Patent Description:
The present invention is intended, in particular, for use in packaging machines for smoking articles, in which the tag or label to be folded may be the duty stamp that has to be applied to the outside of the package (for example a package).

In the present description, smoking articles are cigarettes, cigars, filters, refills for electronic cigarettes, tobacco and the like. The tag or label may comprise, in particular, a government or duty stamp.

As known, for certain consumer products, in particular packages of smoking articles (for example, packages of cigarettes), preprinted tags or labels must be applied, such as for example the tax stamps that show that state taxes have been paid. In particular, such tags are generally applied to the packages of cigarettes before making the packages of cigarettes themselves with a transparent wrapping film so as to be visible when the packages are still whole.

It is known, for example, to apply the tags astride the folding line that acts as a hinge to open the lid of the packages. It is also known to apply the tags entirely to the front rear surface of the package. According to another known method, the tags are folded at an angle with the portion thereof arranged on a side of the package, so as to seal a portion of the incision line that defines the lid of the package, in which the tags have to be provided with a tear line intended to be superimposed on the aforesaid incision line of the package to facilitate the opening thereof. Patent publication <CIT> shows an example of a package of smoking articles provided with a label or adhesive stamp applied to two outer sides of the package.

One of the problems of the prior art is in fact that of applying the tag to two outer surfaces of the package that are not coplanar and adjacent to one another, for example on two adjacent sides arranged at <NUM>° of a parallelepipedon package, or on at least two adjacent faces that are tilted in relation to one another by an angle other than a right angle.

For this purpose, it is known to distribute glue on the tag to be applied and then glue, in a first step, a tag portion to a surface of the package, leaving free (not glued) another tag portion that forms a flap protruding in a cantilevered manner or as a flag that subsequently has to be folded against the package to complete applying of the tag.

Patent publication <CIT> shows the applying of a tax stamp on two sides of a package of cigarettes, in which various packages move in a feed direction, a pushing roller initially applies a first stamp portion to a first wall of a package parallel to the feed direction and thus the roller is moved by a solenoid so as to apply a second portion of stamp to a second package wall that is perpendicular to the advancement direction and arranged behind, with reference to the advancement direction.

Patent publication <CIT> shows an apparatus for applying stamps to packages of smoking articles in which the stamps are applied to the packages whilst the packages are conveyed by a rotating conveying carousel; expelling means is provided that expels the packages from the conveying carousel to stationary folding members that fold the protruding flap of the stamp against a package side wall.

Patent publication <CIT> shows the production of packages of cigarettes in which to the upper wall of each package a band is glued that is pressed by a pressing member through which the heat is also transmitted; the pressing member is carried by a drum that is rotatable around a rotation axis that is perpendicular to an advancement direction of the packages; the pressing member is provided with a folding member that folds by <NUM>° a flap of the band that had remained arranged in a cantilevered manner beyond the upper wall, against a side wall of the package, in particular against the rear wall, where rear is defined with reference to the advancement direction of the package.

Patent publication <CIT> shows a method for fixing labels to packages of cigarettes, in which the labels are withdrawn from a conveyor, coated with glue during conveying and glued to a surface of the package with a rolling movement of applying segments in such a manner that two label flaps protrude from opposite sides of the surface of the package; the two flaps are then folded on two side surfaces of the package during a transverse movement of the packages (transverse to the preset conveying direction of the packages) in which the packages are inserted into the receptacles of a conveyor and in which each receptacle has a pair of fixed guides against which the flaps are folded.

Patent publication <CIT> shows the applying of a stamp to a package of cigarettes, in which a folding device folds two flaps of the stamp protruding from both the sides of a surface of the package during conveying of the package; the folding device has two freely rotating arms to the ends of which pressing rollers are fitted; the folding device is rotatably supported around a central axis so as to be folded and first press a flap against a front side of the package, with the help of one of the two arms with pressing rollers, and subsequently another flap against a rear side of the package, with the help of the other of the two arms with pressing rollers, where front and back are defined with reference to the conveying direction of the package.

Patent publication <CIT> shows the fixing of tags to packages of cigarettes in which the tags are folded at an angle for a portion thereof on a side of the package, by folding means comprising a belt that has protruding folding members and which is arranged on a vertical plane that is lateral to a conveying line of the packages; the belt of the folding means moves at a constant pitch in the same direction as the advancement direction of the conveying line in phase with the advancement of the packages; the belt is arranged along an axis that is tilted with respect to the conveying line of the packages, the pitch and tilt of the belt being calculated in such a manner that the folding members move along the horizontal direction conveying line at the same speed as the packages, so that corresponding motion is determined of the folding members with respect to the purely vertical packages, to ensure progressive folding of a protruding portion of the tag on the side of the package that has been previously provided with glue.

Patent publication <CIT> shows a method for folding clips in which various packages of cigarettes are advanced continuously and transversely to a respective axis through a folding station, each package being provided with a corresponding clip having a free end extending like a flag beyond a corner of the package; a folding element is advanced through the folding station in phase with the package to engage the corner of the package with a folding edge thereof and is rotated around the folding edge to fold square the free clip portion around the corner of the package, behind the advancement direction of the package.

