KR101245463B1 - Packages, packaging systems, methods for packaging, and apparatuses for packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the invention include bales and packages that include a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. In various embodiments of the present invention, the interior volume of the package includes bulk material, bulk fiber material, fiber or fibrous material. The invention also discloses a package, a packaging system and a packaging device.

Description

Packages, Packaging Systems, Packaging Methods and Packaging Devices {PACKAGES, PACKAGING SYSTEMS, METHODS FOR PACKAGING, AND APPARATUSES FOR PACKAGING}

The present invention provides novel bales, packages, packaging systems, packaging methods and packaging apparatus. Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for use with bulk fibrous materials, fibers or fibrous materials, including polymeric fibers such as acetate fibers. The package of the present invention may have shapes and dimensions that are advantageous for handling, shipping, storing and / or using fibers.

Major trade items, including agricultural products, fibers and granular goods, are usually packaged, transported and stored in bulk, especially in the form of bales. An example of a representative veil is a mass of material wrapped around a leash, a leash, an iron leash.

For example, synthetic and natural fibers are useful for a wide variety of applications and are obtained through trade. Many types of fibers are packaged and transported in bulk in the form of veils, including aggregates of fibers wrapped around leather straps, cords, and strings.

Typically many types of fibers and other materials to be baled are elastic and will swell or rise again when compressed. During typical baling operations, the material to be baled is pressed under pressure. When the applied pressure is released, the elastic material acts in a spring-like manner to expand or rise on all surfaces of the bale to generate pressure in all directions of the bale. Fasteners and fasteners, including thongs, buckles, straps, iron straps, velcro-type fasteners and the like, are currently used to inhibit bale expansion. Generally, a number of fastening devices are used to surround the bale.

The disadvantage of a securing device such as a leash is that it provides a localized restraint only at the point of contact with the bale. The material on both sides of the fixing device is only partially constrained, which tends to rise and bulge in the part between the adjacent fixing devices. The overall veil will have a non-uniformly rounded shape. In addition, the dimensions of the entire package may change over time. For this reason, therefore, bales can be difficult to stack or lay flat and thus be disadvantageous for storage, transport or use.

Another disadvantage of the fixing device for the elastic material bale is that such fixing device may cause localized damage such as excessive compression of the material in the bale at its contact point. Damaged or compressed material can make the material difficult to use from the bale. For example, damaged or compressed fibers can make it difficult to pull the fibers from the bale into the processing apparatus.

Another disadvantage of the fixing device for the elastic material bale is that the fixing device itself may be in tension. Thus, upon cutting, the locking device may exhibit a kickback and potentially be harmful to the user. In addition, some of the bales may burst when the tension is released. To minimize some of these problems, one can reduce the amount of material per unit volume in the bale by reducing the amount of material being compacted.

In addition to the drawbacks associated with the use of fastening devices, some existing packaging options are that the material is exposed to the environment. As a result, the packaged material can be damaged due to environmental influences, including exposure to moisture, odors, sunlight, dust, and the like.

In view of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with the packaging techniques currently in use, it is beneficial to develop new packages and packaging methods that provide solutions to many or all of the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques for bulk materials including bulk necessities such as agricultural products, fibrous materials, textile materials and the like. The present invention provides bales, packages, packaging systems, packaging methods, and packaging devices.

Embodiments of the present invention overcome many of the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide advantages for the packaging, storage, transportation and / or use of bulky materials, in particular fibers and textile products.

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

In one aspect, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume (preferably wherein the content lies at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure) comprising bulk material.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a packaging system comprising a material that forms a chamber capable of evacuating to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

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

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging bulk material comprising a material surrounding the bulk material to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The device of the present invention may further comprise a device for compressing the bulk material.

The invention is particularly advantageous for packaging bulk fibrous materials, fibers and / or fibrous materials. Examples of fibers advantageous for use in the present invention include those described in the following detailed description of the present invention. Examples of bulky fiber materials or fibers include raw fibers, processed fibers, and the like. Examples of fibrous materials include materials produced from fibers, including nonwoven fibers, knit fibers, textiles, and the like. The invention may also be advantageous for use in packaging textile products typically shipped in bales or containers. Embodiments of the present invention in which the fibrous material comprises textiles are not limited to conventional sweater bags and suitcases, due in part to the bale-like nature of the textile packages of the present invention and / or barrier materials that may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Can be distinguished.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a package having a volume of fiber comprising fibers, where the volume is at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. The present invention also provides a package having an internal volume, wherein the internal volume lies at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. In addition, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume, wherein the internal volume lies at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a packaging material useful for packaging bulk material in a vacuum. Such packaging materials include films, laminates, and the like, which, when sealed, can maintain at least a partial vacuum (internal pressure inside the packaging material below ambient atmospheric pressure) for at least 24 hours or more, typically 48 hours or more, preferably 72 hours or more. have. In embodiments in which the packaging material of the present invention is used to enclose a bulk material, the packaging material ideally maintains at least partial vacuum until the expansion force in the bulk material is neutral.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum outlet assembly useful for packaging bulk material in a vacuum. This vacuum outlet assembly includes a flange portion that includes an outlet adapted to extend through the packaging material to access the interior atmosphere of the package. The flange portion will generally have a larger surface area than the outlet, thus providing a structural support to the outlet. In one embodiment, the flange portion and outlet may be substantially circular with a flange portion having a diameter larger 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 wall of the package to the outside of the package. The outlet can be adapted to attach to the vacuum suction device. In another embodiment, the outlet includes a one-way valve that exhausts air from the interior of the package but restricts the flow of air into the package. The vacuum outlet assembly includes a seal for sealing the flange and the outlet to the package to minimize leakage; It may further comprise a cover or cap for sealing the outlet after vacuum generation.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging a fiber comprising a material surrounding the periphery of the fiber to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The device of the present invention may further comprise a device for compressing the fibers. In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging bulk fibers comprising a material surrounding the periphery of the bulk fibers to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise an apparatus for compressing the bulk fibers. In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging a fibrous material comprising a material surrounding the periphery of the fibrous material to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The device of the present invention may further comprise a device for compressing the bulk fibrous material.

Embodiments of the present invention may have one or more of the following advantages.

In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, no external packaging or containment straps are needed.

In certain embodiments of the package of the present invention, the wall provides a moisture barrier layer that seals the article from ambient moisture.

In certain embodiments of the package of the invention, the wall provides an odor barrier layer that minimizes odor capture by the article within the package.

In certain embodiments of the inventive package, the package dimensions remain substantially constant over a long time.

In certain embodiments of the package of the invention, the package maintains a box-type with a flat surface that can be stacked and stored in various directions.

In certain embodiments of the package of the invention, the density (amount) of the fibers can be increased by at least 10% compared to conventional bales.

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

In certain embodiments of the inventive package, a ruptured package or lack of differential pressure will not cause rupture of 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 invention, the bulk material, fibers, bulk fiber material, or fibrous material may be used incrementally after opening the package.

In certain embodiments of the package of the invention, the package dimensions can be tailored to facilitate pelletization for transportation and / or storage.

Certain embodiments of the packaging system, method and apparatus of the present invention are advantageous for producing the package of the present invention or other packages.

Further details relating to aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following detailed description of the invention.

1 illustrates an embodiment of a package of the present invention.
2 shows an exploded perspective view of a possible embodiment of a chamber for use in an embodiment of the present invention.
3 shows an exploded perspective view of another possible embodiment of a chamber for use in an embodiment of the invention.
4A and 4B show, respectively, an exploded perspective view and an assembled state diagram of an embodiment of a packaging system of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows the preparation of another possible embodiment of the package of the present invention and the final structure of the package.
6A, 6B, and 6C show an embodiment of a vacuum outlet assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet shown in FIG. 10 in a position where a seam is formed.
FIG. 12 shows two pieces of packaging material in which each piece is combined with the sealing strip to the sealing strip using a lap seam.
13 and 14 illustrate cross-sectional or cross-sectional views of the combined pieces shown in FIG. 11.
15 illustrates two pieces of packaging material bonded using a wrap shim.
FIG. 16 shows two pieces of packaging material and sealing strip in a position to be seamed together as shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 17 is two views of two pieces of packaging material with a non-sealing sheet disposed between two pieces of packaging material in a position to be seamed to each other. FIG.
18 is two views of two pieces of packaging material in a position to be seamed to each other.

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

Embodiments of the present invention may include and / or be used with a variety of materials that are typically packaged, shipped, and / or stored in bulk, including materials that are typically packaged, shipped, and / or stored in bales. Can be. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, agricultural products including tobacco, bulk fiber materials, fibers, fibrous materials, cotton, cardboard, hay and straw. In this regard, certain embodiments of the bales and packages of the present invention may be distinguished from previously known packages for consumer products, such as coffee, based at least on their size and volume. As can be seen from the description herein, the bale of the present invention is advantageously used as a substitute for conventional bales using straps in applications where the bale is used.

