JP2013047121A - Method for bailing fiber material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relate to vacuum packaging and a vacuum packaging technology.SOLUTION: This embodiment includes a bale and a package comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at pressure lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. In various embodiments, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Moreover, packaging methods, packaging systems and apparatus are disclosed.

Description

  The present invention provides a novel veil, package, package system, packaging method and apparatus. Aspects of the present invention are particularly well suited for using bulk fiber materials, fibers or fibrous materials comprising polymer fibers such as acetate fibers. The packages of the present invention may have shapes and dimensions that are advantageous for handling, transporting, storing and / or using fibers.

  Raw materials, including agricultural products, fibers, granular products, etc., are often packaged, transported and stored in bulk form, particularly in the form of veils. Typically, the bale includes a mass of material surrounded by straps, cords, wires, and the like.

  For example, synthetic and natural fibers are useful for a wide variety of applications and are found throughout commerce. Many fibers are packaged and transported in bulk in the form of a bale containing a lump of fibers surrounded by binding straps, cords, wires, and the like.

  Many fibers and other materials that are typically veiled are elastic and will bounce when compressed. During a typical bale operation, the material to be boiled is compressed under pressure. When released from the applied pressure, this elastic material acts in a manner similar to a spring and expands or rebounds, creating pressure on all surfaces of the bale. Currently, fastening devices and fasteners, including straps, clasps, cords, wires, Velcro type fasteners, etc., are used to limit bale expansion. In general, a plurality of anchoring devices are used to surround the bale.

  The disadvantage of a fixation device such as a strap is that the fixation device only provides a localized localization at its point of contact with the bale. The material on either side of the anchoring device is only partially constrained and tends to bounce off and bulge the veil between the adjacent anchoring devices. The whole veil has a non-uniform round shape. Furthermore, the overall package dimensions change over time. For these reasons, therefore, the bale is difficult to stack or lay flat and is therefore disadvantageous for storage, transport or use.

  Another drawback of anchoring devices for elastic material veils is that the anchoring device can cause localized damage, including excessive compression of the material in the bail at the point of contact of the anchoring device. Damaged or compressed material can make it difficult to use the material from the bale. For example, damaged or compressed fibers can cause difficulties in pulling the fibers from the bale into the processing equipment.

  A further disadvantage of the anchoring device for the elastic material veil is that the anchoring device itself can be under tension. Thus, upon cutting, the fixation device shows a bounce and can be potentially dangerous to the user. Furthermore, the veil portion may rupture upon release of tension. To minimize some of these problems, the amount that the material is compressed can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of material per unit volume in the bale.

  In addition to the disadvantages associated with using a fixation device, some existing packaging options expose the material to the environment. As a result, the packaged material can become damaged due to environmental forces, including exposure to moisture, odor, sunlight, dust and the like.

  In view of the above disadvantages associated with current packaging technology, it would be advantageous to have a novel packaging and packaging method that provides a solution to many or all of the above problems.

  In a general sense, the present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques for bulk commodity products, such as bulk materials including agricultural materials, fibrous materials, woven materials, and the like. The present invention provides a bale, a package, a packaging system, a packaging method, and a packaging apparatus.

  Embodiments of the present invention overcome many of the shortcomings outlined above and provide advantages for packaging, storage, transport and / or use of bulk materials, particularly fibers and fibrous products.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a bale of bulk material.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume that includes a bulk material, preferably wherein the internal volume is placed at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides a packaging system that includes a material for forming a chamber that can be evacuated to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

  In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for packaging a bulk material comprising placing the bulk material at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

  In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging bulk material, including the material surrounding the bulk material and forming a chamber and an exhaust system. The apparatus of the present invention may further include a device for compressing the bulk material.

  The invention is particularly advantageous for packaging bulk fiber materials, fibers and / or fibrous materials. Examples of fibers that are advantageous for use in the present invention are described later in [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. Bulk fiber materials or fibers include fibrils, processed fibers, and the like. Fibrous materials include woven fibers, knitted fibers, materials made from fibers including woven fabrics, and the like. The present invention can also be advantageously used to package textile articles that are typically transported in veils or containers. Embodiments of the present invention in which the fibrous material comprises a woven fabric, in part because of the bale-like features of the woven package of the present invention and / or the barrier material that can be used in the embodiments of the present invention. A distinction can be made from vacuum sweater bags and suitcase bags.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume that includes fibers, wherein the internal volume is placed at a pressure lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. The present invention also provides a package having an internal volume comprising bulk fiber material, the internal volume being placed at a pressure lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume comprising fibrous material, the internal volume being placed at a pressure lower than ambient atmospheric pressure.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides packaging materials that are useful for packaging bulk materials under vacuum. The packaging material, when sealed, maintains at least a partial vacuum (less than ambient atmospheric pressure, internal pressure inside the packaging material) for at least 24 hours, typically 48 hours, preferably 72 hours or more. Included are films, laminates, and the like. In embodiments where the packaging material of the present invention is used to surround a bulk material, the packaging material ideally maintains at least a partial vacuum until the expansion force within the bulk material is neutralized. To do.

  In an additional aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum outlet assembly useful for packaging bulk material under vacuum. The vacuum outlet assembly comprises a flange portion that includes an outlet that extends through the packaging material and is adapted to access the internal atmosphere of the package. This flange portion generally has a larger surface area than the outlet so as to provide structural support to the outlet. In one embodiment, the flange portion and outlet are substantially circular and the flange portion has a larger diameter than the outlet, typically at least 1.5 times the diameter of the outlet. In use, the flange portion remains inside the package and the outlet extends through the package wall to the outside of the package. The outlet can be adapted for attachment to a vacuum suction device. In other embodiments, the outlet may comprise a check valve that allows air to escape from the inside of the package but restricts the flow of air into the package. The vacuum outlet assembly may further include a flange and seal for sealing the outlet to the package wall to minimize leakage, a cover or cap for sealing the outlet after creating a vacuum.

  In a further aspect, the present invention provides a fiber wrapping apparatus that includes a material and an exhaust system for surrounding the fiber to form a chamber. The apparatus of the present invention may further include a device for compressing the fibers. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a bulk fiber wrapping apparatus including a material and an exhaust system for enclosing the bulk fiber to form a chamber. The apparatus of the present invention may further include a device for compressing the bulk fibers. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a fibrous material packaging apparatus that includes a material for surrounding the fibrous material to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The apparatus of the present invention may further include a device for compressing the fibrous material.

  Aspects of the invention will have one or more of the following advantages.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, no external wrapping or binding straps are required.

  In a particular embodiment of the package of the present invention, the walls provide a moisture barrier that seals the product therein from environmental moisture.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, the wall provides an odor barrier that minimizes odor capture by the product in the package.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, the package dimensions remain substantially constant over time.

  In a particular embodiment of the package of the present invention, the package remains a box with a flat surface that can be stacked and stored in various directions.

  In a particular embodiment of the package of the present invention, the density (amount) of fibers can be increased by 10% or more compared to a conventional veil.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, a package logo or graphic can be included on the outside of the wall.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, a ruptured package or lack of differential pressure will not rupture the package.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, the package can be easily opened.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, bulk material, fiber, bulk fiber material or fibrous material can be used incrementally after opening the package.

  In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, the package dimensions can be adapted to facilitate placement on a pallet for transportation and / or storage.

  Embodiments of the packaging system, method and apparatus of the present invention are advantageous for making the packages of the present invention and other packages.

  Further details regarding the features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following Detailed Description of the Invention.

2 illustrates a package aspect of the present invention. Possible embodiments of chambers used in embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in exploded view. Another possible embodiment of the chamber used in embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in exploded view. An embodiment of the packaging system of the present invention is illustrated in an exploded view. An embodiment of the packaging system of the present invention is illustrated in an assembly drawing. 6 illustrates the manufacture of other possible embodiments of the package of the present invention and the final shape of the package. Figure 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the vacuum outlet assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the vacuum outlet assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the vacuum outlet assembly of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the vacuum outlet assembly of the present invention. The figure of the aspect of the packaging apparatus of the textile material of this invention is shown. It is drawing which shows an example of the joint of the sheet | seat in the packaging system of this invention. It is drawing which shows the other example of the joint of the sheet | seat in the packaging system of this invention. It is drawing which shows the further another example of the joint of the sheet | seat in the packaging system of this invention. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the sheet shown in FIG. 10 at a location where a seam is formed. Figure 2 shows two pieces of packaging material joined together with a sealing strip, each of which is joined to the sealing strip using a lap seam. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the joined pieces shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows a side view of the joined pieces shown in FIG. 11. Figure 2 shows two pieces of packaging material joined using a lap seam. Figure 15 shows two pieces of packaging material and sealing strips at a location where they should be spliced together as shown in Figure 14; Figure 2 shows a view of two perspectives of two pieces of packaging material at a place to be spliced together without a sealing sheet in between. Figure 2 shows a view of two perspectives of two pieces of packaging material where they should be spliced together.

  The present invention provides veils, packages, package component parts, packaging systems, packaging methods, and packaging devices that are advantageous for use with bulk materials, bulk fiber materials, fibers or fibrous materials.

  Aspects of the present invention typically include a variety of materials that are generally packaged, transported and / or stored in bulk, including bale, packaged, transported and / or stored materials. And / or can be used with these materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, agricultural products including tobacco, bulk fiber materials, fibers, fibrous materials, cotton, cardboad, hay and straw. In this regard, certain aspects of the veil and package of the present invention can be distinguished from previously known packages for consumer products such as coffee, based at least on their size and volume. As will be appreciated from the description herein, the bale of the present invention is advantageous for use as an alternative to a conventional bale that uses a strap in applications where the bale is used.

  Aspects of the invention may include and / or be used with a wide variety of fibers including, but not limited to, staple fibers, tow fibers, woven filament fibers, such as: can do.

  Acetate: Cellulose acetate, manufactured fiber whose fiber-forming substance is cellulose acetate. If more than 92% of the hydroxyl groups are acetylated, the term “triacetate” can be used as a general description of this fiber.

Acrylic: Manufactured fibers in which the fiber-forming substance is any long chain synthetic polymer containing at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units (—CH ₂ —CH [CN] —) _x

Anidex: any long chain synthetic polymer in which the fiber-forming material comprises at least 50% by weight of one or more esters of monohydric alcohol and acrylic acid — (CH ₂ ═CHCOOH—) _x Is a manufactured fiber.

  Aramid: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide (—CO—NH—) bonds are directly bonded between two aromatic rings.

  Azlon: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance contains any regenerated, naturally occurring protein.

  Biocomponent: A composite fiber comprises two polymers of different chemical and / or physical properties that are extruded from the same spinneret with both polymers in the same filament.

cotton:
wool:
Other natural fibers such as flax, cannabis, angora, fur etc.

  Elastoester: Elastoester is an official US Federal Trade Commission general fiber type, defined as at least 50% by weight aliphatic polyether and at least 35% by weight polyester.

  Glass: includes e-glass, s-glass and other mineral fibers.

  Carbon fiber.

Lyocell: cellulose fiber obtained by organic solvent spinning method, where
1) “Organic solvent” means a mixture of organic chemicals and water, and 2) “Solvent spinning” means to dissolve and spin without the formation of derivatives.

  Melamine: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a synthetic polymer comprising at least 50% by weight of a crosslinked melamine polymer.

  Metallic: Manufactured fiber comprising a core completely covered with metal, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated plastic or metal.

Modacrylic-based: manufactured fiber that is any long chain synthetic polymer in which the fiber-forming material is less than 85% by weight but contains at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile units (—CH ₂ CH [CN] —) _x .