Patent publication <CIT> shows a device for applying seal clips to packages of cigarettes, comprising an advancement device for advancing the packages to a clip applying station and a rotating conveyor provided with sucking means to retain the clips on a cylindrical surface of the rotating conveyor; the device comprises, associated with each retaining means, a folding member that is movable in a direction that is radial with respect to the rotating conveyor and driven between a position that is retracted with respect to the rotating conveyor and an outer operating position at the application station; the folding member folds a free flap of the stamp along a corner of the package and to the rear with respect to the advancement direction of the package.

One of the problems of the prior art lies in the fact that the space available outside the package of smoking articles for applying the tax stamp is increasingly limited, or this space is constrained to comprise margin areas such as, in particular, bevel edges or rounded corners, mainly because of the fact that generally the various legislations tend to increase the obligatory space to be dedicated to printing information for the consumer public, according to the regulations of each state.

The consequent need to decrease the dimensions of the stamp, or to glue the stamp in marginal positions of the package, entails greater difficulty in applying the stamp stably and effectively, with an increased risk of making errors of positioning of the stamp or of causing unsightly creases therein, whilst at the same time having to maintain high productivity.

Patent publication <CIT> shows a folding method to fold at least one portion of a tag, with the steps of providing at least one package of smoking articles comprising a first wall to which a first portion of a tag is applied, the tag comprising at least one second portion to be folded that protrudes beyond the first wall; providing at least one unit comprising at least one die that is movable with respect to a part of the rest of the unit, the die comprising a contact surface that is counter-shaped with respect to at least one portion of the package that includes the first wall; advancing the unit and the package placed parallel to one another along an advancement portion at the same advancement speed and at the same reciprocal distance; during the advancing step, moving the die in such a manner that a first portion of the contact surface comes into contact against the first wall and simultaneously at least one second portion of the contact surface folds the second portion of the tag and takes the second portion of the tag into contact against a second wall of the package, the second wall being tilted with respect to the first wall, the second portion of the contact surface being tilted with respect to the first portion of the contact surface.

Patent publication <CIT> further shows a device according to the preamble to claim <NUM>.

The method and the device shown by <CIT> are substantially different from those disclosed in the aforesaid claims, in which the die is articulated on an arm, which is in turn articulated on a support belonging to support belonging to the unit. The device shown by <CIT> does not in fact ensure appropriate and even pressure on the tag to be glued, in particular at the high production speeds permitted by today's packaging machines.

Patent publication <CIT> shows a method according to the preamble of claim <NUM> and a device according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The object of the present invention is to provide a folding method, which is absent from the drawbacks disclosed above and, in particular, is simple and cheap to use.

A further object is to provide a folding method and device of a flap of a tag protruding from an edge of a package of smoking articles, owing to which it is possible to apply the tag to the package with efficacy and with the guarantee that the tag remains applied stably and durably.

One advantage is to apply the tag in the desired position in the package with significant precision.

One advantage is applying the tags with high productivity to packages that are fed continuously.

According to the present invention, a folding method and device as in the attached claims are made available.

The present invention will now be disclosed with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, in which:.

In this description, identical elements, in common with the different embodiments illustrated, are indicated by the same numbering.

In <FIG> a first embodiment is illustrated of a folding device, indicated overall by <NUM>, suitable for folding a flap 2b of a tag <NUM> applied to a package <NUM>. The package <NUM> may comprise, as in this particular case, a package in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped, although it is possible to provide other shapes.

The tag <NUM> may comprise a tag portion 2a applied previously (for example in known manner) to a first wall 3a of the package <NUM>. The flap 2b to be folded may, as in this embodiment, protrude in a cantilevered manner from the first wall 3a of the package <NUM>. The flap 2b must be folded, in this specific embodiment, on a second wall 3b of the package <NUM> not coplanar but transverse (for example orthogonal) and adjacent to the first wall 3a.

The package <NUM> may comprise, as in these embodiments, a package of smoking articles, for example a package of cigarettes, in particular a stiff package of the hinged lid type. The tag <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a tax stamp applied to the package.

The folding device <NUM> is suitable for receiving a plurality of packages <NUM> conveyed in a row, one after the other (with continuous advancement motion), at a constant reciprocal distance (pitch of the packages), in which to a side of each package <NUM> the tag <NUM> has been applied (for example in a known manner, in particular by gluing) that has the flap 2b protruding in a cantilevered manner from an edge or corner of the package <NUM>, before reaching the folding device.

The packages <NUM> are conveyed along a set advancement path that may comprise at least one straight portion, in particular with a vertical advancement direction F (from top to bottom). In particular, the tag <NUM> may be applied (before reaching the folding device) to the first wall 3a of the package, which is parallel to the advancement direction F of the package. The free flap 2b (which is not yet folded and applied to the package <NUM>) protrudes in a cantilevered manner beyond the front side of the package <NUM>, i.e. beyond the second wall 3b that is transverse to the first wall 3a and which may be the wall arranged in front or frontally, with reference to the advancement direction F of the package.

In the specific case, the tag <NUM> is applied by gluing. The glue had been distributed, before the package reached the folding device, not only on the portion 2a of tag applied to the first wall 3a, but also to a side of the flap 2b that must be folded and glued to the second wall 3b of the package <NUM>.

