WO2017194804A1

WO2017194804A1 - Envelope/bag for postal use and method for producing same

Info

Publication number: WO2017194804A1
Application number: PCT/ES2017/070287
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Bolos Jimenez
Original assignee: General Innoplast S.L.
Priority date: 2016-05-09
Filing date: 2017-05-09
Publication date: 2017-11-16
Also published as: ES1157308U; ES1157308Y

Abstract

The invention relates to an envelope and method for producing same, which method allows the use of plastic sheets thinner than those used in intermediate supports used for the same purposes. The envelope of the invention is characterised in that it incorporates a chamber that can be inflated by means of a mouthpiece (3), the inflatable chamber being integrated into the envelope itself, that is to say that no handling or complex assembly is required, such that when not in use, the envelope has a minimal volume and, when inflated, allows the content thereof to be protected and/or insulated simply and economically.

Description

ENVELOPE / BAG FOR POSTAL USE AND PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING THE SAME

D E S C R I P C I Ó N

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention, as expressed in the statement of the present specification, refers to an envelope / bag for postal use that contributes, to the function to which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which will be described in detail below, which assume a remarkable novelty in the current state of the art.

More specifically, the object of the invention focuses on an envelope / bag for postal and courier services, whose structural configuration allows, at will, to create air chambers that convert it into a padded envelope to serve as a protective packaging of the contents , allowing the use of it both with and without such cameras, such as any over current and, in any case, providing the advantage of flat storage taking up minimal space.

The configuration of the device of the invention not only allows offering a protective means for its content, but also thermally isolates it in those cases that may be necessary. The method of obtaining the envelope / bag is also an object of the invention, in order that said procedure allows the use of sheets of thermoplastic material of less thickness than those used to date, with the consequent economic savings that this entails.

FIELD OF APPROVAL OF THE INVENTION

The field of application of the present invention is part of the industry sector dedicated to the manufacture of packaging, packaging and similar elements, focusing particularly on the field of envelopes and more particularly, padded envelopes for postal use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known, there are postal items that, due to their delicate nature, it is convenient that they be protected with safer means than a simple paper envelope. For this purpose, for example, what are known as quilting are known, which are formed by at least two layers of material between which there are a plurality of air chambers that provide protection for the content.

These envelopes, however, although they satisfactorily fulfill the task of protecting the content, present an important problem that is the excessive volume they occupy since the air chambers they incorporate considerably increase said volume and, if a large number of envelopes are stacked the The volume they occupy, compared to the same number of current envelopes, is many times greater.

In addition, another of the problems of this type of envelopes is due to the fact that, either in handling and transport, or in stacked storage, the cameras are broken and the envelope loses effectiveness at the time it is going to be used

Trying to obviate this problem, intermediate protective packages are known, such as JP 2008254780, which describes an intermediate package consisting of a kind of inflatable cover in which a plurality of independent chambers participate. they swell through a conduit common to all of them from which a plurality of inflation valves emerge in a branched manner.

Regardless of the structural complexity of the swelling means, this type of device has a structure that is substantially different from the structural characteristics required by a postal delivery support, such as the fact of having a closing flap. self-adhesive, so that, as stated above, they define an "intermediate" packaging, which must be complemented with an envelope in which to be introduced, in order to be finally issued, which complicates and makes the process of using everything set. To a greater extent, the process used to obtain the inflatable chambers in this type of intermediate packaging is based on the technique of thermo-welding, a process that requires that the walls of thermo-plastic material used be of a certain thickness to ensure the tightness, that is to say a correct and continuous fusion between these layers, or forces the use of other materials, which negatively affects the cost of the final product.

The aim of the present invention is to develop a new type of envelope that allows it to be converted only when it is of interest in a padded envelope with air chambers and, when not in use, remains a plain envelope.

On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although, as has been said, multiple types of envelopes are known in the market, at least on the part of the applicant, the existence of none that is unknown is unknown. present technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those specifically presented here, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the envelope / bag for postal use that the invention proposes is configured as a novelty within its field of application, since, according to its implementation and in a restrictive way, the aforementioned objectives are satisfactorily achieved, the characterizing details being that make it possible and that distinguish it from what is already known conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description.

Specifically, what the invention proposes, as noted above, is an envelope for postal use that is distinguished by having a structural configuration comprising inflatable waterproof air chambers at will, so that with uninflated chambers it is a current envelope and usable for current shipments, that is to say that they do not require additional protection, and with the inflated cameras they convert it into a padded envelope usable as a protective packaging of the content, with the advantage that, being the inflatable cameras at will, only inflate at the time of use and, therefore, during transport and storage of the envelope, this is a flat envelope that occupies a minimum space and the cameras do not suffer pressure that can damage them or burst them.

