Method and machine for packing a product in a flat tubular package

A machine for packing a product in a flat tubular package having two first lateral walls;

• and two second lateral walls, each connected on one side to one first lateral wall, and on the other side to the other first lateral wall, by respective preformed fold lines;
• the machine comprising
• a first suction gripping head having a first and a second portion,
• a first actuating device for causing the first portion and the second portion of the first suction gripping head to engage a first lateral wall of the flat tubular package and a second lateral wall of the fiat tubular package respectively,
• actuating means for generating a rotational movement between the first and second portion of the first suction gripping head, to rotate the first and second lateral wall engaged by the first suction gripping head with respect to each other, and so convert the flat tubular package from the flat configuration to an open configuration, and
• an insertion device for inserting the product inside the open tubular package;
• wherein the first and second portion of the first suction gripping head are hinged and rotated by the actuating means about an axis of rotation not coincident with the fold line between the first and second lateral wall engaged by the first suction gripping head;
• wherein the first and second portion of the first suction gripping head comprise respective suction cups;
• and
• wherein the suction cups of the second portion being are fitted to the second portion to move in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation during the rotational movement between the first and second portion of the first suction gripping head.