After the portion 2a of the tag <NUM> has been applied to the first wall 3a of the package <NUM>, the protruding flap 2b is initially coplanar with the first wall 3a and is subsequenly intended to be folded (in particular by <NUM>°) and to be glued to the second wall 3b by the folding device. The folding device <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a closed loop path <NUM>. This path <NUM> may comprise, as in these embodiments, at least one straight path portion 4a that is parallel to the aforesaid (vertical) straight portion of the advancement path of the packages <NUM> in the advancement direction F. The path <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a (closed-loop) path that lies on a (vertical) plane, for example a plane parallel to the advancement direction F of the packages <NUM>.

The folding device <NUM> may comprise, in particular, at least one unit <NUM> that is movable along the aforesaid path <NUM>. In the specific case, the folding device comprises three moving units <NUM> that are arranged equidistantly along the closed loop path <NUM>.

The path <NUM> may be defined, as in these embodiments, by a flexible closed-loop transport element <NUM> that moves the moving units <NUM>. The transport element <NUM> may comprise, as in these embodiments, a toothed belt, or other flexible transport element (chain, belt, etc). The path <NUM> may also be defined, in other embodiments that are not illustrated, by different types of conveying system, for example with conveying rollers, or with sliding guides, or with yet other conveying means.

The folding device <NUM> may comprise, as in this particular case, at least three (toothed) pulleys <NUM> on which the transport element <NUM> is coupled. The pulleys <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a drive pulley and at least one pulley that is adjustable with a movable axis for adjusting tensioning. Each pulley <NUM> may comprise a (horizontal) rotation axis perpendicular to the lying plane of the path <NUM> and/or that is perpendicular to the advancement direction F of the packages <NUM>.

Each movable unit <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a support <NUM> that is movable along the closed loop path <NUM>. The support <NUM> may comprise, for example, a body in the shape of a stiff block. The support <NUM> may be fixed to the transport element <NUM> by fixing means <NUM>, for example of the screw type, or fixing means of another type.

The supports <NUM> are arranged on the transport element <NUM> at the same distance from one another. This distance may be the same as the pitch of the advancing packages <NUM>, so that each package <NUM> in transit may be alongside a corresponding support <NUM> that moves in a controlled manner at zero speed in relation to the package <NUM> for at least one part of the straight (in particular vertical) path portion 4a of the units <NUM>.

Each movable unit <NUM> may comprise, in particular, an arm <NUM> fitted to the support <NUM> with the possibility of movement with respect to the support <NUM>. In particular, the arm <NUM> is articulated on the support <NUM> around a first fulcrum <NUM>. For each unit <NUM>, the first fulcrum <NUM> may comprise, as in this case, a rotation axis that is transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the lying plane of the path <NUM> of the units <NUM>. The axis of the first fulcrum <NUM> may be, in particular, transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the advancement direction F of the packages <NUM>. The axis of the first fulcrum <NUM> may be, in particular, transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the direction of the aforesaid straight path portion <NUM> that is arranged parallel alongside the path of the packages <NUM>.

For each unit <NUM>, the arm <NUM> may be provided, in particular, with a first cam follower <NUM>. The first cam follower <NUM> may comprise, in particular, at least one revolving body, for example a roller that may in return comprise a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the first fulcrum <NUM>.

The arm <NUM> may comprise at least one contact surface <NUM> intended for the pressing contact against the portion 2a of the tag <NUM> that had been previously fixed to the first wall 3a of the package. The contact surface <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a first flat surface.

Each movable unit <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a lever <NUM> fitted to the arm <NUM> with the possibility of movement with respect to the arm <NUM>. In particular, the lever <NUM> is articulated on the arm <NUM> around a second fulcrum <NUM>. The second fulcrum <NUM> may comprise, as in this case, a rotation axis that is transverse (in particular, perpendicular) to the lying plane of the path <NUM> of the units <NUM>. The axis of the second fulcrum <NUM> may be, in particular, transverse (perpendicular) to the advancement direction F of the packages <NUM>. The axis of the second fulcrum <NUM> may be, in particular, transverse (perpendicular) to the direction of the aforesaid straight path portion <NUM> that is arranged parallel alongside the path of the packages <NUM>. The axis of the second fulcrum <NUM> may be, in particular, parallel to the axis of the first fulcrum <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may be provided, in particular, with a second cam follower <NUM>. The second cam follower <NUM> may comprise, in particular, at least one revolving body, for example a roller that may in turn comprise a rotation axis parallel to the axis of the second fulcrum <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may comprise, as in this embodiment, at least one folding end <NUM> intended to interact in contact with the free flap 2b to fold the free flap 2b (in particular by about <NUM>°) and make the free flap 2b adhere to the second wall 3b. The folding end <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a second flat surface intended for contact with the second wall 3b (with the interposition of the flap 2b). The folding end <NUM> is spaced away from the second fulcrum <NUM>.

For each unit <NUM>, the respective folding end <NUM> may comprise, as in this embodiment, a protruding portion, in particular in the shape of a blade, which first acts as a folder for the cantilever flap 2b and thus as a pressure surface that, after folding, maintains the flap 2b pressed against the second wall 3b for a certain period of time, as will be explained better below.