For this, the envelope is configured from at least two layers of thermoplastic sheet adhered to each other with an adhesive that forms the chambers when applied only at certain points, there being, at least, a valve that communicates with said chambers for provide inflation thereof, by any appropriate system, for example by blowing with the mouth or by another mechanical inflation element. Preferably this valve is incorporated in the envelope in a discreet and hidden place to avoid deterioration, preferably in the flap area, next to the envelope closure adhesive, so that, preferably, said flap serves to hide the valve once inflated the cameras. Alternatively, in addition to the aforementioned layers of thermoplastic sheet adhered forming the chambers, the envelope has an additional layer, of the same or other sheet material, which is arranged externally and incorporated in its interior, as an inner sleeve, the two layers of sheet adhered forming the chambers, being independent to said additional outer layer.

In any case, the envelope is configured with the external welds necessary for its completion, presenting variable measures depending on the needs of each case, materials of different polymers and thicknesses, printing and exterior codes, as well as pockets for delivery note etc.

The layers that determine the inner jacket of the envelope are provided that they may have different composition and thicknesses of different materials to achieve different elasticity / stiffness properties in the internal and external area of the assembly. When it is desired to give a thermal insulation character greater than the envelope, it may incorporate one or more intermediate layers of insulating material between the jacket that determines the inflatable chambers and the outer layer of the envelope.

As for the configuration of the inflation valve that participates in the envelope, and in accordance with a preferred but not limiting embodiment thereof, it is provided that it is obtained by two sheets of thermoplastic material of adequate length and width depending on the dimensions of the envelope in which it is applied, which adopts a tubular configuration, that is, open at its ends, and which is fixed by its lateral edges to the body of the envelope and between the two walls that define its inflatable chamber, tubular body in whose interior a series of transverse partitions participate that do not extend to the entire width of said tubular body, and which are arranged alternately on one and another side edge successively, which determines a unique conduction that adopts a zig-zag configuration, which hinders the loss of air through it.

As for the outer shape of the envelope, it can be printed with its mandatory flap with different types of adhesive or security. The sheets used can be transparent colored or opaque to the content. Preferably, the size of the device will respond to the standard for postal or courier use, although envelopes of sizes could be manufactured according to the needs of each client.

It is therefore a finished final product, which does not require the use of additional envelopes or the assembly of some pieces over others, which simplifies the process of using it, thus obtaining a reliable and competitive final product, with a volumetric reduction in situation inoperative of the order of 80%.

As for the materials used, these are thermoplastic polyolefin based materials, fully recyclable, reusable and safe.

Turning now to describe the manufacturing process of the device, as mentioned above, two ways or variants of the envelope of the invention, a first and simpler one, are provided, in which it is based exclusively on two rectangular sheets of plastic of reduced thickness, which can be of the same or different material and / or thickness, one slightly longer than the other, whose difference in length determines the closure flap, on which the safety, adhesive or adhesive band is finally applied Conventional closure means in question, while the three common perimeter edges are fixed to each other by means of adhesive, applied between said walls and at equally adhesive strategic points that determine chambers in the inflation of the device, so that between the upper edge of the shorter sheet and the back sheet a swelling valve is arranged so that it does not protrude beyond the tongue or tab of the envelope, finally applying a cord adhesive that seals the assembly tightly.

The use of adhesives instead of thermo-sealing techniques means that the envelope can be obtained from sheets of thinner plastic material, which makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs. From this structuring, it is folded by means of a transverse fold line of the assembly, to fix the lateral edges again, that when presenting in this configuration a greater number of layers, they can be fixed interchangeably by means of adhesive or by thermo- welding, based on a greater participation of plastic material in these areas, thus obtaining the most basic version of the envelope, which would remain open.

In accordance with the most complex and complete variant of the invention, it is intended to start from three plastic sheets of different thicknesses, flexibility and stiffness, so that the layer that determines the external surface of the device is more rigid and thick, while the two layers that define the internal air chambers can be as thin and flexible as possible, although they can be of different thicknesses and / or materials, thus minimizing the manufacturing costs of the device.

The sheet that defines the outer face of the envelope / bag, can be opaque, colored or transparent and can be printed.

Between the two sheets to be determined by the air chambers, adhesive is applied at strategic points, to define said chambers in the inflation of the same, so that the external sheet assembly plus the air chamber are assembled simultaneously, incorporating between the two sheets glued the inflation valve.

The outer sheet plus the inflatable chamber are welded longitudinally and folded in half leaving the flap and the excess of the valve out of the envelope compartment. The next productive step is to weld the sides of the envelope and the placement of the adhesives or security systems, so that the whole assembly is then cut.