Embodiments of the present invention may include, but are not limited to, various fibers, including, but not limited to, staple fibers, short fibers, and textile filament fibers, as listed below:

Acetate: cellulose acetate, manufactured fiber wherein the fiber forming material is cellulose acetate. When at least 92% of the hydroxyl groups are acetylated, the term triacetate can be used as the generic name of the fiber;

Acrylic fibers: manufactured fibers wherein the fiber forming material is a specific long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of acrylonitrile units ((-CH ₂ -CH [CN]-) _x );

Anidex: manufactured fiber wherein the fiber forming material is a particular long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 50% by weight of a monohydric alcohol and one or more esters of acrylic acid (-(CH ₂ = CHCOOH-) _x );

Aramid: manufactured fibers wherein the fiber forming material is a long chain synthetic polyamide wherein at least 85% by weight of the amide (-CO-NH-) bond is directly bonded between two aromatic rings;

Azlon: manufactured fiber in which the film forming material consists of certain recycled natural proteins;

Biocomponent: A bicomponent fiber consists of two polymers with different chemical and / or physical properties extruded from the same spinnernet using two polymers in the same filament;

Cotton;

Wool;

Other natural fibers such as flax, hemp, angora wool, fur and the like;

Elastoester: Elastoester is a type of generic fiber of the US Federal Trade Commission, defined as follows: at least 50% by weight of aliphatic polyether and at least 35% by weight of polyester. ;

Glass fibers: for example, e-glass fibers, s-glass fibers and other mineral fibers;

Carbon fiber;

Lyocell: Cellulose fibers obtained by an organic solvent spinning process, wherein (1) "organic solvent" means a mixture of organic compounds and water, and (2) solvent spinning "Means a process of dissolving and spinning without formation of derivatives;

Melamine: production fiber wherein the fiber-forming material is a synthetic polymer composed of at least 50% by weight crosslinked melamine polymer;

Metal fibers: manufactured fibers composed of a metal, a plastic-coated metal, a metal-coated plastic, or a core completely protected with metal;

Modacrylic: A manufactured fiber that is a specific long-chain synthetic polymer composed of less than 85% by weight but at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile units ((-CH ₂ -CH [CN]-) _x ). ;

Nylon: Fabrics wherein the fiber forming material is a long chain synthetic polyamide wherein less than 85% by weight of the amide-bond is directly bonded (-CO-NH-) between two aliphatic rings;

Nytril: at least a long chain polymer of vinylidene dynitrile ((-CH ₂ C [CN] ₂ ) _x ) wherein vinylidene dynitrile is at least all other units in the polymer chain) 85% by weight of manufactured fibers;

Olefins: production fibers wherein the fiber forming material is a particular long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene or other olefin units;

PBI: production fibers wherein the fiber forming material is a long chain aromatic polymer having repeating imidazole groups as an integral part of the polymer chain;

PEN: polyethylene naphthalate;

PLA: polyhydramide fiber or polyacetic acid fiber;

Polyester: Substituted terephthalic acid units (p (-RO-CO-C ₆ H ₄ -CO-O-) _x ) and para-substituted hydroxy-benzoate units (p) having at least 85% by weight of fiber forming material Production fibers, which are certain long-chain synthetic polymers composed of esters of substituted aromatic carboxylic acids, including but not limited to, (-RO-CO-C ₆ H ₄ -O-) _x );

Polypropylene: manufactured fiber wherein the fiber forming material is a particular long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of ethylene, propylene or other olefin units;

Rayon: manufactured fibers composed of regenerated cellulose in which up to 15% of the hydrogen of a hydroxyl group is replaced by a substituent;

Saran: manufactured fiber wherein the fiber-forming material is a specific long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of vinylidene chloride units ((-CH ₂ -CCl _2- ) _x );

Spandex: manufactured fiber wherein the fiber-forming material is a long chain synthetic polysulfide wherein at least 85% of the sulfide (—S _n −) bonds are directly attached to two aromatic rings;

Sulfar: manufactured fibers wherein the fiber-forming material is a long chain synthetic polysulfide wherein at least 85% of the sulfide (—S _n −) bonds are directly attached to the two aromatic rings;

Triacetate: Triacetate is derived from cellulose by combining acetate obtained from acetic acid and acetate anhydride with cellulose. Cellulose acetate is dissolved in a mixture of methylene chloride and methanol for spinning. When the filament emerges from the spinneret, the solvent is evaporated in warm air and-dry spun-leaves almost pure cellulose acetate fibers. Triacetate fibers contain a higher proportion of acetate-cellulose than acetate fibers;

Vinal: At least 50% by weight of vinyl alcohol units ((-CH ₂ CH [OH]-) _x ) wherein the total amount of vinyl alcohol units and at least one of the various acetal units is at least 50% Manufactured fibers which are certain long chain synthetic polymers composed of at least 85% by weight); And

Vinyon: A manufactured fiber wherein the fiber forming material is a particular long chain synthetic polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of vinyl chloride units ((-CH ₂ CHCl-) _x ).

For the purposes of this description, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers indicating amounts of components, reaction conditions, and the like used herein are to be understood as being changed in all instances to the word "about." Thus, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following description are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties contemplated to be obtained by the present invention. While not intending to limit this application to the scope of equivalents or equivalents to the scope of the claims or claims, each numerical parameter should be interpreted at least in terms of the number of most Arabic numerals recorded and by applying conventional peripheral techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, certain numerical values inherently include certain errors that appear essentially from the standard deviations identified in their representative test measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to include all numbers between specific and all subrange values and end points contained therein. For example, the range referred to as "1 to 10" should be considered to include all values (including these) between a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10; In other words, starting at a minimum value of 1 or more, for example, 1 to 6.1, ending at a maximum of 10 or less, for example 5.5 to 10 all values, as well as all values starting and ending within the end point, for example 2 to 9, 3 to 8, 4 to 7, and finally the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 10 each included in the range include all numbers. In addition, reference words referred to as "incorporated herein" should be understood to be incorporated throughout.

Also, as used herein, it should be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural objects unless the context clearly and obviously connotes one.

One aspect of the present invention is a package comprising a sealed chamber comprising bulk material, wherein the chamber is at an initial internal pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. Preferably the chamber is hermetically sealed. The sealed chamber may include a plurality of walls defining a chamber content, including a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The sealed chamber may also include a bag or similar container that can be sealed, preferably hermetically sealed. Although the present invention has been described with reference to a substantially box-shaped (slightly domed rectangular parallel pipe) embodiment, the present invention is not limited to them, and therefore the sealed chamber may have a different shape. It may be. The structure and composition of the sealable bag or container may be similar to the structure and composition described below with reference to the chamber walls.

In one embodiment, the wall surface may be sufficiently flexible and elastic prior to introducing a vacuum to substantially match the geometric volume of the bulk material to be packaged. Similarly, the volume of bulk material can provide a structural support on the wall.

The wall surface may be a film such as polyethylene (“PE”); Polypropylene ("PP"); Ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer ("EVOH");nylon;Mylar; Polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"); Polyethylene terephthalate glycol ("PETG");Polyimide;Polyamides; Tee in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. children. DuPont de Nemo & Co. your language (EI DuPont de Nemours and Company) to manufacture Tyvek sold in four ^® (Tyvek ^®) protected material; Illinois Tool Works, Inc. of (described below) to sell manufactured by a subsidiary of (Illinois Tool Works, Inc.) balreron ^® (Valeron ^®) stiff film (film strength); BO (biaxially oriented) nylon; LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene); ULLDPE (linear ultra low density polyethylene); Films including SiO _x (silicon dioxide) -nylon, SiO _x -PET, and the like, and may have varying flexibility and elasticity prior to the introduction of sealing and vacuum. The polymeric film can provide strength and / or puncture resistance. The wall surface may comprise a single layer or a plurality of layers capable of forming a laminate structure. As pointed out, the polymeric film can be coated with a ceramic material, a sun bale, or the like, for example silicon dioxide. Suitable film laminates are, for example, SiO _x Nylon / Vallon ^® / LLDPE may be included.

The wall surface may also or alternatively comprise a metal foil comprising aluminum, tin, nickel and / or alloys.

In certain embodiments of the invention where bulky material may be degraded by moisture and / or other environmental factors, the wall surface may provide a gas, moisture and / or odor barrier layer that seals the contents from the external environment. .

The wall may further comprise barrier elements, structural supports and / or protective elements, including aluminum and / or other metal sheets or grids, cardboard, wood, fabrics comprising synthetic or natural fibers, fabric straps, and the like. The barrier element may provide a barrier layer for the material that the bulk material may be adversely affected, such as, for example, chemical vapor, water, ultraviolet light, and the like. The wall surface may comprise a laminate comprising a film and these additional layers. Each layer in the laminate may provide a gas barrier layer and may also provide increased puncture resistance.

Generally, the wall thickness will be sufficient to maintain at least partial vacuum inside the package for up to 24 hours, typically for a time sufficient to substantially neutralize the expansion forces in the bulk material to be packaged. Representative thicknesses are described below.

The wall surface of at least one of the sides, top or bottom will comprise an evacuator for evacuating the chamber. As used herein, “evacuator” refers to a valve, port, tube, hose, or the like that will remove gas (or air) from the interior of the chamber. Suitable vents include, but are not limited to, those skilled in the art, such as vacuum check valves, vacuum fitment or sealable ports that exhaust the chamber. One 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, for example vacuum check valves, may be used on one or more walls.

In addition to or as a substitute for the vent described above, embodiments of the present invention may include a port that subsequently seals with a fin seal or lap seal.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum outlet suitable for use as an exhaust in an embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum outlet is described in detail below.

The term "less than ambient atmospheric pressure" is used in a manner consistent with its conventional meaning, wherein the term ambient refers to altitude and temperature above / below sea level at the site to be packaged. The term 'below ambient atmospheric pressure' should also be understood to mean the pressure at least partially in which vacuum begins. Thus, the pressure in the chamber volume in the package of the present invention will be at least under partial vacuum.

Standard ambient atmospheric pressure is considered to be 101,325 Pascals ("Pa"), or 101.325 kPa, at 25 ° C at sea level. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, atmospheric pressure will change as a function of altitude and temperature, and thus pressures below ambient atmospheric pressure in embodiments of the present invention will also change. Embodiments of the package of the present invention will generally include a sealed chamber having an internal pressure between a lower limit and an upper limit below ambient atmospheric pressure, determined by the processing apparatus's ability to evacuate the chamber. In general, embodiments of the package of the present invention will have an internal pressure of 16,000 to 101,325 Pa or less, especially 40,000 to 92,000, and in certain embodiments will have an internal pressure of 50,000 to 70,000 Pa.