  Nylon: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is a long-chain synthetic polyamide in which less than 85% of the amide (—CO—NH—) bonds are directly bonded to two aliphatic groups.

Nitrile: at least 85% vinylidene dinitrile (CH ₂ C [CN] ₂ —) _x long chain polymer, provided that the vinylidene dinitrile content is not less than all other units in the polymer chain Containing manufactured fiber.

  Olefin: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is any long chain synthetic polymer containing at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene or other olefin units.

  PBI: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long-chain aromatic polymer having repeated imidazole groups as an integral part of the polymer chain.

  PEN: Polyethylene naphthalate.

  PLA: Polylactide fiber or polylactic acid fiber.

Polyester: at least 85% by weight of fiber-forming material, including but not limited to substituted terephthalic acid units, p (—R—O—CO—C ₆ H ₄ —CO—O—) _x and para Manufactured fiber which is any long chain synthetic polymer comprising an ester of a substituted aromatic carboxylic acid comprising a substituted hydroxybenzoic acid ester unit p (—R—O—CO—C ₆ H ₄ —O—) _x .

  Polypropylene: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is any long chain synthetic polymer containing at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene or other olefin units.

  Rayon: A manufactured fiber made of regenerated cellulose in which a substituent group has substituted 15% or less of hydroxyl group hydrogen.

Saran: manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is any long-chain synthetic polymer containing at least 80% by weight of vinylidene chloride units (—CH ₂ —CCl ₂ —) _x .

Spandex: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is a long-chain synthetic polysulfide in which at least 85% of the sulfide (—S _n —) bonds are directly bonded to two aromatic rings.

Sulfar: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is a long-chain synthetic polysulfide in which at least 85% of the sulfide (—S _n —) bonds are directly bonded to two aromatic rings.

  Triacetate: Triacetate is derived from cellulose by combining cellulose with acetate from acetic acid and acetic anhydride. Cellulose acetate dissolves in a mixture of methylene chloride and methanol for spinning. As the filament emerges from the spinneret, the solvent is evaporated in warm air—dry spinning—leaving fibers of almost pure cellulose acetate. Triacetate fibers include a higher acetate to cellulose ratio than acetate fibers.

Vinyl (vinal): fiber-forming substance is at least 50% by weight of vinyl alcohol units _{(-CH 2 CH [OH] -} ) include _x, any one or more of vinyl alcohol units and various acetal units Manufactured fibers that are any long chain synthetic polymer, the total of which is at least 85% by weight of the fibers.

Vignon: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is any long chain synthetic polymer containing at least 85% by weight of vinyl chloride units (—CH ₂ CHCl—) _x .

  For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing the amounts of ingredients, reaction conditions, etc., as used herein, are referred to in all examples by the term “about”. It should be understood as amended. Accordingly, unless stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At least not in an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalence to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter applies at least in light of the number of significant digits reported and the usual rounding technique Should be interpreted.

  Although the numerical ranges and parameters describing the broad scope of the invention are approximate, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as accurately as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Further, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass all numbers between all subranges and endpoints contained therein. For example, a description range of “1-10” includes all subranges between a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 10 (inclusive), ie, all subranges starting with one or more minimum values , For example, subranges ending with a maximum value of 1 to 6.1 and 10 or less, such as 5.5 to 10 and all ranges starting and ending within endpoints, eg 2-9, 3-8, 3-9, 4-7 and finally should be considered to include the respective numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 included within this range. Further, any reference referred to as “included herein” is to be understood as including in its entirety.

  Further, as used herein, it is pointed out that the singular includes the plural indications, unless it is clearly not ambiguous and is not limited to a single indication.

  One aspect of the present invention is a package that includes a sealed chamber containing bulk material, wherein the chamber is placed under an initial internal pressure that is less than ambient atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the chamber is hermetically sealed. The sealed chamber may include a plurality of walls including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls that define an internal chamber volume. The sealed chamber may also include a bag or similar container that can be sealed, preferably sealed for sealing. Although the present invention will be described with reference to a substantially box-shaped (slightly rounded, right-sided parallelepiped) configuration comprised of walls, the embodiments of the present invention are not so limited and thus The sealed chamber can take other shapes. The configuration and composition of the sealable bag or container may be similar to the configuration and composition described below with reference to the chamber wall.

  In embodiments, the wall may be sufficiently flexible and elastic so as to substantially match the geometric volume of the bulk material to be packaged prior to the introduction of the vacuum. Similarly, the volume of bulk material can provide structural support for the walls.

Walls are polymer films such as polyethylene ("PE"); polypropylene ("PP"); ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer ("EVOH");nylon;mylar; polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"); polyethylene terephthalate glycol ("PETG") ); Polyimide; Polyamide; Tyvek (R) protective material manufactured and sold by EI Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Delaware Valeron® strength film (described later), manufactured and sold by the division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc .; BO (biaxially stretched) nylon; LLDPE (Linear low density polyethylene ; ULLDPE (ultra linear low density polyethylene); SiO _x (silicon dioxide) - Nylon, may consist film made of SiO _x -PET etc., prior to the introduction of sealing and vacuum, flexibility and changes in resilience You may have a degree to do. The polymer film can provide strength and / or fracture resistance. This wall may consist of multiple layers that may take the form of a single layer or a laminate structure. As noted above, the polymer film can be coated with a ceramic material, oxide, etc., such as silicon dioxide. A suitable film laminate may comprise, for example, SiO _x nylon / valeron® / LLDPE.

  The wall may additionally or alternatively comprise a metal foil comprising aluminum, tin, nickel and / or alloy.

  In certain embodiments of the invention where the bulk material can be degraded by moisture and / or other environmental factors, the wall provides a gas, moisture and / or odor barrier that seals the contents from the outside environment. be able to.

  The walls further include barrier elements, structural supports and / or protective elements, including aluminum and / or other metal sheets or lattices, cardboard, wood, woven materials including synthetic or natural fibers, woven straps, etc. You can leave. The barrier element can provide a barrier to substances that can adversely affect the bulk material, such as chemical vapors, water, ultraviolet light, and the like. This wall may comprise a film and a laminate containing these additional layers. Each layer in the laminate can be selected to provide one or more functions, for example, an aluminum layer can provide a gas barrier and can also provide increased fracture resistance. .

  Generally, the wall thickness is sufficient to substantially neutralize the expansion force within the packaged bulk material within 24 hours, typically at least a partial vacuum inside the package. Time will be enough to maintain. Typical thickness will be described later.

  At least one of the walls, sides, top or bottom will comprise an exhaust device for exhausting the chamber. As used herein, “evacuator” refers to a valve, port, tube, hose, etc. that allows gas (eg, air) to be removed from the interior volume of the chamber. Suitable exhaust devices include, but are not limited to, those known in the art, such as a vacuum check valve, vacuum fitment, or sealable port that allows the chamber to be evacuated. It is. An example of a vacuum check valve suitable for use in the present invention is described in US Pat. No. 6,056,439, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Depending on the application, multiple vents, such as vacuum check valves, can be used on one or more walls.

  In addition to or instead of the exhaust device described above, aspects of the present invention may consist of ports that are subsequently sealed with fin seals or lap seals.

  In one aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum outlet suitable for use as an exhaust device in embodiments of the present invention. This vacuum outlet will be described in more detail later.

  The term “below ambient atmospheric pressure” is used in a manner consistent with its normal meaning, where environment refers to altitude above sea level / under sea level and temperature where the package is formed. Below ambient atmospheric pressure is also understood to mean the pressure at which at least a partial vacuum begins. Thus, the pressure of the internal volume of the chamber within the package of the present invention will be at least partially under vacuum.

  The standard ambient atmospheric pressure is understood to be a pressure of 101,325 Pascals (“Pa”), 101.325 kPa at 25 Celsius degrees (“° C.”) at sea level. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, atmospheric pressure will vary as a function of altitude and temperature, and thus pressures below the ambient atmospheric pressure in embodiments of the present invention will vary accordingly. A package aspect of the present invention generally comprises a sealed chamber having an internal pressure between a lower limit determined by the ability of the processing apparatus to evacuate the chamber and an upper limit lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. Will be done. In general, package embodiments of the present invention have an internal pressure of less than 16,000 to 101,325 Pa, more particularly 40,000 to 92,000 Pa, and in certain embodiments, 50,000 to 70,000 Pa. Would have.

  For embodiments of the present invention that include an elastic bulk material that rebounds and exerts outward pressure when the package is compressed into the bale, the internal chamber pressure to prevent bale growth generally remains balanced. To equal the fiber force per area minus atmospheric pressure. The internal chamber pressure may be larger or smaller as desired for a particular application. The density of the veil in the chamber will vary with the vacuum pressure.

  As used herein, “sealed” is substantially completely against the passage of gaseous substances (eg, air) or other fluids in a manner consistent with its generally accepted meaning. Used to indicate sealed. The extent to which the chamber or package remains sealed will depend, in part, on the permeability of the material used to form the chamber, such as the permeability of the polymer film.

  In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the package must be sufficiently sealed so that the initial partial vacuum can be maintained for at least two days. Preferably, the package of the present invention will be sufficiently sealed to maintain at least a partial vacuum from the time of initial evacuation to the time of using the fiber. For example, for certain industrial applications, the average time between package filling and use is 30 days, so at least a partial vacuum can be maintained for at least 45 days for the package of the present invention. It is advantageous. For certain embodiments of the invention, it may be advantageous to maintain at least a partial vacuum for at least 300 days or even 365 days or longer.

  As will be appreciated from the description contained herein, in certain embodiments, the features and advantages of the present invention are achieved by placing the internal volume of the chamber containing the bulk material at a pressure lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. The pressure in the internal volume will change over time and will eventually return to ambient atmospheric pressure, which can be achieved. The term “initial pressure” is used herein to describe the pressure at which the chamber is initially sealed.

  As will be described in more detail below, sealing is accomplished by seaming methods such as welding, tapering, gluing, fusing or other methods that join the wall edges and / or other open portions of the material surrounding the fibers. can do. Suitable welding techniques include thermal welding and induction welding since the packaging material can be provided with one or more heat-sealable surfaces. The seal can also be made mechanically by using interlocking channels or zippered portions in a manner similar to a ziplock bag. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize the disadvantages of conventional sealing techniques. And in one aspect, the creative combination of sealing material and sealing or seaming means can be used to provide a packaging system that is particularly suitable for bale bulk fibers under vacuum.

  The package of the present invention may further include additional walls and / or unsealed packaging. For example, the packages of the present invention can be placed inside a woven material, bag or cardboard box for transport and / or storage. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a sealed package that includes a sealed wall sufficient to provide an oxygen barrier and further includes an outer packaging material sufficient to provide an additional moisture barrier. The outer packaging material can also provide additional protection during transport, transportation and storage.

  Furthermore, the outside or outer packaging material of the wall may include printing or graphics.

  The package aspects of the present invention can be advantageously stacked when stored. It is often preferred that the package remain sufficiently sealed to maintain a vacuum, but if the vacuum is lost within the stacked package, it is due to the reduction in fiber expansion force that results from the application of the vacuum. In addition, the package can hold substantially the same shape. Thus, many of the advantages of the package of the present invention will remain even if the initial vacuum is compromised over time before use.

  Aspects of the invention can have any physical size and can be of any size without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Certain aspects of the present invention are suitable for use in common process equipment, with typical fiber veil dimensions, i.e., generally 80-120 centimeters ("cm") x length It will have dimensions approximately equal to 100-150 cm x height 105-155 cm. Preferred dimensions for use in typical process equipment are 95-105 cm wide x 115-125 cm long x 120-135 cm high.

