WO2019055005A1

WO2019055005A1 - Rigid and semi-rigid packages

Info

Publication number: WO2019055005A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/051430
Authority: WO
Inventors: Quentin Arthur Carl Adam
Original assignee: Xinova, LLC
Priority date: 2017-09-13
Filing date: 2017-09-13
Publication date: 2019-03-21

Abstract

A package includes first and second layers, first and second seams, panels, a fluid passage, and an end seam. A first edge of the first layer is aligned with a first edge of the second layer. A second edge of the first layer is aligned with a second edge of the second layer. The first seam connects the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer. The second seam connects the second edge of the first layer and the second edge of the second layer. The panels are defined between the first and second layers. The fluid passage is fluidly connected to the panels and enables introduction of a fluid into the panels in a form-fill-seal manufacture process. The end seam between the first seam and the second seam such that an interior volume is defined by the first layer and the second layer.

Description

RIGID AND SEMI-RIGID PACKAGES

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described herein are not prior art to the claims in the present application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Packaging of goods such as foods, consumer goods, etc., may be performed by form-fill-seal (FFS) machines. Some examples of FFS machines may include vertical FFS machines and horizontal FFS machines. The FFS machines may be referred to as flow wrapping machines. The FFS machines may be configured to receive material used as the packaging, fill the material with the goods, and seal the goods within the packaging. The packaging produced in FFS machines may be flexible and may provide limited or no structural rigidity. Accordingly, the goods in the packaging may be subject to damage. To reduce instance of damage, the packaging may be boxed or the goods placed in a tray or further packaged with supportive structures during shipping and/or when presented to consumers. For example, crackers may be packaged using the FFS machine. The crackers may be sealed in material, which may prevent introduction of foreign materials and may prolong shelf life. Prior to shipping and on shelves in stores, the packages of crackers may be placed in cardboard boxes. The cardboard boxes reduce the likelihood of the crackers being crushed and allow organized placement of the crackers on the shelves in the stores.

SUMMARY

Techniques described herein generally relate to rigid and semi-rigid packages that may be produced using form-fill-seal (FFS) machines and/or flow wrapping systems and methods of and systems for producing the rigid and semi-rigid packages.

In an example embodiment, a package may include a first layer, a second layer, a first seam, a second seam, one or more panels, a fluid passage, and an end seam. The first layer may include a first edge and a second edge. The second edge may be opposite the first edge on the first layer. The second layer may include a first edge and a second edge. The second edge may be opposite the first edge. The first edge of the first layer may be substantially aligned with the first edge of the second layer. The second edge of the first layer may be substantially aligned with the second edge of the second layer. The first seam may connect the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer. The second seam may connect the second edge of the first layer and the second edge of the second layer. The panels may be defined between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer. The fluid passage may be fluidly connected to the one or more panels and may be configured to enable introduction of a fluid into the one or more panels in a form-fill-seal (FFS) manufacture process. The end seam between the first seam and the second seam such that an interior volume is defined by and surrounded by the first layer and the second layer.

In another example embodiment, a method of package construction may include receiving, by a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine, a multi-layered web. The multi-layered web may include a first layer, a second layer, one or more panels, and a fluid passage. The second layer may be connected to the first layer at a first seam that may be oriented along first edges of the first layer and the second layer. The second layer may be connected to the first layer a second seam along second edges of the first layer and the second layer. The one or more panels may be between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer. The fluid passage may be defined between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid passage may be fluidly connected to the one or more panels and located between the first seam and the second seam. The method may include forming the multi-layered web such that the first seam is substantially adjacent to the second seam and an interior volume is defined by the multi- layered web. The method may include sealing a first end seam that seals a distal end of the fluid passage. The method may include inserting a needle into the fluid passage such that a distal end of the needle extends into a formed portion of the multi-layered web. The method may include injecting a fluid into the fluid passage to inflate the one or more panels. The method may include advancing the multi-layered web such that the needle is withdrawn from the fluid passage. The method may include forming a second end seam that seals the fluid in the panels. The method may include forming a third seam by joining the first seam and the second seam.

In yet another example embodiment, a FFS machine may include a web receiver, a web former, a needle, a fluid injection subsystem, a roller, and a seam sealer. The web receiver may be configured to receive a multi-layered web. The multi-layered web may include a second layer that may be connected to a first layer at a first seam and at a second seam. The multi-layered web may include a panel that may be defined between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer. The multi-layered web may include a fluid passage that may be defined between the first layer and the second layer that is fluidly connected to the panel. The web former may be configured to the multi-layered web such that the first seam is substantially adjacent to the second seam and an interior volume is defined by the multi- layered web. The needle may be inserted into the fluid passage such that a distal end of the needle extends into a formed portion of the multi-layered web. The fluid injection subsystem may be configured to inject a fluid through the needle and into the fluid passage to inflate the panel. The roller may be configured to advance the multi-layered web such that the needle is withdrawn from the fluid passage. The seam sealer may be configured to seal a first end seam that may seal or substantially seal a distal end of the fluid passage and to form a second end seam that seals the fluid in the panel.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and following information, as well as other features of this disclosure, will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 depicts an example web that may be implemented to generate a rigid or semi-rigid package;

Figure 2A depicts an example package that may be generated based on the web of

Figure 1;

Figure 2B illustrates another view of the package of Figure 2 A;

Figure 3 illustrates another example package;

Figure 4 illustrates another example package;

Figure 5 illustrates another example package;

Figure 6 is an example package formation process that may be implemented to generate the packages of Figures 2A-5;

Figure 7 depicts an example cross-section that may occur in the package formation process of Figure 6; Figure 8 depicts another example cross-section that may occur in the package formation process of Figure 6;

Figure 9 depicts another example cross-section that may occur in the package formation process of Figure 6;

Figure 10 depicts another example cross-section that may occur in the process of

Figure 6;

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a flow diagram of an example method of package construction; and

Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device,

all arranged in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is generally drawn to methods, apparatus, systems, devices, and computer program products related to form fill seal (FFS) and flow wrapping.

