equipment according to claim 35, characterized in that the respective frame (207, 207) for supporting the corresponding small gripping block (203, 203) is defined by a corresponding tubular member, which preferentially defines a respective suctioning conduit that is in communicationwith the same small gripping block (203, 203), i.e., with the respective members or suction cups (204) for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall (152) of said envelope, or bag, (15).

37. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 29 to 36, characterized in that the respective small gripping block (203, 203) is defined by a body, in particular made of moulded plastic, which has a tubular trunk (203’) opening to an inner chamber (203”) that is communication with a plurality of holes (203”’) for defining said members or suction cups (204) for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall (152) of said envelope, or bag, (15).

38. The equipment according to claim 37, characterized in that said tubular trunk (203’) of the body defining the respective small gripping block (203, 203) extends, in particular according to a curvilinear path, so as to deflect the suctioning flow between the holes (203’”) for defining said members or suction cups (204) for suctioning and retaining a respective portion of the same side wall (152) of said envelope, or bag, (15), which, in use, rest on a respective, preferably horizontal, plane, and the outermost portion of the corresponding suctioning conduit (207, 207), in particular longitudinally extended, and especially defined by the end of said support frame (207, 207) to which said small gripping block (203, 203) is directly connected, or onto which is inserted.

39. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise guiding means (19), which preferably include corresponding shaped rods, in particular movable to arrange the respective outer face (191 ) into an engagement and enlargement condition of the inner surface of said envelope, or bag, (15), at said mouth (150) for the insertion into the same envelope, or bag, (15), andthe respective inner surface (192) in a guide condition of said product (13) during the insertion into said envelope, or bag, (15).

40. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise means (21 ) for inputting said product (13) into said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular in the form of a pusher (211 ) movable longitudinally between a retracted position for withdrawing said product (13) and an advanced position for inputting said envelope, or bag, (15) into said envelope, or bag, (15).

41. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15) comprise means (23) for closing the open end of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular in the form of corresponding jaw means comprising opposite portions (231 , 232), which are movable between a mutually detached position for the free passage of the respective package (11 ) downstream, and a mutual contact position, where they clamp and join opposite portions to one another, in particular of said front and rear side walls (152, 153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), on which corresponding adhesive agents are provided.

42. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1 , characterized in that means (22) for feeding said envelopes, or bags, (15) are provided for.

43. The equipment according to claim 42, characterized in that said means (22) for feeding said envelopes, or bags, (15) comprise means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), in particular towards said zone (140) for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), and / or for inserting the product (13) into said envelope (15).

44. The equipment according to claim 43, characterized in that said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), comprise respective stations (241 ) for housing a respective single envelope, or bag, (15), in particular which stations (241 ) for housing the respective envelope, or bag, (15) are advanced in succession towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), in particular towards said zone (140) for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), and / or for inserting the product (13) into said envelope (15).

45. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 43 and44, characterized in that said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), extend, in particular linearly, between a zone (240), arranged upstream, for receiving the respective envelope, or bag, (15) on the respective housing station (241 ), and said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., said zone (140) for opening said envelope, or bag, (15), and / or for inserting the product (13) into said envelope (15).

46. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 44 and45, characterized in that the respective station (241 ) for housing the individual envelope, or bag, (15) has a surface (241 ya) for resting said envelope, or bag, (15), which is in particular planar and / or horizontal.

47. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 44 to 46, characterized in that the respective station (241 ) for housing the respective envelope, or bag, (15) has, upstream and / or downstream of said surface (241 ya) for resting said envelope, or bag, (15), corresponding abutment bars (241 yb, 241 yc), in particular transversally extended, which longitudinallydefine the respective station (241 ) for housing the individual envelope, or bag, (15), and between which abutment bars (241 yb, 241 yc) a respective individual envelope, or bag, (15) is positioned.

48. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 43 to 47, characterized in that said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), are in the form of conveyor belt means (242), in particular defined by a plurality of conveyor belts extending parallel to one another and which together define a plurality of housing stations (241 ) for the respective envelope, or bag, (15) that are in succession or longitudinally aligned to one another, and in particular longitudinally spaced apart from one another.

49. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 42 to 48, characterized in that said means (22) for feeding said envelopes, or bags, (15) comprise means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15), in particular to be provided to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

50. The equipment according to claim 49, characterized in that said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags comprise one or more, in particular a first and a second, housing seats (261 , 261 ) for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, (15), in particular said housing seats (261 , 261 ) for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, (15) are arranged side by side with each other.51 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 49 and 50, characterized in that said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags (15), i.e., the respective housing seat (261 , 261 ) for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes,or bags, (15), comprise, or comprises, backing means (262), in particular in a vertical position, preferably in a hanging condition, of said envelopes, or bags, (15), in particular of a corresponding batch of said envelopes, or bags, (15).