For use in commercial process equipment, package embodiments of the present invention generally have 0.9-2.3 cubic meters (m ³ ), more particularly 1.2-1.8 m ³ , specific embodiments. Would include a sealed chamber having an internal volume of 1.4-1.6 m ³ . For use in certain processing equipment set for typical bale sizes, embodiments of the package of the present invention have an internal volume approximately equal to a typical bale of about 1.7-2 m ³ . Includes a sealed chamber.

  Embodiments of the package of the present invention may include any shape, including cubic, rectangular parallelepiped, cylindrical, conical, pyramidal, spherical, substantially spherical, substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and the like. “Cuboidal” is used in a manner consistent with its meaning in geometry, where it is a right-angled parallelepiped, for example, a relatively right angle as well as a length that does not need to be equal, Represents a box volume having a width and a height. Thus, as used herein, the term “substantially cuboid” is a broad term intended to encompass both substantially rectangular and substantially cubic, but typically has a length. , The width and height will all be unequal. For transport, handling, storage and use, a cubic, rectangular parallelepiped, substantially cubic or substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is preferred. Designed for use in a manner similar to previously known fiber veils, the package embodiment of the present invention preferably has a geometric volume approximating that of the fiber veils, i.e. substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Let's go.

  As will be appreciated from the description herein, embodiments of the present invention may not have perfectly right angles and the surface may not be completely planar. For example, as will be described later, embodiments of the packages of the present invention may exhibit a slightly crowned or arcuate surface at their top and / or bottom surfaces. Accordingly, it is to be understood that all descriptions of the shapes of the embodiments of the invention described herein are used herein to generally describe the shapes.

  A further aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the packaged bulk material exhibits a reduced tendency to expand. As a result, the package maintains a substantially uniform shape over time.

  One aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the flatness of the bulk material is increased relative to the corresponding volumetric flatness of the bulk material constrained in a non-vacuum state, e.g., the package walls are substantially To remain flat. In embodiments of the invention, the difference in height between the wall edge and the wall center point is less than 8 centimeters ("cm"), preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably It will be less than 1 cm in certain embodiments, less than 3 cm. For example, referring to the cuboid aspect, the top and bottom walls are substantially flat and the difference in height between the top wall or bottom wall edge and the center point of the top or bottom wall. Is such that it is smaller than 8 cm, preferably smaller than 5 cm, more preferably smaller than 3 cm, even more preferably smaller than 1 cm. This flatness provides advantages for transport, storage and use of the package of the present invention.

  A further aspect of certain aspects of the present invention is the ability to emboss the walls of the chamber to facilitate stacking and to include labeling graphics or information or for other purposes. This embossing creates a positive relief in the part of the bale platen and / or the bottom of the bale chamber and uses this platen to compress the fibers in the manner described herein. Can be achieved. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a “bale platen” is a flat plate of a hydraulic ram assembly used to compress material. In one embodiment, the package comprises a “positive” embossed portion on the top side and / or a “negative” embossed portion on the bottom side so as to facilitate overlapping of the packages when stacked. Yes. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom side of the package can be embossed with a groove to facilitate insertion of the fork portion of the forklift under the package. As described herein, when the chamber wall is configured to include a film, the wall substantially matches the shape of the bulk material mass contained within the wall.

  A feature of certain aspects of the invention is that the package facilitates handling and storage using common forklifts and similar devices for moving pallets, eg, at their top and / or bottom. Including the embossed relief above.

  The present invention is advantageous for use with bulk fiber materials, fibers or fibrous materials. One aspect of the present invention provides a package comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at an initial pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, the internal volume comprising a bulk fiber material. In another aspect, the present invention provides a package comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at an initial pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure, the internal volume comprising fibers. In another aspect, the present invention provides a package comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at an initial pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure, the internal volume comprising a fibrous material. Details regarding this package are as previously described with reference to embodiments of the invention comprising bulk material.

  An advantage of certain aspects of the invention is that the density of the material or fiber in the package of the invention is the corresponding volume of the material or fiber under non-vacuum conditions, for example a conventional veil constrained by a strap. It can be increased compared to the density. Aspects of the present invention include 1.1-2.0 times, typically 1.1-1.5 times the density of similar fibers or materials packaged in a bale with a binding strap, in a package. An increase in density of the fiber or material can be indicated.

  An additional advantage of certain aspects of the present invention is that the density of fibers or materials within the package of the present invention is substantially uniform.

  A further advantage of certain aspects of the present invention is that the overall weight of the package of the present invention is reduced to the corresponding volume weight of a fiber or material under non-vacuum conditions, such as a conventional bale constrained by a strap. In comparison, it can be increased. Embodiments of the present invention have a 1.1 to 2 fold increase in weight, typically 1.1 to 1.5 over weight, over a conventional veil with a binding strap of approximately the same volume. A double increase can be shown.

  Aspects of the invention may exhibit one or more of these or other advantages described herein.

  The density of the material or fiber in the package of the present invention and the overall weight of the package will depend on the composition of the material or fiber in the package. For example, the substantially rectangular parallelepiped (box-like) embodiment of the present invention made of acetate tow fibers having a width of 95 to 105 cm, a length of 115 to 125 cm and a height of 120 to 135 cm is 825 to 1175 kg, typically 880 to 1130 kg. Would have an overall mass of The density of the fibers in this package is 0.2-0.9 grams / cubic centimeter (g / cc), typically 0.48-0.82 g / cc, often 0.50-0.78 g / cc. It would be a range.

  Further details regarding the package aspects of the present invention will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides a packaging system or kit for packaging bulk materials, including bulk fiber materials, fibers and fibrous materials. In one aspect, the packaging system includes a sealable chamber, the chamber including an exhaust device.

  In one embodiment, the packaging system may comprise a plurality of walls that can be sealed together to form a sealed chamber, preferably a sealed chamber. Each wall may be provided with pre-folded edges or flaps to provide a sealing surface. In another embodiment, the walls can be lap sealed to each other. The at least one wall further includes at least one exhaust, such as a vacuum rub, a vacuum butt check valve or a port that allows a vacuum to be drawn from the chamber after assembly. Alternatively, the packaging system may comprise a sealable bag or container. The features of this packaging system are substantially similar to those described herein with respect to the package of the present invention.

  In a further aspect, the present invention provides for forming a sealable chamber around the volume of bulk material, evacuating the chamber to create an internal pressure within the chamber that is lower than ambient atmospheric pressure, and A method of packaging a bulk material comprising sealing is provided.

  The method further comprises compressing the volume of the bulk material. This compression step can be performed before the formation of the chamber around the volume of bulk material is completed, or can be performed after the chamber is formed, and then the chamber can be evacuated or both.

  In a further aspect, the present invention provides for forming a sealable chamber around the volume of material or fiber, evacuating the chamber to create an internal pressure within the chamber that is less than ambient atmospheric pressure, and the chamber A method of wrapping bulk fiber material, fiber or fibrous material, comprising:

  The method further comprises compressing the volume of the material or fiber. This compression step can be performed before completing the formation of the chamber around the volume of material or fiber, or can be performed after forming the chamber, and then the chamber can be evacuated or both.

  With respect to the above aspects of the method of the invention for packaging bulk material, bulk fiber material, fiber or fibrous material, the evacuation of the chamber causes at least a partial vacuum in the chamber, actually lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. An internal pressure will be created. For the volume of material or fiber, for example, to minimize the tendency to exert outward pressure due to rebound, the exhaust is the force exerted by the material or fiber per unit area after sealing the chamber ( force) must be at least sufficient to create a vacuum pressure equal to minus atmospheric pressure. Exhaust is lower than the force exerted by the material or fiber per unit area minus atmospheric pressure, and in certain embodiments, substantially less than the force exerted by the material or fiber per unit area minus atmospheric pressure. It can be implemented to obtain a low internal pressure in the chamber. The pressure drawn by the vacuum will generally be greater than the force exerted by the fibers per unit area.

  The process for forming a sealable chamber may comprise assembling a plurality of walls, including a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls. The walls can be assembled by assembling and sealing individual wall panels together. In certain embodiments, one or more walls can be formed from a single piece of material that is folded or creased. Instead, with respect to a sealable bag or container, forming the sealable chamber includes placing material or fibers into the bag or container and then sealing the opening, as further described herein. The process of carrying out may be included.

  A feature of the method aspect of the present invention is that the process of compressing the material or fiber can be utilized to create a partial vacuum in the chamber, in fact, a pressure lower than ambient atmospheric pressure. For example, the material or fiber is placed in a sealable chamber containing a vacuum check valve, the chamber is sealed, and then the fiber is compressed in the sealed chamber. During compression, the air and gas in the chamber are forced out of the chamber through a vacuum check valve. As a result, releasing the compressive force when equilibrium is reached creates at least a partial vacuum, ie, a pressure below the ambient atmospheric pressure, in the sealed chamber.

  This step of the method of the invention can be carried out in a different order. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises the steps of providing a material or fiber, compressing the material or fiber, forming a sealable chamber around the material or fiber, sealing the chamber, Evacuating the chamber and then releasing the compression.

  In an alternative embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a material or fiber, forming a sealable chamber around the material or fiber, sealing the chamber, allowing air in the chamber to escape, and Compressing the material or fiber while at least partially evacuating the chamber, and then releasing the compression.

  In another aspect, the method of the present invention comprises the steps of providing a material or fiber, compressing the material or fiber, constraining the compressed material or fiber, releasing the compression, around the material or fiber. Forming a sealable chamber, sealing the chamber, evacuating the chamber, and then releasing the constraint.

  In addition to the above steps, aspects of the present invention may further comprise the step of surrounding the sealed package with additional packaging material. A feature of certain aspects of the present invention is that due to the reduced expansion force within the material or fiber, the package of the present invention can be more easily wrapped with additional material, for example after removal from a baleization device. It is.

  More details regarding the method aspects of the present invention will be discussed later.

  In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus that is advantageous for packaging bulk material. Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for packaging bulk fiber material, fiber or fibrous material.

  The device aspect of the present invention may comprise the packaging system of the present invention. This aspect may further comprise an exhaust system. Additionally or alternatively, this aspect may further comprise a device for compressing the bulk of the bulk material.

  In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a material for forming a sealable chamber and a device for compressing a mass of material or fiber. The material or fiber can be compressed while in the chamber or compressed and then surrounded by the chamber. The material for forming the chamber in the apparatus of the present invention comprises a material identified herein as suitable for forming a wall or chamber in the package of the present invention. A device for compressing a mass of material or fiber may comprise a commercially available baleizer. In general, such a baleization device includes a container for placing a mass of material or fiber, a hydraulic ram for compressing the mass of material or fiber, and a motor and process control for operating the ram. .

  An exhaust system suitable for the device of the present invention may include a vacuum device and associated hose. This evacuation system is unable to evacuate the chamber containing the material or fiber to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, preferably to the pressure discussed herein with reference to the package of the present invention. Must not. An example of an exhaust system comprises a vacuum manufacturing device and an attached hose for connecting the device to a chamber. The exhaust system will further include a motor and process control to operate the machine used to draw the vacuum.

  Further details regarding the apparatus of the present invention will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The packaging aspects of the present invention can be advantageously manufactured using the packaging system, method or apparatus of the present invention, or can be manufactured by other means.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Although the specific embodiments described below are described with reference to fibers, it should be understood that similar embodiments comprising bulk materials, bulk fiber materials, and fibrous materials are also within the scope of the present invention. is there.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the package of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the package 2 may comprise a substantially cuboid shape having a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14 and side surfaces 16, 18, 20 and 22. These surfaces are preferably such that any crown or dome formation on any surface is less than 8 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm, in a particular embodiment less than 1 cm. It will be substantially flat so that it is also small. This dimension is shown as “A” in FIG. 1 with reference to the top surface 12.

  FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a possible embodiment of a chamber for embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealed chamber may comprise a plurality of walls including a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14 and side walls 16, 18, 20 and 22. The sidewalls can be formed from a single sheet of material that is folded and bonded, for example, at a seam 24. This shape can be referred to as a girth piece. Instead, the sidewalls can be formed from a plurality of sheets spliced together as described elsewhere herein. In certain embodiments, the top wall 12 will be slightly larger than the bottom wall 14 to facilitate use with certain machines.

  Each wall may comprise a polymer film or similar sealable, preferably hermetically sealable material, suitable polymer films are as described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a laminate structure is used in which each wall comprises a polymer film and a barrier element, a structural support or a protective material. This element may comprise aluminum, tin, cardboard or similar materials.

  Aspects of the invention can use different wall materials and laminates to achieve the desired properties for a particular end use. In the case of wall materials or laminates, each layer may have a different moisture and gas permeability. In embodiments of the invention in which the wall material comprises a polymer film, the film can be protected against water vapor ingress and can provide an oxygen barrier and an odor barrier. In a laminate structure, the film in the laminate can be used as a moisture barrier and the other film can be used as an oxygen barrier.

In general, for embodiments of the present invention where moisture barrier is important, the polymer film wall element has 0.001 to 4.3 grams / milliliter ("g / mL" per 24 hours per 100 square inches at 38 ° C. “), Preferably under these conditions it will have a water vapor transmission rate of 0.003 to 0.3 g / mL. Similarly, if an oxygen barrier is desired, the wall element has an oxygen permeability of 0.001 to 185, preferably 0.001 to 0.06 cubic centimeters per 24 hours per 100 square inches at 25 ° C. The wall elements can be combined in the form of a laminate. It would be advantageous to provide a moisture barrier that protects the oxygen barrier for the outer layer of the laminate. For example, a polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate / metal film laminate can be used, where polyethylene helps to make and maintain a seal, preferably a hermetic seal, and polyethylene terephthalate provides strength and moisture barrier. , And the metal provides an odor and oxygen barrier. But not limited to, PE / nylon / PET, PE / EVOH / PET / PE, SiO x - Nylon / Valeron (R) / LLDPE, BO Nylon / Valeron (R) / LLDPE / EVOH / ULLDPE , Valeron® / BO nylon / metal / ULLDPE etc., where the order of the materials indicates the cross section of the laminate and Valeron® is a Valeron® strength film, Other film laminates from the list of are possible.

  Valeron® strength film is manufactured and sold by Illinois Tool Works, Inc., 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60025. A general description of Valeron® strength film is given in the following paragraphs from information provided by the manufacturer.

  Valeron® strength film or Valeron® film consists of a family of films that combine tear resistance, fracture resistance and tear growth resistance in a single laminated film. This film may generally comprise polyethylene. The cross-laminate structure of Valeron® film provides an ideal pattern for high perforation resistance. Because of their unique multi-layer structure, any sharp object requires perforating the multi-layer before damaging the Valeron® film. This film exhibits very good tear growth resistance while allowing stapling, nailing, sewing or punching without causing any damage.

  Valeron® strength film will have an ultimate tensile strength no more than twice that of UTS achieved by a standard polyethylene film with equal thickness. Valeron (registered trademark) film is a multilayer and is formed by laminating a plurality of single layers to each other. This manufacturing method ensures the high quality attributes and characteristics of these strength films. Because of their multilayer structure, Valeron® films exhibit an enhanced moisture barrier compared to other single extruded films. Valeron® film is resistant to most commonly used chemicals. Uncoated Valeron® film can be printed according to flexo technology (solvent and water-based ink). In order to reach a more versatile printability, a top coating is provided on the Valeron® film. This top coating allows Valeron® films to range from dot matrix, thermal transfer, flexo UV, offset (standard and UV), digital, ink jet (both piezo and bubble jet® printers) to screen printing. The printing can be performed by various printing techniques.

  Valeron® film withstands temperatures in the range of −40 ° C. to + 90 ° C. Contrary to other synthetic materials, Valeron® film does not get brittle while exposed to negative temperatures, assumes high temperatures and exhibits unique thermal stability due to its cross-laminate structure.

  Valeron (R) film with high performance coating shows excellent adhesion of images on Valeron (R) film, resists scratching and rough handling, and end users can control their products Ensures that its full shape is retained even when exposed to harsh outdoor environments. Valeron® film shows good UV resistance. This UV resistance can be increased by including a UV stabilizer in the Valeron® film.

  Along with a waterproof membrane that exhibits good chemical resistance, Valeron® film is also a substantially airtight barrier as well. Valeron (registered trademark) film is a multilayer and is formed by laminating a plurality of single layers to each other. This manufacturing method allows the Valeron® film to contain a highly sealable layer as well, giving high sealability to applications for both hot bars and impulse seals.

  The thickness of the wall material can vary depending on the particular end use of the package. Generally, to avoid excessive weight for transportation, the wall thickness is 0.0025-0.080 cm (1-32 mils), more typically 0.0127-0.038 cm (5- 15 mil). For certain embodiments, the wall thickness is preferably sufficient to provide adequate fracture resistance and tear resistance. Embodiments of the invention comprise 0.020 cm (8 mil) PE / PET / aluminum laminate walls. An alternative embodiment comprises 10-11 mil Tyvek® protective material (very fine high density polyethylene fibers) and Valeron® strength film.

  Each wall may include peripheral flaps or pre-folded edges, identified as 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23 in FIG. The pre-folded edge provides a sealing surface to allow a seal that can withstand at least partial vacuum in the chamber. The seal can be heat welded, glued, taped or fused ultrasonically using techniques known in the art.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the chambers may be of many different sizes without departing from the invention, and therefore the dimensions of each wall will vary depending on the amount of material to be packaged. be able to. In certain embodiments, the size of the chamber after assembly will approximate the size of a conventional fiber veil designed for use in process equipment. For example, in an embodiment of the invention comprising acetate tow fibers, the chamber approximates the size of the acetate tow fiber veil. In these embodiments, the chamber will be about 70-130 centimeters ("cm") in length, about 55-100 cm in width or depth, and about 25-150 cm in height after assembly. Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for commercial size packages.

  In a further aspect of the invention, the invention is used for the production of a sealed flexible vacuum package, a sheet of packaging material, such as the previously described film, in particular for barrier purposes. A seam and method for making the same are provided that are suitable for use in joining multi-layer films such as those.

  Currently, the width of many films, such as multilayer sheets used in flexible packages, is limited by the machine used to make it. Typically this width is less than 60 inches. If a sheet of multilayer flexible packaging material wider than the available width is required, a seam can be used to form one larger sheet from two smaller sheets. To accomplish this, a fin seam can be used to combine the two sheets. Of course, such a seam is not necessary if a sheet is available that is wide enough to form the entire top of the bale pack. However, when seams are required, sheets joined using fin seams will later form grooves at the intersection of multiple seams, mechanical strain and inconsistent heat transfer when forming the bale. Having a sealing problem due to

  The present disclosure provides seams and packaging methods that are better suited for use in sealable flexible packaging applications such as bulk material packaging, particularly those packaged in large bales.

  In one embodiment, a third typically narrower sealing strip of similar material having two layers of sealable material, two layers of sealable surfaces, one on each side. Join by means of one piece.

  In another embodiment, they both use two pieces, with two layers of sealable material, one on each side. In this embodiment, the flatness has the same characteristics as the rest of the multilayer film and a mechanism such that when sealing the package there is a reduced chance of leakage from incomplete sealing and from groove formation. Lap seams are created. In a similar alternative embodiment, one of the two pieces has a heat-sealable material on both sides and the other piece can be heat-sealable only on the side joined to the other piece. Will have material. Since it is relatively expensive to provide a heat-sealable material on both sides of the piece, it is more economical to use a piece with a heat-sealable material on only one side.

  The seam of the present invention allows the use of a sealing device that is relatively compact so that it can be used in a manufacturing environment, except for the need for a separate location for the manufacture of the package. .

  In a package according to the present invention, at least one wall of the chamber includes an exhaust that allows the chamber formed by sealing the walls to each other to be evacuated. Exhaust components are available from the following commercial sources: Richmond Aircraft Co., Norwalk, California; Menshen Packaging Co., Waldwick, New Jersey Amber Vacuum Equipment Co., Hudson, Massachusetts and Plat-o-Matic Valves Co., Cedar Grove, NJ It may be configured to include vacuum check valves commonly used in the vacuum packaging art, including vacuum check valves available from Grove). This vacuum check valve can be formed in the wall during the manufacture of the wall or can be heat sealed, glued, welded or fused into the wall after the wall is formed. The exhaust device may also be configured to include the vacuum outlet of the present invention. In certain applications, for example, multiple vents can be used to reduce the exhaust time.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum check valve is of a diameter that allows a press-fit connection between the valve and the hose, for example, the “male” end of the vacuum hose and the “female” end of the valve. It may be a press fit between. This diameter can be selected to allow flow rates and pressures that allow the chamber to be evacuated within a short time frame. For example, for a standard bale size chamber 96 cm wide, 121 cm long and 127 cm high, the vacuum check valve diameter may be 20-40 cm, preferably 25-38 cm. The size of the vacuum check valve can be advantageously selected based on the diameter of the hose used to draw the vacuum. As noted above, multiple vacuum check valves of different diameters can be used. The number and size of the vacuum check valves will depend on the rate at which it is desired to remove air from the package.

  While a vacuum check valve is advantageous for use in embodiments of the present invention, other devices can be used. For example, standard hose fittings can be provided on at least one wall of the chamber. A standard hose fitting can be used to evacuate the chamber and then the area behind or above the hose fitting can be sealed with additional film, for example.

  The vacuum outlet of the present invention, described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d, can be advantageously used in embodiments of the present invention. The packaging device embodiment shown in FIG. 2 further includes a section 28 designed to facilitate opening of the chamber for use of fibers within the chamber. Section 28 can be referred to as an “easy-open” feature. The structure of the easy opening feature comprises a pull tape designed to pull to tear open the chamber along a defined path.

  Also, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the chamber illustrated in FIG. 1 can be assembled and filled in a number of different ways. For example, the bottom wall can be sealed to the side wall to form an open box shape. The fiber can be placed in the chamber thus formed and the top wall can be placed on the fiber. The fiber is then compressed to a height substantially equal to the height of the chamber. The top wall can then be sealed to the side wall. After sealing, the interior of the chamber can be evacuated using a vacuum check valve and a common vacuum generator to reduce the expansion force acting on the inner wall of the chamber from the release and rebound of the compressed fibers. .

  Instead, the fibers are compressed between the top and bottom walls of the chamber, and the side walls are wrapped around the compressed fibers and sealed to each other and to the top and bottom walls. After sealing, the chamber can be evacuated before releasing the compression. In yet another aspect, a top sheet and a bottom sheet are provided, between which the material to be veiled is compressed, and the top sheet and the bottom sheet are sealed against each other around their edges. The packaged package is evacuated and then the bale is released from the applied compression force.

  Another procedure is to form a chamber around the compressed fiber volume and release the compressive force and then evacuate the chamber. The compressed fibers will expand and will be constrained by the chamber walls. Since ambient air cannot enter the sealed package, the fibers generally have a partial vacuum or differential pressure between the inside of the chamber and the external environment, and the fiber expansion force per surface area of the package. Will expand until equilibrium is reached. The overall density of the fibers in the package will be lower using this procedure when compared to evacuating the chamber containing the fibers that are still undergoing compressive forces.

