Patent Description:
Document <CIT> describes a machine for wrapping palletized loads with an extensible plastic film. This machine comprises a wrapping head adapted to carry a reel of plastic film, which is associated with a rotating ring "robot" capable of imparting to the head a movement of revolution around the palletized load and a simultaneous movement of translation in the vertical direction.

A currently very common way for stabilising palletised loads is to wrap them with a stretch film tape.

In practice, the stretch film tape is unwound from a reel and, after being subjected to an elongation step, conventionally called pre-stretch, is wound as a spiral around the palletised load, so as to form a complete wrapping.

Thanks to the pre-stretch step, the stretch film tape spontaneously tends to recover at least part of its initial shape, forming an envelope that adheres to the palletised load and binds it tightly.

But the stretch film is commonly made of polymeric material and consequently has a high environmental impact.

One possibility to reduce the environmental impact connected to the stabilisation of palletised loads could be to replace the stretch film tape with a tape made of recyclable and/or biodegradable material, for example a cellulose-based material like paper.

However, a material of this type has the drawback of being inextensible, so that it cannot adhere to the palletised load in the same way as the polymeric film tapes outlined above.

In light of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to make available a machine which allow to stabilise palletised loads even with a tape made of inextensible material, for example but not necessarily with a tape of a cellulose-based material like paper.

Another object is to achieve the aforesaid objective in the context of a rational and low cost solution.

These and other objects are achieved thanks to the characteristics of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention but not strictly necessary for the implementation thereof.

In particular, an embodiment of the present invention makes available a machine for stabilising palletised loads, comprising:.

Thanks to the presence of the gripping device and of the fixing device which block the ends of the covering tape to the palletised load, it is advantageously possible to generate a stable envelope whatever the material of the covering tape.

In particular, it is possible to wrap and stabilise the palletised load also with a tape made of inextensible material and, preferably, with a tape of a cellulose-based material, for example but not necessarily of paper, i.e. of any other biodegradable and/or recyclable material, thereby allowing a reduction in the environmental impact connected with the stabilisation of palletised loads.

According to an aspect of the invention, the machine can comprise a rest surface for the palletised load and an upper pad, superimposed on said rest surface, which is adapted to stay in contact with the top of the palletised load.

In this way, during the winding steps, the palletised load is stably retained between the pad and the rest surface, preventing the lateral thrusts generated by the winding of the covering tape from causing displacements and possible falls of the load.

The pad can simply be placed on the top of the palletised load or it can be pressed with a certain force towards the rest surface.

An aspect of the invention provides that the gripping device can be installed on the upper pad.

This location allows a particularly convenient and simple installation of the gripping device.

According to another aspect of the invention, the gripping device can comprise a gripper member which is adapted to seize the first end of the covering tape and which, with respect to the relative motion of revolution of the reel around the palletised load, is adapted to remain integral with the palletised load.

This gripper member provides a particularly simple solution for blocking the first end of the covering tape to the palletised load, at least until the first windings are completed.

The gripping device may further comprise actuator members adapted to move said gripper member in a predetermined sliding direction towards and away from the revolution axis.

In this way, the first end of the covering tape can be gripped at a certain distance from the palletised load and subsequently brought close to the latter, ensuring that also the first windings of the covering tape are tight around the palletised load.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first movement apparatus can comprise a platform, which makes the rest surface available for the palletised load, and actuator members adapted to put said platform in rotation around a rotation axis coincident with the revolution axis.

Thanks to this solution, the revolution movement of the functional arrangement is obtained indirectly, i.e. it is the palletised load which, being put in rotation by the platform, rotates on itself, while the functional arrangement remains substantially stationary in a predetermined position.

In this way, the aforesaid revolution movement is carried out quite simply.

In this context, the upper pad (if any) could simply be dragged into rotation by the palletised load with which it is in direct contact.

More preferably, the first movement apparatus can however comprise further actuator members adapted to put the upper pad in rotation around a rotation axis coincident with the revolution axis.

This prevents the palletised load, especially when defined by a stack of separate objects, from twisting and possibly losing stability, especially during the initial acceleration step.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the machine may also comprise lifting members adapted to bring the upper pad closer to and away from the rest surface along a direction parallel to the revolution axis.

Thanks to these lifting members, the machine can be advantageously adjusted to be used with palletised loads of different heights, furthermore the upper pad can possibly be pushed with a certain force towards the rest surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the cutting device can comprise at least one blade and actuator members adapted to move said blade with respect to the covering tape unwinding from the reel.

The use of this movable blade represents a particularly simple and reliable solution for separating the covering tape that has been wound on the palletised load from the reel from which it comes.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the functional arrangement may also comprise a blocking device positioned between the reel and the cutting device, for selectively blocking the covering tape unwinding from the reel.

This blocking device facilitates the cutting operation and, after the latter has been performed, it retains the portion of the covering tape which remains joined to the reel.

The blocking device may comprise a pair of plates and actuator members adapted to create a relative movement of said plates between a distanced configuration, in which the covering tape passes with clearance between said plates, and a neared configuration, in which the covering tape is clamped between said plates.

These plates, which generally define a sort of press, represent a particularly simple and reliable solution for blocking the covering tape during the cutting operation.

According to another aspect of the invention, the functional arrangement can comprise an advancement device positioned between the reel and the cutting device, for unwinding the covering tape from the reel and advancing it towards the cutting device.

This advancement device is useful, after the cutting operations have been performed, to advance the portion of covering tape that has remained joined to the reel, making available a first end that can be seized by the gripping device, to start winding a new palletised load.

The advancement device may in particular comprise a motorised drive roller adapted to drag the covering tape coming from the reel.

This drive roller represents a rather simple and effective solution for causing the covering tape to advance before it is seized by the gripping member.

The drive roller preferably has a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the reel.

In this way it is avoided that the covering tape, sliding between the reel and the drive roller, can twist or be subjected to transverse thrusts which, especially in the case of an inextensible tape, could cause tears and/or breakages.

The advancement device may further comprise a contrast roller parallel to the drive roller and actuator members adapted to create a relative movement of said drive roller and said contrast roller between a distanced configuration, in which the covering tape passes with clearance between the drive roller and the contrast roller, and a neared configuration, in which the covering tape is clamped between the drive roller and the contrast roller.

This contrast roller, when in neared configuration, ensures that the covering tape is pressed into contact with the drive roller, which is then able to make it advance.

When, on the other hand, it is in a distanced configuration, the contrast roller allows the covering tape to slide freely, for example during the winding of the palletised load, without being hindered or in any case influenced by the presence of the drive roller. According to another aspect of the invention, the functional arrangement can comprise a brake for braking the rotation of the reel.