In this detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. The aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

Figure 1 depicts an example web 100 that may be used to generate a rigid or semi- rigid package in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The web 100 may be configured to be formed into a package that may be semi-rigid or rigid. For instance, the web 100 may be received by a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine. The FFS machine may be configured to alter the web 100 to create the package that is semi-rigid or rigid. The FFS machine may insert a fluid 154 into one or more panels 110 of the web 100 and may reshape the web 100 to create the package. The web 100 in Figure 1 may include a single pitch of a sheet that includes multiple instances of the web 100. For instance, the sheet may include hundreds or thousands instances of the web 100 in some embodiments. The web 100 may be a multi-layered web. For example, the web 100 may include a first layer 102A and a second layer 102B (generally, layer 102 or layers 102). In other embodiment, the web 100 may include three or more layers 102. For example, the web 100 may include three, four, or another suitable number of the layers 102.

The first layer 102 A may include a first edge 106 A, a second edge 108 A, a first surface 112A, and a second surface 114A. Similarly, the second layer 102B may include a first edge 106B, a second edge 108B, a first surface 112B, and a second surface 114B. In one or both of the layers 102, the second edges 108 A and 108B may be opposite the first edges 106 A and 106B. Additionally, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the first surfaces 112A and 112B and the second surfaces 114A and 114B may be defined in the YX plane of an arbitrarily defined coordinate system.

In the web 100, the first edge 106A of the first layer 102A may be substantially aligned with the first edge 106B of the second layer 102B. The second edge 108 A of the first layer 102A may be substantially aligned with the second edge 108B of the second layer 102B.

The first layer 102A may be attached to the second layer 102B. For instance, the first surface 112B of the second layer 102B may be attached to the second surface 114A of the first layer 102A. The second surface 114A of the first layer 102A may be attached to the first surface 112B of the second layer 102B at a bonded internal portion 128, a first seam 124, and a second seam 126. The first seam 124 may connect the first edge 106 A of the first layer 102 A and the first edge 106B of the second layer 102B and may be oriented along the first edges 106 A and 106B of the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B. The second seam 126 may connect the second edge 108 A of the first layer 102 A and the second edge 108B of the second layer 102B and may be oriented along second edges 108 A and 108B of the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B.

In some embodiments, the first seam 124 and/or the second seam 126 may be generated using a plastic welder. The plastic welder may be configured to heat a portion of the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B adjacent to the first edges 106 A and 106B and the second edges 108 A and 108B. While the portions of the layers 102 are heated, the layers 102 may be pressed together and allowed to cool.

In these and other embodiments, the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B may be constructed, at least partially, of a thermoplastic film. Some examples of the thermoplastic film may be polypropylene (PP), polyesters (e.g., PE, PET), polystyrene, or another suitable material. In some embodiments, the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B may be constructed, at least partially, of a paper or a foil (e.g., a metallic foil). In these and other embodiments, one or more of the features of the web 100 may change to accommodate differences in material of the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B.

The bonded internal portion 128 include portions of the first surface 112B of the second layer 102B that may be attached to the second surface 114A of the first layer 102A. In some embodiments, the bonded internal portion 128 may be formed by a plastic welder, may be adhered using an adhesive, or may be otherwise bonded.

The bonded internal portion 128 may define an internal volume 140 between the first layer 102A and the second layer 102B. The internal volume 140 may form the panels 110. For example, the panels 110 may be formed through injection of the fluid 154 into the internal volume 140 defined by the bonded internal portions 128. The bonded internal portion 128 may be configured to enable injection of the fluid 154 and to retain the fluid 154 in the panels 110 following injection. In the depicted embodiment, the bonded internal portion 128 may include an external boundary 130. In some embodiments, the external boundary 130 extends an entire height 132 of the web 100 and a portion of a length 134 outside of the first seam 124, the second seam 126, and a fluid passage 136.

The bonded internal portion 128 may also include inner portions 138, only one of which is labeled in Figure 1. In Figure 1, the inner portions 138 include horizontal sections and vertical sections. In other embodiments, the inner portions 138 may include horizontal sections, vertical sections, triangular sections, circular sections, spots, diagonal sections, other shapes, or combinations thereof. The panels 110 may be defined between the inner portions 138 and/or between the inner portions 138 and the external boundary 130.

The fluid passage 136 may be defined between the first layer 102A and the second layer 102B. The fluid passage 136 may be located between the first seam 124 and the second seam 126. In some embodiments, the fluid passage 136 may be defined between the external boundary 130 of the bonded internal portion 128 and the second seam. The fluid passage 136 may be fluidly connected to the panels 110. The fluid passage 136 may be configured to enable introduction of the fluid 154 into the panels 110. For example, the fluid passage 136 may be configured to enable introduction of the fluid 154 into the panels 110 in a FFS manufacture process.

The web 100 may include lateral seams 142 A and 142B. One or both of the lateral seams 142A and 142B may be defined at least partially between the first seam 124 and the second seam 126. The lateral seams 142A and 142B may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the first seam 124 and the second seam 126.

In some embodiments, a first portion 148 of a first lateral seam 142A may be formed prior to the receipt of the web 100 by a FFS machine. As the web 100 is advanced through the FFS machine, a final portion 146 of the first lateral seam 142A may be sealed. Sealing of the final portion 146 of the first lateral seam 142 A may seal a distal end of the fluid passage 136. Following the sealing of the final portion 146, the first lateral seam 142 A may extend from the first seam 124 to the second seam 126.

Additionally, a first portion 150 of a second lateral seam 142B may be formed prior to the receipt of the web 100 by the FFS machine. As the web 100 is advanced through the FFS machine, a final portion 152 of the second lateral seam 142B may left unsealed until the fluid 154 is injected into the panels 110. Sealing of the final portion 152 of the second lateral seam 142B may seal a proximate end of the fluid passage 136 and may seal the fluid 154 in the panels 110. Following the sealing of the final portion 152, the second lateral seam 142B may extend from the first seam 124 to the second seam 126.

The panels 110 may be inflated with the fluid 154. As described above, in the FFS machine, the final portion 146 of the first lateral seam 142A may be sealed. Sealing of the final portion 146 may seal a proximate end of the fluid passage 136. Following the sealing of the proximate end of the fluid passage 136, the fluid 154 may be injected into the panels 110. After the fluid 154 is injected into the panel 110, the final portion 152 of the second lateral seam 142B, which may retain or substantially retain the fluid 154 in the panels 110.