52. The equipment according to claim 51 , characterized in that said backing means (262) of said envelopes, or bags, (15), comprise a corresponding bracket (263) onto which said envelopes, or bags, (15) are slid, i.e., a corresponding batch thereof, in particular the corresponding handle means of the same envelopes, or bags, (15), and from which said envelopes, or bags, (15) are slid off one at a time, in particular which bracket (263) extends anteriorly cantilevered, in particular horizontally, or substantially horizontally.

53. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 49 to 52, characterized in that the respective housing seat (261 , 261 ) for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, (15), has a table, (264) in particular a vertical table, for resting said envelopes, or bags, (15), especially having a front surface (264’) relative to which the respective bracket (263) for backing said envelopes, or bags, (15) perpendicularly extends.

54. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 49 to 53, characterized in that the respective housing seat (261 , 261 ) for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, (15), can be moved, in particular vertically, between a position, especially a lowered position, for loading the envelopes, or bags, (15) and a working position, especially a lifted working position, i.e., for withdrawing said corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

55. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 49 to 54, characterized in that said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) comprise a main support framework (265) for a corresponding smallframe (266, 266) carrying the respective seat, i.e., both the housing seats (261 , 261 ), for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, (15), i.e., carrying the corresponding table, or the corresponding tables, (264, 264) for resting said envelopes, or bags, (15), and / or the corresponding bracket, or both brackets (263, 263), for backing said envelopes, or bags, (15).

56. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 49 to 55, characterized in that said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, are in the form of a corresponding movable, especially manually movable, cart, in particular on corresponding casters (267), especially which support said main support framework (265) of the same means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15).

57. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 49 to 56, characterized in that said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) comprise means (268) for actuating the lowering and lifting of the respective seat, in particular of both housing seats (261 , 261 ), for corresponding envelopes, or bags, (15), especially for corresponding batches of envelopes, or bags, (15).

58. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 42 to 57, characterized in that said means (22) for feeding said envelopes, or bags, (15) comprise means (28) for transferring said envelope, or bag, (15) from said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

59. The equipment according to claim 58, characterized in that said means (28) for transferring said envelope, or bag, (15) from said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) forpackaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), comprise corresponding robot means (281 ), especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot.

60. The equipment according to claim 59, characterized in that said robot means (281 ), especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot, are, or is, adapted to take an individual envelope, or bag, (15) from said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15), and are, or is, adapted to transfer it to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).61 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 59 and 60, characterized in that said robot means (281 ), especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot, are, or is, configured so as to take the envelope, or bag, (15) that is frontally, or anteriorly, located on said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15), and are, or is, adapted to position the respective envelope, or bag, (15) at a predefined position in a corresponding station (240) for housing the respective envelope, or bag, (15) on said means (24) for advancing the respective envelope, or bag, (15) towards the packaging zone, in particular rotating said envelope, or bag, (15) from a position where it is vertically positioned to a position where it is horizontal and transversal to the advancing direction towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

62. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 58 to 61 , characterized in that said means (28) for transferring said envelope, or bag, (15) from said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in thecorresponding envelope, or bag, (15), comprise means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15), in particular brought to the wrist (283) of the arm (282) of said robot means (281 ), especially of the anthropomorphic robot type, in particular defined by a single robot.

63. The equipment according to claim 62, characterized in that said means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15) have an elongated configuration with corresponding engaging and retaining means (301 ), in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, (15), especially of the corresponding side wall (152, 153) of said envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., of the front face thereof, which engaging and retaining means (301 ), in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, (15) are provided at the opposite ends (30T, 301 ’) of the same elongated means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15).

64. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 62 and 63, characterized in that said means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15) comprise a chassis, in particular an elongated chassis, (302) for supporting corresponding engaging and retaining means (301 ), in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular in the form of a plurality of suctioning cups for ends (30T, 301 ) of said means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15).

65. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 58 to 64, characterized in that said means (28) for transferring said envelope, or bag, (15) from said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), comprise detection means, in particular video camera means, (303) to detect the position of said envelope, or bag, (15).

66. The equipment according to claim 65, characterized in that said detection means, in particular video camera means, (303) to detect the position of said envelope, or bag, (15) are carried by the means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15), in particular at a respective end (30T) thereof.

67. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 58 to 66, characterized in that the equipment, in particular said means (28) for transferring said envelope, or bag, (15) from said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) to said means (24) that are adapted to advance said envelopes, or bags, (15) towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15), comprise means (304) that are adapted to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, (15) at said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15).

68. The equipment according to claim 67, characterized in that said means (30) for grasping said envelope, or bag, (15) comprise probe means (304) to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, (15) at said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15).

69. The equipment according to claim 68, characterized in that said probe means (304), to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, (15) at said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15) at said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15), are provided at a respective end (30T) of said means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15).

70. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 68 and 69, characterized in that said probe means (304), to detect the presence or absence of the envelope, or bag, (15), at said means (26) for providing the envelopes, or bags, (15), comprise a respective member (304), that is adapted to engage said envelope, or bag, (15), which is in particular providedat said engaging and retaining means (301 ), in particular when suctioning, of said envelope, or bag, (15), and in particular arranged between the respective suctioning cups of said means (30) for grasping an individual envelope, or bag, (15).

71. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (27) are provided for feeding said product (13), in particular towards said means (14) for packaging the respective product (13) in the corresponding envelope, or bag, (15).

72. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to tension, or to lay out, i.e., to completely or at least partially spread out, the respective envelope, or bag, (15), comprise means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15).

73. The equipment according to claim 72, characterized in that said means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to open, or to dislocate at an open condition of said envelope, or bag, (15), the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), starting from a flattened, or folded, condition of the same envelope, or bag, (15).

74. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 72 and 73, characterized in that said means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to rotate the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), in particular relative to a respective folding line (P’, P”), preferably transversal to thecorresponding side wall, or the corresponding side walls, (152, 153) of the same envelope, or bag, (15), i.e., transversally to the direction for inserting the same product (13) into said envelope, or bag, (15).

75. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 72 to 74, characterized in that said means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to rotate the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), by an angle equal, or substantially equal, to 90°, in particular relative to the remaining part of said envelope, or bag, (15).

76. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 72 to 75, characterized in that said means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), while being adapted to rotate the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), dilate the outermost portions (152’, 153’, 154’, 155’) of said envelope, or bag, (15), making them taut, in particular thus making said outermost portions (152’, 153’, 154’, 155’) of said envelope, or bag, (15) coplanar with the corresponding remaining portions of said side walls (152, 153, 154, 155).

77. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 72 to 76, characterized in that said means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), comprise means (191 ) for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), in particular being adapted to take said part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the sameenvelope, or bag, (15), when said bottom wall (151 ) is folded in contact with the corresponding side wall (152) of said envelope, or bag, (15), in a flattened condition.

78. The equipment according to claim 77, characterized in that said means (191 ) for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to engage, in particular to retain, the outer surface (151 e) of said part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15).

79. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 77 and 78, characterized in that said means (191 ) for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are in the form of corresponding suctioning means (192), acting on said part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular on the bottom, i.e., on the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15).

80. The equipment according to claim 79, characterized in that said suctioning means (192), of said means (191 ) for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), comprise a plurality of suctioning cups (193), in particular a first and second groups of suctioning cups, in particular each group comprising one, in particular a first and a second, suction cups (193, 193), which groups are spaced apart from one another, in particular transversally, and, preferably, are adapted to engage said bottom wall (151 ) in the proximity of the side or flank edges of the same bottom wall (151 ).81 . The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 79 and 80, characterized in that said suctioning means (192), of said means (191 ) for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag,(15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are adapted to rotate between a position where the gripping and retaining ends, in particular of the suction cups (193), lie in a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, plane, and a position where the same gripping and retaining ends, in particular of the suction cups (193), lie in a vertical, or substantially vertical, plane, in particular by performing a rotation of 90°, or substantially 90°.

82. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 79 to 81 , characterized in that said means (191 ) for gripping and retaining the corresponding part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), comprise a member, in particular transversally elongated, (194) for supporting said suctioning means (192), especially said support member, in particular transversally elongated, (194) is movable in rotation, preferably by performing a rotation of 90°, or around 90°.

83. The equipment according to any one of the preceding claims 72 to 82, characterized in that said means (19) for engaging and deploying a part of said envelope, or bag, (15), in particular the bottom, i.e., the bottom wall (151 ), of the same envelope, or bag, (15), are movable between a lifted position for the free passage of said envelope, or bag, (15) containing said product (13), and a lowered position for engaging and deploying said envelope, or bag, (15).

84. The equipment, characterized in that it is made according to any one of the preceding claims and / or as described and illustrated with reference to the attached drawings.

Images