In embodiments of the invention where the package bounces up and exerts outward pressure when compressed within the bale, the internal chamber pressure, which inhibits the bale from swelling, is generally intended to maintain equilibrium at fiber strength / area. It will be equal to the subtracted atmospheric pressure. Internal chamber pressure may be higher or lower depending on the particular application desired. The density of the bales in the chamber can be changed by vacuum pressure.

As used herein, the term “sealed” generally coincides with the generally accepted meaning of referring to the passage of a gaseous material (eg air) or other fluid substantially completely enclosed. It is used in such a way. The extent to which the chamber or package is sealed will depend in part on the permeability of the material used to form the chamber, for example on the polymer film.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the package must be sufficiently sealed to be able to maintain an initial partial vacuum for at least two days. Preferably, the package of the present invention will be sufficiently sealed to maintain at least partial vacuum from the initial evacuation time to the time the fiber is used. By way of example, the average time between filling a package and using it for a particular industrial application is 30 days, so that the package of the invention is advantageously maintained at least in partial vacuum for at least 45 days. For certain embodiments of the present invention, it will be advantageous for the package to be maintained in at least partial vacuum for at least 300 days, or for at least 365 days.

As can be seen from the description contained in the present invention, in certain embodiments, features and benefits of the present invention can be obtained when the pressure in the interior may change over time and ultimately return to ambient atmospheric pressure. Even attainment can be achieved by placing the volume of the chamber containing the bulk material at a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. As used herein, the term "initial pressure" refers to the pressure at the time of first sealing the chamber.

As described in more detail below, sealing is achieved through seaming methods such as welding, taping, gluing, fusing, or other joining methods to wall edges and / or other openings of the material surrounding the fiber. can do. The packaging material includes one or more heat-sealable surfaces, and suitable welding techniques include heat welding and induction welding. The seal may also be mechanically produced through the use of interlocking channels or zippered parts in a manner similar to zip-lock bags. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the problems that conventional sealing techniques may experience, and in one aspect also bulk material under vacuum using a combination of the sealing material and the present invention of sealing or seaming. It will be readily appreciated that it is possible to provide a packaging system that is particularly suitable for baling the.

The package of the present invention may further comprise additional wall and / or unsealed packages. For example, the package of the present invention can be placed inside a fabric, bag or cardboard box for shipping and / or storage. In one embodiment, the invention includes a sealed wall surface sufficient to provide an oxygen barrier layer, and further a seal comprising an outer packaging material sufficient to provide an additional moisture barrier layer. Contains a ringed package. External packaging materials may also provide additional protection during shipping, shipping and storage.

In addition, the outer or outer packaging material of the wall may include printing or graphics.

Embodiments of the package of the present invention may advantageously be stacked upon storage. Sometimes it is desirable for the package to be sealed to maintain a vacuum, but if the vacuum is lost in the stacked package, the package may retain substantially the same shape due to a reduction in the expansion force of the fibers produced by applying the vacuum. have. Thus, many advantages of the package of the present invention will be retained even if the initial vacuum is weakened before use over time.

Embodiments of the invention may have a particular physical size and may have certain dimensions without departing from the scope of the invention.

Certain embodiments of the present invention have dimensions substantially equivalent to those of conventional bales of fibers suitable for use in conventional processing equipment, generally widths of 80 to 120 centimeters ("cm"), lengths of 100 to 150 cm, and It will have a height of 105 to 155 cm. Preferred dimensions for use in conventional processing equipment are 95 to 105 cm in width x 115 to 125 cm in length x 120 to 135 cm in height.

For use in commercial process equipment, embodiments of the package of the present invention generally employ a sealed chamber having a volume of from 0.9 to 2.3 m 3, more preferably from 1.2 to 1.8 m 3, and in certain embodiments from 1.4 to 1.6 m 3. Will include. For use in a particular process apparatus set for a typical bale size, embodiments of the package of the present invention will include a sealed chamber having a substantially equivalent volume to a conventional bale having a volume of approximately 1.7 to 2 m 3. .

Embodiments of the package of the present invention may include certain shapes, including cubes, coboidals, cylinders, cones, pyramids, spheres, near spheres, near cubes, and the like. The term "cuboidal" coincides with the geometric meaning that it represents a box-shaped volume with a length, width and height that does not have to be equivalent to a rectangular parallelpiped, e. Used in a way. Thus, the term "substantially cubic" as used herein is a broad term that is considered to be substantially rectangular and encompasses substantially all cube shapes, but typically all lengths, widths, and heights will not be the same. For transportation, handling, storage and use, cubes, substantially cubes or substantially cubes may be preferred. Embodiments of the package of the present invention designed in a manner similar to previously known fiber bales will preferably have a geometric volume approximating a substantially cubic fiber bale.

As can be seen from the description herein, embodiments of the present invention may not have a perfect square edge and the face may not be completely planar. For example, as described below, embodiments of the package of the present invention may exhibit a slightly crowned or arcuate shape at the top or bottom thereof. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the shape of the embodiments of the invention described herein is used herein to describe the general shape.

Another aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the packaged bulk material exhibits a reduced tendency to swelling. 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 compared to the flatness of the corresponding volume of bulk material suppressed under non-vacuum conditions, for example substantially reducing the wall surface of the package. It can be kept flat. In an embodiment of the invention, the difference in height between the edge of the wall and the center point of the wall is less than 8 centimeters ("cm"), preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm, in certain embodiments It may be less than 1 cm. For example, referring to the cube embodiment, the top and bottom walls may be substantially flat, such that the difference in height between the edge of the top or bottom wall and the center point of the top or bottom wall is less than 8 cm. It is preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm, even more preferably less than 1 cm. This flatness provides an advantage in the transportation, storage and use of the package of the present invention.

Another aspect of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the walls of the chamber are embossed and easy to stack, and may include graphics or labeling information, or other purposes. Such embossing can be accomplished by creating an embossed portion on the baling platen and / or a portion of the bottom of the bale chamber and compressing the fibers in the manner described herein using the platen. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a "baling platen" is a flat plate of a hydraulic pump assembly used to press material. In one embodiment, the package includes a "positive" embossed portion on the top side and / or a "negative" embossed portion on the bottom side to facilitate bonding of the package during lamination. In another embodiment, the bottom side of the package may be embossed in the form of a channel to facilitate insertion of the fork portion of the forklift at the bottom of the package. As described herein, where the chamber wall comprises a polymeric film, the wall substantially conforms to the shape of the aggregate of bulk material contained within the wall.

A feature of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the package can be easily handled and stored using, for example, conventional forklifts and similar devices for moving pallets on the top and / or bottom of the package. It includes an embossed relief.

The present invention is advantageous for use with bulk fibrous materials, fibers or fibrous materials. Embodiments of the present invention provide a package comprising a sealed chamber having a volume comprising bulk fiber material at an initial pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a package comprising a sealed chamber having a volume comprising a fiber at an initial pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a package comprising a sealed chamber having a volume comprising fibrous material at an initial pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure. Details regarding the package are described above with reference to embodiments of the present invention comprising bulk material.

An advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the density of the material or fiber in the package of the present invention is increased relative to the density of the corresponding volume of the material or fiber in a conventional veil suppressed using non-vacuum conditions, such as a strap. Can be. Embodiments of the present invention may indicate that an increase in the density of the fibers or materials in the package is between 1.1 and 2.0 times, typically between 1.1 and 1.5 times the density of similar fibers or materials packed in a veil with suppression straps.

A secondary advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the density of the fibers or materials in the package of the present invention may be substantially uniform.

Another advantage of certain embodiments of the present invention is that the total weight of the package of the present invention can be increased relative to the weight of non-vacuum conditions, for example the corresponding volume of the fiber or material in a conventional bale suppressed by the strap. Is the point. Embodiments of the present invention may exhibit an increase in weight of 1.1 to 2 times, typically 1.1 to 1.5 times, compared to conventional veils having approximately equal volumes of restraining straps.

Embodiments of the invention may exhibit one or more of the advantages and other advantages described herein.

The density of the material or fiber in the package of the present invention and the total weight of the package will depend on the composition of the material or fiber in the package. As an example, a substantially cubic (box-shaped) embodiment of the present invention comprising acetate tow fibers having a height of 95-105 cm × length of 115-125 cm × height of 120-135 cm It may have a total mass of 825-1175 kg, typically 880-1130 kg. The density of the fibers in the package may range from 0.2 to 0.9 g / cm 3 (g / cc), typically 0.48 to 0.82 g / cc, sometimes 0.50 to 0.78 g / cc.

Further details relating to the package of the present invention are presented below 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 another aspect, the packaging system includes a sealable chamber that includes an exhaust port.

In one embodiment, the packaging system may include a plurality of walls that may be sealed to one another to form a sealed chamber, preferably a hermetically sealed chamber. Each wall may be provided with a pre-folded edge or flap to provide a sealing surface. In an alternative embodiment, the walls may be wrap sealed to each other. The at least one wall will include at least one vent, such as a vacuum component, vacuum component check valve or port for withdrawing the vacuum from the chamber after assembly. Alternatively, the packaging system can include a sealable bag or container. The features of the packaging system are substantially similar to the system described herein for the package of the present invention.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a sealable chamber around a volume of bulk material, evacuating the chamber to produce an internal pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, and sealing the chamber. It provides a method for packaging a bulk material, including.

The method may further comprise compacting the volume of bulk material. The compacting step may occur before the chamber is completely formed around a volume of bulk material, or after evacuating the chamber after the chamber is formed, or in both cases.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a sealable chamber around a volume of material or fiber, evacuating the chamber to produce an internal pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure within the chamber, and sealing the chamber. It provides a method for packaging a bulk fiber material, fiber or fibrous material, including.

The method may further comprise compacting the volume of material or fiber. The compacting step may occur before the chamber is completely formed around a volume of material or fiber, or after evacuating the chamber after the chamber is formed, or in both cases.