The panels 110 may be configured for one or more functions of a package that is formed from the web 100. In some embodiments, the panels 110 may be configured for structural support. For instance, the panels 110 may be configured to structurally support the package in a plane that is substantially parallel to the YX plane of Figure 1. Structural support of the package may reduce or eliminate a need of a secondary packaging such as a box or primary packaging such as a tray, a container, a case, and a carton, which may be used as structural support. The shape and size of the panels 110 may be configured to provide a particular structural support in a particular direction. Some arrangements of the panels 110 are described elsewhere in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a pressure in which the fluid 154 is injected into the panels 110 may determine, at least partially, the structural support provided by the panels 110. For instance, at higher pressures, the panels 110 may provide more structural support than at lower pressures.

The fluid 154 may include air, dry air, nitrogen, water, water that transitions to ice, a polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid, a polymer foam, an insulation fluid, an expansion fluid, an expansion foam, combinations thereof, or another fluid. Some examples of the expansion foam may include a propane expanded polyurethane (EPU) or an expanded polystyrene (EPS). In some embodiments, the transition in a state of the fluid 154 may be due to expansion of gas from a temperature below ambient up to the ambient temperature.

In some embodiments, the fluid 154 may determine, at least partially, the function of the panels 110. For instance, in embodiments in which the panels 110 are configured to provide structural support and in other embodiments, the fluid 154 may the expansion fluid. The expansion fluid may be injected into the panels 110. As the expansion fluid expands, it may fill the panels 110 and harden, which may provide structural support. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments in which the panels 110 are configured to provide insulation and other embodiments, the fluid 154 may include the insulation fluid.

In Figure 1, the web 100 is depicted with a needle 156. The needle 156 may be included in a FFS machine or another suitable machine that may be used to generate a package from the web 100. The needle 156 may be inserted in the fluid passage 136 between the first layer 102A and the second layer 102B. The needle 156 may be hollow or may define a volume through which the fluid 154 is injected into the panels 110. In some embodiments, the final portion 146 may be sealed. Subsequently, the needle 156 may be inserted into the fluid passage 136. The fluid 154 may be inserted into the panels 110. The web 100 may advance. For instance, the web 100 may advance in the negative y-direction. The web 100 may be advanced such that the needle 156 is no longer positioned in the fluid passage 136. After the needle 156 is removed from the fluid passage 136, the final portion 152 of the second lateral seam 142B may be sealed, which may retain the fluid 154 in the panels 110.

In the depicted embodiment, the needle 156 may include a distal end 158 and a proximate end 160. The fluid 154 may be inserted in the proximate end 160 with the distal end 158 being positioned in the fluid passage 136. The fluid 154 may exit the needle 156 at the proximate end 160. In addition, one or more openings 162 may be defined on the needle 156 between the distal end 158 and the proximate end 160. The fluid 154 may also exit the needle 156 via the openings 162. The web 100 may be formed into a package. For instance, the web 100 may be formed into a package 200 described with reference to Figures 2 A and 2B. In some embodiments, the first and second lateral seams 142 A and 142B or portions thereof may be formed into end seams of the package. For example, the end seams may be formed of an outermost portion 151 of the first and second lateral seams 142A and 142B, which are labeled 151 in Figure 1. The end seams may be defined such that an interior volume is defined by and surrounded by the first layer 102 A and the second layer 102B. Some additional details of the interior volume are described with reference to Figure 2B.

The embodiment of Figure 1 includes one needle 156. In some other embodiments, two or more needles 156 may be used to inflate the panels 1 10. For instance, in these and other embodiments, the web 100 may include two or more of the fluid passages 136. One of the needles 156 may be positioned in each of the fluid passages 136. Additionally or alternatively, two or more needles 156 may be positioned in one of the fluid passages 136.

Figures 2A and 2B depict an example package 200 that may be generated based on the web 100 of Figure 1. For example, the package 200 may be generated using a FFS machine or another suitable machine that receives the web 100 of Figure 1 and forms the web 100 into the package 200 of Figures 2 A and 2B. Accordingly, the package 200 of Figures 2A and 2B may be an example of a final package that is produced or generated by the FFS machine. The package 200 may be ready for transportation and/or display at a marketplace. Figure 2A depicts an external view of the package 200. For example, Figure 2A depicts the first surface 112A of the first layer 102A which is an outer surface of the package 200. Figure 2B depicts a sectional view of the package 200 of Figure 2A.

With reference to Figure 2A, the package 200 may include the panels 110 of Figure 1. In Figure 2A, only a subset of the panels 110 are labeled. The panels 110 may be inflated with a fluid (e.g., the fluid 154) as described above with reference to Figure 1. The panels 110 may provide a structural rigidity to the package 200. For instance, the package 200 may be more rigid than a similar package that does not include the panels 110. In packages that do not include the panels, there is little or substantially no structural rigidity. The panels 110 may provide support to the package 200. For instance, the panels 110 may support the package 200 in the YX plane, the ZX plane, the YZ plane, or some combination thereof. Accordingly, the package 200 may reduce exposure of materials or goods positioned within the package 200 to damage due to being crushed or smashed. Additionally, the panels 110 may define a three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 200. In the depicted embodiment and some other embodiments, the panels 110 may define the three-dimensional volumetric shape that is substantially rectangular. For instance, the panels 110 may include lateral panels 204 that are substantially parallel to one another on faces of the package 200. The lateral panels 204 may support a face 208 of the package 200 in the YX plane. The panels 110 may include corner panels 206 that are substantially perpendicular to the lateral panels 204. The corner panels 206 may support the package 200 in the y direction. The lateral panels 204 and the corner panels 206 may be rectangular panels. For example, the lateral panels 204 and the corner panels 206 may include edges that meet at right angles or substantially right angles. Some other three-dimensional volumetric shapes of packages and the panels 110 included therein are described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 5.

The three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 200 may be maintained following opening of a first end seam 202A and/or a second end seam 202B. As discussed above, the first end seam 202A and the second end seam 202B may be formed of a portion of the lateral seams 142A and 142B of the web 100. To access the materials or the goods positioned within the package 200, the first end seam 202A and/or the second end seam 202B may be cut or otherwise broken. Because the panels 110 are formed between the layers 102 of the web 100, the three-dimensional volumetric shape may be maintained.