This brake has the function of preventing that, during the winding of the palletised load, the reel can unroll faster than necessary, which could make the winding slack and, consequently, unable to stabilise the palletised load.

In addition or alternatively, the functional arrangement may also comprise a motor for putting the reel in rotation.

This motor can be used to wind the covering tape onto the reel, before the operations of stabilisation of the palletised load begin.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the second movement apparatus can be configured to allow a variation in the orientation of the functional arrangement by rotation around an oscillation axis perpendicular to the revolution axis.

Thanks to this solution, the reel (which is installed in the functional arrangement) can be oriented so that the rotation axis thereof is always perpendicular to the direction, typically spiral-like, with which the covering tape winds the palletised load following the joint action of the revolution movement and the translational movement of the functional arrangement, avoiding the onset of transversal tensions which, especially in the case of an inextensible tape, could cause tearing or obtaining a winding that is not perfectly adherent to the palletised load.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the functional arrangement can comprise a single rigid frame connected to the second movement apparatus, on which both the reel and the cutting device, and possibly the blocking device, the advancement device and the other accessory devices mentioned above (if any) are installed.

Thanks to this solution, a compact functional arrangement is obtained which can be manipulated more easily by the second movement apparatus and on which the position between the various devices remains constant, ensuring maximum efficiency and functionality.

In practice, all the movements imparted by the second movement apparatus to the reel are performed also by the cutting device, and by the other accessory devices referred to above, which therefore always remain in the optimal arrangement with respect to the reel.

In this context, the second movement apparatus can comprise for example a serial manipulator, preferably with five or six axes, to whose terminal the rigid frame is fixed. This serial manipulator represents a particularly robust, efficient and reliable solution for moving the reel and all the other devices associated with the rigid frame in the space surrounding the palletised load.

Alternatively, the second movement apparatus can comprise:.

In this way, the second movement apparatus is substantially configured as a SCARA robot, generally cheaper and simpler than a serial manipulator.

To allow this SCARA robot to orient the reel with respect to the previously mentioned oscillation axis, the second movement apparatus can further comprise an articulated joint adapted to connect the rigid frame to the second end of the articulated arm, said articulated joint defining an articulation axis coincident with the oscillation axis.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the functional arrangement can comprise a first rigid frame carrying the cutting device (and possibly the blocking device, the advancement device and the supporting element, if any), a second rigid frame carrying the reel, and an articulated arm with parallel axes having a first end articulated to the first rigid frame and a second end articulated to the second rigid frame.

In this way, the functional arrangement assumes a more complex configuration which nevertheless allows the first frame, in which the free end of the covering tape is located, to move with respect to the second frame, in which the reel is located.

Consequently, while the first frame can be displaced close to the palletised load, the second frame can remain in the most appropriate position with respect to the second movement apparatus, to obtain a better weight balance and therefore to allow the use of comparably larger reel.

In this context, the second movement apparatus can therefore simply comprise:.

In order to orient the reel with respect to the oscillation axis mentioned above, this second movement apparatus can further comprise an articulated joint adapted to connect the carriage to the second rigid frame of the functional arrangement, said articulated joint defining an articulation axis coincident with the oscillation axis.

Regardless of all these considerations, a different aspect of the invention provides that the device for fixing the second end of the covering tape can comprise at least a first dispensing gun adapted to dispense a first adhesive between the second end of the covering tape and the palletised load.

Thanks to the use of an adhesive it is advantageously possible to fix the second end of the covering tape without the risk of mechanically damaging the palletised load.

In this case the first adhesive can preferably be a hot glue.

In fact, hot glue has the property of acting more quickly than other types of adhesives.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the fixing device may further comprise at least a second dispensing gun adapted to dispense a second adhesive between each winding of the covering tape and the palletised load.

In this way it is advantageously possible to make the entire envelope obtained with the covering tape more stable, consequently improving the stability of the palletised load.

In this case, the second adhesive can preferably be a cold glue.

In this way, the second dispensing gun and the relative adhesive feeding system can be simpler.

Although in the previous discussion reference has always been made to adhesives, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the first and/or the second adhesive dispensing gun may be replaced by a staple gun, a nail gun, a banding device or other.

Regardless of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides that the fixing device can be placed in the functional arrangement which also comprises the reel and the cutting device.

Thanks to this solution, the second movement apparatus is advantageously able to also move the fixing device and to position it suitably with respect to the palletised load.

According to an alternative embodiment, the fixing device can be associated with a third movement apparatus adapted to move it at least in a direction parallel to the revolution axis.

In this way, the movement of the fixing device is independent from that of the reel and of the cutting device, consequently obtaining greater precision and effectiveness.

According to another aspect of the invention, the machine can comprise at least two interchangeable functional arrangements, each of which is provided with a reel and with a cutting device, and a service apparatus adapted to house said functional arrangements, which is provided with means for winding the covering tape onto the respective reels.

The covering tape can in fact be supplied by the manufacturer in large-sized reels, incompatible with the overall dimensions of the functional arrangement and with the weights that can be supported by the second movement apparatus.

Therefore, the functional arrangement can be provided with its own smaller and lighter reel that however must be periodically "replenished" with the covering tape.

Thanks to the solution described above, while one of the functional arrangements is installed on the second movement apparatus to perform the stabilisation operations of the palletised loads, the other one can be in the service apparatus so that the respective reel can be replenished with covering tape, after that the functional arrangements can be exchanged, allowing the machine to continue to operate with reduced downtime.

Alternatively, instead of interchangeable functional arrangements, the machine could comprise at least two interchangeable reels and a service apparatus adapted to house said reels and provided with means for winding the covering tape thereon.

In this way it is possible to achieve the same previous effect with lower costs and resources.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying tables.

With the aid of <FIG>, a first example of a machine <NUM> for stabilising palletised loads <NUM> by wrapping with a covering tape <NUM> is described.

A palletised load <NUM> is defined as an object or set of objects stacked above a pallet. Each object can in turn be composed of several elements, such as an arrangement of bottles or other containers joined together to form a bundle.

The covering tape <NUM> can be inextensible and can be made of a cellulose-based material, for example paper, or of any other recyclable and/or compostable material.

The machine <NUM> first of all comprises a functional arrangement <NUM> provided with a reel <NUM> on which the covering tape <NUM> is wound.

This reel <NUM> is rotatably associated with the functional arrangement <NUM>, so as to be able to rotate on itself around a predetermined rotation axis A which generally coincides with the winding axis of the covering tape <NUM> on the reel <NUM> itself.

