CA2638232A1 - Void fill product and method and apparatus for making the same - Google Patents
Void fill product and method and apparatus for making the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2638232A1 CA2638232A1 CA 2638232 CA2638232A CA2638232A1 CA 2638232 A1 CA2638232 A1 CA 2638232A1 CA 2638232 CA2638232 CA 2638232 CA 2638232 A CA2638232 A CA 2638232A CA 2638232 A1 CA2638232 A1 CA 2638232A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- void fill
- fill product
- cut
- strips
- folded
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/015—Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
- B31D5/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles
- B31D5/0039—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
- B31D5/006—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including controlled deformation of flat material, e.g. pleating, corrugating or embossing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
- B65D81/127—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using rigid or semi-rigid sheets of shock-absorbing material
Abstract
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for mechanically folding large quantities of die cut strips of sheet material into continuous exact lengths of folded or embossed, tightly packed void fill material.
The tightly packed void fill material contains no airspaces creating a compact package, reducing the cost related to shipping volumes, packaging costs and saving on transportation costs.
The tightly packed void fill material contains no airspaces creating a compact package, reducing the cost related to shipping volumes, packaging costs and saving on transportation costs.
Description
TITLE: VOID FILL PRODUCT AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
MAKING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a void fill material or the like and to the method and apparatus for making the same.
More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus and methods for mechanically folding and embossing shredded strips of sheet material into expanding void fill material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Styrofoam pellets or peanuts are commonly used within the wholesale and retail industries as bulk packaging material.
The peanuts are used to position a product away from the interior sides of a container and fill the empty space located there between. The peanuts are intended to protect the packaged product against the impact of a blow or other mistreatment.
Dispensing styrofoam peanuts does not require a great degree of sophistication. The peanuts are simply gravity fed from large retainer bins into the empty spaces within a packaging container.
Use of styrofoam peanuts, however, has many drawbacks. For example, if styrofoam peanuts are used to protect a heavy object placed within a container, and such package is jostled and shaken, the object usually gravitates toward the bottom of the container and the peanuts float upward.
Eventually the object comes to rest against the base or side of the container and damage to the object may occur. The lightweight of the styrofoam peanuts also allows them to be easily blown by the wind and scattered.
Of particular concern, styrofoam peanuts are extremely difficult to dispose of and destroy after use. In fact, because of the extensive use of this non biodegradable product, which emits toxic gases if burned, styrofoam peanuts present a major threat to the environment and are being banned from an increasing number of communities.
Styrofoam peanuts are also dangerous to children and to wildlife who often mistake them as food and consequently ingest them. Styrofoam peanuts are not digestible and cause a major source of tracheal blockage in children.
Other packaging filler materials, such a shredded paper, have also been used. Shredded paper, however, usually lays flat within the container and a very large amount of paper is required to provide the bulk needed to fill the voids and to protect the contained object. To provide such a large amount of shredded paper is often cost prohibitive and, following its use, such voluminous amounts of paper must be disposed. In addition, the shock absorbency of flat shredded paper is minimal.
A number of patents are directed to the folding or crumpling of large sheets of materials. Specifically, U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,668,573; 3,150,576; and 4,012,932 are directed to the corrugation or pleating of large sheets of paper material.
Complicated sheet creping, crinkling or folding is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,680,203 and 3,501,565. However, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,501,565 simply includes preliminary steps prior to the stretching of plastic sheet material or the like.
Other patents discuss the crumpling of sheet paper material or the like for the formation of filters. U.S. Pat. No.
2,786,399 includes such crumpled sheet paper material and employs a cutter for the formation of small blocks of such material. U.S. Pat. No. 2,924,154 is directed to filter material and employs a gate means during the advancement of the sheet material to assist in the formation of the crumpled blocks of material.
Various methods and apparatus for forming dunnage are disclosed in several patents which include the folding or funneling of sheet paper or material into a compact elongated form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,509,797; 3,613,522; and 3,650,877 include such elongated dunnage material which is twisted and compressed to provide a helical shape. U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,085,662; 4,650,456; and 4,699,609 disclose additional devices for the folding and collapsing of elongated sheet material. Some of these patents directed to dunnage include cutter means at the outlets in order to provide predetermined lengths of the dunnage material.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,754,498 and 4,201,128 generally disclose shredding machines which are used in conjunction with compacters or bailers.
U.K. Patent No. 771,877 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,988 disclose cutting discs for producing a longitudinal cut of sheet material to form longitudinal strips. Outlet support means is provided for supporting the longitudinal strips during a transverse cut to form smaller pieces.
MAKING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a void fill material or the like and to the method and apparatus for making the same.