The amount of vacuum drawn from the chamber after sealing will depend on the material being packaged. In general, sufficient vacuum is drawn to counter the expansion forces in the packaged material, which can cause the material to expand. Typically, an amount of vacuum greater than the theoretically calculated pressure is used to ensure neutralization of the expansion force. In embodiments of the invention used for packaging bulk fiber material, greater than 1/2 atmosphere (greater than 0.5 kg / cm ² ) from the chamber to ensure neutralization of expansion force. It may be advantageous to draw a vacuum typically less than 1 atmosphere (greater than 1 kg / cm ² ).

  As described herein, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the edge portions of the packaging material, eg, bulkinate, are sealed together so as to completely surround the material to be packaged. This sealing can be performed in a variety of ways such as those described herein. It can be seen that fin seals are advantageous depending on the size of the package, the material being packaged and the amount of vacuum. The fin seal (fish shape) can be made using techniques known in the art, jaw-shaped constant heating or induction sealers. In a manufacturing environment, it will generally be advantageous to perform the sealing operation quickly so as to increase the total throughput.

  Typically, to aid sealing, the laminate packaging material will include a sealing layer as the outermost layer. The sealing layer may include a heat sealable polymer having a melt index that minimizes sealing time. In general, low density polyethylene (including ULLDPE or LLDPE) has been found to provide a useful combination of performance and sealing properties. This sealing layer may advantageously be of sufficient thickness to allow the molten material to flow through the seam and the overlapping secondary seam. This thickness will help in minimizing leakage.

  FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a chamber suitable for use in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the present invention, the top wall 42 may be pre-joined to side walls 46, 48, 50 (not shown) and 52 (not shown). The resulting “open box” shape may include pre-folded sealing edges or flaps 47, 49, 51 (not shown) and 53 (not shown). The bottom wall 44 may include a pre-folded sealing edge or flap 45. The at least one wall may include an exhaust device 56. In addition, an easy opening portion 58 may be provided in one or more walls. The structures and materials used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may be as described elsewhere herein.

  The chamber shown in FIG. 3 can be used in various ways. For example, the fiber is placed on the bottom wall, then the remaining chamber portion is placed on the fiber and the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is sealed to the side walls and then evacuated.

  Figures 4A and 4B illustrate another possible embodiment of the present invention in exploded and assembled views. Package 72 (FIG. 4B) comprises a U-joint structure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the three walls of the package, the top wall 62, the side wall 61 and the side wall 63, are formed from a portion of the first U-shaped polymer film 60, and the remaining three walls of the package, That is, the bottom wall 67, the side wall 66, and the side wall 68 are formed from a portion of the second U-shaped polymer film 65. The edges of the U-shaped portion may further include sealing edges or flaps, one of which is identified in each portion as 64 and 69, respectively. At least one wall of the at least one U-shaped portion includes an exhaust device.

  The second U-shaped part including the bottom wall 67 can be placed, for example, on the bottom platen of the baler. A material 70 to be packaged, for example a fibrous material, can be placed on the bottom wall 67. The first U-shaped portion 60 including the top wall 62 can then be placed on the material 70 to be packaged. The side walls 61, 63, 65 and 68 are then folded around the material and the edges are sealed to the other side walls and the top and bottom walls 62 and 67 using flaps to form the package 72. Can do. The package can then be evacuated. Alternatively, the first U-shaped portion can be placed over the material, compress the material, and then fold and seal the sidewall around the material.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, bulk material 100 can be packaged using the present invention. The packaging material may comprise, for example, component parts 110, 120, 130, and 140 formed from the laminate types described herein.

  To facilitate sealing, each component piece has a flanged edge, ie 112, 114, 116 and 118 on piece 110; 122, 124, 126 and 128 on piece 120; 132, 134 on piece 130, 136 and 138; 142 may include 142, 144, 146 and 148; In the first step, “B”, the corresponding pair of edges can be sealed to form a larger piece. A suitable splicing method for forming these larger pieces will be further described later herein in the description of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 5, the edge 112 of the piece 110 and the edge 122 of the piece 120 are sealed to form a seal 152. Similarly, the edge 132 of the piece 130 and the edge 142 of the piece 140 are sealed to form a seal 162. Of course, if the piece of packaging material is available in sufficient size to form the top and bottom sheets, this seaming step may not be necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the larger pieces thus formed can be placed on top and bottom of the bulk material to form a package having the bulk material therein. it can. The remaining edge of the packaging material can then be sealed to completely seal the package. The seals 172 and 182 are shown in FIG. The excess packaging material forms flaps 192, 194, 196 and 198. This flap can be folded over the side wall of the package and sealed to the side wall to form the package 200 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5E.

  As will be appreciated from the description contained herein, at least one piece of packaging material may include an exhaust device to facilitate creating a vacuum within the package.

  2, 3, 4 and 5 show a substantially cuboid chamber for making a substantially cuboid package. The present invention includes different shaped packages. Further, the present invention includes non-uniform or random shaped packages. As will be appreciated from the description contained herein, the principles of the present invention can be utilized in a bag shaped chamber to create a package that matches the shape of the fibers within the interior volume of the bag. Many of the features and advantages of the present invention will be achieved with non-uniform packages, but such packages are less advantageous for stacking and pallet stacking.

  Turning to FIGS. 8-18, we have several seams that are suitable for use to join the edges of corresponding pieces of packaging material to form larger sheets, for example, These seams shown in FIG. 5 will be described, such as seams 152 and 162 used to join piece 120 to piece 110 and piece 130 to piece 140, respectively. These larger sheets then form the upper and lower portions of the bale, as shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E already described.

  The inventors have found that bulk material packaging can use a wrapping method (garth wrap), similar to the method described with respect to FIG. 2, in which a sheet of multilayer packaging material is wrapped around the product. Turning to FIG. 8, in the simplest way to form a package from a single sheet of material, we bring three fin seams, ie, a product, to form a cylindrical package. We find that the Garth fin seam 401 formed along the two edges and the top and bottom fin seams 402 and 404 of this cylinder are typically formed. The region where the girth fin seam 401 joins the top fin seam 402 and the bottom fin seam 404 creates a problematic area 403 for the distribution of the sealing material along the sealing surface. This mismatch in sealing material distribution can affect package durability, vacuum package capability, and product contamination in multilayer flexible packages.

  Fin seams are a particular problem and they can be cuboid balers from two large sheets using fin seams, each of which comprises a smaller piece joined by a fin seam. Will be seen when used to form. The joints of the fin seam just described when packaging compressed elastic fiber rectangular bales are a problem area because of the greater thickness of material that must be used for durability requirements It is particularly difficult because it is larger than that associated with typical packaging.

  With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 in part, an exemplary method of forming a pre-packaging kit suitable for baling previously depicted in more detail in FIG. The pieces or primary pieces 405 and 406 are joined together along one edge using fin seams 407 to form a larger top sheet 408. Similarly, two additional pieces of multi-layer packaging material are joined along one edge to form a larger bottom sheet 409. The top sheet 408 and the bottom sheet 409 shown in FIG. 10 can be formed identically or identically in size and shape. Of course, if the packaging material is available in a size sufficient to form the entire top and bottom sheets, this initial seaming step can be eliminated. The multilayer flexible packaging material shown consists of a heat-sealable material as the sealing medium on one side of the sheet for seaming together and a non-sealing medium on the other side, so that the top When forming the sheet and the bottom sheet, fin seams or seals must be used to bring the sealing media together. Such a fin seam shape is shown in FIG. 9 and two complementary seams are shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 10, a top sheet 408 and a bottom sheet 409 are adapted to be placed around a bale material to form a package 410, but FIG. 10 is substantially for purposes of clarity. A seam-forming region 412 is shown with a top sheet 408 and a bottom sheet 409 in contact with each other over the target region. In practice, the bottom sheet 409 is placed adjacent to the bottom platen of the baleization device for compressing the fibers, then the fibers are placed on the bottom sheet in the compression device, and then the top sheet is placed on the fibers. Lay down, compress the fiber with a compression device, and seal the top and bottom sheets together on all four sides of the bale using, for example, fin seams. Thus, the seaming of the top sheet and the bottom sheet to form the veil typically occurs in the fiber under compression and adjacent to the fiber material to be veiled, as shown in FIG. 5C. Thus, the top and bottom sheets are brought together and finned together along their edges on all four sides, as shown in FIG. 10 or as bale 200 in FIG. 5E. To form a sealed veil 410. The inset of FIG. 10 shows a view of the area or groove 411 in question that the two fin seams from which the top sheet 408 and bottom sheet 409 are formed together when around the bale, and this groove The problem of 411 is further explained below.

  Referring to FIG. 11 which is a cross-sectional view along the dotted seam line 412 of FIGS. 10 and 10 and shows the top and bottom sheets to be joined together, those skilled in the art will use these seam structures. It will be appreciated that there are several problems encountered when doing so. One problem is that the fins become a physical obstacle when using various sealing devices, even at the seam 412 that is away from the groove 411. Another problem is that the bending of the material in the fin seam weakens the seam at 436 due to the 180 degree bend and the pressure applied to produce the seam 412. Another problem is that the spring action or stiffness of the folded material at 413 resists the collapse of the groove 411. Another problem is that the thickness of some layers, for example at 414, makes heat sealing through multiple layers difficult. The sealing area is not flat as clearly seen in FIG. 11, making it difficult to apply a uniform pressure. A further problem is that the size of the groove 411 and the orientation of the sealing layer caused by the folds are often relatively thin compared to the size of the groove 411, so that the groove completely fills the groove. In order to create a situation where there is not enough sealing material. This seaming step is not necessary when packaging materials are available that are of sufficient size to form the entire top and bottom sheet. However, when the packaging material is not of sufficient size to form the entire top sheet and bottom sheet, the upper part of the veil for the fiber material and In order to obtain a sheet large enough to form the lower part, an inventive seam has been developed for joining together smaller pieces of packaging material. These inventive seams address, in part, each of the aforementioned problems.

  In one aspect, turning to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the disclosure of the present invention includes two pieces 415 and 416, which are referred to herein as primary pieces, plus the present specification. Providing the use of a double lap seam comprising a third sheet 417 (typically narrower) with a heat sealable polymer, eg LLDPE or ULLDPE, on both surfaces, referred to as sealing piece 417 To do. This double lap seam is essentially two lap seams side by side, each of the primary pieces 415 and 416 being lap-sealed to the sealing piece 417 by a lap seam 418. Thus, this seam is parallel to the edge 419 of the other primary piece 416 and is in contact with or adjacent to the other primary piece edge 416 with a slight space between them. It consists of an edge 419 of one primary piece 415. Accordingly, each primary piece is lap-joined to the sealing piece 411 along the seam 418. In this, the primary piece 415 and the primary piece 416 are joined side by side by a narrow piece 411 of material having both sides joining the two. The larger top and bottom sheets, formed using a double lap seam, are only connected to the sealing piece and not to each other, so they overlap the primary sheet There is no need. A preferred embodiment is that the primary sheets do not overlap one another, but for aesthetic reasons, the primary sheets may have a slight overlap, for example to pattern the material.

