Patent ID: 11964785
Assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Field: Handling (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 5:
6. A machine for implementing a packaging method according to claim 1, comprising:
a unit for moving a group of packets in a direction of advance, and
an application unit for applying the at least one adhesive tape unwound from the reel to the closed lateral surface of the group of packets and completely around the group of packets, to hold the packets of the group of packets together solely by means of the at least one adhesive tape,
wherein the application unit for applying the at least one adhesive tape comprises:
a member for driving the at least one adhesive tape, unwound from the reel, in the direction of feed of the at least one adhesive tape which is orthogonal to the direction of advance of the group of packets; and
the first and the second stop elements arranged so as to be brought into contact with the at least one adhesive tape in the direction of feed, and are spaced apart from each other along a same direction, to define the passage for the group of packets moving in the direction of advance,

wherein the unit for moving the group of packets comprises at least one pushing member which is movable in the direction of advance, for pushing the group of packets from a first position, in which it is upstream of the passage defined by the first and second stop elements, to a second position, in which it has at least partially passed through the passage defined by the first and second stop elements, the relative movement between the group of packets and the first and second stop elements causes the at least one adhesive tape to be folded into the U-shape around the closed lateral surface of the group of packets, and
wherein the driving member for the at least one adhesive tape is movable in the direction of feed to cause the at least one adhesive tape to extend in the direction of feed between the group of packets in the first position and the passage defined by the first and second stop elements, and beyond said passage over the given length of adhesive tape, at least equal to the length of one surface of the closed lateral surface of the group of packets, parallel to the direction of advance of the group of packets,
said machine including the suction plate for retaining at least the given length of adhesive tape.