In connection with the method of the present invention for packaging bulk material, bulk fiber material, fiber or fibrous material, evacuating the chamber will produce an internal pressure within the chamber that is at least partial vacuum, in fact less than ambient atmospheric pressure. For example, to minimize the tendency for a material or fiber to exert outward pressure due to anti-elasticity, the exhaust is equivalent to the force exerted by atmospheric pressure minus the force exerted by the material or fiber per unit area after sealing the chamber. It must be at least sufficient to generate the vacuum pressure. The internal pressure is less than the force exerted by atmospheric pressure minus the force exerted by the material or fiber per unit area in the chamber, and in certain embodiments substantially subtracts the atmospheric pressure by the force exerted by the material or fiber per unit area. Internal pressures below the force can be obtained. The pressure drawn by the vacuum will generally be equal to or greater than the force exerted by the fiber per unit area.

Forming the sealable chamber may include assembling a plurality of wall surfaces, including a top wall surface, a bottom wall surface and a plurality of side walls. The wall surfaces can be assembled by assembling and sealing individual wall surfaces in parallel with each other. In certain embodiments, one or more wall surfaces may be formed from a single piece of folded or crimped material. Alternatively, with respect to the sealable bag or container, forming the sealable chamber includes placing the material or fiber into the bag or container, and then sealing the opening, as described further herein. It may include the step.

A feature of an embodiment of the method of the present invention is that the step of compressing the material or fibers can be used to create at least a partial vacuum, in fact a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, in the chamber. For example, the material or fibers may be placed in a sealable chamber that includes a vacuum check valve, the chamber may be sealed, and the fibers may be compressed while in the sealed chamber. During compression, air and gas in the chamber are forced out of the chamber through the vacuum check valve. As a result, at least partial vacuum, and pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, is produced in the sealed chamber when the pressing force is released as soon as equilibrium is reached.

The steps of the method of the invention may be carried out in different orders. In one embodiment, the method of the present 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 another 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; Compressing the material or fibers by evacuating air in the chamber to at least partially evacuate the chamber; And then releasing the compression.

In another embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the steps of: providing a material or fiber; Compressing the material or fiber; Inhibiting the compacted material or fibers; Releasing the compression; Forming a sealable chamber around the material or fiber; Sealing the chamber; Evacuating the chamber; And then releasing the inhibitory force.

In addition to the steps described above, embodiments of the present invention may further include surrounding the sealed package with additional packaging material. A feature of certain embodiments of the present invention is that due to the reduced expansion force in the material or fiber, the package of the present invention can be more easily enclosed with additional material, for example after removal of the packaging device.

The embodiments of the inventive method are described in more detail below.

In another 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 fibrous material, fibers or fibrous material.

Embodiments of the device of the present invention may include the packaging system of the present invention. Such an embodiment may further comprise an exhaust system. In addition, or alternatively, this embodiment may further include an apparatus for compressing the aggregate of bulk materials.

In another embodiment, the device of the present invention includes a device for compacting a material and a collection of materials or fibers to form a sealable chamber. The material or fiber may compress while in the chamber, or may compress it and then surround the chamber. Materials for forming the chamber in the device of the present invention include materials considered herein as suitable for forming a wall or chamber in the package of the present invention. The device for compressing the aggregate of materials or fibers may comprise a commercially available baling device. In general, such baling devices include a vessel for positioning the aggregate of materials or fibers, a hydraulic pump for pressing the aggregate of materials or fibers, and a process control for operating the pump.

Exhaust systems suitable for the device of the present invention may include a vacuum device and associated hoses. The exhaust system must be capable of evacuating the chamber containing the material or fiber to a pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, preferably to the pressures discussed herein with reference to the package of the present invention. One example of an exhaust system includes a vacuum generating device and an accessory hose for connecting such a device to the chamber. The exhaust system may further include a motor and a process control device for operating the machine used to draw the vacuum.

The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiments of the package of the present invention may be advantageously prepared using the packaging system, method or apparatus of the present invention, or may be prepared by other means.

The invention is described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. While the following specific embodiments have been described with reference to fibers, it should be understood that similar embodiments, including bulk material, bulk fiber material, and fibrous material, are also within the scope of the present invention.

1 illustrates an embodiment of a package of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the package 2 may include a substantially cuboidal shape with a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14, and sides 16, 18, 20, and 22. The surface is preferably substantially flat so that the dome or arch of a particular surface will be less than 8 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm, and in certain embodiments less than 1 cm. This dimension is shown in FIG. 1 as "A" with respect to top surface 12.

2 provides an exploded perspective view of a possible embodiment of a chamber for an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealed chamber may include a plurality of wall surfaces, including top wall surface 12, bottom wall surface 14, and side walls 16, 18, 20, and 22. The sidewalls may be formed, for example, from a single sheet material that is folded and bonded at shim 24. Such a structure may be referred to as a girth piece. Alternatively, the sidewalls can be formed from multiple sheets bonded together as described further in other parts of this application. In certain embodiments, the top wall 12 will be slightly larger than the bottom wall 14 to facilitate use in certain machines.

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

Embodiments of the invention may use different wall materials, which may be laminated to achieve desirable properties for a particular end use. Each layer in the case of a wall material, or laminate, may have different moisture and gas permeability. In embodiments of the invention where the wall material comprises a polymer film, the film can protect against water vapor ingress and can provide an oxygen barrier layer and an odor barrier layer. In the laminate structure, the film in the laminate can be used as the moisture barrier layer and another film is used as the oxygen barrier layer.

In general, in the case of the embodiment of the present invention, when the moisture barrier layer important, a polymeric film wall element from 0.001 to 4.3 grams / milliliter ( "g / ml") / 100in 2/24 hours, preferably from about 0.003 in such conditions Will have a water vapor transmission rate of from 0.3 g / ml. Similarly, if the oxygen barrier layer is desirable, a wall element will have a 0.001 to 0.06㎤ / 100in the oxygen transmission rate of ² / 24hr at 25 ℃. The wall elements can be joined in the form of laminates. It may be advantageous for the outer layer of the laminate to provide a moisture barrier layer that protects the oxygen barrier layer. For example, polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate / metal film which produces and maintains seals, preferably airtight seals, polyethylene terephthalate provides strength and moisture barrier layers, and metals provide odor and oxygen barrier layers Laminates can be used. PE / nylon / PET, PE / EVOH / PET / PE, SiO _x -Nylon / Ballon ^® / LLDPE, BO Nylon / Ballon ^® / LLDPE / EVOH / ULLDPE; Valeron ^® / BO Nylon / Metal // ULLDPE; Other film laminates from the above-listed lists are also possible, including the order of the materials here indicating the cross section of the laminate and Valeron ^® is a Valeron ^® strength film.

Valeron ^® strength film is manufactured and marketed by a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works, Inc., 3600 Glenview West Lake Avenue 3600, Illinois, USA. A general description of the Valeron ^® strength film is provided in the following paragraphs from the information provided by the manufacturer.

Valeron ^® strength films or Valeron ^® films include cognate films that combine tear resistance, puncture resistance and tear propagation resistance in one laminated film. Such films may generally comprise polyethylene. The cross-lamination structure of the Valeron ^® film provides an ideal pattern for high perforation resistance. Due to their unique multiple layer structure, a specific article of the angled shape of the need to puncture multiple layers before they damage the balreron ^® film. While such films exhibit exceptional tear growth resistance, they can be stapled, nailed, sewn or punched without causing any damage.

Valeron ^® strength films can possess ultimate tensile strengths up to two times higher than the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) achieved by standard polyethylene films of equivalent thickness. Valeron ^® film is a multi-layered structure in which a number of single layers are stacked together. This manufacturing process ensures the high quality properties and characteristics of these strength films. Due to their multilayered structure, Valeron ^® films exhibit improved moisture barrier compared to other mono-extruded films. Valeron ^® films are resistant to most commonly used chemicals. Uncoated Valeron ^® films can be printed according to flexo technology (solvents and water based inks). To achieve more universal printability, the Valeron ^® film is provided with a top coating. This top coating is a dot matrix (dot matrix) -, thermal -, flexo UV-, offset (standard and UV), digital, ink jet printing, a variety of techniques in the (piezoelectric and bubble-jet printers) by screen printing balreron ^® film Print

Valeron ^® films withstand temperatures ranging from -40 ° C to + 90 ° C. In contrast to other synthetic materials, Valeron ^® films do not break even when exposed to negative temperatures and high temperatures and exhibit unique thermal stability due to their cross-lamination structure.

The Valeron ^® film is provided with a high performance coating to show significant adhesion of the image on the Valeron ^® film, to resist scratching and rough handling, and to guarantee the end user the article to its complete odor even when exposed to a nasty environment Maintain the shape. Valeron ^® films exhibit good UV resistance. This UV resistance can be increased by introducing UV stabilizers into the Valeron ^® film.

In addition to the waterproofing membrane that exhibits good chemical resistance, the Valeron ^® film is also a substantially airtight barrier layer. Valeron ^® film is a multi-layered structure in which a number of single layers are stacked together. This manufacturing process also introduces a high sealable layer in the Valeron ^® film to provide high sealing in applications for both heating rods and impulse sealing.

The thickness of the wall material can vary depending on the particular end use of the package. In general, in order to avoid excess transport weight, the wall thickness will be in the range of 0.0025 to 0.080 cm (1 to 32 mils), more typically 0.0127 to 0.038 cm (5 to 15 mils). For certain embodiments, the wall thickness is preferably sufficient to provide criteria for punch resistance and tear resistance. Embodiments of the invention include 0.020 cm (8 mil) PE / PET / aluminum laminate wall surfaces. Other embodiments are 0.025-0.0275㎝ (10 - 11 mils) includes Tyvek ^® (Tyvek ^®) protective material (very fine high-density polyethylene fibers) and balreron ^® Strength Film.