  There are a number of advantages to using this double lap seam to form the upper and lower sheets. For one thing, when the joined upper and lower sheets are then joined to form the upper and lower portions of the bale, there is little risk of forming leak-generating grooves found with the use of fin seams. It is. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is the possibility of a small groove 421 formed at the end of the splice piece 417, but mainly the groove 420 located at the edge of the splice piece is at the fin seam already described. The cavity is plugged 420 due to the mechanics of the seam when it is sealed. Also, the height at 421 is the thickness of one layer of material relative to the two layers of material plus extra height at the fin seam. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the sealing piece is partially protected by the covering piece and further reduces the size of the groove, so use a thinner sealing piece than the piece used to form the sheet. Is possible. Also, because the double lap seam divides its width into two separate grooves 420, the width of the groove 420 in the double lap seam is half that found at the fin seam. Furthermore, since the primary piece of material is not folded at the seam, there is little or no spring action to resist the collapse of small grooves. The double lap seam also has a smooth appearance on the seam because it is laid flat and both primary sheets are lined up with a third sheet that is at least partially hidden from view In addition, it feels even more aesthetic than fin seams.

  Turning to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment is shown in which single lap seams are combined with the use of a multilayer film, at least one of which has a sealable material on both surfaces, eg, LLDPE or ULLDPE. ing. In this embodiment, the two primary pieces 422 and 423 are seamed together at a single lap seam indicated by the dashed line 424 to form a larger sheet. In this embodiment, the lower sheet 423 has both sides, while the upper sheet 422 can be provided with a heat-sealable material only at the bottom, ie, the side adjacent to the bottom sheet. . Large sheets made by this method can later be used in packaging kits in a manner similar to that previously described and shown previously in FIGS. 5E and 10. Strictly speaking, if either side of both sheets is provided with a heat-sealable material, either side can face the inside or outside of the finished veil, so the top side or bottom side of the sheet There is no side. However, if the top sheet is provided with a material that can be heat sealed only at the bottom, the top sheet edge is bent up and the sheet is finned to the bottom sheet edge forming the lower part of the bale. The orientation of the seat must be maintained so that the bale can be completed.

  In the packaging of the present disclosure, the inventive seam described above joins two smaller pieces together, avoiding the use of fin seams and its attendant problems already described, Can be used to form larger sheets. The seams described herein can be achieved using any type of heating method, such as constant resistance, impulse resistance, ultrasound, or induction. Preferred embodiments are impulse heating and constant resistance heating. This seam is used with various types of flexible multilayer materials having heat-sealable materials on one or both sides to make sealed packaging or packaging kits as described herein. be able to.

  The double lap seam of the present disclosure can be made using standard sealing devices such as continuous rotating belt sealers or clamped impulse sealers and does not require the use of large specialized machines.

  In one method of making the seam just described, shown in FIG. 16, whose purpose is to form a double lap seam, it is a multi-layer capable of being selected to size and having a sealable material on one side. Two primary pieces 425, 426 of flexible packaging material are placed on top of each other with the non-sealing surfaces facing each other and the sealable material facing outward. Overlay the top primary piece comprising a packaging material having heat-sealable material on both sides, wide enough for ease of use and selected to be long enough to create a seam Place it about half the width of the sealing strip, along the length of the top strip (and tape it). The entire assembly is then turned over and the overhanging double-sided sealing material is folded over the second primary piece (which can be taped in place), as in FIG. .

  A continuous belt sealer or other heat sealing device can then be run along the length of the assembly so that it seals the double-sided sealing material to both the pieces at 428. Sheets of primary flexible packaging material will not seal together due to the fact that large sheets have non-sealable surfaces facing each other.

  The assembly is then unfolded and packaging kit manufacturing continues, for example, as previously described with respect to FIG.

  While the method just described is the preferred method of making seams in a developmental vacuum package, other methods are useful and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The inventors have described that the method just described can also be used in continuous operation with industrial strength equipment to make sheets wide enough to be used for packaging bulk materials such as acetate tow. Point out.

  Turning to FIGS. 17 and 18, in an alternative method, a single lap seam according to the present invention can be made using a standard edge sealing device. Referring to FIG. 17, a first primary piece 429 having a sealable material on both sides is placed on a flat surface, for example by providing a non-sealable sheet 430 between the layers so that the sheet adheres to itself. Fold the edges to be joined together so that they do not seal. If the sheet is constructed from a double-sided sealing material, this non-sealable sheet 430 should not be placed between the folded flap and the rest of the primary sheet to avoid sheet sealing to itself. must not. However, if only one side of the primary sheet has a heat-sealable material, another sheet is not needed and the side of the piece without the heat-sealable material is folded over the primary sheet as shown in FIG. be able to. If only one of the two primary pieces has a heat-sealable material on both sides, referring again to FIG. 18, the sheet without the heat-sealable material on both sides is folded.

  With further reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, a secondary primary having a heat-sealable material on both sides, whether or not primary piece 429 or 431 has a heat-sealable material on one or both sides. A piece 432 or 433 is placed on the first sheet 429 or 431 so that the edge of the second or top primary sheet 432 or 433 is directly on the folded edge on the bottom sheet. The sealing device is then run along the edges to form seams 434 or 435 as in the method described above.

  As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the foregoing, the disclosed seams of the present invention include a variety of bulk products, including bulk commodities such as cellulose acetate tow and other materials disclosed herein. It can be used in a wide variety of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques for materials. Such bulk merchandise includes, but is not limited to, agricultural materials, fiber materials, woven materials, and the like. Accordingly, the disclosure herein provides a bale, package, packaging system, packaging method and apparatus as described herein.

  As mentioned above, the package of the present invention is advantageous for use with a wide variety of fibers. Embodiments of the invention comprise a package for the type of acetate tow fiber used for the filter material. In this embodiment, the package of the present invention may consist of a chamber sealed at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of the chamber comprising acetate fibers.

  6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate a vacuum outlet assembly of the present invention that is suitable for use as an exhaust device in embodiments of the present invention. As shown in an exploded view in FIG. 6A, the vacuum outlet assembly may include a vacuum outlet 302, a gasket 304 and a cap 306. The vacuum outlet includes an opening 312 that allows airflow between the interior and exterior of the package. The opening may include a plurality of holes 314 or a single hole. This opening may advantageously take the form of a check valve that allows a one-way flow from the inside of the package to the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the open portion can be lifted against the base 304 of the vacuum outlet to create a wall 316 through which the opening can extend through the packaging material. The portion of the wall 316 that protrudes through the packaging material may include a flange-like portion 318 to facilitate connection to a vacuum suction device. In use, the base 302 is placed on one side of the packaging material and the wall 316 extends through a hole or slit in the packaging material so that the flange 318 is on the opposite side of the packaging material from the base 302. It has become. A gasket 304 having an opening 305 adapted to fit around the wall 316 of the outlet 302 can be placed over the flange to secure the assembly. Further, the assembly can be adhered and / or sealed to the packaging material. A cap 306 is provided to seal the opening 312 as shown in FIG. 6B. Alternatively, 312 can be sealed with adhesive or packaging material after the vacuum is pulled.

  The vacuum outlet assembly can be formed from moldable and / or machinable materials including, but not limited to, polymeric materials including nylon, LLDPE, etc., metals, wood, and the like. The vacuum outlet assembly can be manufactured by molding and / or machining using common techniques.

  FIG. 6C shows additional details in the embodiment of the vacuum outlet 302. As shown in FIG. 6C, the vacuum outlet 302 may be substantially circular and may include radially extending pieces 322 for strength. Further, the vacuum outlet may include an inclined plateau portion 324 near the opening.

  As shown in FIG. 6D, the underside of the vacuum outlet 302 may include grooves 326 and wedge portions 322 corresponding to radially extending pieces. The groove and wedge portions help provide a structural shape to the vacuum outlet assembly.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, the vacuum assembly is substantially round and the coupler to the vacuum suction device is round. Other shapes and designs may be useful as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In general, the base for the vacuum assembly will be larger than the opening to provide structural support for the opening and package walls. A larger base assembly will also help prevent the assembly from being pulled through the package wall and provide a larger sealing surface. Generally, the base is 1.5-20 times larger than the opening. In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the opening was about 26 centimeters and the diameter of the base was about 80 centimeters.

  An embodiment of the device of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus of the present invention may comprise a packaging system of the type shown in FIG. The device may further comprise a container 84 and a ram 86 that are suitable for receiving the fibers 82. The ram may be a hydraulic device and can be operated by a motor and associated controller (not shown). This device may further comprise an exhaust system 88. The exhaust system may consist of a vacuum suction device 90 and an associated hose 92 adapted to be connected to the exhaust 26 in the wall of the packaging system.

  For use, the bottom surface of the packaging system can be placed in a container. The fiber can be placed on the bottom surface and the side and top surfaces can be placed around the fiber. The ram 86 can then be used to compress the fiber. After compression, the hose 92 from the exhaust system 88 can be connected to the exhaust 26 to remove air and gas from the chamber until the chamber reaches a desired pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

  Further features and advantages of the invention are illustrated by the following examples.

Example 1
The advantages of the package embodiments of the present invention comprising fibers are illustrated with reference to a typical prior art veil referred to as a control.

  A veiling apparatus manufactured by Lummus Corporation, Savannah, Georgia was used to produce a typical prior art bale as a control and an embodiment of the present invention.

A control baler bottle was filled with acetate tow to a level such that after compression, the bale dimensions were approximately 94 centimeters ("cm") wide, 122 cm long and 112 cm high. After removing the compressive force, the new veil dimensions were approximately 99 cm wide, 127 cm long and 123 cm high.

  The bale was then packaged with cardboard and plastic sheets along the sides of the bale and 10 plastic straps surrounding the bale. After removal from the baleizer, the bale was stored and increased in height by about 18 cm due to the approximate bale dimensions of 99 cm wide, 127 cm long and 141 cm high. The density of the bale was about 0.4 grams / cubic centimeter and the bale weighed about 726 kilograms (kg). The resulting veil had a strap cut that was evident by visual inspection and bulged about 5 cm in the center of the top and bottom. As a result, the veil was insufficiently flat and had to be stacked on that side.

The package embodiment of the present invention was manufactured using the following procedure. The package used was substantially as shown in FIG.

  The bottom wall was placed on the lower compartment of the fiber holding chamber of a processing apparatus conventionally used to compress and bale the fibers. A fiber holding chamber was filled with acetate tow fibers on the bottom wall. The top wall was placed on the fibers accumulated in the chamber. A compression cycle was performed to create a cuboid shape. While maintaining compression, the chamber wall of the fiber holding chamber was removed and a girth wrap (side wall) was wrapped around the compressed acetate tow. A hermetic seal was made on the pre-folded edges of the front and rear edges of the girth wrap by heat sealing. The pre-folded edges of the top and bottom of the girth wrap, the top wall, and the combined bottom wall were also sealed by heat sealing, thereby creating a sealed chamber.

  A vacuum hose was applied to the vacuum check valve in the side wall of the chamber (girth wrap panel). The chamber was evacuated by pulling a vacuum until the expansion force of the acetate tow fibers reached equilibrium and the acetate tow fibers exerted little or no outward force on the chamber walls. The vacuum hose was removed and the vacuum in the chamber was maintained by a vacuum check valve. Released compression from the processing unit.

  When removed from the packing machine, the resulting package retains a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having approximately the following dimensions: width 98 cm, length 123 cm and height 127 cm, and about 975 kilograms of acetate tow fiber Contained. The average density of acetate tow fibers in the package was about 0.64 grams / cubic centimeter.

  Expansion was minimal during storage, and the package retained a substantially cuboid shape with approximately the following dimensions: width 98 cm, length 123 cm and height 129 cm. The veil was substantially flat to within 0.35 centimeters at the top and bottom.

Example 2
This example illustrates aspects of the present invention.