A braking device (not illustrated), which is able to oppose a certain resistance to the rotation of the reel <NUM> around the respective rotation axis A, can be associated with the reel <NUM>.

The functional arrangement <NUM> may further comprise a cutting device <NUM>, which is adapted to cut the covering tape <NUM> unwinding from the reel <NUM>, so as to separate a segment thereof.

As visible in the detail of <FIG>, the cutting device <NUM> can comprise a blade <NUM>, for example a rotating blade, and actuator members <NUM> adapted to move said blade <NUM> with respect to the covering tape <NUM> unwinding from the reel <NUM>.

In particular, the blade <NUM> can be driven for moving in a sliding direction parallel to the covering tape <NUM> but transversal, typically orthogonal, with respect to an advancement direction with which said covering tape <NUM> unwinds from the reel <NUM>.

For example, the sliding direction of the blade <NUM> can be parallel to the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM>.

In this way, the sliding of the blade <NUM> allows the covering tape <NUM> to be cut through along its entire width, subdividing it into two separate segments.

The actuator members <NUM> of the blade <NUM> can comprise a cylinder/piston arrangement of the pneumatic type or any other device, for example electromechanical, adapted to impose a linear type movement on the blade <NUM>.

To allow an effective cutting of the covering tape <NUM>, the functional arrangement <NUM> may also comprise a blocking device <NUM> which, with respect to the advancement direction of the covering tape <NUM>, is positioned between the reel <NUM> and the cutting device <NUM>.

In particular, the blocking device <NUM> is preferably placed near, for example substantially close to the blade <NUM> and is adapted to stably block the covering tape <NUM> to allow/facilitate the cutting action by the blade <NUM>.

As is visible in particular in the detail of <FIG>, this blocking device <NUM> can comprise a pair of plates <NUM>, which are flat and mutually opposite each other, between which the covering tape <NUM> unwinding from the reel <NUM> passes.

These plates <NUM> can be associated with actuator members (not visible) adapted to engage them in a relative movement, for example in a direction orthogonal to the covering tape <NUM>, between a distanced configuration and a neared configuration.

This relative movement can be obtained for example by keeping one of the two plates <NUM> stationary and by moving the other towards/away from the first one.

When the plates <NUM> are in a distanced configuration (as illustrated in <FIG>), the covering tape <NUM> passes through them with a certain clearance, thus resulting free to slide.

On the other hand, when the plates <NUM> are in a neared configuration (not illustrated), the covering tape <NUM> is stably blocked and clamped between the plates <NUM>, which prevent it from advancing.

The actuator members of the plates <NUM> can comprise a cylinder/piston arrangement of the pneumatic type or any other device suitable for the purpose, for example of the electromechanical type.

In order to make the covering tape <NUM> advance after a cutting operation, the functional arrangement <NUM> may comprise an advancement device <NUM> which, with respect to the advancement direction of the covering tape <NUM>, is preferably positioned between the reel <NUM> and the cutting device <NUM>, for example upstream and/or close to the blocking device <NUM>.

This advancement device <NUM> can comprise a drive roller <NUM> adapted to receive the covering tape <NUM> in contact, and a motor <NUM> (see <FIG>) adapted to put the drive roller <NUM> in rotation around its central axis B.

The central axis B of the drive roller <NUM> is preferably parallel to the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM>.

The advancement device <NUM> can further comprise a contrast roller <NUM>, which is adapted to rotate on itself (typically in an idle way) around its own central axis C, and is adapted to press the covering tape <NUM> against the drive roller <NUM>.

The central axis C of the contrast roller <NUM> is preferably parallel to the central axis B of the drive roller <NUM>.

Finally, the advancement device <NUM> can comprise actuator members <NUM> (see <FIG>) adapted to engage the drive roller <NUM> and the contrast roller <NUM> in a relative movement, for example in a direction transverse to the respective central axes B and C, between a distanced configuration and a neared configuration.

When the drive roller <NUM> and the contrast roller <NUM> are in a distanced configuration (not illustrated), the covering tape <NUM> passes through them with a certain clearance, thus being free to slide independently of the drive roller <NUM>.

When, on the other hand, the drive roller <NUM> and the contrast roller <NUM> are in a neared configuration (as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>), the covering belt <NUM> is stably blocked and clamped between these two rollers, so that the sliding thereof in the advancement direction is generated by the rotation of the drive roller <NUM>.

This relative movement between the distanced position and the neared position can be obtained by keeping the drive roller <NUM> stationary and by moving only the contrast roller <NUM> towards/away from the drive roller <NUM>.

For example, the contrast roller <NUM> can be rotatably coupled to at least one connecting rod <NUM>, which is in turn adapted to rotate around a rotation axis D parallel but distanced with respect to the central axis C of the contrast roller <NUM> and to central axis B of the drive roller <NUM>.

By making the connecting rod <NUM> rotate around the rotation axis D, the actuator members <NUM> are therefore capable of moving the contrast roller <NUM> towards/away from the drive roller <NUM>.

These actuator members of the plates <NUM> can comprise for example a cylinder/piston arrangement of the pneumatic type or any other device suitable for the purpose, for example of the electromechanical type.

Downstream of the cutting device <NUM>, with respect to the advancement direction of the covering tape <NUM>, the functional arrangement <NUM> can comprise a pair of supporting rollers <NUM>.

These supporting rollers <NUM> can be adapted to rotate on themselves (generally in an idle way), each around a respective axis parallel to the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM>.

The supporting rollers <NUM> are neared between them but separated by a gap which is aligned with the advancement direction of the covering tape <NUM> through the cutting device <NUM>.

For example, the gap between the supporting rollers <NUM> can be aligned with the gap formed between the plates <NUM> of the blocking device <NUM>, when they are in a distanced configuration.

In this way, when the covering tape <NUM> is made to advance by the advancement device <NUM>, after each cutting operation, the free end of the covering tape <NUM> passes in the gap between the supporting rollers <NUM>, which guide it for sliding outwards, keeping it substantially stretched out.

The functional arrangement <NUM> can further comprise a spatula <NUM>, which can be installed downstream of the cutting device <NUM>, with respect to the advancement direction of the covering tape <NUM>.

For example, the spatula <NUM> can be positioned on the opposite side of the cutting device <NUM> with respect to the position occupied by the advancement device <NUM>.

The supporting rollers <NUM> (if any) can be positioned between the cutting device <NUM> and this spatula <NUM>.

The spatula <NUM> can be shaped as a flat sheet, for example rectangular in shape, having at least one extremal edge <NUM> that extends parallel to the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM>.