With reference to Figure 2B, the package 200 may define an interior volume 210. For example, the web 100 may be formed such that the interior volume 210 is defined by the web 100. For example, the second surface 114B of the second layer 102B may be a boundary that defines the interior volume 210.

Materials and/or goods may be placed in the interior volume 210. For instance, in embodiments in which the package 200 is generated in a FFS machine, the first end seam 202A may be sealed. The web 100 may be formed such that the first seam 124 is substantially adjacent to the second seam 126, which may defined the interior volume 210. Fluid may be injected into the panels 110 as the web 100 is formed. Concurrently with or subsequent to the material and/or goods may be placed in the interior volume 210. The web 100 may be advanced and the second end seam (202B of Figure 2A) may be formed, which may seal the materials and/or goods in the interior volume 210. The package 200 may include a longitudinal seam 212. The longitudinal seam 212 may be formed between the first seam 124 and the second seam 126. The longitudinal seam 212 may be oriented along one of the faces 208 of the package 200.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal seam 212 may include a welded seam. In these and other embodiments, the longitudinal seam 212 may be formed using a plastic welder that may be included in a FFS machine or another suitable machine.

Figure 3 illustrates an example package 300 according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The package 300 may be formed from a web 304. The web 304 used to form the package 300 may be similar to the web 100 described with reference to Figures 1-2B. The package 300 may define an interior volume, which is similar to the interior volume 210 of Figure 2B. Material and/or goods may be placed in the interior volume of the package 300. The package 300 may include a first end seam 308 A and a second end seam 308B. The first end seam 308 A and the second end seam 308B may seal the material and/or the goods in the interior volume of the package 300.

The package 300 may include panels 302. The panels 302 may be similar to the panels 110 of Figures 1-2B. For example, the panels 302 may be inflated with a fluid (e.g., the fluid 154) as described above with reference to Figures 1-2B using a needle such as the needle 156. The panels 302 may provide structural rigidity and a three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 300. The three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 300 may include a polygon having in the XZ-plane that extends in the y- direction. The polygon of the package 300 may include an octagon. In other embodiments, the polygon may include a triangle, a rectangle, pentagon, substantially cylindrical, diamond shaped, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the polygon may include multiple faces 306, which may each have about equal dimensions. In some embodiments, the polygon may include one or more faces 306 with differing dimensions. For instance, the polygon may include four triangular panels making up a tetrahedron.

The panels 302 of the package 300 may be elongated panels that extend in the y- direction. The panels 302 may support faces 306 of the package 300 in the y-direction and may define a lateral dimension of the faces 306.

The three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 300 may be maintained following opening of the first end seam 308A and/or the second end seam 308B. As discussed above, the first end seam 308A and/or the second end seam 308B may be formed of a portion of the lateral seams of the web 304. To access the materials or the goods positioned within the package 300, the first end seam 308A and/or the second end seam 308B may be cut or otherwise broken. Because the panels 302 are formed between the panels of the web 304, the three-dimensional volumetric shape may be maintained.

Figure 4 is an example package 400 according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The package 400 may be generated based on a web 402, which may be similar to the web 100 of Figures 1-2B. For example, the web 402 may include multiple panels that are sealed to one another. In some embodiments, the package 400 may be generated using a FFS machine or another suitable machine that receives the web 402 and forms the web 402 into the package 400. The package 400 may be an example of a final package that is produced or generated by the FFS machine. The package 400 may be ready for transportation and/or display at a marketplace.

The package 400 may define an interior volume, which is similar to the interior volume 210 of Figure 2B. Material and/or goods may be placed in the interior volume of the package 400. The package 400 may include a first end seam 406 A and a second end seam 406B. The first end seam 406 A and the second end seam 406B may seal the material and/or the goods in the interior volume of the package 400.

The package 400 may include panels 404. The panels 404 may be similar to the panels 110 of Figures 1-2B. For example, the panels 404 may be inflated with a fluid (e.g., the fluid 154) as described above with reference to Figures 1-2B using a needle such as the needle 156. The panels 404 may provide structural rigidity and a three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 400. The three-dimensional volumetric shape may be diamond-shaped in the XZ-plane that extends in the y-direction.

The panels 404 of the package 400 may be triangular panels and triangular- quadrilateral panels. The panels 404 may generate truss-like structures in faces 408 of the package 400. The truss-like structures may provide support in one or more directions. For instance, a first panel 404A may define a first truss-like structure that provides support is substantially the y-direction and in substantially the x-direction.

The three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 400 may be maintained following opening of the first end seam 406A and/or the second end seam 406B. As discussed above, the first end seam 406A and the second end seam 406B may be formed of a portion of the lateral seams of the web 402. To access the materials or the goods positioned within the package 400, the first end seam 406A and the second end seam 406B may be cut or otherwise broken. Because the panels 404 are formed between the panels of the web 402, the three-dimensional volumetric shape may be maintained. Figure 5 is an example package 500 according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The package 500 may be generated based on a web 502, which may be similar to the web 100 of Figures 1-2B. For example, the web 502 may include multiple panels that are sealed to one another. In some embodiments, the package 500 may be generated using a FFS machine or another suitable machine that receives the web 502 and forms the web 502 into the package 500. The package 500 may be an example of a final package that is produced or generated by the FFS machine. The package 500 may be ready for transportation and/or display at a marketplace.

The package 500 may define an interior volume, which is similar to the interior volume 210 of Figure 2B. Material and/or goods may be placed in the interior volume of the package 500. The package 500 may include a first end seam 506 A and a second end seam 506B. The first end seam 506 A and the second end seam 506B may seal the material and/or the goods in the interior volume of the package 500.

The package 500 may include panels 504 and 505. The panels 504 and 505 may be similar to the panels 110 of Figures 1-2B. For example, the panels 504 and 505 may be inflated with a fluid (e.g., the fluid 154) as described above with reference to Figures 1- 2B using a needle such as the needle 156. The panels 504 and 505 may provide structural rigidity and a three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 500. The three- dimensional volumetric shape may be rectangular-shaped in the XZ-plane that extends in the y-direction.