More particularly, this invention relates to apparatus and methods for mechanically folding and embossing shredded strips of sheet material into expanding void fill material.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Styrofoam pellets or peanuts are commonly used within the wholesale and retail industries as bulk packaging material.
The peanuts are used to position a product away from the interior sides of a container and fill the empty space located there between. The peanuts are intended to protect the packaged product against the impact of a blow or other mistreatment.
Dispensing styrofoam peanuts does not require a great degree of sophistication. The peanuts are simply gravity fed from large retainer bins into the empty spaces within a packaging container.
Use of styrofoam peanuts, however, has many drawbacks. For example, if styrofoam peanuts are used to protect a heavy object placed within a container, and such package is jostled and shaken, the object usually gravitates toward the bottom of the container and the peanuts float upward.
Eventually the object comes to rest against the base or side of the container and damage to the object may occur. The lightweight of the styrofoam peanuts also allows them to be easily blown by the wind and scattered.
Of particular concern, styrofoam peanuts are extremely difficult to dispose of and destroy after use. In fact, because of the extensive use of this non biodegradable product, which emits toxic gases if burned, styrofoam peanuts present a major threat to the environment and are being banned from an increasing number of communities.
Styrofoam peanuts are also dangerous to children and to wildlife who often mistake them as food and consequently ingest them. Styrofoam peanuts are not digestible and cause a major source of tracheal blockage in children.
Other packaging filler materials, such a shredded paper, have also been used. Shredded paper, however, usually lays flat within the container and a very large amount of paper is required to provide the bulk needed to fill the voids and to protect the contained object. To provide such a large amount of shredded paper is often cost prohibitive and, following its use, such voluminous amounts of paper must be disposed. In addition, the shock absorbency of flat shredded paper is minimal.
A number of patents are directed to the folding or crumpling of large sheets of materials. Specifically, U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,668,573; 3,150,576; and 4,012,932 are directed to the corrugation or pleating of large sheets of paper material.
Complicated sheet creping, crinkling or folding is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,680,203 and 3,501,565. However, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,501,565 simply includes preliminary steps prior to the stretching of plastic sheet material or the like.
Other patents discuss the crumpling of sheet paper material or the like for the formation of filters. U.S. Pat. No.
2,786,399 includes such crumpled sheet paper material and employs a cutter for the formation of small blocks of such material. U.S. Pat. No. 2,924,154 is directed to filter material and employs a gate means during the advancement of the sheet material to assist in the formation of the crumpled blocks of material.
Various methods and apparatus for forming dunnage are disclosed in several patents which include the folding or funneling of sheet paper or material into a compact elongated form. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,509,797; 3,613,522; and 3,650,877 include such elongated dunnage material which is twisted and compressed to provide a helical shape. U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,085,662; 4,650,456; and 4,699,609 disclose additional devices for the folding and collapsing of elongated sheet material. Some of these patents directed to dunnage include cutter means at the outlets in order to provide predetermined lengths of the dunnage material.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,754,498 and 4,201,128 generally disclose shredding machines which are used in conjunction with compacters or bailers.
U.K. Patent No. 771,877 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,988 disclose cutting discs for producing a longitudinal cut of sheet material to form longitudinal strips. Outlet support means is provided for supporting the longitudinal strips during a transverse cut to form smaller pieces.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,621,567; 2,686,466; and 2,770,302 disclose shredding devices which include a comber configuration for imparting a bend or kink to the strips which are cut thereby.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the general object of the present invention to provide apparatus and methods for mechanically folding large quantities of die cut strips of sheet material into continuous exact lengths of folded or embossed, tightly packed void fill material. The tightly packed void fill material contains no airspaces creating a compact package, reducing the cost related to shipping volumes, packaging costs and saving on transportation costs.
Such apparatus being: unique in design, compact and simple to operate.
Another object is to produce large quantities of mechanically folded die cut strips of sheet material into continuous exact lengths of folded or embossed, tightly packed void fill material from biodegradable pulp materials such as from paper, cardboard, foamed starch and the like, the composition of which may be edible and is approved by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in packaging edible products.
The present invention achieves these general and specific objects and presents new apparatus and methods for producing a new type of expanding void fill which incorporates therein the beneficial features of both styrofoam peanuts and shredded paper. The present invention also overcomes each of the previously mentioned disadvantages.
In short, this invention provides apparatus and methods for rapidly producing large quantities of mechanically folded material that is cut and slit to length, packed back to back to form a tightly packed puck of void fill packaging material comprising folded and embossed, interlocking strips of sheet material which may:
(a) be used as padding to cushion and prevent heavier objects from gravitating toward the bottom and/or sides of a container, such padding requiring a lesser amount of raw material to form a greater amount of interlocking bulk packaging material than was previously available;
(b) be produced in smaller package that is easily shippable and expands to five times its volume when released from its package.