Each wall may include a peripheral flap or pre-folded edge, identified by numbers 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 in FIG. 2. The pre-folded edge provides a surface for sealing to provide a sealing ability to withstand at least partial vacuum in the chamber. Such seals may be bonded by heating, gluing, taping or ultrasonic fusion using techniques known in the art.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the chambers can be of many different sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention, so that the dimensions of each wall can vary depending on the amount of material to be packaged. In certain embodiments, the size of the chamber after assembly will approximate the size of conventional fiber bales designed for use in processing equipment. For example, in embodiments of the invention comprising acetate short fibers, the chamber will approximate the size of acetate short fibers. In such embodiments, the chamber after assembly will be about 70 to 130 centimeters ("cm) long, about 55 to 100 centimeters (cm) wide and about 25 to 150 cm) high. Embodiments of the present invention are commercially available. It is advantageous for packages of any size.

In another aspect of the invention, the invention is suitable for use in the manufacture of a sealed flexible vacuum package by combining a sheet of packaging material, such as a film as already described, in particular a multilayer film such as used for blocking purposes. Seams, and methods of making them.

At present, the width of many films and multilayer sheets used in flexible packaging is limited by the machinery used to produce them. Typically, such width is less than 60 inches. If a sheet of multilayer flexible packaging material is needed that is wider than the effective width, the shim can be used to form one large sheet from two smaller sheets. To achieve this, two sheets can be joined using a fin seam. Of course, this shim is not necessary if the sheet has a sufficient width to form the entire upper surface of the bale packaging. However, if shims are required, the sheets later joined using finned shims will have sealing problems when the bales are formed due to channel formation, mechanical deformation and inconsistent heat transfer at the junction of the multiple shims.

The present disclosure provides shims and packaging methods that are more suitable for use in sealing flexible packages, such as packaging bulk materials, particularly packaging applications in large bales.

In one embodiment, two pieces of sealable material are applied on one side of each side using a third, typically narrower, sealing strip of similar material having two layers of sealable surfaces. Connect

In another embodiment, two pieces with two layers of sealable material on one side of each side are used. In this embodiment, flat lap seams with similar properties and mechanisms to the rest of the multilayer film are created, which tends to reduce leakage due to incomplete sealing and formation of channels when sealing the package. have. In another similar embodiment, one of the two pieces will have the heat sealable material on both sides thereof, and the other piece will have the heat sealable material only on the side that connects with the other piece. Since providing heat sealable material on both sides of the piece is a relatively expensive process, it is more economical to use pieces with heat sealable material on only one side.

The shim of the present invention allows the sealing device to be used relatively compactly, so that it can be used in a production environment, eliminating the need for a separate site for manufacturing the packaging.

In the package according to the invention, at least one wall surface of the chamber includes an exhaust port for exhausting the chamber formed by sealing the wall surfaces with each other. The vents may include vacuum check valves commonly used in vacuum packing technology, including vacuum check valves available from the following sources: Richmond Aircraft Co., Norwalk, CA, USA ; Menshen Packaging Co., World Week, NJ; Anver Vacuum Equipment Co., Hudson, Mass., USA; And Flat-o-Matic Valves, Co., Cedar Grove, NJ. The vacuum check valve can be formed in the wall during the manufacture of the wall, or can be heat sealed, glued, welded or fused in the wall after the wall is formed. The exhaust port may also include a vacuum outlet of the present invention. In certain applications, multiple exhaust vents can be used, for example, to reduce the exhaust time.

In an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum check valve is a press fit connection between the valve and the hose, for example, between the "male" end of the vacuum hose and the "female" end of the valve. It can have a diameter that allows a press fit of. This diameter may be selected to allow for flow and pressure to allow the chamber to be evacuated in a short time. For example, for a standard bale size chamber of width 96 cm, length 121 cm and height 127 cm, the diameter of the vacuum check valve may be 20-40 cm, preferably 25-38 cm. The size of the vacuum check valve can advantageously be selected based on the diameter of the hose used to draw the vacuum. As described above, multiple vacuum check valves of different diameters may be used. The number and size of vacuum check valves may depend on the speed required to remove air from the package.

While vacuum check valves are advantageous for use in embodiments of the present invention, other devices may be used. For example, a standard hose fitting may be installed in at least one wall of the chamber. The chamber may be evacuated using a standard hose fitting and then the area on the backside of the hose fitting or the area on the hose fitting may for example be sealed with an additional film.

The vacuum outlets of the present invention described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D may be advantageously used in embodiments of the present invention. The embodiment of the packaging shown in FIG. 2 further includes a section 28 designed to facilitate opening of the chamber for use of fibers in the chamber. Section 28 may be referred to as a "easy open" feature. The structure of the easy to open feature includes a pull tape designed to open the chamber by tearing along a defined passageway.

In addition, as those skilled in the art know, the chamber shown in FIG. 1 can be assembled and filled in many different ways. For example, the bottom wall can be sealed to the side walls to form an open box-like structure. After placing the fibers in the chamber thus formed, the top wall surface can be positioned on the fibers. The fibers are then pressed to a height substantially equal to the height of the chamber. The upper wall surface 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 conventional vacuum generator to reduce the expansion force acting on the inner wall of the chamber from decompression and spring back of the compressed fibers.

Alternatively, the fibers may be squeezed between the top and bottom walls of the chamber and the sidewalls surrounding the crimped fibers and then sealed to each other and to the top and bottom walls. After sealing and before releasing the compaction, the chamber can be evacuated. In another embodiment, providing a top and bottom sheet, compressing the material to be baled between them, sealing the top and bottom sheets to each other around their edges, evacuating the sealed package, and then applying The veil can be removed from the pressing force.

Another procedure is to form a chamber around the compressed fiber volume, release the compressive force, and then evacuate the chamber. The compressed fibers will expand and be constrained by the sidewalls of the chamber. Since no ambient air can enter the sealed package at all, the fiber will generally expand until the partial vacuum or differential pressure between the inner and outer environment of the chamber reaches equilibrium with the expansion force of the fiber per surface area of the package. . The overall density of the fibers in the package will be lower when using this procedure as compared to evacuating a chamber with fibers still under compression.

The amount of vacuum obtained from the chamber after sealing will depend on the material to be packaged. In general, sufficient vacuum relieves the intumescent interaction forces in the material to be packaged, causing the material to expand. Typically, an amount of vacuum above the theoretically calculated pressure is used to neutralize the expansion force. In embodiments of the invention used to package bulk fiber materials, a vacuum of greater than 1/2 atmosphere (more than 0.5 atmosphere), typically less than 1 atmosphere (more than 1 kg / cm 2), is applied from the chamber. It may be advantageous to obtain and neutralize the expansion force.

As described herein, in certain embodiments of the invention, the edges of the packaging material, for example the laminate, are sealed to each other to completely surround the material to be packaged. The sealing process can be carried out in various ways as described herein. Depending on the size of the package, the material to be packaged and the amount of vacuum, it can be demonstrated that a pin seal is advantageous. Fin seals (fish type) can be produced using techniques known in the art and jaw type constant heat and induction sealers. In a production environment, it would generally be advantageous to increase overall process throughput by quickly performing sealing operations.

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

3 illustrates another embodiment of a chamber suitable for use in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the upper wall 42 may be pre-coupled to sidewalls 46, 48, 50, and 52 (not shown). The resulting “open box like” structure may include pre-folded sealing edges or flaps 47, 49, 51 and 53 (not shown). Bottom wall surface 44 may include a pre-folded sealing edge or flap 45. At least one wall surface will include an exhaust port 56. In addition, an easy open portion 58 may be provided on one or more wall surfaces. The structures and materials used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may be the same as described elsewhere herein.

The chamber shown in FIG. 3 can be used in a variety of ways. For example, the fiber may be placed on the bottom wall, and then the remaining chamber portion may be placed on the fiber and the bottom wall, then the bottom wall may be sealed to the sidewalls and then evacuated.

4A and 4B respectively illustrate an exploded perspective and assembled state diagram of another possible embodiment of the present invention. Package 72 (FIG. 4B) includes a U-joint shaped structure. As shown in FIG. 4A, three walls of the package, namely, top wall 62, sidewall 61 and sidewall 63, are formed as part of the first U-shaped polymeric film 60, and the package The remaining three walls of ie bottom wall 67, side wall 66 and side wall 68 are formed as part of the second U-shaped polymeric film 65. The edges of the U-shaped portions may further comprise sealing edges or flaps, with the sealing edges or flaps being indicated as (64 and 69) in each portion. At least one wall of the at least one U-shaped portion includes an exhaust port.

The second U-shaped portion comprising the bottom wall 67 may, for example, be placed on the flat bottom of the baler. The material 70 to be packaged, for example fibrous material, may be placed over the bottom wall 67. U-shaped portion 60 including top wall 62 may then be placed on top of material 70 to be packaged. The side walls 61, 63, 65, and 68 are then folded around the material and the edges are sealed using flaps to the other side walls and the top wall 62 and bottom wall 67 to package 72. To form. The package may then be evacuated. Alternatively, the first U-shaped portion may be placed on top of the material and compresses the material and then folds and seals the side walls around the material.

5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the bulk material 100 may be packaged using the present invention. The packaging material may include, for example, component parts 110, 120, 130, and 140 formed in the form of laminates disclosed herein.

To facilitate sealing, each component piece has a flanged edge 112, 114, 116, and 118 on the operation 110; Flanged edges 122, 124, 126, and 128 on the piece 120; Flared edges 132, 134, 136, and 138 on piece 130; And flanged edges 142, 144, 146, and 148 on piece 140.

In an initial step "B", the edges of the corresponding pairs are sealed to form a longer piece. Seaming methods suitable for forming such elongate pieces will be described in more detail in the description of FIGS. 8 to 18. 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. Likewise, edge 132 of piece 130 and edge 142 of piece 140 are sealed to form seal 162. Of course, if the pieces of packaging material are available in sizes sufficient to form the top and bottom sheets, this seaming step will not be necessary.