The folding device <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a first cam profile <NUM> coupled with the first cam followers <NUM> of the various units <NUM>, so as to command, for each unit <NUM>, at least one (rotation) movement of the arm <NUM> with respect to the support <NUM> (around the first fulcrum <NUM>) whilst the respective unit <NUM> moves along at least one part of the path <NUM>. The first cam profile <NUM> may comprise, as in these embodiments, a profile that is shapingly coupled with the first cam follower <NUM>. In particular, the first cam profile <NUM> may comprise a pair of shaped cam surfaces, that are connected together and fixed, which are suitable for making a groove which receives in a slidable coupling the first cam follower <NUM>, which in this case is in the shape of a roller. The groove may be obtained, as in these embodiments, on a flat surface of a fixed plate P.

The folding device <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a second cam profile <NUM> coupled, for each unit <NUM>, with the second cam follower <NUM> to command at least one (rotation) movement of the lever <NUM> in relation to the arm <NUM> (around the second fulcrum <NUM>) whereas the unit <NUM> moves along at least one part of the path <NUM>. The second cam profile <NUM> may comprise, as in these embodiments, a profile forcibly coupled (by the action of a spring <NUM>) with the second cam follower <NUM>. In particular, the second cam profile <NUM> may comprise at least one fixed, shaped cam surface, suitable for receiving in sliding coupling the second cam follower <NUM>, which in this case is in the form of a roller. The second cam profile <NUM> may be made, as in these embodiments, on a block B fixed to the plate P.

The first cam profile <NUM> and the second cam profile <NUM> may be shaped and arranged, as in this embodiment, in such a manner that, whilst one unit <NUM> is moving along the straight path portion <NUM> parallel alongside the path of the packages <NUM> - and at the same time a package <NUM> moves in fact parallel alongside the unit <NUM> and at the same advancement speed as the unit -, the contact surface <NUM> is guided to maintain a pressing contact against the portion 2a of the tag <NUM> that had already been applied to the first wall 3a of the package <NUM> and simultaneously the folding end <NUM> is guided to fold the free flap 2b of the tag <NUM> against the second wall 3b of the package <NUM> through the effect of a rotation of the lever <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM>.

The second cam profile <NUM> may be configured to control the folding end <NUM> in such a manner that it adopts at least one position that is retracted (<FIG>) with respect to the arm <NUM>. In this retracted position, the folding end <NUM> has not yet started to fold the flap of the tag.

Each unit <NUM> may comprise, as in these embodiments, elastic means (for example the spring <NUM>) arranged for maintaining the second cam follower <NUM> in contact with the second cam profile <NUM> and for rotating the lever <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM> so as to move the folding end <NUM> from the aforesaid retracted position to an advanced position (<FIG>) with respect to the arm <NUM>. This advanced position corresponds to the position of the end of folding and of pressing contact of the flap 2b folded against the wall 3b of the package. The folding device <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a sensor (not illustrated) arranged for operating on the packages <NUM> after folding of the flap 2b. The sensor of the packages may comprise a known sensor, for example a sensor of optical type, suitable for detecting defects or irregularities on the packages leaving the folding device <NUM> (for example to reverse a system for expelling faulty or irregular packages).

In <FIG> an operating sequence of the folding device <NUM> is illustrated, starting from the configuration of <FIG> in which one unit <NUM>, which moves along a curvilinear portion of the closed loop path <NUM>, is about to meet a package <NUM> that has a tag <NUM> with a cantilever flap 2b to be folded and is approaching the folding device in an advancement direction F. The flap 2b protrudes forwards beyond the package <NUM> in the advancement direction F. In this step, in which the lever <NUM> is still far from the package <NUM>, the folding end <NUM> may be pushed forwards by the spring <NUM>, with the second cam follower <NUM> not yet engaged with the second cam profile <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the movable unit <NUM> is still in the curvilinear path portion <NUM> and has approached the package <NUM> in transit; the arm <NUM> is guided by the first cam profile <NUM> in such a manner that the first flat surface (contact surface <NUM>) has already adopted a position in which it is parallel to the side wall 3a of the package <NUM> and the tag <NUM>.

In <FIG>, whilst the unit <NUM> continues to approach the package <NUM> in transit, the folding end <NUM> has already started to retract through the effect of the rotation of the lever <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM> guided by the second cam profile <NUM> counteracting the spring <NUM>. The contact surface <NUM> is maintained parallel to itself, with respect to <FIG>, and to the first wall 3a, owing to the control exerted by the first cam profile <NUM> on the first cam follower <NUM> that is integral with the arm <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the contact surface <NUM>, which is now very near the contact with the tag <NUM> and with the first wall 3a, continues to remain parallel to the tag <NUM> and to the first wall 3a, whereas the folding end <NUM> - guided by the second cam profile <NUM> with which the second cam follower <NUM> is coupled that is integral with the lever <NUM> - is in the retracted position, very near to but not yet in contact with the flap 2b, ready to start the advancement and folding movement of the flap 2b.