  By packaging the Bx4 nylon / valeron / ULLDPE film pieces together in the manner shown in FIG. 5 to form two film pieces of about 243 cm × about 269 cm. Formed. Other laminates such as PET-SiOx / Valerone / ULLDPE are expected to function in a similar manner.

  A hole approximately 2.8 centimeters in diameter is punched into one of the film pieces to provide an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly substantially as described in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. Provided. A heat sealer was used to seal the vacuum outlet assembly to the film strip.

  The other piece of film was then placed in a conventional baler packer bin as described elsewhere.

  Cellulose acetate tow fiber was fed over the film pieces into a packing machine bottle to obtain a finished compressed bale about 127 centimeters high.

  The first piece of film was then placed on the platen of the baleizer so that when the platen was moved to compress the cellulose acetate tow fibers, the film covered the top and top portions of the fibers.

  The fiber was then compressed.

  While maintaining compression, drop the sides of the bale bin and seal the edges of the first and second film pieces against each other using fin seals, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. did.

  A soft rubber gasket was placed over the portion of the vacuum outlet assembly that extended through the film.

  Using a hose connection to the vacuum source and vacuum outlet assembly opening, a small vacuum was drawn over the package to create a differential pressure, remove excess air, and then clean the package.

  The edges of the film were then pulled taut to remove the creases and wrinkles and folded and sealed as shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E to form a substantially square package.

Vacuum suction was continued using a vacuum source and hose connection until a substantially constant vacuum of about 0.90 kg / cm ² was obtained.

  The hose was removed and a cap was installed over the opening.

  The compressive force applied by the loader platen was removed and the resulting bale was removed from the loader. A general shrink wrap was placed on the bale and the bale was checked for vacuum leaks.

  This result was the package of the present invention.

Example 3
In this prophetic embodiment, the top sheet and the bottom sheet are each made of two packaging materials (at least one of which has a heat-sealable material on both sides, the other of which is on one side). Or may have a heat-sealable material on both sides). The top and bottom sheets are each formed from two smaller pieces of packaging material using a single lap seam as shown in FIG. These smaller pieces may be, for example, portions of Bx4 nylon / valeron / ULLDPE film that are spliced together to form two film pieces of about 243 centimeters × 269 centimeters. Other laminates such as PET-SiOx / Valerone / ULLDPE are expected to function in a similar manner.

  A hole about 2.8 centimeters in diameter is provided in at least one of the two sheets as an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly such as the check valve described in FIGS. A heat sealer is used to seal the base of the check valve to the interior of the packaging sheet so that when sealed, air can be drawn from the interior of the package and bale.

  A bottom sheet of the just described packaging material is placed on the lower platen of the baleizing device and a substantially continuous cellulose acetate tow fiber is formed as a result of the cuboid shaped bottle in which the tow is deposited. And deposited on the lower platen as a rectangular parallelepiped mass. Instead, the tow is deposited in a rectangular or cuboid bin or in some other manner arranged to form a cuboid mass, and the cuboid mass is only deposited later on the lower part of the packaging material placed thereon. Place on the lower platen with the sheet.

  Thereafter, the top sheet of packaging material is placed on the tow cuboid mass and this mass is compressed between the lower platen and the upper platen of the baleizing device, and this compression is performed for a certain time, for example at least 10 Hold for minutes to obtain a finished compressed bale approximately 127 centimeters high.

While the tow is in the compressed state, the edges of the top sheet and the bottom sheet are brought together and on each of the four sides of the tow cuboid using fin seams Seal to form a hermetic seal. Using a hose connected to a vacuum source and one or more provided check valves, draw a small vacuum on the package to create a differential pressure, remove excess air, and then clean the package Arrange. The edges of the film are then pulled taut to remove the creases and creases, folded and taped to form a substantially cuboid package. While still compressed, vacuum suction is continued using a vacuum source and hose connection until a substantially constant vacuum of about 0.90 kg / cm ² is obtained. The hose is then removed and a screw cap is installed over the opening.

  The compressive force applied by the baleizing device is removed and the resulting bale is removed from the packing machine. The bale is inspected for vacuum leaks and further sealed if necessary, after which a shrink wrap film is placed on the bale. The result is a package of the present invention.

Example 4
In this prophetic embodiment, the top sheet and the bottom sheet are each made of two packaging materials (at least one of which has a heat-sealable material on both sides, the other of which is on one side). Or may have a heat-sealable material on both sides). The top and bottom sheets are formed from two smaller pieces of packaging material, respectively, using sealing pieces and double lap seams as shown in FIG. These smaller pieces are, for example, portions of a Bx4 nylon / valerone / ULLDPE film that are spliced together as described to form two film pieces of about 243 cm × 269 cm. Good. Other laminates such as PET-SiOx / Valerone / ULLDPE are expected to function in a similar manner. The sealing piece used is provided with a heat-sealable material on both sides.

  One or more holes about 2.8 centimeters in diameter are provided in at least one of the two sheets as an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly such as the check valve described in FIGS. . A heat sealer is used to seal the base of the check valve to the interior of the packaging sheet so that when sealed, air can be drawn from the interior of the package and bale.

  A bottom sheet of the just described packaging material is placed on the lower platen of the baleizing device and a substantially continuous cellulose acetate tow fiber is formed as a result of the cuboid shaped bottle in which the tow is deposited. And deposited on the lower platen as a rectangular parallelepiped mass. Instead, the tow is deposited in a rectangular or cuboid bin and the cuboid mass is only placed on the lower platen with a lower sheet of packaging material disposed thereon only later.

  Thereafter, the top sheet of packaging material is placed on the tow cuboid mass and this mass is compressed between the lower platen and the upper platen of the baleizing device, and this compression is performed for a certain time, for example at least 10 Hold for minutes to obtain a finished compressed bale approximately 127 centimeters high.

While the tow is in the compressed state, the edges of the top sheet and the bottom sheet are brought together and on each of the four sides of the tow cuboid using fin seams Seal to form a hermetic seal. Using a hose connected to a vacuum source and one or more provided check valves, draw a small vacuum on the package to create a differential pressure, remove excess air, and then clean the package Arrange. The edges of the film are then pulled taut to remove the creases and creases, folded and taped to form a substantially cuboid package. While still compressed, vacuum suction is continued using a vacuum source and hose connection until a substantially constant vacuum of about 0.90 kg / cm ² is obtained. The hose is then removed and a screw cap is installed over the opening.

  The compressive force applied by the baleizing device is removed and the resulting bale is removed from the packing machine. The bale is inspected for vacuum leaks and further sealed if necessary, after which a shrink wrap film is placed on the bale. The result is a package of the present invention.

Example 5
In this prophetic embodiment, the top sheet and the bottom sheet comprise packaging material of sufficient size to form the entire top sheet and bottom sheet, so as to form these two pieces. In addition, the splicing method disclosed herein is not necessary. The packaging material used may have, for example, the characteristics of a Bx4 nylon / valerone / ULLDPE film of about 243 centimeters × 269 centimeters. Other laminates such as PET-SiOx / Valerone / ULLDPE are expected to function in a similar manner.

  One or more holes about 2.8 centimeters in diameter are provided in at least one of the two sheets as an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly such as the check valve described in FIGS. . A heat sealer is used to seal the base of the check valve to the interior of the packaging sheet so that when sealed, air can be drawn from the interior of the package and bale.

  The bottom sheet of packaging material just described is placed on the lower platen of the baleizing device, and a substantially continuous cellulose acetate tow fiber is formed as a result of the cuboid shaped bottle into which the tow is deposited. And deposited on the lower platen as a rectangular parallelepiped mass. Instead, the tow is deposited in a rectangular or cuboid bin and the cuboid mass is only placed on the lower platen with a lower sheet of packaging material disposed thereon only later.

  Thereafter, the top sheet of packaging material is placed on the tow cuboid mass and this mass is compressed between the lower platen and the upper platen of the baleizing device, and this compression is performed for a certain time, for example at least 10 Hold for minutes to obtain a finished compressed bale approximately 127 centimeters high.

While the tow is in the compressed state, the edges of the top and bottom sheets are brought together and sealed together using fin seams on all four sides of the tow cuboid. Forming a hermetic seal. Using a hose connected to a vacuum source and one or more provided check valves, draw a small vacuum on the package to create a differential pressure, remove excess air, and then clean the package Arrange. The edges of the film are then pulled taut to remove the creases and creases, folded and taped to form a substantially cuboid package. While still compressed, vacuum suction is continued using a vacuum source and hose connection until a substantially constant vacuum of about 0.90 kg / cm ² is obtained. The hose is then removed and a screw cap is installed over the opening.

  The compressive force applied by the baleizing device is removed and the resulting bale is removed from the packing machine. The bale is inspected for vacuum leaks and further sealed if necessary, after which a shrink wrap film is placed on the bale. The result is a package of the present invention.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the system of the present invention may be implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the invention, as other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention.

  The embodiments of the present invention are listed below.

  Aspect 1. Forming a bottom sheet by lap splicing together two pieces of multilayer packaging material;
  Forming a top sheet by lap seaming together two pieces of multilayer packaging material;
  Place the mass of fiber material on the bottom sheet,
  Place the top sheet on the fiber material,
  Subject the mass of fiber material between the top and bottom sheets to compression;
  Sealing the edge of the bottom sheet to the edge of the top sheet to obtain a bale of sealed fiber material;
  Evacuating air from the bale of sealed fiber material to obtain an internal pressure lower than 101 kilopascals; and
  Release the compressed mass of fiber material from compression to get the finished veil
A method for baling a fiber material comprising the above.

  Aspect 2. The method according to aspect 1, wherein the mass of the fiber material has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  Aspect 3. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose acetate tow.

  Aspect 4. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the exhaust of air from the sealed bale of fibrous material results in an internal pressure of about 40,000 to about 92,000 Pa.

  Aspect 5 Process according to embodiment 1, wherein the internal pressure of 50,000 to 70,000 Pa is obtained by exhausting air from the sealed bale of fiber material.

  Aspect 6 The method of embodiment 1, wherein the fiber material in the finished veil has a substantially uniform density throughout the mass.

  Aspect 7. A method according to embodiment 1, wherein the density of the fiber material in the finished veil is greater than the density when no air is exhausted from the sealed fiber veil.

  Aspect 8 A method according to aspect 1, wherein the density of the fiber material in the finished veil is 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than the density without the step of exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 9. A method according to embodiment 1, wherein the weight of the finished veil is greater than the weight of the same volume of finished veil, boiled without venting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 10 The weight of the finished veil is 1.1-1.5 times greater than the weight of the finished veil of the same volume baled without exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale. Method.

  Aspect 11 A method according to embodiment 1, wherein the flatness of the finished veil is increased relative to the flatness of the finished veil which has been boiled without exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 12 The method of embodiment 1, wherein the finished veil comprises a substantially cuboid shape and the height of the center of the top wall is less than 3 cm greater than the height of the edge of the top wall.

  Aspect 13 The method of embodiment 1, further comprising surrounding the finished veil with a shrink wrap material.

  Aspect 14. A top platen having a positive embossed portion so that the step of subjecting the fiber material mass between the top sheet and the bottom sheet to compression facilitates overlapping of the finished veil when the fiber material mass is stacked; A method according to aspect 1, comprising compressing between a bottom platen having a negative embossing portion.

  Aspect 15 The method of embodiment 1, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the bottom sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide.

  Aspect 16. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the multi-layer packaging material forming the top sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide.

  Aspect 17 The method of embodiment 1, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the top sheet and the bottom sheet comprises a moisture barrier layer.