(c) be produced in selectable colors and/or controlled color combinations for decorative and aesthetic purposes;
(d) be manufactured from biodegradable material, such as pulp material (i.e., paper, cardboard, starch or the like);
and (e) be edible and/or approved by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in packaging edible products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the general object of the present invention to provide apparatus and methods for mechanically folding large quantities of die cut strips of sheet material into continuous exact lengths of folded or embossed, tightly packed void fill material. The tightly packed void fill material contains no airspaces creating a compact package, reducing the cost related to shipping volumes, packaging costs and saving on transportation costs.
Such apparatus being: unique in design, compact and simple to operate.
Another object is to produce large quantities of mechanically folded die cut strips of sheet material into continuous exact lengths of folded or embossed, tightly packed void fill material from biodegradable pulp materials such as from paper, cardboard, foamed starch and the like, the composition of which may be edible and is approved by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in packaging edible products.
The present invention achieves these general and specific objects and presents new apparatus and methods for producing a new type of expanding void fill which incorporates therein the beneficial features of both styrofoam peanuts and shredded paper. The present invention also overcomes each of the previously mentioned disadvantages.
In short, this invention provides apparatus and methods for rapidly producing large quantities of mechanically folded material that is cut and slit to length, packed back to back to form a tightly packed puck of void fill packaging material comprising folded and embossed, interlocking strips of sheet material which may:
(a) be used as padding to cushion and prevent heavier objects from gravitating toward the bottom and/or sides of a container, such padding requiring a lesser amount of raw material to form a greater amount of interlocking bulk packaging material than was previously available;
(b) be produced in smaller package that is easily shippable and expands to five times its volume when released from its package.
(c) be produced in selectable colors and/or controlled color combinations for decorative and aesthetic purposes;
(d) be manufactured from biodegradable material, such as pulp material (i.e., paper, cardboard, starch or the like);
and (e) be edible and/or approved by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in packaging edible products.
Large quantities of mechanically folded die cut void fill material that is folded or embossed may be used for decorative effects at parties or to fill the voids in gift baskets or gift boxes.
The use of the tightly packed void fill puck of the present invention enables an operator to use an exact amount of desired packaging material, and thereby reduce waste.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a simplified, partial, schematic, side view of an embodiment of apparatus for making the void fill product of the present invention wherein the material is cut to length first, then slit width wise before being mechanically rolled up and compressed end to end and tightly packed into a cylindrical package ( puck).
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a simplified, partial, schematic, side view of another embodiment of apparatus for making the void fill product of the present invention wherein the material is cut to length first, then slit width wise before being mechanically folded and compressed end to end and tightly packed into a cylindrical package ( puck).
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial, schematic, side view of the folding mechanism used to fold and compress the void fill.
FIG. 6 is all the possible shapes that the void fill can be packed into.
FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a void fill product of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a void fill product of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a paper web consisting of one or more sheets of paper 1 is pulled into one embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention by a pair of pull rollers 2 and then fed into rotary cutting rollers 3 that cut the paper web 1 horizontally to the desired length of the void fill product to be formed. The cut paper web is then fed into push rollers 4 that feed the cut paper web to pull rollers 5. The pull rollers 5 feed the cut paper web to rotary slitting die 6 that slit the cut paper web longitudinally into strips.
After slitting, the slit and cut to length paper web is then fed to the push rollers 7 that feed a helical bossing set 8 through the paper guide 13 stabilizing the sheet before embossing 8. The embossed strips of paper then travel to the winder 9 where the void fill is tightly wound. As shown in Fig. 2 when the winding cycle is completed the apparatus stops briefly allowing the coil plunger 10 to push the tightly compacted void fill in the packing coil 11 into the packing sleeve 12 where a poly bag awaits the void fill.
In Fig. 3 and 4 a paper web 1 is pulled into another embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention by pull rollers 2 and then fed into the rotary cutting rollers 3 wherein the paper web 1 is cut horizontally to length. The cut paper web is then fed into the push rollers 4 that then feed the cut paper web to the pull rollers 5.
Pull rollers 5 feed the cut paper web to rotary slitting die 6 that slit the cut paper web longitudinally into strips.
After slitting, the slit and cut to length paper web is then fed to push rollers 7 that feed folding gear set 14,15 through the paper guide 13 stabilizing the sheet before folding. The folded strips of paper then travel to the packing coil 9 where the void fill is tightly packed in the packing coil 9 compressing and removing any air spaces. When the compression cycle is completed the apparatus stops briefly allowing the coil plunger to 10 push the tightly compacted void fill in the packing coil 11 into the packing sleeve 12 where a poly bag awaits the void fill.