In <FIG>, the contact surface <NUM> has been brought into pressing contact against the tag portion 2a and against the first wall 3a, promoting the stability of the tag <NUM> applied to the wall during folding of the flap 3b, whilst the folding end <NUM> is advancing, pushed by the spring <NUM> and guided by the second cam profile <NUM>, such as to start folding of the flap 2b to the second front wall 3b.

In <FIG>, the contact surface <NUM> is still in pressing contact against the first wall 3a, whereas the second flat surface arranged on the blade portion of the folding end <NUM> is in an advanced end of folding position and in pressing contact against the second wall 3b. This situation of pressing contact on the entire tag <NUM> (on both the portions 2a and 2b) continues for a certain (straight) path portion <NUM> in which the unit <NUM> and the package <NUM> advance together at the same advancement speed, until the path <NUM> of the unit <NUM> starts to diverge from the path of the package <NUM>.

Continuing in the stroke of the unit <NUM>, the folding end <NUM> may remain in the advanced position until the path of the unit <NUM> remains far from the path of the packages <NUM>, i.e. in the portion of path <NUM> that is spaced apart from the path of the packages <NUM> and in which the unit <NUM> is not substantially active in relation to the package <NUM>. When the unit <NUM> again approaches the path of the packages <NUM>, and before folding and applying again the flap 2b of the tag <NUM> associated with another package <NUM>, the folding end <NUM> will have to return to the retracted position.

The second cam profile <NUM> may be arranged for rotating the lever <NUM> counteracting the aforesaid elastic means (spring <NUM>) so as to return the folding end <NUM> from the advanced position to the retracted position before returning to interact with the flap 2b of a new package <NUM>.

The first flat surface (contact surface <NUM> of the arm <NUM>) and the second flat surface (blade portion of the folding end <NUM> of the lever <NUM>) are intended to press, respectively, the portion 2a of the tag <NUM> that is applied to the first wall 3a of the package and the flap 2b of the tag <NUM> folded and applied against the second wall 3b transverse (in particular, orthogonal) to the first wall 3a of the package <NUM>.

The first flat surface of the arm <NUM> may adopt a position that is parallel to the straight path portion <NUM> running alongside the path of the packages <NUM> and may maintain this parallel position for a certain advancement portion whilst the unit <NUM> travels at least in part along the aforesaid straight path portion 4a.

The first flat surface and the second flat surface are configured so as to press simultaneously the aforesaid tag portion 2a and the flap 2b folded for at least one non-zero portion of the aforesaid straight path portion 4a running alongside the path of the packages <NUM>.

Whereas one unit <NUM> runs at least partially along the straight path portion 4a, the contact surface <NUM> is commanded to perform a purely translation motion in which, in particular, the arm <NUM> does not rotate around the first fulcrum <NUM>.

For each unit <NUM>, the orientation of the arm <NUM> with respect to the support <NUM> varies according to the trajectory of the first cam follower <NUM> guided by the first cam profile <NUM>. In particular, the first cam follower <NUM> is guided by the first cam profile <NUM> in such a manner that, in an approach step of the unit <NUM> to the package <NUM>, a configuration is obtained in which the contact surface <NUM> of the arm <NUM> (first flat surface) is arranged with a desired orientation (in particular, parallel) with respect to the surface (first wall 3a of the package <NUM>) to which the portion 2a of the tag or label is applied.

For each unit <NUM>, the orientation of the lever <NUM> with respect to the package <NUM> is the result of the combined motion of the support <NUM> (along the path <NUM>) and the arm <NUM> with respect to the support <NUM> (guided by the first cam follower <NUM>) and, further, of the position of the second cam follower <NUM> that is guided by the elastic means (spring <NUM>) and by the second cam profile <NUM>. The lever <NUM> is normally pushed by the spring <NUM> to a stroke end position, that substantially corresponds to the advanced position of pressing contact against the second wall 3b of the package. At each movement cycle along the closed loop path <NUM>, just before any unit <NUM> reaches the zone alongside a package <NUM> in transit (i.e. the zone alongside the portion of path <NUM> parallel to the path of the packages <NUM>, in which a package <NUM> and a unit <NUM> advance alongside, for example in a straight and vertical direction), the second cam follower <NUM> interferes with the second cam profile <NUM> (fixed cam) that rotatingly guides the lever <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM> in such a manner that the folding end <NUM> is first spaced away from the package <NUM> (in a retracted position with respect to the arm) and may then be gradually pushed by the spring <NUM> to the package <NUM> so that the blade portion of the folding end <NUM> causes the flap 2b to bend, lastly making the flap 2b coincide with the second wall 3b of the package, i.e. with the front side of advancement of the package <NUM>. The flap 2b, on which glue dots had been previously applied, may then be attached to the package <NUM>. The folding end <NUM> remains in pressing contact against the flap 2b folded for a certain portion of the (straight) advancement alongside the unit <NUM> and package <NUM>.

The folded flap 2b remains attached to the package <NUM> even when the lever <NUM>, dragged by the support <NUM> and by the arm <NUM>, moves away from the package <NUM>, i.e. when the trajectory of the closed loop path <NUM> defined by the transport element <NUM> (belt), from a certain point on, diverges from the advancement trajectory of the package <NUM>.