The process of forming the envelope or bag requires materials designed for this purpose to achieve maximum external and internal stiffness of the envelope with highly flexible air chambers.

With all this, the advantages offered by the envelope / bag of the invention in its use for postal and courier shipments are evident, also providing additional advantages such as its possibility of reuse, its possible use as a pad in events, and its total recovery as a monomaterial

The described envelope / bag for postal use, therefore, represents an innovation of structural and constitutive characteristics unknown until now, reasons that together with its practical utility, provide it with sufficient grounds to obtain the privilege of exclusivity that is requested.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description that is going to be made below and in order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof, it is accompanied as an integral part of said description, A set of drawings where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure number 1. Shows a plan view of an example of the envelope / bag for postal use, object of the invention, showing some of the main parts and elements it comprises, as well as its configuration and arrangement. Figure number 2. Shows a sectional view of the envelope / bag of the invention, according to section AA indicated in figure 1, showing the air chambers comprising in a first embodiment of the outer and inner sheet layers that is formed. Figure number 3. Shows a sectional view, similar to the previous one, in this case showing a second embodiment formed by the additional outer layer and the inner jacket with cameras. Figure number 4. Shows an exploded plan view of the elements involved in obtaining the simplest embodiment variant and shown in figure 2.

Figures 5, 6 and 7. They show two views referring to the manufacturing steps of the simplest embodiment variant mentioned above.

Figure number 8. Shows an exploded view of the elements that participate in obtaining the most complete variant of embodiment and shown in Figure 3.

Figures 9, 10 and 1 1. They show two views referring to the manufacturing steps of the most complete variant described above.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, it can be seen in them two examples of the envelope / bag for postal use recommended, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below. Thus, according to these figures, it can be seen how the envelope (1) in question has a laminar structure comprising inflatable air chambers (2) at will through a valve (3).

In particular, the preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates that said envelope (1), as shown in Figure 2, is configured from at least two layers of external and internal sheet (4) adhered together with an adhesive only in certain points (5) that define said air chambers (2) communicating with the valve (3) to inflate them. Preferably, the two layers of outer and inner sheet (4) adhered by points (5) of adhesive are thermoplastic sheet.

Preferably the valve (3) conceals in the area of the flap (6), next to the band (7) of closing adhesive, and in such a way that preferably, said band (7) of adhesive, while the flap ( 6), it also serves to close the valve (3) once the air chambers (2) are inflated.

Alternatively, the envelope (1) also has an additional outer layer (8) that is of the same material or other sheet material, which is arranged externally and with the two layers of outer and inner sheet (4) located inside, a internal jacket mode independent of said outer additional layer (8).

As can be seen in figure 1, the envelope (1) is preferably configured with perimeter welds (9) for its completion.

As for the valve (3) it will preferably be obtained from two sheets of thermoplastic material that adopts a tubular configuration, that is, open at its ends, in which a series of transverse partitions (10) that do not arrive participate. to extend to the entire width of said tubular body, and which are arranged alternately which determines a unique conduction that adopts a zig-zag configuration, which hinders the loss of air therethrough.

As regards the manufacturing process of the device, and according to the simplest embodiment variant, the one shown in Figures 4 to 7, will be based on two rectangular sheets (4) of reduced thickness plastic, one slightly more long than the other, whose difference in length determines the closing flap (6), on which the safety band, adhesive (7) or conventional closing means in question is finally applied, while the three common perimeter edges they are fixed to each other by means of adhesive (5), applying between said walls and at strategic points equally adhesive (5) that determines different chambers in the swelling of the device, through a single inflation valve (3).

Between the upper edge of the shorter sheet and the back sheet, the inflation valve (3) is arranged so that it does not protrude beyond the tongue or tab itself of closing the envelope, finally applying on said assembly an adhesive cord (5) that seals the assembly tightly.

From this structuring, it is folded by means of a transverse line (11) of fold of the assembly, to fix the lateral edges again, that when presenting in this configuration a greater number of layers, they can be fixed interchangeably by means of adhesive or by thermo-welding (9), based on a greater participation of plastic material in said areas, thus obtaining the most basic and economical version of the envelope.According to the most complex and complete variant of the invention, the one shown in the figures 8 to 11, it is planned to start from three plastic sheets of different thicknesses, flexibility and rigidity, so that the layer (8) that determines the external surface of the device is more rigid and thick, while the two layers ( 4) that define the internal air chambers are as thin and flexible as possible, the latter being of different thickness and / or material, as well as opaque sheet or outer layer (8), of colo r or transparent as well as go printed.