As shown at " C " in FIG. 5, the elongated pieces thus formed are placed on top and bottom of the bulk material to form a package with the bulk material disposed therein. The remaining edges of the packaging material are then sealed to completely seal the package. Seals 172 and 182 are shown at “D” in FIG. 5. The excess packaging material will form flaps 192, 194, 196, and 198. The flap is folded over and sealed on the sidewalls of the package to form the package of the present invention as shown in 'E' of FIG. 5.

As will be appreciated from the description contained herein, at least one piece of packaging material may include an exhaust port for evacuating the package.

2, 3, 4, and 5 illustrate a cube chamber forming a substantially cuboidal package. The present invention includes packages of other shapes. In addition, the present invention includes packages of non-uniform or random shape. As will be appreciated from the description contained herein, the principles of the present invention may be utilized as a chamber in the form of a bag that creates a package that follows the shape of the fibers in the inner volume of the bag. Many features and advantages of the present invention will consist of non-uniform packages, although such packages are not very advantageous for lamination and palletizing.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-18, the fragment 110 and the fragment 120, and seals 152 and 162 used to glue the fragment 130 and the fragment 140, are shown in FIG. 5. Various shims are disclosed that are suitable for joining the edges of corresponding pieces of packaging material to form large sheets such as bars. This large sheet then forms the upper and lower portions of the bale as shown in B, C, D, E of FIG.

Similar to the method described with respect to FIG. 2 where a sheet of multilayer packaging material surrounds the product, it has been seen that packaging of bulk material may use a wrap-around method (girth wrap). Referring now to FIG. 8, in the simplest way to form a package from a single piece of packaging material, three fin shims are typically formed along two edges around the product to form a cylindrical package (girth fin seam). 401, and pin shims 402 and 404 at the top and bottom of the cylindrical body. The area where the guss fin shim 401 joins with the upper fin shim 402 and the lower fin shim 404 creates a problem area due to the distribution of sealing material along the sealing surface. This inconsistent distribution of sealing materials can affect packaging durability, vacuum packaging durability, and contamination of products in multilayer flexible packages.

Pin shims are particularly problematic when shown, using the pin shims, as shown, the sheets themselves are used to form a cube bale with two large sheets of small pieces glued together by the pin shims. The joining of the pin shims described above is particularly difficult when packaging a cube bale of compressed resilient fiber, since the area in question is larger than a typical package, due to the use of thicker materials due to the durability requirements. .

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a typical method of forming a prepackage kit suitable for baling operations, described in more detail in FIG. 5, is to pin shim two or basic pieces 405 and 406 of a multilayer packaging material. Using 407 to glue one another along one edge to form a large top sheet 408. Likewise, two other pieces of multilayer packaging material are glued along one edge to form large bottom sheet 409. The top sheet 40 and the bottom sheet 409 shown in FIG. 10 may be formed very similarly or identically in size and shape. Of course, if the packaging material is available in a size sufficient to form both the upper and lower sheets, this initial seaming step may be eliminated. The illustrated multi-layer flexible packaging material is a sealing body with heat-sealable material painted on the sides of the sheets to be sealed to each other, and non-sealing material painted on the other side to form a seal when forming the upper and lower sheets. Pin shims or seals must be used to glue the media together. The structure of this pin shim is shown in FIG. 9, and two complementary shims are shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, in FIG. 10, the top sheet is shown for clarity, although the shim forming region 412 is shown where the top sheet 408 and bottom sheet 409 abut each other over a substantial area. 408 and bottom sheet 409 are suitable for forming the package 410 around the veil material. In practice, the lower sheet 409 has a baling device for compressing the fibers disposed adjacent to the flat bottom of the bale, and then the fibers are placed on the bottom sheet in the compacting apparatus, and then the top sheet is placed on the fibers. And the fibers are pressed by a compaction apparatus, and the top and bottom sheets are sealed to each other on all sides of the bale, for example using a pin shim. The seaming of the top sheet and the bottom sheet to form the bale thus takes place from the sheet adjacent to the fiber material to be baled, as shown in FIG. 5C, typically from the fiber being pressed. The top and bottom sheets are gathered close to each other and pin seamed along their edges in all directions to seal the bale 410, as shown in FIG. 10 or as indicated by the veil 200 in FIG. 5E. To form. The inset of FIG. 10 shows a problem area or channel 411 formed by gathering around the bale the two fin shims on which the top sheet 408 and the bottom sheet 409 are formed, and of the channel 411. The problem will be disclosed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 11, which shows, in conjunction with FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view along the dashed shim line 412 of FIG. 10, showing the top and bottom sheets to be sealed to each other, those skilled in the art will appreciate It will be appreciated that various problems will occur when used. One problem is that when using various sealing devices, the pin becomes a physical obstacle even in the part of the shim 412 away from the channel 411. Another problem is that folding the packaging material of the pin shim weakens the shim at 436 due to 180 degree bending and the pressure applied to shim 412. Another problem is that the springs or stiffness of the folded packaging material at 413 prevents the channel 411 from collapsing. Another problem is that, at 414, several layers of thickness make it difficult to heat seal through multiple layers. The sealing area is not flat as can be clearly seen in FIG. 11, so that it is difficult to apply pressure uniformly. Another problem is that the orientation of the sealing layer due to the size and folding of the channel 411 creates a situation where there is not enough sealing material to completely fill the channel, because the layer of sealing material is the channel 411. This is because it is relatively thin compared to the size of. When the packaging material is available in a size sufficient to form both the top and bottom sheets, this seaming step is not necessary. However, when the packaging material is not large enough to form both the top or bottom sheet, and in view of the various disadvantages of the fin shim described above, it achieves a sheet large enough to form the upper and lower portions of the bale for the fibrous material. The seams of the present invention have been developed to glue small pieces of packaging material to one another. This inventive shim partially addresses each of the above-mentioned problems.

As one aspect, referring now to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the present invention refers to two pieces 415 and 416, referred to herein as basic pieces, as referred to herein as sealing strips. Provides the use of a double wrap shim consisting of a (typically thin) third sheet 417 having a heat-sealable polymer such as LLDPE or ULLDPE on both surfaces. These double lap shims are essentially two lap shims apart from one another, with each of the base pieces 415 and 416 being wrapped on the sealing strip 417 by a wrap shim 418. Thus, this shim is such that the edge 419 of one base piece 415 is parallel to the edge of the other base piece 416, meets or opposes the other base piece edge 416, or is slightly in between. It consists of spaced apart. Each basic piece is wrapped seam on sealing strip 417 along shim 418. The base pieces 415 and 416 are thus joined side by side using a narrow strip 417 of double-sided material that seals the two. The large top and bottom sheets formed using the double wrap shims are not in contact with each other but only in contact with the sealing strips and there is no need to overlap the base sheets. Although in preferred embodiments the base sheets do not overlap one another, the base sheets may overlap slightly for aesthetic reasons, such as for pattern-matching applications of packaging materials.

There are many advantages when using a double wrap shim to form the top and bottom sheets. One is that when the top and bottom sheets formed with shims are later glued together to form the top and bottom portions of the bale, the risk of forming leaky channels found when using pin shims is reduced. Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is a possibility that a small channel 421 is formed at the end of the sealing strip 417, but when sealed the shim mechanism fills in the recess 420, which is basically This is because the channel formed at the edge of the sealing strip is less than a quarter of the channel size formed at the pin shim described previously. Also, the height at 421 is about the thickness of one layer of packaging material, as opposed to the two layers of packaging material at the pin seam plus the extra height of the folded portion. Also, in some embodiments, it may be possible to use a sealing strip thinner than the pieces used to form the sheet, since the sealing sheet is partially protected by the pieces covering the sealing strip, Thus, the channel size can be made narrower. In addition, the width of the channel 420 in the double wrap shim is half the width to be found in the pin shim, since the double wrap shim divides the width into two separate channels 420. Moreover, since the basic pieces of packaging material are not folded at the shim, there is little or no springing action to prevent the collapse of small channels. The double wrap shims are also more aesthetically pleasing than the pin shims because they lie flat, and the surface looks smooth when viewed from above the shims because the two base sheets are arranged side by side with a third sheet that is at least partially hidden in view.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment is shown in which a single wrap shim is formed using multilayer films having at least one film on both sides thereof with a sealing material, eg, LLDPE or ULLDPE. In this embodiment, the two basic pieces 422 and 423 are seam together with a single wrap seam, indicated by dashed line 424, to form a large sheet. In this embodiment, the bottom sheet 423 is double sided, while the top sheet 422 is equipped with a heat sealing material only at the bottom surface, ie only at the side adjacent to the bottom sheet. The large sheet produced according to this method can be used in a packaging kit in a manner similar to the manners described above, and as shown in E and FIG. 10 of FIG. 5. Strictly speaking, if the heating sealing material is provided on both sides of the two sheets, either side can be directed inward or outward from the finished bale, so that the sheet has no upper or lower side. However, if the top sheet is equipped with a heating sealing material only on its bottom surface, the orientation of this sheet should be maintained, so that the bale by flipping the edge of the top sheet and pinning the sheet to the edge of the bottom sheet to form the bottom of the bale This packaging can be completed.

In the packaging herein, the disclosed shims can be used to deepen two small pieces together to form a large sheet while avoiding the use of a pin shim and the problem of its attachment, as described above. The shim disclosed herein may be accomplished using any form of heating method, such as constant resistance heating, impulse resistance heating, ultrasonic heating, or induction heating. Preferred embodiments are impulse and constant resistance heating methods. The shim can be used with various types of soft multilayer packaging materials having heat sealing materials on one or both sides to produce a sealed packaging or packaging kit as disclosed herein.