The panels 504 of the package 500 may be triangular panels and triangular- quadrilateral panels. The panels 504 may generate truss-like structures in a side face 508 of the package 500 and portions 509 of a front face 511 of the package 500. The truss-like structures may provide support in one or more directions. For instance, a first panel 504A may define a first truss-like structure that provides support is substantially the y-direction and in substantially the x-direction.

The panels 505 of the package 500 may include corner panels. The panels 505 may be positioned along the corners between the front face 511 and the side face 508 and other corners of the package 500. The panels 505 may support the package 500 in the y- direction. The panels 505 may be rectangular panels.

The package 500 may also include a transparent section 507. The transparent section 507 be transparent or semi-transparent, which may allow the material and/or the goods placed in the interior volume to be visible. In some embodiments, the transparent section 507 may include a portion of the web 502 in which the panels are sealed to one another.

The three-dimensional volumetric shape of the package 500 may be maintained following opening of the first end seam 506A and/or the second end seam 506B. As discussed above, the first end seam 506A and/or the second end seam 506B may be formed of a portion of the lateral seams of the web 502. To access the materials or the goods positioned within the package 500, the first end seam 506A and/or the second end seam 506B may be cut or otherwise broken. Because the panels 504 and 505 are formed between the panels of the web 502, the three-dimensional volumetric shape may be maintained.

Figures 2A, 3, 4, and 5 depict some examples of packages 200, 300, 400, and 500 that can be formed from webs 100, 304, 402, and 502, respectively. The packages 200, 300, 400, and 500 are only examples of packages that can be formed using webs. Additional packages may be formed from webs with different panels.

Figure 6 is an example package formation process 600 that may be implemented in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 600 may be implemented in a FFS machine such as a vertical FFS (VFFS) machine 608. The process 600 includes receipt of a web 602 that includes panels 604. The web 602 is formed into a package 606 via the process 600. Figures 7, 8, and 9 depict cross-sections 700, 800, and 900 of the web 602 as it proceeds through the process 600. In general, the VFFS machine 608 may produce the package 606 as the web 602 moves in a negative y- direction, as indicated by arrow 666.

Referring to Figure 6, the process 600 may begin by receipt by the VFFS machine 608 of the web 602 at a web receiver 610. The web receiver 610 may receive the web 602 from a web roll 612 on which the web 602 may be stored. The web 602 may come off the web roll 612 or a storage drum. The web 602 may pass over the web receiver 610 that may include a shoulder that continuously folds the web 602 from a predominately sheet form to a tube form. In the tube form following the shoulder, a longitudinal seam (e.g., 909 below) has not been formed that closes the web 602. Accordingly, the web 602 following the shoulder may include a cross section in the XZ plane that looks like an open 'C as shown in Figure 7.

The web receiver 610 may be configured to receive the web 602. As described above, the web 602 may include a second layer 614 connected to a first layer 616 at a first seam 618 and at a second seam 620. The panels 604 may be defined between the first layer 616 and the second layer 614. The web 602 may also include a fluid passage 622. The fluid passage 622 may be defined between the first layer 616 and the second layer 614 and may be fluidly connected to the panel 604.

The VFFS machine 608 may include a web former 624. The web former 624 may include a feed chute that may extend at least a part of the way into the web 602 as it is formed. The web former 624 may be configured to form the web 602 such that the first seam 618 is substantially adjacent to the second seam 620 and an interior volume 626 is defined by the 602. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the web former 624 may contact at least a portion of the web 602 as it forms the web 602.

Referring to Figure 7, a sectional view of the web 602 is depicted. In Figure 7, the sectional view depicts a first cross-section 700. In the first cross-section 700, the web 602 may be formed around the web former 624. The first seam 618 may be drawn near to the second seam 620 such that the interior volume 626 may be defined by the web 602.

Referring to Figure 6, the VFFS machine 608 may include a seam sealer 640. The seam sealer 640 may be configured to seal a first end seam 642. The first end seam may seal a distal end of the fluid passage 622. The VFFS machine 608 may include a needle 644. The needle 644 may be inserted into the fluid passage 622. The needle 644 may be inserted into the fluid passage 622 such that a distal end of the needle 644 extends into a formed portion 646 of the web 602. The needle 644 may be substantially similar to the needle 156 described elsewhere in the present disclosure. For instance, the needle 644 may include openings through which a fluid is injected into the panels 604. The needle 644 may be shaped such that a first portion 650 of the needle 644 is configured to be positioned in the fluid passage 622 and a second portion 648 of the needle 644 is external to the fluid passage 622. The second portion 648 of the needle 644 may be angled away from the web 602. By angling the second portion 648, the needle 644 may not interfere with the web 602 as it proceeds through the VFFS machine 608. The first portion of the needle 644 may be angled. For example, the first portion of the needle 644 may be angled in an x-direction and/or a z direction away from the fluid passage 622, which may be oriented substantially in the y-direction.

The VFFS machine 608 may include a fluid injection subsystem 652. The fluid injection subsystem 652 may be configured to inject the fluid through the needle 644 and into the fluid passage 622 to inflate the panels 604. The fluid injection subsystem 652 may include a pump, a control valve, a pressure regulator, and a supply of the fluid that is injected into the panels 604. The VFFS machine 608 may also include a corner bonder 654. The corner bonder 654 may be configured to bond the web 602 at a corner of the web 602. In some embodiments, the corner bonder 654 may be configured to fold the web 602 at the corner. In other embodiments, the VFFS machine 608 may include a folder. The folder may be configured to fold portions of the web 602 following the formation of a bond at the corners.

The VFFS machine 608 may also include a bond roller 656. The bond roller 656 may be configured to seal the first seam 618 to the second seam 620. The first seam 618 and the second seam 620 may form a longitudinal seam 909 along the web 602. The longitudinal seam 909 may be oriented in the y-direction of Figure 6. In addition, the bond roller 656 may be configured to fold the longitudinal seam 909. In some embodiments, the bond roller 656 may include a plastic welder that may be configured to apply heat and pressure to the first seam 618 and the second seam 620 such that the longitudinal seam 909 is formed on the web 602.