Between the two sheets (4) to be determined by the air chambers, adhesive (5) is applied at strategic points, to define said chambers in the inflation of the same, so that the external sheet assembly (8) plus the chamber of air determined by the two sheets (4) are assembled simultaneously perimetrically by heat sealing, incorporating the inflation valve (3) between the upper edge of the two sheets (4).

In this way, the outer sheet plus the inflatable chamber are welded longitudinally and folded through an intermediate folding line (11), leaving the flap and the excess of the valve out of the envelope compartment.

Optionally, in this phase one or more layers of thermal insulating material may be disposed between said outer layer and the jacket defining the inflatable chambers, when the envelope requires additional thermal insulating properties.

At a later stage the welding (9) of the sides of the envelope and the placement of the adhesives or security systems (7) for the flange (6) is carried out. Describing sufficiently the nature of the present invention, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any person skilled in the art understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it, stating that, within its essentiality, it may be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from that indicated by way of example, and to which it also attains the protection that is sought provided that it does not alter, change or modify its fundamental principle .

Claims

1. Postal envelope / bag, characterized by having a laminar structure comprising inflatable air chambers (2) at will through at least one valve (3).

2. Envelope / bag for postal use according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminar structure comprises at least two layers of external and internal foil (4) adhered to each other with an adhesive only at certain points (5) defining said air chambers (2) being communicated with the valve (3) to inflate them.

3. Envelope / bag for postal use according to claim 2, characterized in that the two layers of outer and inner foil (4) adhered by points (5) of adhesive are thermoplastic foil.

4. Envelope / bag for postal use, according to claim 3, characterized in that it also has an additional outer layer (8), incorporated with the two layers of outer and inner foil (4) located inside, as an internal jacket independent of said outer additional layer (8).

5. Envelope / bag for postal use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the valve (3) is incorporated hidden in the area of the flap (6).

6. Envelope / postal bag according to claim 5, characterized in that the valve (3) is incorporated in the flap, next to the band (7) of closure adhesive, and in such a way that said band (7) of adhesive, while the flap (6), also serves to close the valve (3) once the air chambers (2) are inflated.

7. Envelope / bag for postal use, according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has perimeter welds (9).

8. Envelope / bag for postal use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the valve (3) is obtained from two sheets of thermoplastic material of adequate length and width depending on the dimensions of the envelope in which is applied, which adopts a tubular configuration, open at its ends, tubular body in which a series of transverse partitions that do not extend to the whole width participate of said body, being arranged alternately determining a passage for the zig-zag configuration air, which hinders the loss of air therethrough.

9. Envelope / bag for postal use, according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the envelope is capable of including one or more layers of thermal insulating material between the end layer (8) and the outer and inner foil layers (4) that determine the inflatable air chambers (2).

10.- Procedure for obtaining an envelope / bag for postal use, characterized in that it defines the following operational phases:

It is based on two rectangular sheets (4) of reduced thickness plastic, one slightly longer than the other, whose difference in length defines the closing flap (6) of the envelope.

Adhesive (5) is applied on the three common perimeter edges as well as in intermediate areas between said walls determining internal swelling chambers for the body of the envelope.

Between the upper edge of the shortest sheet and the backsheet, the inflation valve (3) is applied and said upper edge is sealed by adhesive, which valve will be arranged so that it does not protrude more than the closing tongue or tab of the on.

The assembly is folded through a transverse fold line (11), to fix the lateral edges again, either by adhesive or by heat sealing. The closing means that are deemed convenient are applied on the closing tab of the envelope obtained.

11.- Procedure for obtaining an envelope / bag for postal use, characterized in that it defines the following operational phases: · It is based on three plastic sheets of different thicknesses, flexibility and stiffness, so that the layer (8 ) that determines the external surface of the device is more rigid and thick, while the two layers (4) that are going to define the internal space of the envelope are thinner and more flexible, and these two layers (4) can be of equal or different thickness , as well as the opaque, colored or transparent sheet or outer layer (8) as well as printed. • Adhesive (5) is applied on intermediate areas between the walls or layers (4) determining internal swelling chambers for the envelope body.

• The outer sheet assembly (8) plus the air chambers determined by the two sheets (4) are simultaneously assembled perimetrically by heat sealing, incorporating the inflation valve (4) between the upper edge of the two sheets (4). 3).

• Folding the assembly through an intermediate folding line (11), leaving the flap and the excess of the valve out of the envelope compartment.

• Welding (9) of the sides of the envelope and placement of adhesives or security systems (7) for the flange (6).

12. Procedure for obtaining an envelope / bag for postal use, according to claim 1, characterized in that in the assembly process of the outer sheet assembly (8) plus the air chambers determined by the two sheets (4) are arranged between said outer sheet (8) and the jacket or chambers obtained by the two sheets (4) one or more layers of thermal insulating material.