The dual wrap shims herein may be formed using standard shim equipment, such as continuous rotary belt sealing machines or clamped impulse sealing machines, and do not require the use of large, specialized machines.

In one method of producing the shim shown and disclosed in FIG. 16 for the purpose of forming a double wrap shim, the basic two pieces 425, 426 of a multi-layered flexible packaging material selected for size and having a sealing material on one side are: It is placed on the upper end of the opposing side, with the non-sealing sides facing each other and facing out of the sealing material. Sealing strips 427 made of a packaging material with heated sealing material on both sides and selected to be wide enough for ease of use and as long as the shim is made may be disposed along the length of the top piece (tapping). The width of approximately half of the width of the sealing strip then overlaps the upper base piece, and then the entire assembly is flipped over to resemble Figure 16 and the overhanging double sided sealing material is folded over the second base piece (to be wound with a string). May be).

A continuous belt sealing machine or other heating sealing device is operated along the length of the assembly such that the double-sided sealing material seals both sides of the pieces at 428. Sheets of soft base packaging material will not be sealed to each other due to the fact that large sheets have non-adhesive surfaces facing each other.

For this assembly, then, for example, it may be unfolded as described above with reference to FIG. 5 and the preparation of the packaging kit may continue.

Although the presently disclosed invention is a preferred method for generating shims in a vacuum package, other methods may also be used and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The disclosed invention may be used in continuous operation using high performance equipment to produce sheets that are wide enough for use in packaging packaging materials such as acetate short fibers.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, as an alternative method, a single wrap shim may be created in accordance with the present invention using standard edge sealing equipment. Referring to FIG. 17, the first base piece 429, which is coated on both sides of the sealable material, is placed on a flat surface, for example by providing a non-sealable sheet 430 between the layers. The seamed edges are folded so as not to be sealed. If the sheet is made of a double-sided sealing material, this non-sealing sheet 430 is placed between the folded flap and the rest of the base sheet to prevent the sheet from sealing itself. However, if only one side of the base sheet has the heat-sealing material, no separate sheet is needed, and the side of the piece without the heat sealing material may be folded back to the base sheet as shown in FIG. 18. have. If only one of the two basic pieces has a heating sealing material on both sides thereof, the sheet without the heating sealing material on both sides is folded as shown in FIG.

With continued reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, whether the base piece 429 or 431 has a heating sealing material on one or both sides, the second base piece 432 or having a heating sealing material on both sides may be used. 433 is placed on top of the first sheet 429 or 431 such that the edge of the second or upper base piece 432 or 433 lies directly on top of the folded edge of the lower sheet. The sealing device then drives along the edge to form the shim 434 or 435 as in the method described above.

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art from the foregoing, the shims herein provide a variety of bulk, including bulk primary commodities, raw materials, such as cellulose acetate short fibers and other materials disclosed herein. It can also be used in a wide variety of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques for phase materials. Such bulk primary products and raw materials include, but are not limited to, agricultural materials, textile materials, textile materials and the like. Thus, the present disclosure provides a bale, package, packaging system, packaging method, and packaging apparatus as disclosed herein.

As mentioned above, the package of the present invention is advantageous for use with various fibers. Embodiments of the present invention include a package of short acetate acetate in the form used for the filter media. In this embodiment, the package of the present invention comprises: a chamber sealed at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, the interior volume of the chamber comprising acetate fibers.

6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D illustrate a vacuum exhaust assembly of the present invention suitable for use as an exhaust in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown as an exploded perspective view in FIG. 6A, the vacuum exhaust assembly includes a vacuum vent 302, a gasket 304, and a cap 306. The vacuum vent includes an opening 312 through which air flows between the inside and outside of the package. The opening may comprise a plurality of holes 314, or a single hole. The opening may be advantageously in the form of a check valve that allows air to flow only from the inside of the package to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the opening may be raised relative to the base 302 of the vacuum vent, thereby creating a wall 316 allowing the opening to extend through the packaging material. The wall portion 316 that will protrude through the packaging material may include a flanged portion 318 that facilitates connection with the vacuum exhaust device. In use, the base 302 is disposed on one side of the packaging material and the wall 316 extends through a hole or slit in the packaging material such that the flange 318 is above the packaging material opposite the base 302. A gasket 304 having an opening 305 made to fit around the wall 316 of the vent 302 may be disposed over the flange to secure the assembly. In addition, the assembly may be glued and / or sealed to the packaging material. Cap 306 is provided to seal the opening 312 as shown in FIG. 6B. Alternatively, the seal 312 may be sealed with a glue or packaging material after the vacuum is evacuated.

Vacuum exhaust assemblies include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials including nylon, LLDPE, and the like; metal; It may also be formed from castable and / or machined materials, including wood and the like. The vacuum exhaust assembly may be manufactured by casting and / or machining using conventional techniques.

6C illustrates an embodiment of the vacuum vent 302 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 6C, the vacuum vent 302 includes a piece 322 that is substantially circular and extends radially for strength. In addition, the vacuum vent may include a plateau portion 324 inclined near the opening.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the bottom of the vacuum vent 302 may include a channel 326 and a wedge portion 322 corresponding to the radially extending piece. The channels and wedges allow the vacuum exhaust assembly to have a structural form.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, the vacuum assembly is substantially rounded and the vacuum exhaust device and the connecting portion are rounded. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, other forms and designs are useful. In general, the base of the vacuum assembly is larger than the opening to structurally support the opening and the package wall. The larger base assembly prevents the assembly from pulling out through the wall of the package and provides a large sealing surface. Generally, the base is 1.5 to 20 times the opening. In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the opening is approximately 26 centimeters and the diameter of the base is approximately 80 centimeters.

An embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus of the present invention provides a packaging system 88 of the type shown in FIG. 2. . The apparatus further includes a container 82 suitable for receiving the fibers 82 and rams 86. The ram may be hydraulically operated by a motor and associated control equipment (not shown). The apparatus further includes an exhaust system 88. The exhaust system includes a vacuum exhaust device 90 and a hose 92 associated therewith suitable for connecting to an exhaust port 26 in the wall of the packaging system.

For use, the bottom side of the packaging system may be placed in a container. The fibers may be placed over the bottom side and side and top surfaces may be disposed around the fibers. The fibers may then be compressed using ram 86. After compression, a hose from the exhaust system 88 is connected to the exhaust port 26 to remove air and gas from the chamber until the chamber reaches a desired air pressure below atmospheric pressure.

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

[Example]

Example 1

The advantages of embodiments of the package of the invention comprising fibers are illustrated with reference to a representative conventional veil, referred to as a control.

Representative conventional bales were prepared as controls using a baling device manufactured by Lumus Corporation, Savannah, Georgia, USA, and embodiments of the present invention were also prepared.

Control Veil

After compression, the baler bin was filled with acetate short fibers so that the bale dimensions were approximately 94 centimeters (“cm”) wide, 122 cm long and 112 cm high. After removing the compaction force, the new bale dimensions were approximately 99 cm wide, 127 cm long and 123 cm high.

The bale was then packaged into cardboard and plastic sheets along the sides of the bale, and then the bale was wrapped with ten plastic straps. After removal from the baling device, the bale was stored and grew approximately 18 cm in height relative to approximate bale dimensions of 99 cm wide, 127 cm long and 141 cm high. The bale density was about 0.4 g / cm 3 and the bale weight was approximately 726 kg. The resulting bale visually examined had a serrated strap and was domed approximately 5 cm from the center of the top and bottom. As a result, the bales were insufficiently flat and laminated on their sides.

Invention

Embodiments of the package of the present invention were prepared using the following procedure. The package used was substantially as shown in FIG. 2.

A bottom wall was installed on the lower section of the fiber-holding chamber of the processing apparatus commonly used to compress and bale the fibers. The fiber retention chamber was filled with acetate short fibers at the top of the bottom wall. The upper wall was placed on the fibers accumulated in the chamber. A compression cycle was performed to create a rectangular cubic shape. While maintaining the compaction, the chamber wall of the fiber-retaining chamber was removed and then the periphery of the acetate short fibers compressed with a girth wrap (side wall) was wrapped. Heat sealing was used to produce an airtight seal on the pre-folded edges of the front and rear edges of the girth wrap. The conformal pre-folded edges of the girth wrap, top wall, and bottom wall were also sealed by heat sealing to create a hermetically sealed chamber.

A vacuum hose was applied to the vacuum check valve in the side wall of the chamber (panel of the girth wrap). The chamber was evacuated by vacuum until the expansion force of the acetate short fibers reached equilibrium and the acetate short fibers exerted little or no force outward on the wall of the chamber. After removing the vacuum hose, the vacuum check valve maintained a vacuum in the chamber. Pressing was released from the processing apparatus.

When removed from the baler, the resulting package maintained a substantially cubic shape with dimensions of approximately 98 cm wide, 123 cm long and 127 cm high and contained approximately 975 kg of acetate short fibers. The average density of acetate short fibers in the package was approximately 0.64 g / cm 3.

During storage, the expansion was minimal and the package maintained a substantially cubic shape with dimensions approximately 98 cm wide, 123 cm long and 129 cm high. The bale was substantially flat within 0.35 cm at the top and bottom.

Example 2

This example illustrates an embodiment of the invention.

A package of the present invention was formed in the manner indicated in FIG. 5 by joining a portion of the Bx4 nylon / baleron / ULLDPE film together to form two pieces of film approximately 243 cm × 269 cm in size. It is believed that other laminates such as PET-SiO _x / valeron / ULLDPE can also be carried out in a similar fashion.

Holes approximately 2.8 cm in diameter were punched out to cut one piece of film to provide an opening for the vacuum outlet assembly substantially as described in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. The vacuum outlet assembly was sealed to the piece of film using a heat sealing device.

Another piece of film is then placed in the baler bin of a conventional baling device described elsewhere herein.