This spatula <NUM> can be positioned so as to ideally intersect the advancement direction with which the covering tape <NUM> passes through the cutting device <NUM>.

The spatula <NUM> can also be inclined with respect to said advancement direction, for example by an angle comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>° (extremes excluded), preferably by an angle comprised between <NUM>° and <NUM>° (extremes included).

The spatula <NUM> can be made of a flexible material, such as rubber.

Between the reel <NUM> and the advancement device <NUM>, the functional arrangement <NUM> can then comprise one or more guide rollers, which are adapted to guide the covering tape unwinding from the reel <NUM> in a predetermined, more or less long and tortuous, path before reaching the advancement device <NUM> and from here the cutting device <NUM>.

These guide rollers may also have rotation axes parallel to the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the guide rollers comprise at least one motorised drive roller <NUM>, to which a respective contrast roller <NUM> is associated, operating in a manner similar to those described with reference to the advancement device <NUM>.

Between the drive roller <NUM> and the advancement device <NUM>, the guide rollers can further comprise at least one tensioning roller <NUM>, which is rotatably coupled (generally in an idle way) to at least one support connecting rod <NUM> which, being adapted to oscillate rotating around an axis that is parallel but distanced from the axis of the tensioning roller <NUM>, is capable of varying its position in order to keep the covering tape <NUM> at a certain tension.

The guide rollers can finally comprise one or more return rollers <NUM> positioned between the reel <NUM> and the drive roller <NUM> and/or between the drive roller <NUM> and the tensioning roller <NUM> and/or between the tensioning roller <NUM> and the advancement device <NUM>, so as to make the path of the covering tape <NUM> more or less tortuous and long.

In this regard, it should be noted that the layout of the guide rollers illustrated in <FIG> corresponds to that currently used on the unwinders of machines designed to stabilise palletised loads with stretch film tapes, from which it follows that these unwinders can be retrofitted in order to be used in the present application, simply by adding the cutting device <NUM> and possibly the blocking device <NUM>, the advancement device <NUM> and the spatula <NUM>.

In the embodiment being examined, the functional arrangement <NUM> substantially comprises a single rigid frame <NUM>, on which both the reel <NUM> and the cutting device <NUM>, as well as possibly each of the other devices and apparatuses described above, including for example the blocking device <NUM>, the advancement device <NUM> and the spatula <NUM>, are installed.

In this way, the relative position of these devices on the rigid frame <NUM> is substantially fixed, and they are therefore constrained so as to move integrally with each other following any movement imparted to the rigid frame <NUM>.

In other words, the functional arrangement <NUM> can be manipulated as a single rigid body.

In this regard, the machine <NUM> can comprise a first movement apparatus <NUM> adapted to produce a relative motion of revolution of the functional arrangement <NUM> around the palletised load <NUM>, with respect to a predetermined, preferably vertical, revolution axis Z (see <FIG>).

Relative motion of revolution means that the functional arrangement <NUM> rotates around the palletised load <NUM> with respect to a reference system integral with the palletised load <NUM>, regardless of whether the actual movement is imparted to the functional arrangement <NUM> or to the palletised load <NUM>.

Thus, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first movement apparatus <NUM> is actually adapted to put the palletised load <NUM> in rotation on itself.

For this purpose, the first movement apparatus <NUM> can comprise a platform <NUM>, which makes a rest surface <NUM>, preferably horizontal, available for the palletised load <NUM>.

In particular, the rest surface <NUM> can be defined by a roller conveyor which, when installed on the platform <NUM>, facilitates the positioning and subsequent distancing of the palletised load <NUM>.

The first movement apparatus <NUM> further comprises actuator members (not illustrated) adapted to put the platform <NUM> in rotation around a rotation axis orthogonal to the rest surface <NUM> and coincident with the axis, for example substantially vertical, of revolution Z.

In particular, the rotation axis of the platform <NUM> can pass internally to the rest surface <NUM>, so that the palletised load <NUM> can substantially pivot on itself.

In a position superimposed on the rest surface <NUM>, the machine <NUM> can comprise an upper pad <NUM>, which is adapted to stay in contact with the top of the palletised load <NUM>.

This upper pad <NUM> can be substantially shaped as a flat plate, for example substantially rectangular/square in shape, and oriented horizontally.

The upper pad <NUM> can be associated with a lifting apparatus <NUM> adapted to move it in the vertical direction, so as to bring it closer to and away from the rest surface <NUM>, for example to free the palletised load <NUM> or to adjust the position thereof according to the height of the latter.

This lifting apparatus <NUM> can comprise for example a supporting column <NUM> and a carriage <NUM> slidingly associated with the supporting column <NUM>, so as to be able to slide on it in a vertical direction, driven by suitable motors.

In particular, the supporting column <NUM> can be provided with linear sliding guides <NUM>, oriented vertically, on which corresponding coupling runners fixed to the carriage <NUM> slide.

The lifting apparatus <NUM> can further comprise a cantilevered, preferably horizontal, arm <NUM> which connects the carriage <NUM> to the upper pad <NUM>.

To allow a correct positioning of the upper pad <NUM>, one end of the cantilevered arm <NUM> can be articulated to the carriage <NUM> according to a vertical articulation axis, so that the cantilevered arm <NUM> can rotate like a flag.

This rotation of the cantilevered arm <NUM> can be driven by an electric motor <NUM>.

The upper pad <NUM> can also be adapted to rotate on itself around an axis of vertical rotation, which is coincident (or can be brought so as to be coincident) with the revolution axis Z.

For example, the upper pad <NUM> can be hinged, according to said rotation axis, to a second end of the cantilevered arm <NUM>, and can be drive for rotation by a motor <NUM> or by any other actuator member.

In particular, it is preferable that the rotation of the upper pad <NUM> occurs substantially simultaneously and substantially at the same speed as the rotation of the platform <NUM>, so that the palletised load <NUM> is not subjected to significant torsional stresses.

Although in the previous description reference has been made to a first movement apparatus <NUM> adapted to rotate the palletised load <NUM>, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the palletised load <NUM> may remain stationary, for example resting on a rest surface <NUM> made available by a floor or any other fixed base, and that the first movement apparatus <NUM> is configured to actively move the functional arrangement <NUM> with a revolution movement around the palletised load <NUM>.

Also in this case, the machine <NUM> could in any case comprise an upper pad <NUM> adapted to remain in contact and integral with the top of the palletised load <NUM> (in this case also stationary).