The folding device <NUM> according to the invention may belong to a folding apparatus which may further comprise a conveying device for conveying a package <NUM> parallel alongside one unit <NUM> of the folding device <NUM> along a straight path portion. The conveying device is suitable for conveying a plurality of packages <NUM> arranged in a row one after the other.

The conveying device may be configured to make the packages <NUM> advance (in the advancement direction F) at a constant speed on a trajectory that is at least partially straight (in these embodiments vertical from top to bottom). The conveying device may comprise, in particular, three transport elements <NUM> (for example belts) parallel and alongside one another, one central and two lateral.

Each transport element <NUM> may comprise, for example, a series of protruding plugs <NUM> arranged for interacting in contact with the packages <NUM>, in particular in such a manner that each package <NUM> is engaged in a housing defined by three plugs <NUM>, for example two plugs <NUM> on the rear side and one plug <NUM> on the front side of the package <NUM> (where rear and front are defined with reference to the advancement direction F of the package <NUM>).

In particular, for each housing of a package <NUM>, the two rear plugs <NUM> are arranged on the two lateral transport elements <NUM> and the front plug <NUM> is arranged on the central transport element <NUM>.

The conveying device may comprise a guiding and abutting system <NUM> arranged on one side of the packages <NUM>, on an opposite side to the straight path portion 4a of the folding device <NUM>, against which the packages <NUM> in transit abut, to counteract the folding device <NUM> and guide the packages <NUM> in a correct alignment in the advancement direction F.

In operation, the folding device <NUM> disclosed above may actuate a folding method that comprises the following steps: providing at least one package <NUM> comprising a first wall 3a on which a portion 2a of a tag <NUM> is applied, in which the tag <NUM> comprises a flap 2b to be folded that protrudes in a cantilevered manner from the first wall 3a; providing at least one unit <NUM> comprising a support <NUM>, a movable arm <NUM> coupled with the support <NUM> and a movable lever <NUM> coupled with the arm <NUM>; advancing the unit <NUM> and the package <NUM> parallel alongside one another along an advancement portion at the same advancement speed; moving (rotating) the arm <NUM> with respect to the support <NUM> so as to take a contact surface <NUM> of the arm against the tag portion 2a applied to the first wall 3a; during the aforesaid step of advancing the unit <NUM> and the package <NUM>, with the contact surface <NUM> already brought into pressing contact against the tag portion 2a, maintaining the contact surface <NUM> against the tag portion 2a and simultaneously moving (rotating) the lever <NUM> with respect to the arm <NUM> in such a manner that an unfolding end <NUM> of the lever <NUM> folds the flap 2b against a second wall 3b of the package <NUM> that is transverse to the first wall 3a.

As said, the first wall 3a may be a side wall of the package <NUM> and the second wall 3b may be a front wall of the package <NUM>, where side and front refer to the advancement direction of the unit <NUM> which is parallel to the advancement direction of the package <NUM> during the aforesaid step of advancing together the unit <NUM> and the package <NUM> alongside one another. As said, the packages <NUM>, which are fed one after another to the folding device <NUM> for folding the free flap 2b, may be packages of cigarettes.

In particular, the folding device <NUM> and the conveying device of the packages illustrated above may be part of a machine for packaging smoking articles.

With reference to <FIG>, a second embodiment of a folding device <NUM> is disclosed below. In the embodiment in question, the tag <NUM> or label has at least one first (central) portion <NUM>' affixed to a first wall <NUM>' of a package <NUM> and at least one second portion 32a that is not affixed to the first wall <NUM>' of the package <NUM> but which protrudes beyond this first wall. The folding device <NUM> is suitable for folding at least the second portion 32a (in the form of a free flap) of the tag <NUM>. In this specific embodiment, the folding device <NUM> is suitable, in particular, for operating on a package <NUM> (in particular of smoking articles, for example a package of cigarettes) of relatively complex form, for example a package that has one or more external non flat surfaces, or external surfaces converging in at least one grooved or rounded corner.

This folding device <NUM> may also be applied to packages or relatively less complex form, for example a packages of cigarettes of the round corner or bevel edge type, where at least one dimension of the tag or label is greater than the dimension of the initial application surface. In the embodiment in question, the second portion 32a of the tag <NUM>, not affixed to the first wall <NUM>' of the package <NUM>, will have to be folded and pressed against the package <NUM> (in particular against a second wall 33a of the package <NUM> that is contiguous with and transverse to the first wall <NUM>') to enable the aforesaid second portion 32a to be applied to the package <NUM>.

Substantially, the tag <NUM> may be flat in shape and may have at least one dimension (width) that is greater than the dimension of the first wall <NUM>' of the package to which it is initially applied before reaching the folding device <NUM>, to that there is at least one portion or tag flap (in the specific case at least the second portion 32a) that cannot stick to any of the adjacent walls of the package, which are tilted differently or arranged with respect to the wall <NUM>' of first application of the tag, so that this flap is folded in order to be able to stick.

In greater detail, the folding device <NUM>, in this second embodiment, may be able to fold and simultaneously apply flaps (i.e. the second portion 32a and a third portion 32b) of the tag, situated on opposite sides of the first portion <NUM>' of tag, for example against two walls (second wall 33a and third wall 33b) that may form the same number of bevel edges or round corners that connect two surfaces of the package.