Fig. 5 shows the process of how the mechanical folding and compression is achieved by the apparatus of Fig 3 and 4. The paper web 1 is guided through the paper guide 13 and fed to both the top 14 and bottom 15 folding gear set. The cut to length paper web 1 is fed to the front 17 of the nip of gear set 14,15 where the folding starts. The individual sheets of die cut paper travel through the nip 18 of gear set 14,15 and is folded. The compression of the void fill product starts on leaving the end 19 of the nip of the gear set 14,15. The void fill product is fed into the first stage 20 of compression as the void fill starts to travel down the packing coil intake throat 23. The throat 23 is located and installed tight up against the leavening side 21 and 22 of gear set 14,15 to ensure a good capture and containment of the void fill.
FIG. 6 indicates the different types of packaging configurations that can be used for the compressed void fill product of the present invention. The most likely used would be 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31.
Rather than producing individual strips of material from the paper web, the present invention can be used to make alternative shapes. One such alternative design is shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment the individual lengths of void fill product 70 comprise a strip 71 having two parallel and aligned rows of slits 72, 73 and then punched to form the diamond shaped product shape illustrated. The individual lengths of void fill product 70 are compressed and formed into tightly compacted void fill product as shown in Figs 1-4.
Another alternative design is shown in Fig. 8. In this embodiment the individual lengths of void fill product 80 comprise a strip 81 having two parallel and aligned rows of slits 82, 83 and then punched to form the double diamond shaped product shape illustrated. The individual lengths of void fill product 80 are compressed and formed into tightly compacted void fill product as shown in Figs 1-4.
The use of the tightly packed void fill puck of the present invention enables an operator to use an exact amount of desired packaging material, and thereby reduce waste.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a simplified, partial, schematic, side view of an embodiment of apparatus for making the void fill product of the present invention wherein the material is cut to length first, then slit width wise before being mechanically rolled up and compressed end to end and tightly packed into a cylindrical package ( puck).
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a simplified, partial, schematic, side view of another embodiment of apparatus for making the void fill product of the present invention wherein the material is cut to length first, then slit width wise before being mechanically folded and compressed end to end and tightly packed into a cylindrical package ( puck).
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial, schematic, side view of the folding mechanism used to fold and compress the void fill.
FIG. 6 is all the possible shapes that the void fill can be packed into.
FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a void fill product of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a void fill product of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a paper web consisting of one or more sheets of paper 1 is pulled into one embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention by a pair of pull rollers 2 and then fed into rotary cutting rollers 3 that cut the paper web 1 horizontally to the desired length of the void fill product to be formed. The cut paper web is then fed into push rollers 4 that feed the cut paper web to pull rollers 5. The pull rollers 5 feed the cut paper web to rotary slitting die 6 that slit the cut paper web longitudinally into strips.
After slitting, the slit and cut to length paper web is then fed to the push rollers 7 that feed a helical bossing set 8 through the paper guide 13 stabilizing the sheet before embossing 8. The embossed strips of paper then travel to the winder 9 where the void fill is tightly wound. As shown in Fig. 2 when the winding cycle is completed the apparatus stops briefly allowing the coil plunger 10 to push the tightly compacted void fill in the packing coil 11 into the packing sleeve 12 where a poly bag awaits the void fill.
In Fig. 3 and 4 a paper web 1 is pulled into another embodiment of apparatus according to the present invention by pull rollers 2 and then fed into the rotary cutting rollers 3 wherein the paper web 1 is cut horizontally to length. The cut paper web is then fed into the push rollers 4 that then feed the cut paper web to the pull rollers 5.
Pull rollers 5 feed the cut paper web to rotary slitting die 6 that slit the cut paper web longitudinally into strips.
After slitting, the slit and cut to length paper web is then fed to push rollers 7 that feed folding gear set 14,15 through the paper guide 13 stabilizing the sheet before folding. The folded strips of paper then travel to the packing coil 9 where the void fill is tightly packed in the packing coil 9 compressing and removing any air spaces. When the compression cycle is completed the apparatus stops briefly allowing the coil plunger to 10 push the tightly compacted void fill in the packing coil 11 into the packing sleeve 12 where a poly bag awaits the void fill.