Cellulose acetate short fibers were fed into the baler bin at the top of the film piece to provide a final compressed bale of approximately 127 cm in size.

The film piece then protects the top and top sides of the fiber as the platen moves to compress the cellulose acetate short fibers by placing the first piece of film on the platen of the baling device.

The fibers were then compressed.

While maintaining the compaction, the sides of the baling bin were lowered and then the edges of the first and second film pieces were sealed using pin seals as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D.

A soft rubber gasket was placed on a portion of the vacuum outlet assembly extending through the film.

 Using a vacuum source and hose connection to the vacuum outlet assembly opening, a small amount of vacuum was applied on the package to create a differential pressure to remove excess air and then strengthen the package.

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

Using a vacuum source and hose connection, the vacuum was continuously adjusted until a constant vacuum of approximately 0.90 kg / cm 2 was obtained.

The hose was disconnected and then capped over the opening.

After the pressing force exerted by the baler platens was removed, the resulting bales were recovered from the baler. The bales were covered with a conventional shrink wrap and the vacuum leakage of the bales was checked.

This final product was the package of the present invention.

Example 3

In this embodiment, the top and bottom sheets are formed from two pieces of packaging material. At least one of these may then have a heat-sealable material on both sides, and the other may have a heat-sealable material only on one side or on both sides. A single wrap shim as shown in FIG. 15 is used to form the top and bottom sheets from two small pieces of packaging material. These small pieces may be part of a Bx4 nylon / baleron / ULLDPE film that, for example, is seamed together to form two pieces of film having a size of approximately 243 cm × 269 cm. It is anticipated that other laminates, such as PET-SiOx / Ballon / ULLDPE, could be implemented in a similar manner.

A hole approximately 2.8 cm in diameter is provided in at least one of the two seats as an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly, such as a check valve as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. By sealing the base of the check valve to the inside of the packaging seat using a heat sealing device, air can be drawn from the interior of the packaging and the bale when sealed.

The bottom sheet of packaging material described immediately above is aligned on the lower platen of the baling device and substantially continuous cellulose acetate short fibers on the lower platen as a cubic aggregate formed as a result of the deposition of short fibers in a cubic bin. Is deposited. In contrast, short fibers are deposited or otherwise aligned in a rectangular or cuboid bin to form a cubic aggregate, after which the cubic aggregate is only located on the lower platen with the lower sheet of packaging material aligned thereon.

The top sheet of packaging material is then aligned on top of the cubic aggregate of short fibers and pressed for some time, for example at least 10 minutes, to provide a final compressed bale of approximately 127 cm in size.

While the short fibers are in a compressed state, the edges of the top and bottom sheets are joined together and then sealed with each other on all four sides of the cubic aggregate of short fibers using a pin shim to form an airtight seal. Using a vacuum source and hose connection to one or more installed check valves, a small vacuum is applied to the package to create a differential pressure to remove excess air before strengthening the package. The edges of the film are then pulled taut to remove the folds and creases, folded and folded to form a substantially cubic package. While still compressed and using a vacuum source and hose connection, the vacuum was continuously adjusted until a constant vacuum of approximately 0.90 kg / cm 2 was obtained. The hose was disconnected and then screwed onto the opening.

After the pressing force exerted by the baling device was removed, the resulting bales were recovered from the baler. The vacuum leakage of the bale is checked, sealed with a push if necessary, and then baled with a shrinkable wrap film. This final product is the package of the present invention.

Example 4

In this embodiment, the top and bottom sheets are formed from two pieces of packaging material. At least one of these may then have a heat-sealable material on both sides, and the other may have a heat-sealable material only on one side or on both sides. A sealing strip and a double wrap shim as shown in FIG. 12 are used to form the top and bottom sheets from two small pieces of packaging material. These small pieces may be part of a Bx4 nylon / baleron / ULLDPE film that is, for example, seamed together to form two pieces of film having a size of approximately 243 cm by 269 cm as described. It is anticipated that other laminates, such as PET-SiOx / Ballon / ULLDPE, could be implemented in a similar manner. The sealing strip used contained heat-sealable materials on both sides.

One or more holes approximately 2.8 cm in diameter are provided in at least one of the two seats as an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly, such as a check valve as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. By sealing the base of the check valve to the inside of the packaging seat using a heat sealing device, air can be drawn from the interior of the packaging and the bale when sealed.

The bottom sheet of packaging material described immediately above is aligned on the lower platen of the baling device and substantially continuous cellulose acetate short fibers on the lower platen as a cubic aggregate formed as a result of the deposition of short fibers in a cubic bin. Is deposited. In contrast, short fibers are deposited or otherwise aligned in a rectangular or cuboid bin to form a cubic aggregate, after which the cubic aggregate is only located on the lower platen with the lower sheet of packaging material aligned thereon.

The top sheet of packaging material is then aligned on top of the cubic aggregate of short fibers and pressed for some time, for example at least 10 minutes, to provide a final compressed bale of approximately 127 cm in size.

While the short fibers are in a compressed state, the edges of the top and bottom sheets are joined together and then sealed with each other on all four sides of the cubic aggregate of short fibers using a pin shim to form an airtight seal. Using a vacuum source and hose connection to one or more installed check valves, a small vacuum is applied to the package to create a differential pressure to remove excess air before strengthening the package. The edges of the film are then pulled taut to remove the folds and creases, folded and folded to form a substantially cubic package. While still compressed and using a vacuum source and hose connection, the vacuum was continuously adjusted until a constant vacuum of approximately 0.90 kg / cm 2 was obtained. The hose was disconnected and then screwed onto the opening.

After the pressing force exerted by the baling device was removed, the resulting bales were recovered from the baler. The vacuum leakage of the bale is checked, sealed with a push if necessary, and then baled with a shrinkable wrap film. This final product is the package of the present invention.

Example 5

In this embodiment, the top and bottom sheets are composed of a packaging material of sufficient size to form the entire top and bottom sheets, thus eliminating the need for the seaming method disclosed herein to form these two pieces. The packaging material used may have the properties of a Bx4 nylon / baleron / ULLDPE film, for example, forming two pieces of film having a size of approximately 243 cm by 269 cm. It is anticipated that other laminates, such as PET-SiOx / Ballon / ULLDPE, could be implemented in a similar manner.

One or more holes approximately 2.8 cm in diameter are provided in at least one of the two seats as an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly, such as a check valve as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. By sealing the base of the check valve to the inside of the packaging seat using a heat sealing device, air can be drawn from the interior of the packaging and the bale when sealed.

The bottom sheet of packaging material described immediately above is aligned on the lower platen of the baling device and substantially continuous cellulose acetate short fibers on the lower platen as a cubic aggregate formed as a result of the deposition of short fibers in a cubic bin. Is deposited. In contrast, short fibers are deposited or otherwise aligned in a rectangular or cuboid bin to form a cubic aggregate, after which the cubic aggregate is only located on the lower platen with the lower sheet of packaging material aligned thereon.

The top sheet of packaging material is then aligned on top of the cubic aggregate of short fibers and pressed for some time, for example at least 10 minutes, to provide a final compressed bale of approximately 127 cm in size.

While the short fibers are in a compressed state, the edges of the top and bottom sheets are joined together and then sealed with each other on all four sides of the cubic aggregate of short fibers using a pin shim to form an airtight seal. Using a vacuum source and hose connection to one or more installed check valves, a small vacuum is applied to the package to create a differential pressure to remove excess air before strengthening the package. The edges of the film are then pulled taut to remove the folds and creases, folded and folded to form a substantially cubic package. While still compressed and using a vacuum source and hose connection, the vacuum was continuously adjusted until a constant vacuum of approximately 0.90 kg / cm 2 was obtained. The hose was disconnected and then screwed onto the opening.

After the pressing force exerted by the baling device was removed, the resulting bales were recovered from the baler. The vacuum leakage of the bale is checked, sealed with a push if necessary, and then baled with a shrinkable wrap film. This final product is the package of the present invention.

While the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the system of the present invention may be implemented in other manners and embodiments. Thus, it should be understood that the content described herein is not recorded as limiting the invention, so long as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

Providing a package having an open box-like structure having a bottom wall, a side wall, and an internal volume;
Positioning the fibers on the bottom wall of the package;
Pressing the fibers;
Sealing an upper wall to the sidewall to seal the package to form a sealed chamber around the compressed fibers;
Exhausting the interior volume through an exhaust port to form an initial pressure in a sealed chamber; And
Step to release squeezing
Including sequentially
The density of the bulk fibers in the sealed chamber is 0.48 to 0.82 g / cm 3;
The package is substantially cuboid;
The top and bottom walls of the sealed chamber are substantially flat,
How to package fibers. The method of claim 1,
And wherein said fibers comprise cellulose acetate fibers. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the density of bulk fibers in the sealed chamber is between 0.50 and 0.78 g / cm 3. The method of claim 1,
Wherein said walls provide at least one of a gas barrier layer, a moisture barrier layer and an odor barrier layer. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the initial pressure in the sealed chamber is at least 16,000 Pa and below ambient atmospheric pressure. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the initial pressure in the sealed chamber is between 40,000 Pa and 92,000 Pa. The method of claim 1,
Wherein the initial pressure in the sealed chamber is 50,000 Pa to 70,000 Pa. The method of claim 1,
The height difference between the edge of the upper wall and the center point of the upper wall is less than 5 cm. The method of claim 1,
The height difference between the edge of the upper wall and the center point of the upper wall is less than 3 cm. The method of claim 1,
The height difference between the edge of the upper wall and the center point of the upper wall is less than 1 cm. The method of claim 5,
Wherein said package maintains at least partial vacuum for at least two days. The method of claim 1,
And a pull tape designed to tear open the chamber along a defined path when the package is pulled. The method of claim 1,
A method for packaging fibers, wherein an easy open portion is provided in one or more wall surfaces.

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