Regardless of these considerations, the machine <NUM> further comprises a second movement apparatus <NUM>, which is adapted to produce a relative motion of translation of the functional arrangement <NUM> with respect to the palletised load <NUM>, along a direction parallel to the revolution axis Z, or preferably in the vertical direction.

Relative motion of translation means that the functional arrangement <NUM> and the palletised load <NUM> are mutually movable in a direction parallel to the revolution axis Z, regardless of whether the actual movement is of one or the other.

Thus, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second movement apparatus <NUM> is adapted to actively move the functional arrangement <NUM> in the vertical direction, while the palletised load <NUM> remains stable on the rest surface <NUM>.

However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the second movement apparatus <NUM> may be configured to move the palletised load <NUM> vertically, for example by lifting and/or lowering the corresponding platform <NUM>.

In any case, the second movement apparatus <NUM> is preferably configured to also allow a displacement of the functional arrangement in a plane orthogonal to the revolution axis Z, that is in a preferably horizontal plane, as well as to allow a variation in the orientation of the functional arrangement <NUM>, and consequently of the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM>, through rotation around a further oscillation axis Y perpendicular to the revolution axis Z, that is preferably horizontal.

To obtain these degrees of freedom, the second movement apparatus <NUM> can first of all comprise a supporting column and a carriage <NUM> slidingly associated with said supporting column, so as to be able to slide vertically thereon, driven by suitable motors.

In the illustrated example, the supporting column of the second movement apparatus <NUM> can coincide with the supporting column <NUM> of the lifting apparatus <NUM> of the upper pad <NUM>.

The second movement apparatus <NUM> can further comprise a cantilevered arm <NUM>, preferably horizontal, which connects the carriage <NUM> to the functional arrangement <NUM>, that is to the rigid frame <NUM>.

The cantilevered arm <NUM> can be an articulated arm with parallel, for example all vertical, axes to allow a more efficient positioning of the functional arrangement <NUM>.

In particular, the cantilevered arm <NUM> can comprise two stretches in series, of which a first stretch <NUM> articulated to the carriage <NUM> and a second stretch <NUM> articulated to the free end of the first stretch <NUM>.

The rotation of the first stretch <NUM> with respect to the carriage <NUM> can be driven by an electric motor <NUM>, while the rotation of the second stretch <NUM> with respect to the first stretch <NUM> can be driven by another electric motor <NUM>.

In practice, the carriage <NUM> and the cantilevered arm <NUM> define a so-called SCARA robot.

The rigid frame <NUM> of the functional arrangement <NUM> can be connected to the cantilevered arm <NUM>, i.e. to the free end of the second stretch <NUM>, by interposition of an intermediate body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

This intermediate body <NUM> can be articulated to the cantilevered arm <NUM> by means of an articulated joint which allows it to rotate around an articulation axis parallel to that defined between the cantilevered arm <NUM> and the carriage <NUM>, i.e. preferably vertical.

The rotation of the intermediate body <NUM> with respect to this articulation axis can be driven by an electric motor <NUM>.

The intermediate body <NUM> can then be articulated to the rigid frame <NUM> of the functional arrangement <NUM> by means of a further articulated joint which defines the already mentioned oscillation axis Y.

The rotation of the functional arrangement <NUM> with respect to this oscillation axis Y can be driven by a further electric motor <NUM>.

The machine <NUM> further comprises a gripping device <NUM>, which is adapted to seize a first end of the covering tape <NUM> unwinding from the reel <NUM> and to make it integral with the palletised load <NUM>.

This gripping device <NUM> can be positioned at the base or, more preferably, at the top of the palletised load <NUM> and is adapted to remain integral with the latter during the relative revolution and translation movements of the functional arrangement <NUM>.

For example, the gripping device <NUM> can be installed on the platform <NUM> or, more preferably, on the edge of the upper pad <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, this gripping device <NUM> can comprise a gripper member <NUM> provided with at least two jaws that are reciprocally movable towards and away from each other, so as to be able to selectively clamp or release an edge of the covering tape <NUM> which is positioned between them.

This movement of the jaws of the gripper member <NUM> can be driven by means of a cylinder-piston arrangement <NUM> of the pneumatic type or by any other actuation system, for example electromechanical.

The jaws of the gripper member <NUM> can protrude at least slightly from the upper pad <NUM> towards the rest surface <NUM>, so as to be at least partially flanked to the side wall of the palletised load <NUM>.

The gripping device <NUM> can further comprise actuator members <NUM> adapted to move the gripper member <NUM> along a predetermined sliding direction, towards and away from the revolution axis Z, and therefore with respect to the side wall of the palletised load <NUM>.

The sliding direction of the gripper member <NUM> can be orthogonal to the revolution axis Z, for example horizontal.

Other actuator members <NUM> can further be provided to move the gripper member <NUM> also in a direction parallel to the revolution axis Z.

In particular, the gripper member <NUM> can be positioned at a slot obtained in the upper pad <NUM>, installed on board a carriage <NUM> which is slidingly coupled to linear guides <NUM>, oriented parallel to the sliding direction, which can be fixed above the upper pad <NUM>.

The actuator members <NUM> can comprise a cylinder-piston arrangement of the pneumatic type or any other type of actuator, for example electromechanical, adapted to make the carriage <NUM> slide on the linear guides <NUM>.

On board the carriage <NUM> there may also be further linear guides <NUM>, vertically oriented, to which the gripper device <NUM> is slidingly coupled.

The actuator members <NUM> may comprise another cylinder-piston arrangement of the pneumatic type or any other type of actuator, for example electromechanical, adapted to make the gripper member slide on the linear guides <NUM>.

In addition to what has been described so far, the machine <NUM> further comprises a fixing device <NUM>, which is adapted to fix the windings of covering tape <NUM> around the palletised load <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, this fixing device <NUM> comprises one or more guns for dispensing an adhesive adapted to be applied on the windings of the covering tape <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, these dispensing guns can comprise one or more dispensing guns <NUM> of a hot glue and, optionally, one or more dispensing guns <NUM> of a cold glue. However, it is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the fixing device <NUM> may comprise only hot glue dispensing guns <NUM> or only cold glue dispensing guns <NUM>.

Nor is it excluded that other embodiments may provide for replacing the adhesive dispensing guns with nail guns, staple guns, banding devices or any other device suitable for applying an element, substance or treatment that allows to join and/or to keep the windings of the covering tape <NUM> joined.

In any case, in the illustrated example, the fixing device <NUM> can be installed on a rigid frame <NUM>, independent and separate from the rigid frame <NUM> of the functional arrangement <NUM>.