Figure 8 depicts a second cross-section 800 of the web 602. The second cross- section 800 includes the needle 644 positioned in the fluid passage 622. The fluid may be injected in the panels 604 with the needle 644 positioned in the fluid passage 622. The needle 644 may be positioned in the fluid passage 622 prior to the first seam 618 being bonded to the second seam 620.

In addition, the second cross-section 800 may include a bonded fold line 802. The bonded fold line 802 may be positioned between a first portion 806 of the web 602 and a second portion 804 of the web 602. The web 602 may be folded at the bonded fold line 802 such that the first portion 806 is at about a 90-degree angle from the second portion 804. In other embodiments, the web 602 may be folded at the bonded fold line 802 such that the first portion 806 is at an angle of greater than or less than 90 degrees to the second portion 804.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, second cross-section 800 may include an inflated corner. A bond may be included on either side of the inflated corner such that an inflated structural member is orientated vertically (in the Y axis).

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the bonded fold line 802 may be one of four bonded fold lines 802, 808, 810, and 812. The web 602 may be folded at each of the four bonded fold lines 802, 808, 810, and 812 such that a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section may be formed. The four bonded fold lines 802, 808, 810, and 812 may be formed by the corner bonder 654 or may be included in the web 602 prior to receipt by the VFFS machine 608.

Referring back to Figure 6, the VFFS machine 608 may include a roller 684. The roller 684 may be configured to advance the web 602. For instance, in Figure 6, the roller 684 may be configured to advance the web 602 in the negative y-direction. As the web 602 is advanced, the needle 644 may be withdrawn from the fluid passage 622.

The web 602 may be advanced such that a pitch 696 of the web 602 is below the seam sealer 640. When the pitch 696 of the web 602 is below the seam sealer 640, material and/or goods may be dispensed into the portion of the web 602 below the seam sealer 640. For example, the VFFS machine 608 may include a hopper 698 that releases or otherwise dispenses the material and/or goods into the portion of the web 602 below the seam sealer 640. The seam sealer 640 may be configured to form a second end seam that seals the fluid in the panel 604. The second end seam further seals the interior volume 626. Materials and/or goods in the interior volume 626 are sealed inside the interior volume 626.

Referring to Figure 9 that depicts a third cross-section 900 of the web 602 that includes the longitudinal seam 909. In the third cross-section 900, the needle 644 may be removed from the web 602 and the panels 604 may be injected with the fluid. Material/goods 902 may be sealed in the interior volume 626 defined by the web 602.

The embodiments of Figures 6-9 include the VFFS machine 608. In some embodiments, the process 600 may be performed by a horizontal FFS (HFFS) machine. In these and other embodiments, the HFFS machine may be substantially similar to the VFFS machine 608, but may advance horizontally along a conveyor system. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the web 602 may be pre-formed prior to passing through the web former 624. In these and other embodiments, when the web 602 is received by the VFFS machine 608, the fluid passage 622 may be formed into a dished- shaped, which may control the end shape of the inflated package 606. Embodiments that include the pre-formed web 602, may include embodiments in which large packages that may include thick layers 616 and 614.

Figure 10 depicts another example cross-section 1000 according to at least one embodiment described in the present disclosure. The cross-section 1000 may be an alternative to the second cross-section 800 of Figure 8. The cross-section 1000 may describe a portion of a package formation process that involves a FFS machine with two needles 1010 and 1008 and a web 1002 that includes two fluid passages 1006 and 1004. In the cross-section 1000, a first needle 1008 may be inserted into a first fluid passage 1006 and a second needle 1010 may be inserted into a second fluid passage 1004. The first needle 1008 and/or the second needle 1010 may be inserted such that distal ends of the needles 1008 and 1010 extend into the formed portion of the web 1002. The two needles 1008 and 1010 may be configured to receive a fluid (e.g., the fluid 154) from a fluid injection subsystem such as the subsystem 652 of Figure 6. The needles 1008 and 1010 may be configured to inject the fluid in panels 1012 of the web 1002. Use of two needles 1008 and 1010 may decrease an injection time by half when compared to a system that includes a single needle and fluid passage (e.g., 608 of Figure 6).

The cross-section 1000 of Figure 10 depicts an embodiment with two needles

1008 and 1010 and two fluid passages 1004 and 1006. In other embodiments, a FFS machine may include two or more needles and two or more fluid passages.

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate a flow diagram of an example method 1100 of package construction, arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. The method 1100 may be performed, in whole or in part, by the VFFS machine 608 or in other systems and configurations. Alternatively or additionally, the method 1100 may be implemented at least partially by a processor device that performs or controls performance of one or more of the operations of the method 1100. For instance, a computer (such as the computing device 1200 of Figure 12) or another processor device may be communicatively coupled to the VFFS machine 608 or to another system and may execute software or other computer-readable instructions accessible to the computer, e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium accessible to the computer, to perform or control the VFFS machine 608 or another system to perform the method 1100 or a portion thereof.

The method 1100 may begin at block 1102 ("Receive A Multi -Layered Web"), in which a multi-layered web is received. The multi-layered web may be received from a FFS machine such as a vertical FFS or a horizontal FFS. In some embodiments, the multi- layered web may include a first layer, a second layer that is connected to the first layer at a first seam. The first seam may be oriented along first edges of the first layer and the second layer. The second layer may be connected to the first layer at a second seam. The second seam may be oriented along second edges of the first layer and the second layer. The multi-layered web may include one or more panels. The panels may be defined between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer. The multi-layered web may include a fluid passage. The fluid passage may be defined between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid passage may be fluidly connected to the panels and located between the first seam and the second seam. In these and other embodiments, the first layer and the second layer may be constructed at least partially of a thermoplastic film, a paper, a foil, or some combination thereof.

At block 1104 ("Form The Multi -Layered Web"), the multi -layered web may be formed. The multi-layered web may be formed such that the first seam is substantially adjacent to the second seam and/or an interior volume is defined by the multi-layered web. At block 1106 ("Seal A First End Seam"), a first end seam may be sealed. The first end seam may seal a distal end of the fluid passage. At block 1108 ("Insert A Needle Into A Fluid Passage"), a needle may be inserted into the fluid passage. The needle may be inserted into the fluid passage such that a distal end of the needle extends into a formed portion of the multi-layered web.