Fig. 5 shows the process of how the mechanical folding and compression is achieved by the apparatus of Fig 3 and 4. The paper web 1 is guided through the paper guide 13 and fed to both the top 14 and bottom 15 folding gear set. The cut to length paper web 1 is fed to the front 17 of the nip of gear set 14,15 where the folding starts. The individual sheets of die cut paper travel through the nip 18 of gear set 14,15 and is folded. The compression of the void fill product starts on leaving the end 19 of the nip of the gear set 14,15. The void fill product is fed into the first stage 20 of compression as the void fill starts to travel down the packing coil intake throat 23. The throat 23 is located and installed tight up against the leavening side 21 and 22 of gear set 14,15 to ensure a good capture and containment of the void fill.
FIG. 6 indicates the different types of packaging configurations that can be used for the compressed void fill product of the present invention. The most likely used would be 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31.
Rather than producing individual strips of material from the paper web, the present invention can be used to make alternative shapes. One such alternative design is shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment the individual lengths of void fill product 70 comprise a strip 71 having two parallel and aligned rows of slits 72, 73 and then punched to form the diamond shaped product shape illustrated. The individual lengths of void fill product 70 are compressed and formed into tightly compacted void fill product as shown in Figs 1-4.
Another alternative design is shown in Fig. 8. In this embodiment the individual lengths of void fill product 80 comprise a strip 81 having two parallel and aligned rows of slits 82, 83 and then punched to form the double diamond shaped product shape illustrated. The individual lengths of void fill product 80 are compressed and formed into tightly compacted void fill product as shown in Figs 1-4.
The mechanically folding and compressing apparatus, and method for use thereof, as described herein may be used to mechanically fold and compress die cut strips of sheet material into exact lengths of, tightly wound and packed void fill packaging and/or decorative material. The mechanically folded and compressed strips may serve as a padding and/or void fill material having exact lengths. The mechanically folded and compressed strips may be produced in a variety of colors or combination of colors and may have printing appearing thereon. The mechanically folded and compressed strips are preferably made of recyclable, biodegradable material, and may also be made of an edible material or of a material which is approved by the U.S.
Federal Food and Drug Administration for use with edible products. The present invention provides a product that is not only a superior void fill but a product that dramatically reduces the cost of shipping, in store shelf space as well as provide the customer the flexibility to buy one-pound pucks of void fill that explode to 5 times volume when released from its packaging. The void fill product of the present invention is not only environmentally friendly but helps reduce emissions generated by trucking.
It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.
Federal Food and Drug Administration for use with edible products. The present invention provides a product that is not only a superior void fill but a product that dramatically reduces the cost of shipping, in store shelf space as well as provide the customer the flexibility to buy one-pound pucks of void fill that explode to 5 times volume when released from its packaging. The void fill product of the present invention is not only environmentally friendly but helps reduce emissions generated by trucking.
It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (10)
1. A void fill product comprising a single or multiple web of material that is cut to length and slit into narrow strips, mechanically folded and packed back to back to form a tightly packed puck that when released from its packaging expands to five times its volume.
2. A void fill product comprising a single or multiple web of material that is cut to length and slit into narrow strips and embossed before being packed back to back to form a tightly packed puck of single strips that when released from its packaging expands to five times its volume
3. A void fill product of claim 1 or 2 used to cushion products while being shipped
4. A void fill product of claim 1 or 2 used in the farming community as animal bedding.
5. A void fill product of claim 1 or 2 wherein the tightly packed strips form an expanding mass of said packing product when released from its wrapper.
6. A void fill product according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of biodegradable material, pulp material, paper, cardboard, plastic, p.v.c., abs, and all petroleum based films, Fibrous pulp and foamed starch.
7. A void fill product according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said each mechanically folded strip has a series of folds to provide side, lateral strength and resistance to collapsing.
8. The void fill product of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said folds have been mechanically compacted against itself to form a tightly packed packaged saving space and reducing shipping costs.
9. The void fill product of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein all the individually folded strips are all uniformly cut and folded and are all of the exact same size.
10. A method of producing a void fill product includes the steps of feeding at least one sheet of webbed material in to apparatus wherein the material is cut to length first, then slit length wise before being mechanically folded and compressed end to end and tightly packed into a cylindrical package ( puck).
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2638232 CA2638232A1 (en) | 2008-07-24 | 2008-07-24 | Void fill product and method and apparatus for making the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2638232 CA2638232A1 (en) | 2008-07-24 | 2008-07-24 | Void fill product and method and apparatus for making the same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2638232A1 true CA2638232A1 (en) | 2010-01-24 |
Family
ID=41611004
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2638232 Abandoned CA2638232A1 (en) | 2008-07-24 | 2008-07-24 | Void fill product and method and apparatus for making the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2638232A1 (en) |
-
2008
- 2008-07-24 CA CA 2638232 patent/CA2638232A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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Effective date: 20130724 |