Also in this second embodiment, the folding device <NUM> comprises one unit <NUM> that moves along a closed loop path <NUM>. The path <NUM> comprises a straight path portion 4a and is alongside parallel to the path of the packages <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the movable unit <NUM> may comprise an element that is counter-shaped with respect to a portion of package <NUM> that includes the walls 33a and 33b. This counter-shaped element defines, substantially, a die <NUM> that may be articulated on the arm <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM>. The die <NUM> is provided with the second cam follower <NUM>. The die <NUM> may comprise, in particular, a contact surface <NUM> that is counter-shaped with respect to at least the portion of the package <NUM> against which the entirety of the tag <NUM> is applied, in this case, counter-shaped with respect to the first wall <NUM>' on which the first portion <NUM>' of the tag is applied and also with respect to the two walls 33a and 33b on which the second and third portion 32a and 32b (tag portions in the form of free flaps) have to be applied.

The contact surface <NUM> may comprise at least one first (central) portion <NUM>' and at least one second (side) portion 35a that are contiguous and tilted with respect to one another (in this case transverse but not orthogonal to one another). The first portion <NUM>' is intended for contact against the first portion <NUM>' of tag that is already applied (glued) to the first wall <NUM>' of the package <NUM>. The second portion 35a is intended to fold the second portion 32a of the tag, by bringing the tag into contact against a second wall (the wall 33a) of the package <NUM> tilted with respect to the first wall <NUM>' to which the first first portion <NUM>' of tag is applied. As said, this second wall 33a has, in particular, a bevel edge or round corner connecting two walls or surfaces of the package <NUM>.

The contact surface <NUM> of the die <NUM> may comprise, as in this embodiment, a third portion 35b that is contiguous and tilted with respect to the first portion <NUM>' and arranged on a side opposite the second portion 35a. The third portion 35b is intended to fold the third portion 32b of the tag, bringing the tag into contact against the third wall 33b of the package <NUM> tilted with respect to the first wall <NUM>' to which the first portion <NUM>' of tag is applied. This third wall 33b of the package may constitute, in particular, a bevel edge or round corner connecting two walls or surfaces of the package <NUM>.

The various portions of the contact surface <NUM> (the first portion <NUM>' and/or the second portion 35a and/or the third portion 35b) may be integral with one another, for example integrated into a single contact surface <NUM>. The die <NUM> may be made, in particular, of a single block.

Also in this case the first cam profile <NUM> is coupled with the first cam follower <NUM> to command the arm <NUM> around the first fulcrum <NUM> whereas the unit <NUM> moves along at least one part of its own path <NUM>.

The second cam profile <NUM> is coupled with the second cam follower <NUM> to command the die <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM> whereas the unit <NUM> moves along at least one part of its own path <NUM>.

The sequence illustrated in <FIG> shows some movement steps of the die <NUM>, starting with <FIG> in which, at the top, one unit <NUM> is about to approach a package <NUM> in transit, in a configuration in which the contact surface <NUM> of the die <NUM> is still far and very tilted with respect to the corresponding portion of package on which the tag <NUM> is applied and with respect to which it is counter-shaped.

In <FIG>, the die <NUM> has arrived in front of the front wall of the package <NUM>, which is now near to contact with the package, and the counter-shaped contact surface <NUM> is still tilted with respect to the corresponding portion of package.

In <FIG>, the contact has started of the die <NUM> with the package <NUM> and the tag <NUM>, in a limited contact zone, in practice with a contact in a limited portion of tag <NUM>. The contact surface <NUM> is tilted, so the contact starts in an end zone of the contact surface <NUM> (end zone that is near the front side of the package <NUM>, where frontal is defined with reference to the advancement direction F of the package).

In <FIG>, the die <NUM>, by continuing to rotate around the second fulcrum <NUM>, has arrived at the complete contact position with the corresponding portion of package <NUM>, in which the first portion <NUM>' of tag and the two side flaps (second portion 32a and third portion 32b, both folded) are pressed against respective walls of the package <NUM> (the walls <NUM>', 33a, 33b, see <FIG>). It is noted that, in the transition from the configuration of <FIG> to that of <FIG>, the completion of the contact occurs gradually, by varying progressively the tilt of the die <NUM>, so that the contact zone gradually increases from one end of the tag to the opposite end. In this embodiment, the gradual contact proceeds from a forward or front end of the tag to the opposite end. It is possible to envisage other embodiments that are not illustrated in which the progression occurs in the opposite manner, i.e. from a rear end of the tag to the front end.

This graduality ensures stable and precise gluing of the tag <NUM>, without risk of undesired shifts of the tag <NUM> and/or errors in the final set position of the tag <NUM> on the package <NUM>.

The pressing contact configuration of <FIG> is maintained substantially unaltered for a certain portion of the (straight) advancement of the package and of the unit alongside one another at the same speed, for example as far as the situation of <FIG>, in which the unit <NUM> is taken to the portion of path that diverges from the path of the package <NUM>.