At block 1110 ("Inject A Fluid Into The Fluid Passage"), a fluid may be injected into the fluid passage. The fluid may be injected into the fluid passage to inflate the panels. The fluid may include, for example, air, nitrogen, water, a polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid, an insulation fluid, a foam, an expansion foam, EPU, EPS, combinations thereof, or another suitable fluid. At block 1112 ("Bond A Corner Of The Multi -Layered Web"), a corner of the multi-layered web may be bonded. The corner may be between a first portion of the multi-layered web and a second portion of the multi- layered web.

At block 1114 ("Fold The Multi-Layered Web At The Bonded Fold Line"), the multi-layered web may be folded at a bonded fold line. In some embodiments, multiple corners may be bonded and the multi-layered web may be folded at each of the multiple corners. For instance, A first corner may be bonded between a first portion of the multi- layered web and a second portion of the multi-layered web. A second corner may be bonded between the second portion of the multi-layered web and a third portion of the multi-layered web. A third corner may be bonded between the third portion of the multi- layered web and a fourth portion of the multi-layered web. A fourth corner may be bonded between the fourth portion of the multi-layered web and the first portion of the multi-layered web. The multi-layered web may be folded at the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner such that the first portion is across from the third portion and the second portion is across from the fourth portion to form a rectangular structure. At block 1116 ("Advance The Multi -Layered Web"), the multi -layered web may be advanced. The multi-layered web may be advanced such that the needle is withdrawn from the fluid passage. At block 1118 ("Plastic Weld The First Seam To The Second Seam"), the first seam may be plastic welded to the second seam. At block 1120 ("Form A Second End Seam"), a second end seam may be formed. The second end seam may seal the fluid in the panels. The second end seam may additionally seal the interior volume. At block 1122 ("Form A Third Seam"), a third seam may be formed that joins the first seam to the second seam. The third seam may form the web into a tube and may be defined longitudinally along the web.

It may be appreciated that, for this and other procedures and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the disclosed embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid passage may include a first fluid passage of two or more fluid passages and the needle may include a first needle of two or more needles.

In these and other embodiments, the method 1100 may include inserting a second needle into a second fluid passage such that a distal end of the second needle extends into the formed portion of the multi-layered web. The method 1100 may include injecting the fluid into the second fluid passage to inflate the one or more panels and advancing the multi-layered web such that the second needle is withdrawn from the second fluid passage.

Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device 1200, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The computing device 1200 may be used in some embodiments to perform or control performance of one or more of the methods and/or operations described herein. For instance, the computing device 1200 may be communicatively coupled to and/or included in the VFFS machine of Figure 6 or another suitable machine that is configured to perform or control performance of the method 1100 of Figures 11 A and 1 IB and/or the process 600 of Figure 6. In a basic configuration 1202, the computing device 1200 typically includes one or more processors 1204 and a system memory 1206. A memory bus 1208 may be used for communicating between the processor 1204 and the system memory 1206. Depending on the desired configuration, the processor 1204 may be of any type including, such as a microprocessor (μΡ), a microcontroller (μθ), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof. The processor 1204 may include one or more levels of caching, such as a level one cache 1210 and a level two cache 1212, a processor core 1214, and registers 1216. The processor core 1214 may include an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a floating point unit (FPU), a digital signal processing core (DSP Core), or any combination thereof. An example memory controller 1218 may also be used with the processor 1204, or in some implementations, the memory controller 1218 may be an internal part of the processor 1204.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory 1206 may be of any type, such as volatile memory (such as RAM), non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, or the like), or any combination thereof. The system memory 1206 may include an operating system 1220, one or more applications 1222, and program data 1224. The application 1222 may include a package formation algorithm 1226 that is arranged to control a machine such as the VFFS machine 608 of Figure 6 to perform the method 1100 and/or the process 600. The program data 1224 may include package formation data 1228. The package formation data 1228 may include one or more characteristics of a web (e.g., a length of a pitch of the web 100 or 602, an amount of materials and/or goods to dispense, a fluid, an amount of fluid, etc.). The one or more characteristics may be used in the package formation processes described herein. Additionally, the program data 1224 may include information used to relate a particular package. In some embodiments, the application 1222 may be arranged to operate with the program data 1224 on the operating system 1220 to perform one or more of the methods and/or operations described herein, including those described with respect to Figures 6, 11 A, and 1 IB.

The computing device 1200 may include additional features or functionality, and additional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basic configuration 1202 and any other devices and interfaces. For example, a bus/interface controller 1230 may be used to facilitate communications between the basic configuration 1202 and one or more data storage devices 1232 via a storage interface bus 1234. The data storage devices 1232 may include removable storage devices 1236, non-removable storage devices 1238, or a combination thereof. Examples of removable storage and non-removable storage devices include magnetic disk devices such as flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives (HDDs), optical disk drives such as compact disk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD) drives, solid state drives (SSDs), and tape drives to name a few. Example computer storage media may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

The system memory 1206, the removable storage devices 1236, and the non- removable storage devices 1238 are examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which may be used to store the desired information and which may be accessed by the computing device 1200. Any such computer storage media may be part of the computing device 1200.

The computing device 1200 may also include an interface bus 1240 for facilitating communication from various interface devices (e.g., output devices 1242, peripheral interfaces 1244, and communication devices 1246) to the basic configuration 1202 via the bus/interface controller 1230. The output devices 1242 include a graphics processing unit 1248 and an audio processing unit 1250, which may be configured to communicate to various external devices such as a display or speakers via one or more A/V ports 1252. The peripheral interfaces 1244 include a serial interface controller 1254 or a parallel interface controller 1256, which may be configured to communicate with external devices such as input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, and/or others), sensors, or other peripheral devices (e.g., printer, scanner, and/or others) via one or more I/O ports 1258. The communication devices 1246 include a network controller 1260, which may be arranged to facilitate communications with one or more other computing devices 1262 over a network communication link via one or more communication ports 1264.

The network communication link may be one example of a communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media. A "modulated data signal" may be a signal that includes one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), and other wireless media. The term "computer- readable media" as used herein may include both storage media and communication media.