The rigid frame <NUM> can be associated with a third movement apparatus <NUM>, which is adapted to move the fixing device <NUM> at least along a direction parallel to the revolution axis Z, for example vertical, and, more preferably, also in multiple positions in the plane orthogonal to said revolution axis Z, so as to be able to suitably place it with respect to the palletised load <NUM>.

For example, the third movement apparatus <NUM> can be configured as a SCARA robot, which comprises a supporting column <NUM>, a carriage <NUM> slidingly associated with the supporting column <NUM>, so as to move in a vertical direction (driven by suitable motors), and a cantilevered arm <NUM> adapted to connect the carriage <NUM> to the frame <NUM> of the fixing device <NUM>.

The cantilevered arm <NUM> can be an articulated arm with parallel, for example all vertical, axes, which comprises a first stretch <NUM> articulated to the carriage <NUM> and a second stretch <NUM> articulated to the first stretch <NUM> and to the rigid frame <NUM> of the fixing device <NUM>.

Each of these joints can be driven by a respective independent electric motor.

In the light of what has been described above, the operation of the machine <NUM> is described below with reference to <FIG>.

Initially, the palletised load <NUM> is loaded onto the rest surface <NUM> and the upper pad <NUM> is brought into contact with the top thereof, possibly causing it to exert a certain downward pressure.

While the palletised load is stationary in this position, the functional arrangement <NUM> can be oriented, by means of the second movement apparatus <NUM>, in such a way that the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM> and thus the orientation of the covering tape <NUM> are substantially parallel to the revolution axis Z, i.e. substantially vertical.

Again by means of the second movement apparatus <NUM>, the functional arrangement <NUM> can be brought close to the palletised load <NUM> and at the gripping device <NUM>, so that a first (free) end of the covering tape <NUM> associated with the reel <NUM>, i.e. the one protruding downstream of the cutting device <NUM>, can be vertically aligned with the gripper member <NUM>.

At this point, the gripper member <NUM> can be lowered, so that said first end of the covering tape <NUM> slips between the jaws thereof, which are subsequently clamped together in order to seize it and hold it firmly.

Subsequently, the gripper member <NUM> can be moved towards the revolution axis Z, dragging therewith the covering tape <NUM> (which therefore begins to unwind from the reel <NUM>), until it is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the side wall of the palletised load <NUM>.

It should be observed that in <FIG>, the cutting device <NUM> and the spatula <NUM> are not illustrated for clarity reasons.

At the end of this step, the platform <NUM> and the upper pad <NUM> can be put in rotation around the revolution axis Z, by correspondingly activating the rotation of the palletised load <NUM> as well.

In this way, the reel <NUM> which is on board the functional arrangement <NUM> begins to perform a relative revolution movement around the palletised load <NUM>.

During this revolution movement, since the first end of the covering tape <NUM> remains integral with the palletised load <NUM>, the covering tape <NUM> is automatically dragged so as to unwind from the reel <NUM> and to wind around the palletised load <NUM>.

In this step, the advancement device <NUM> of the functional arrangement <NUM> is inactive, for example with the drive roller <NUM> stationary and the contrast roller <NUM> in a distanced configuration.

At the same time, it is instead preferable that in this step the rotation of the reel <NUM> is at least partially braked, so that the covering tape <NUM> remains suitably stretched.

The first windings of covering tape <NUM> can be perfectly horizontal and mutually superimposed at the top band of the palletised load <NUM>.

After these first windings, the gripping device <NUM> can optionally release the first end of the covering tape <NUM> which remains integral with the palletised load <NUM> thanks to the windings.

Thereafter, while the palletised load <NUM> continues to rotate, the second movement apparatus <NUM> can begin to displace the functional arrangement <NUM> in a vertical downward direction.

In this way, the covering tape <NUM> is wound around the palletised load <NUM> with a spiral course, until it completely covers the side wall (see <FIG>).

Since the covering tape <NUM> can be substantially inextensible, in order to accompany this spiral course, the second movement apparatus <NUM> orients the functional arrangement <NUM>, by making it rotate around the oscillation axis Y (or allowing it to rotate around the oscillation axis Y), in such a way that the rotation axis A of the reel <NUM> always remains substantially orthogonal to the direction of the helix.

During each rotation of the palletised load <NUM>, the dispensing guns of the fixing device <NUM> can dispense (e.g. spray) a certain amount of adhesive onto the winding of the covering tape <NUM> that has been previously made, so that said adhesive remains interposed between the previous winding and the one being made, joining them together and making the wrapping more stable.

In particular, the adhesive used in this step can be the cold glue dispensed by the dispensing guns <NUM>.

At the base of the palletised load <NUM> (see <FIG>), the translational movement of the functional arrangement <NUM> is stopped and it can be made to rotate around the oscillation axis Y, so as to bring back the rotation axis of the reel <NUM> vertically.

At this point it is possible to make a few final windings of the covering tape <NUM>, with a horizontal course and perfectly overlapping one another, at the base of the palletised load <NUM>.

At the end of this step, the platform <NUM> and the upper pad <NUM> can be stopped.

The dispensing guns of the fixing device <NUM> can therefore be commanded for dispensing (e.g. spraying) a certain amount of adhesive onto the portion of the envelope facing the last stretch of the covering tape <NUM> coming from the reel <NUM>.

The adhesive used in this step can be the hot glue dispensed by the dispensing guns <NUM>, as it is characterized by shorter setting times than the cold glue.

Through the second movement apparatus <NUM>, the functional arrangement <NUM> can then be approached to the palletised load <NUM> (see <FIG>), so as to begin to bring the last stretch of the covering tape <NUM> coming from the reel <NUM> into contact with the palletised load <NUM>, above the previously dispensed adhesive.

At the same time, the cutting device <NUM> comes into operation which separates the segment of covering tape <NUM> wound around the palletised load <NUM> from the one that remains connected to the reel <NUM>.

In this way, the segment of covering tape <NUM> wound around the palletised load <NUM> will have a second free end, which can be stretched and pressed against the adhesive previously dispensed by means of the extremal edge <NUM> of the spatula <NUM> which, by means of the second movement apparatus <NUM>, is brought into contact and suitably made to slide against the previously wrapped palletised load <NUM>.

The segment of covering tape <NUM> which remains associated with the reel <NUM> will now have a new free end positioned at the cutting device <NUM>, for example blocked by the blocking device <NUM>.

In order to make this free end protrude beyond the cutting device <NUM>, for example beyond the supporting rollers <NUM>, and thus make it available for stabilising another palletised load <NUM>, the advancement device <NUM> can now be put into operation (not illustrated in <FIG>).