The unit <NUM> may comprise, also in this embodiment, a spring (similar to the spring <NUM>) that in this case is arranged for rotating the die <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM> so as to move the contact surface <NUM> to a contact position in which the die <NUM> may interact in contact with the package <NUM> that advances parallel alongside the unit <NUM> along a straight path portion.

The second cam profile <NUM> may be arranged for commanding rotation of the die <NUM> around the second fulcrum <NUM> to counteract the spring so as to make the die <NUM> retract before the die <NUM> resumes interacting in contact with another package <NUM> after performing a complete revolution of the closed loop path <NUM> thereof.

Whilst the unit <NUM> moves along the straight path portion 4a and the package <NUM> moves parallel alongside and at the same advancement speed as the unit <NUM>, the die <NUM> is maintained for a certain portion of path in pressing contact against the tag <NUM> already applied to the package <NUM>, in particular the first portion <NUM>' of die acts against the first portion <NUM>' of tag applied to the first wall <NUM>' of the package, the second portion 35a of die acts against the second portion 32a folded and applied to the second wall 33a of the package and the third portion 35b of die acts against the third portion 32b folded and applied to the third wall 33b of the package.

Whilst the unit <NUM> runs at least partially along the aforesaid portion of straight path alongside the path of the packages <NUM>, the die <NUM> performs a pure translation motion, in particular without performing any rotation around the second fulcrum <NUM>.

Also in this second embodiment the unit <NUM> and the package <NUM> are conveyed parallel alongside one another along a (non-zero) portion of (straight) advancement at the same advancement speed and at the same reciprocal distance for a certain (non-instantaneous) period of time.

The die <NUM> is rotated around the second fulcrum <NUM>, pushed by the aforesaid spring, so that the first portion <NUM>' of the contact surface comes into contact against the first portion <NUM>' of the tag, during the advancement step alongside at the same speed as the unit <NUM> and package <NUM>. Simultaneously, at least one portion (35a and 35b) of the contact surface folds at least one flap (second portion 32a and/or third portion 32b) of the tag and the door in contact against at least one wall (second wall 33a and/or third wall 33b) of the package.

In this specific embodiment, as has been seen, the tag <NUM> comprises at least one third portion 32b to be folded that protrudes in a cantilevered manner from the first wall <NUM>' of the package <NUM> on a side opposite the second portion 32a. Whilst the second portion 35a of the contact surface folds the second portion 32a of the tag <NUM> and brings the tag <NUM> into contact against the second wall 33a, the third portion 35b of the contact surface, that is contiguous and tilted with respect to the first portion 35a, folds the third portion 32b and brings the third portion 32b into contact against a third wall 35b of the package tilted with respect to the first wall. The third wall 35b comprises a bevel end or round corner that connects two walls of the package <NUM>.

It is observed that the die <NUM> reproduces negatively the shape of a portion of the package <NUM> so as not to cause any shift or variation of the setting of the tag <NUM> during the corresponding coupling motion between the die <NUM> and package <NUM>, as this corresponding coupling is, approximately, pure crushing, without corresponding sliding motion or with an insignificant component of such motion.

It is observed that for both the embodiments disclosed above, applying a free flap of the tag, to a surface of the package that advances with a continuous feed speed, is made by gradual movement in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the motion of the package, by a unit that moves advancing parallel alongside the package for a set (straight) portion of the feed path of the package, in the same direction and at the same advancement speed.

Further, the tag portion or label, which was already stuck to the package before reaching the folding device, is pressed in position during the entire folding step of the free flap protruding in a cantilevered manner and also, for a certain time, after completion of folding.

Claim 1:
Folding method for folding at least one portion of a tag, the folding method comprising the steps of:
providing at least one package (<NUM>) of smoking articles that comprises a first wall (<NUM>') on which a first portion (<NUM>') of a tag (<NUM>) is applied, the tag comprising at least one second portion (32a) to be folded that protrudes beyond the first wall (<NUM>');
providing at least one moving unit (<NUM>) that comprises a support (<NUM>) and a die (<NUM>), the die comprising a contact surface (<NUM>) that is counter-shaped with respect to at least one portion of the package (<NUM>) that includes the first wall (<NUM>');
feeding the moving unit (<NUM>) and the package (<NUM>) side by side parallel to one another along a feed section at the same mutual distance;
during the step of feeding, moving the die (<NUM>) so that a first portion (<NUM>') of the contact surface (<NUM>) is brought into contact with the first wall (<NUM>') and simultaneously at least one second portion (35a) of the contact surface (<NUM>) folds the second portion (32a) of the tag (<NUM>) and bring it into contact with a second wall (33a) of the package (<NUM>), the second wall (33a) being inclined with respect to the first wall (<NUM>'), the second portion (35a) of the contact surface (<NUM>) being inclined with respect to the first portion (<NUM>') of the contact surface (<NUM>);
characterized in that the moving unit (<NUM>) comprises an arm (<NUM>) articulated to the support (<NUM>) about a first fulcrum (<NUM>) and the die (<NUM>) is articulated to the arm (<NUM>) about a second fulcrum (<NUM>), and in that the moving unit (<NUM>) and the package (<NUM>) are fed along the feed section at the same feed speed.