  Aspect 18. A multi-layer packaging material forming a bottom sheet and a top sheet is provided at least in part with a heat-sealable material, and pieces of the multi-layer packaging material are joined together to form a bottom seam and a top sheet. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the heat-sealable material of each piece is heated, thereby forming the pieces directly joined together using a single lap seam.

  Aspect 19 The method of embodiment 18, wherein the heat sealable material comprises low density polyethylene.

  Aspect 20 A multi-layer packaging material from which a bottom sheet and a top sheet are formed is provided with a heat-sealable material at least in part, and a piece of the multi-layer packaging material is joined to form a bottom sheet and a top sheet The method of embodiment 1, wherein the opposite edges of the sealing pieces are formed by thermal welding to the respective adjacent edges of the pieces to be joined.

  Aspect 21. Forming a bottom sheet by lap splicing together two pieces of multilayer packaging material;
  Forming a top sheet by lap seaming together two pieces of multilayer packaging material;
  Place the mass of fiber material on the bottom sheet,
  Place the top sheet on the fiber material,
  Subject the mass of fiber material between the top and bottom sheets to compression;
  Sealing the edge of the bottom sheet to the edge of the top sheet to obtain a bale of sealed fiber material;
  Evacuating air from the bale of sealed fiber material to obtain an internal pressure lower than 101 kilopascals; and
  Release the compressed mass of fiber material from compression to get the finished veil
A veil of fiber material produced by a process comprising.

  Aspect 22 The veil according to aspect 21, wherein the mass of the fiber material is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

  Aspect 23. The veil according to embodiment 21, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose acetate tow.

  Aspect 24. The bail according to embodiment 21, wherein the exhaust of air from the sealed bale of fibrous material results in an internal pressure of about 40,000 to about 92,000 Pa.

  Aspect 25 The bale according to aspect 21, wherein the internal pressure of 50,000 to 70,000 Pa is obtained by discharging air from the sealed bale of fiber material.

  Aspect 26. Embodiment 22. The veil of embodiment 21, wherein the fiber material in the finished veil has a substantially uniform density throughout the mass.

  Aspect 27. The bale according to aspect 21, wherein the density of the fiber material in the finished veil is greater than the density without the step of exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 28. The bale according to aspect 21, wherein the density of the fiber material in the finished veil is 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than the density when no air is exhausted from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 29 A veil according to aspect 21, wherein the weight of the fiber material in the veil is greater than the finished veil of the same volume baled without venting the air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 30 A bale according to aspect 21, wherein the weight of the finished bale is boiled without the step of venting air from the sealed fiber material bale, 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than the weight of the finished veil of the same volume. .

  Aspect 31 The bale according to embodiment 21, wherein the flatness of the finished veil is increased relative to the flatness of the corresponding volume of the fiber baled without venting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 32. Embodiment 22. The bail according to embodiment 21, wherein the finished bale comprises a substantially cuboid shape and the height of the center of the top wall is less than 3 cm greater than the height of the edge of the top wall.

  Aspect 33. The veil according to aspect 21, wherein the process further comprises surrounding the finished bale with shrink wrap material.

  Aspect 34. A top platen having a positive embossed portion so that the step of subjecting the fiber material mass between the top sheet and the bottom sheet to compression facilitates overlapping of the finished veil when the fiber material mass is stacked; A veil according to aspect 21, comprising compressing between a bottom platen having a negative embossing portion.

  Aspect 35. The bale according to aspect 21, wherein the multilayer packaging material from which the bottom sheet is formed comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide.

  Aspect 36. The bale according to aspect 21, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the top sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide.

  Aspect 37 A veil according to aspect 21, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the top sheet and the bottom sheet consists of a moisture barrier layer.

  Aspect 38. A multi-layer packaging material forming a bottom sheet and a top sheet is provided at least in part with a heat-sealable material, and pieces of the multi-layer packaging material are joined together to form a bottom seam and a top sheet. 22. A bale according to embodiment 21, wherein the heat sealable material of each piece is heated, thereby forming these pieces directly joined together using a single lap seam.

  Aspect 39 The veil of embodiment 38, wherein the heat sealable material comprises low density polyethylene.

  Aspect 40. A multi-layer packaging material forming a bottom sheet and a top sheet is provided at least in part with a heat-sealable material, and pieces of the multi-layer packaging material are joined together to form a bottom seam and a top sheet. A bale according to aspect 21, wherein the opposing edges of the sealing pieces are formed by thermal welding to respective adjacent edges of the pieces to be joined.

  Aspect 41 Place the mass of fiber material on the bottom sheet comprising the multilayer packaging material,
  A top sheet comprising a multilayer packaging material is placed on the fiber material;
  Subject the mass of fiber material between the top and bottom sheets to compression;
  Sealing the edge of the bottom sheet to the edge of the top sheet to obtain a bale of sealed fiber material;
  Evacuating air from the bale of sealed fiber material to obtain an internal pressure lower than 101 kilopascals; and
  Release the compressed mass of fiber material from compression to get the finished veil
A method for baling a fiber material comprising the above.

  Aspect 42. 42. A method according to embodiment 41, wherein the mass of fibrous material is substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

  Aspect 43. 42. A method according to embodiment 41, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose acetate tow.

  Aspect 44. 42. The method of embodiment 41, wherein the exhaust of air from the sealed bale of fibrous material results in an internal pressure of about 40,000 to about 92,000 Pa.

  Aspect 45. 42. A method according to embodiment 41, wherein the discharge of air from the sealed bale of fibrous material results in an internal pressure of 50,000 to 70,000 Pa.

  Aspect 46. 42. A method according to embodiment 41, wherein the fiber material in the finished veil has a substantially uniform density throughout the mass.

  Aspect 47. 42. The method of aspect 41, wherein the density of the fiber material in the finished veil is greater than the density without the step of exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 48. 42. The method according to aspect 41, wherein the density of the fiber material in the finished veil is 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than the density in the absence of exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 49. 42. A method according to aspect 41, wherein the weight of the finished veil is greater than the weight of the same volume of the finished veil, boiled without evacuating the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 50 42. Aspect 41, wherein the weight of the finished veil is 1.1 to 1.5 times greater than the weight of the finished veil of the same volume baled without venting air from the sealed fiber material bale. Method.

  Aspect 51. 42. A method according to aspect 41, wherein the flatness of the finished veil is increased relative to the flatness of the finished veil which has been boiled without exhausting air from the sealed fiber material bale.

  Aspect 52. 42. A method according to embodiment 41, wherein the finished veil comprises a substantially cuboid shape and the height of the center of the top wall is less than 3 cm greater than the height of the edge of the top wall.

  Aspect 53. 42. The method of aspect 41, further comprising surrounding with a finished bale shrink wrap material.

  Aspect 54. A top platen having a positive embossed portion so that the step of subjecting the fiber material mass between the top sheet and the bottom sheet to compression facilitates overlapping of the finished veil when the fiber material mass is stacked; 42. The method of aspect 41, comprising compressing between a bottom platen having a negative embossing portion.

  Aspect 55. 42. A method according to aspect 41, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the bottom sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide.

  Aspect 56. 42. A method according to aspect 41, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the top sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide.

  Aspect 57. 42. The method of aspect 41, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the top sheet and the bottom sheet comprises a moisture barrier layer.

  Aspect 58. Providing at least a portion of the multilayer packaging material forming the bottom sheet and the top sheet with a heat-sealable material, and heating the heat-sealable material of each sheet to the bottom sheet and the top sheet 42. The method of embodiment 41, wherein the fins are spliced together to join the sheets together to form a sealed bale of fibrous material.

  Aspect 59. 59. The method of embodiment 58, wherein the heat sealable material comprises low density polyethylene.

  Aspect 60. The multi-layer packaging material on which the bottom sheet and the top sheet are formed is provided with a heat-sealable material at least in part, and the bottom sheet and the top sheet are heat-welded to the heat-sealable material of each sheet. 42. The method of embodiment 41, wherein the sheets are joined together and thereby joined together to form a veil of sealed fibrous material.

Claims (20)

Place the mass of fiber material on the bottom sheet comprising the multilayer packaging material,
Place the top sheet comprising a multi-layer packaging material on the mass of the fiber material,
Given the mass of the fiber material between the top sheet and the bottom sheet to compression,
Sealing the edges of the bottom sheet to the edge of the top sheet, to obtain a bale of sealed fiber material,
And exhausting air from bale of the sealed fiber material, the bulk material placed in a lower internal pressure than ambient atmospheric pressure, and obtain a bale has been completed by releasing the compressed mass of the fibrous material from the compression Comprising
At least one of the top and bottom sheets is formed from smaller pieces joined together with sealing pieces using a double lap seam ;
The double lap seam is a method for forming a fiber material into a veil , wherein the double overlap seam is formed in a state of being adjacent to each other with a small space between an end of one sheet joined to the sealing piece and an end of the other sheet . The method of claim 1, wherein the mass of fibrous material is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The method of claim 1, wherein the fibrous material comprises cellulose acetate tow. The method of claim 1, comprising an internal pressure of 40,000~92,000Pa by the discharge of air from base Lumpur of the sealed fiber material. The method of claim 1 comprising an internal pressure of 50,000~70,000Pa by the discharge of air from base Lumpur of the sealed fiber material. The method of claim 1, wherein the fibrous material of the finished within bale has a substantially uniform density throughout the mass of the fiber material. The method according to the fiber Claim 1 greater than the density of the absence of step density discharges air from bale of the sealed fiber material of the material of the finished within bale. The method according to the 1.1 to 1.5 times greater claim 1 than the density of the absence of step density discharges air from bale of the sealed fiber material of the fiber material of the finished within bale. The method according to the weight of the finished bale is baling without the step of evacuating air from the bale of the sealed textile material, according to claim 1 is greater than the weight of the finished bale of the same volume. The weight of the finished bale is baling without the step of evacuating air from the bale of the sealed fiber material, than the weight of the finished bale of the same volume, 1.1 to 1.5 times greater claim 1 The method described in 1. The flatness of the finished bale is baling without the step of evacuating air from the bale of the sealed fiber material, The method of claim 1 which is increased compared to the flatness of the finished bale. The method of claim 1, wherein the finished veil includes a substantially cuboid shape and the height of the center of the top wall is less than 3 cm greater than the height of the edge of the top wall. The method of claim 1, further comprising surrounding with the finished bale shrink wrap material. Wherein the step of subjecting the mass to compress the fiber material, the mass of the fiber material, when stacked, to facilitate the overlap of the finished bale, positive embossed portion between the top sheet and the bottom sheet The method of claim 1, comprising compressing between a top platen having a bottom platen and a bottom platen having a negative embossing portion. The method of claim 1, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the bottom sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide. The method of claim 1, wherein the multilayer packaging material forming the top sheet comprises one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide. The method of claim 1 multilayer packaging material comprises a moisture barrier layer to form a multilayer packaging material and the bottom sheet to form the top sheet. Multilayer packaging material to form a multilayer packaging material and said top sheet to form the bottom sheet, with at least a portion thereof, the provided heat-sealable material, and, a the bottom sheet and the top sheet, each sheet splicing fins together by heating the heat-sealable material Awashi the method of claim 1, whereby by joining sheet, to form a base Lumpur of the sealed fiber material. The method of claim 18, wherein the heat sealable material comprises low density polyethylene. Multilayer packaging material to form a multilayer packaging material and said top sheet to form the bottom sheet, the at least a portion, and provided heat-sealable material, and, a the bottom sheet and the top sheet, each sheet The method of claim 1, wherein the heat sealable materials are lap seamed together by heat welding, thereby joining the sheets to form a bale of the sealed fiber material.

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