In particular, the contrast roller <NUM> can be brought into contact with the drive roller <NUM> and the latter can be driven for rotation, so as to unwind at least a part of the covering tape <NUM> from the reel <NUM>, thus making it advance until the free end will be sufficiently protruding to be seized again by the gripper member <NUM> of the gripping device <NUM>.

The operation of the machine <NUM>, as outlined above, can be entirely commanded and controlled by at least one electronic unit (not illustrated), which is suitably programmed and connected with the various devices and apparatuses of the machine <NUM>.

Some alternative embodiments of the machine <NUM> are now described with the aid of <FIG>.

In order to avoid unnecessarily burdening the discussion, the common characteristics with the already described machine <NUM> will not be repeated but simply the differences thereof will be highlighted.

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is very similar to that already described, from which it differs in few aspects.

A first of these aspects is that the third movement apparatus <NUM> of the fixing device <NUM> shares the same supporting column <NUM> with the second movement apparatus <NUM> of the functional arrangement <NUM> and with the lifting apparatus <NUM> of the upper pad <NUM>.

In other words, the carriage <NUM> of the third movement apparatus <NUM> is slidingly associated with the same supporting column <NUM> to which the carriages <NUM> and <NUM> respectively of the lifting apparatus <NUM> and of the second movement apparatus <NUM> are also slidingly associated.

The actuation of these carriages <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> preferably remains independent of each other.

Another aspect of diversity consists in the fact that the functional arrangement <NUM> is simplified.

Also in this case, the functional arrangement <NUM> comprises a single rigid frame <NUM> on which the reel <NUM>, the cutting device <NUM> and, possibly, the blocking device <NUM>, the advancement device <NUM>, the supporting rollers <NUM> and the spatula <NUM> are installed.

In this case, however, most of the guide rollers are absent, which take the form of just two return rollers <NUM> positioned between the reel <NUM> and the advancement device <NUM>, and a single tensioning roller <NUM> positioned between said return rollers <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the reel <NUM> is also motorised, that is, it is connected to a drive motor <NUM> (see <FIG>) adapted to put it in rotation around its own rotation axis A.

The drive motor <NUM> can be part of the functional arrangement <NUM>, for example installed on the rigid frame <NUM>, and can be connected to the reel <NUM> via a belt or any other transmission system.

The function of the drive motor <NUM> is preferably to rotate the reel <NUM> in the winding direction, so as to rewind the covering tape <NUM> thereon.

In fact, it is envisaged that the machine <NUM> can comprise a service apparatus <NUM> adapted to house at least two mutually interchangeable functional arrangements <NUM>, for example identical to each other, one of which can be connected in use to the second movement apparatus <NUM> while the other can be left in the service apparatus <NUM>.

When the covering tape <NUM> wound on the reel <NUM> of the first functional arrangement <NUM> is finished, this first functional arrangement <NUM> can be stowed in the service apparatus <NUM> and immediately replaced with the second functional arrangement <NUM>.

To allow this operation, the functional arrangement <NUM> can be connected to the second movement apparatus <NUM> by means of an automatic hooking and unhooking system.

When the first functional arrangement <NUM> is in the service apparatus <NUM>, the respective reel <NUM> can be reloaded with the covering tape <NUM>.

This covering tape <NUM> can for example be supplied by the manufacturer in large-sized reels <NUM>, one of which can be rotatably installed at the service apparatus <NUM>.

By means of a manual or more preferably automated system, the free edge of the covering tape <NUM> wound on this reel <NUM> can be made to pass backwards through the cutting device <NUM> and any other accessory devices of the first functional arrangement <NUM>, to be finally connected to the respective reel <NUM>.

The reel <NUM> can then be put in rotation by the motor <NUM> until it is reloaded with a desired number of windings of the covering tape <NUM>, after which the cutting device <NUM> can be put into action to separate the segment of the winding tape <NUM>. wound on reel <NUM> from that eventually still wound on the reel <NUM>.

At this point, when the machine <NUM> has finished using the second functional arrangement <NUM>, the second movement apparatus <NUM> can stow it back in the service apparatus <NUM>, to be in turn reloaded as explained above, and pick up again the first functional arrangement <NUM> which in the meantime has already been reloaded.

An alternative to this embodiment could be that illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, where, instead of replacing the entire functional arrangement <NUM>, the machine <NUM> allows replacing, preferably in an automated way, the reel <NUM> only.

In this case, the machine <NUM> can be, for example, substantially identical to that illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, with the difference of comprising two or more interchangeable reels <NUM>, for example identical to each other, a first of which can be connected in use in the functional arrangement <NUM> while the others can be left in a service apparatus <NUM>.

When the covering tape <NUM> wound on the first reel <NUM> is finished, the functional arrangement <NUM> can release this reel <NUM> in the service apparatus <NUM> and pick up therefrom one of the other reels <NUM>.

When the first reel <NUM> is in the service apparatus <NUM>, the same can be reloaded with the covering tape <NUM>.

In this way, when the machine <NUM> has finished using also the second reel <NUM>, the latter can be released in the service apparatus <NUM> to be in turn reloaded, while the first reel <NUM>, which in the meantime has been duly reloaded, can be re-hooked to the functional arrangement <NUM>.

To allow these operations, the functional arrangement <NUM> can comprise an automatic system for hooking and unhooking the reels <NUM>.

The service apparatus <NUM> can comprise a plurality of spindles <NUM>, each of which is adapted to receive a reel <NUM> and is put in rotation by a respective motor <NUM>.

Each reel <NUM> may comprise a central shaft <NUM>, for example made of steel, which engages on the spindle <NUM> when the reel <NUM> is released in the service apparatus <NUM>.

The covering tape <NUM> is unwound from the reel <NUM> made available by the supplier and connected directly to the central shaft <NUM> which, by rotating together with the spindle <NUM>, winds the covering tape <NUM> around itself.

Once the winding is finished, the reel <NUM> is then disengaged from the spindle <NUM> and finally hooked to the functional arrangement <NUM> together with its own central shaft <NUM>. Alternatively, instead of the central shaft <NUM>, the reel <NUM> could comprise a cylindrical core, for example made of cardboard.

In this case, each spindle <NUM> could comprise a shaft, for example an expansion shaft, on which the cylindrical core of the reel <NUM> is fitted.

The covering tape <NUM> is then fixed to the cylindrical core which, by rotating together with the spindle <NUM>, forms the reel <NUM>.

Once the winding is finished, the reel <NUM> is then removed from the shaft of the spindle <NUM> and finally hooked to the functional arrangement <NUM> together with the respective cylindrical core.

After usage on board the functional arrangement <NUM>, the cylindrical cores can be reused or replaced with new ones.

In this second case, the service apparatus <NUM> could also be used independently of the machine <NUM>, for example to prepare a certain number of reels <NUM> which are then stored and used from time to time on the machine <NUM> when necessary, or for preparing reels of covering tape <NUM> useful for other purposes.

Regardless of the winding system used, it is always preferable for the service apparatus <NUM> to comprise a cutting device for separating the segment of winding tape <NUM> wound on the reel <NUM> from that eventually still wound on the supplier's reel <NUM>.

Naturally, the presence of a service apparatus <NUM> or <NUM> and the relative methods of use can be envisaged in all the embodiments described in the present description.

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> differs from the previous ones, mainly due to the fact that the second movement apparatus <NUM> comprises a serial manipulator <NUM>, having at least five or six axes, to whose terminal the functional arrangement <NUM> is connected.

In particular, the serial manipulator <NUM> can be of the industrial type and can therefore be suitable for bearing higher weights than those a SCARA robot such as those illustrated in the previous embodiments can carry.

This implies that the reel <NUM> installed in the functional arrangement <NUM> may be much larger, for example it may be one of the reels that are directly supplied by the manufacturer of the covering tape <NUM> (previously indicated with <NUM>).

Due to the larger sizes, the reel <NUM> can be associated with a more performing braking device <NUM>.

Regardless of the size of the reel <NUM> and of the corresponding braking device <NUM>, the functional arrangement <NUM> is nevertheless similar to that described in the second embodiment.

In particular, it comprises a single rigid frame <NUM> on which the reel <NUM>, the cutting device <NUM> and, possibly, the blocking device <NUM>, the advancement device <NUM>, the supporting rollers <NUM>, the spatula <NUM>, the return rollers <NUM> and the tensioning roller <NUM> are installed.

Also in this case, the functional arrangement <NUM> can in any case comprise an automatic system for hooking and unhooking the reel <NUM>, to allow the rapid replacement of an exhausted reel <NUM> with another new reel <NUM>, which can be previously placed on hold at a predetermined storage area.

Then, another difference of this embodiment consists in the fact that the fixing device <NUM>, for example the adhesive dispensing guns <NUM> and/or <NUM>, can be part of the functional arrangement <NUM>, for example it can be installed on the rigid frame <NUM>.

In this way it is not necessary to provide a third movement apparatus for the fixing device <NUM>, which moves when driven by the second movement apparatus <NUM>, together with the reel <NUM> and with the other devices of the functional arrangement <NUM>.

The upper pad <NUM> is instead still carried by the respective lifting apparatus <NUM> which, in this case, is completely separated from the second movement apparatus <NUM>.

The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> differs from the previous one in that the functional arrangement <NUM> comprises two separate rigid frames, of which a first rigid frame <NUM> and a second rigid frame <NUM>.

The cutting device <NUM> as well as, optionally, the blocking device <NUM>, the advancement device <NUM>, the supporting rollers <NUM>, the spatula <NUM>, the return rollers <NUM> and the tensioning roller <NUM> are installed on the first rigid frame <NUM>.

The fixing device <NUM> can also be installed on the first rigid frame <NUM>.

On the second rigid frame <NUM>, on the other hand, the reel <NUM> is installed with the relative braking device (if any), preferably through an automatic hooking and unhooking system, to allow it to be quickly replaced.

Also in this case, the reel <NUM> can be large sized, for example it can be one of the reels that are directly supplied by the manufacturer of the covering tape <NUM>.

The first frame <NUM> and the second frame <NUM> can be connected by means of a connection arm <NUM>.

The connection arm <NUM> can be an articulated arm entirely similar to the cantilevered arm <NUM> of the first embodiment.

In particular, the connection arm <NUM> can comprise two stretches in series, of which a first stretch <NUM> articulated to the second rigid frame <NUM> and a second stretch <NUM> articulated to the free end of the first stretch <NUM>, with mutually parallel articulation axes.

The rotation of the first stretch <NUM> with respect to the second rigid frame <NUM> can be driven by an electric motor <NUM>, while the rotation of the second stretch <NUM> with respect to the first stretch <NUM> can be driven by another independent electric motor <NUM>.

The first rigid frame <NUM> can be connected to the connection arm <NUM>, i.e. to the free end of the second stretch <NUM>, by interposition of a joint adapted to define a single axis of mutual articulation, parallel to the articulation axis between the first stretch <NUM> and the second stretch <NUM>.

As for the first embodiment, the second movement apparatus <NUM> can further comprise a supporting column, which can coincide with the supporting column <NUM> of the lifting apparatus <NUM> of the upper pad <NUM>, and a carriage <NUM> connected to the functional arrangement <NUM>, in this case to the second rigid frame <NUM>, which is slidingly associated with said supporting column, so as to be able to slide vertically thereon, driven by suitable motors.

To allow the variation in orientation of the functional arrangement <NUM>, and therewith of the reel <NUM>, the second movement apparatus <NUM> can further comprise an articulated joint <NUM> (see <FIG>) adapted to connect the carriage <NUM> to the second rigid frame <NUM> of functional arrangement <NUM>, which is adapted to define the oscillation axis Y which, also in this case, is perpendicular to the revolution axis Z, i.e. preferably horizontal.

The rotation of the second rigid frame <NUM> with respect to the carriage <NUM> around said oscillation axis Y can be driven by a motor <NUM>.

The operation of all the machines <NUM> described in relation to <FIG> is similar to that described for the first embodiment.

Claim 1:
A machine (<NUM>) for stabilising palletised loads (<NUM>), comprising:
- a functional arrangement (<NUM>) provided with a reel (<NUM>) on which a covering tape (<NUM>) is wound,
- a gripping device (<NUM>) adapted to take a first end of the covering tape (<NUM>) wound on the reel (<NUM>) and to make it integral with the palletised load (<NUM>),
- a first movement apparatus (<NUM>) adapted to generate a relative motion of revolution of the functional arrangement (<NUM>) around the palletised load (<NUM>), according to a predetermined revolution axis (Z),
- a second movement apparatus (<NUM>) adapted to generate a relative motion of translation of the functional arrangement (<NUM>) with respect to the palletised load (<NUM>) in a direction parallel to the revolution axis (Z),
- a cutting device (<NUM>) placed in the functional arrangement (<NUM>) so as to separate the covering tape (<NUM>) from the reel (<NUM>),
- a fixing device (<NUM>) adapted to fix at least a second end of the covering tape (<NUM>) to the palletised load (<NUM>).