The computing device 1200 may be implemented as a portion of a small-form factor portable (or mobile) electronic device such as a cell phone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a personal media player device, a wireless web-watch device, a personal headset device, an application-specific device, or a hybrid device that include any of the above functions. The computing device 1200 may also be implemented as a personal computer including both laptop computer and non-laptop computer configurations.

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described herein, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

In general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B ."

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

For any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible sub ranges and combinations of sub ranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, and/or others. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. All language such as "up to," "at least," and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into sub ranges as discussed above. Finally, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1 -5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

From the foregoing, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A package comprising:

a first layer that includes a first edge and a second edge, the second edge being opposite the first edge on the first layer;

a second layer that includes a first edge and a second edge, the second edge being opposite the first edge, wherein the first edge of the first layer is substantially aligned with the first edge of the second layer and the second edge of the first layer is substantially aligned with the second edge of the second layer;

a first seam that connects the first edge of the first layer and the first edge of the second layer;

a second seam that connects the second edge of the first layer and the second edge of the second layer;

one or more panels defined between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer;

a fluid passage that is fluidly connected to the one or more panels and configured to enable introduction of a fluid into the one or more panels in a form-fill-seal (FFS) manufacture process; and

an end seam between the first seam and the second seam such that an interior volume is defined by and surrounded by the first layer and the second layer.

2. The package of claim 1, further comprising a fluid positioned in the one or more panels.

3. The package of claim 2, wherein the fluid includes air, nitrogen, water, water that freezes to ice, a polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid, or an insulation fluid.

4. The package of claim 2, wherein the fluid includes a foam.

5. The package of claim 4, wherein the foam includes an expansion polymer foam.

6. The package of claim 5, wherein the expansion polymer foam includes a propane expanded polyurethane (EPU) or an expanded polystyrene (EPS).

7. The package of claim 1, wherein the first layer and the second layer are constructed of a thermoplastic film, a paper, or a foil.

8. The package of claim 1, wherein:

the first layer includes a first surface and a second surface;

the second layer includes a first surface and a second surface;

the second surface of the first layer is attached to the first surface of the second layer at the bonded internal portion, the first seam, and the second seam;

the second surface of the second layer forms a boundary of the interior volume; and

the first surface of the first layer forms an outer surface.

9. The package of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels includes:

a rectangular panel;

a triangular panel; or

a triangular-quadrilateral panel.

10. The package of claim 1, further comprising an end seam that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first seam and the second seam and configured to seal the interior volume.

11. The package of claim 1, further comprising a web that includes the first layer and the second layer.

12. The package of claim 11, further comprising a bonded fold line between a first portion of the web and a second portion of the web, wherein the web is folded at the bonded fold line.

13. The package of claim 11, further comprising:

a first corner between a first portion of the web and a second portion of the web; a second corner between the second portion of the web and a third portion of the web;

a third corner between the third portion of the web and a fourth portion of the web; and a fourth corner between the fourth portion of the web and the first portion of the web,

wherein the web is folded at the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner such that the first portion is across from the third portion and the second portion is across from the fourth portion to form a rectangular structure.

14. The package of claim 1, wherein the form-fill-seal (FFS) includes vertical FFS or horizontal FFS.

15. The package of claim 1, wherein the one or more panels are configured to structurally support the package in a dimension that is perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge.

16. A method of package construction, the method comprising:

receiving, by a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine, a multi -layered web, wherein the multi-layered web includes:

a first layer;

a second layer that is connected to the first layer at a first seam oriented along first edges of the first layer and the second layer and at a second seam along second edges of the first layer and the second layer,

one or more panels defined between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer; and

a fluid passage that is defined between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the fluid passage is fluidly connected to the one or more panels and located between the first seam and the second seam;

forming the multi -layered web such that the first seam is substantially adj acent to the second seam and an interior volume is defined by the multi-layered web;

sealing a first end seam that seals a distal end of the fluid passage;

inserting a needle into the fluid passage such that a distal end of the needle extends into a formed portion of the multi-layered web;

injecting a fluid into the fluid passage to inflate the one or more panels;

advancing the multi-layered web such that the needle is withdrawn from the fluid passage;

forming a second end seam that seals the fluid in the panels; and forming a third seam that joins the first seam and the second seam.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein:

the fluid passage includes a first fluid passage of two or more fluid passages; the needle includes a first needle of two or more needles; and

the method further comprises:

inserting a second needle into a second fluid passage such that a distal end of the second needle extends into the formed portion of the multi-layered web; injecting the fluid into the second fluid passage to inflate the one or more panels; and

advancing the multi-layered web such that the second needle is withdrawn from the second fluid passage.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

bonding a corner of the multi-layered web between a first portion of the multi-layered web and a second portion of the multi-layered web; and

folding the multi-layered web at the bonded fold line.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising plastic welding the first seam to the second seam.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the fluid includes air, nitrogen, water, water that freezes to ice, a polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid, or an insulation fluid.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the fluid includes an expansion polymer foam that includes a propane expanded polyurethane (EPU) or a polystyrene (EPS).

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the first layer and the second layer are constructed of a thermoplastic film, a paper, or a foil.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein the form-fill-seal (FFS) includes vertical FFS or horizontal FFS.

24. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

bonding a first corner between a first portion of the multi-layered web and a second portion of the multi-layered web;

bonding a second corner between the second portion of the multi-layered web and a third portion of the multi-layered web;

bonding a third corner between the third portion of the multi-layered web and a fourth portion of the multi-layered web; and

bonding a fourth corner between the fourth portion of the multi-layered web and the first portion of the multi-layered web,

folding the multi -layered web at the first corner, the second corner, the third corner, and the fourth corner such that the first portion is across from the third portion and the second portion is across from the fourth portion to form a rectangular structure.

25. A form-fill-seal (FFS) machine comprising:

a web receiver that is configured to receive a multi -layered web, wherein the multi-layered web includes a second layer connected to a first layer at a first seam and at a second seam, a panel defined between the first layer and the second layer by bonded internal portions of the first layer and the second layer; and a fluid passage that is defined between the first layer and the second layer that is fluidly connected to the panel;

a web former that is configured to the multi-layered web such that the first seam is substantially adjacent to the second seam and an interior volume is defined by the multi- layered web;

a needle that is inserted into the fluid passage such that a distal end of the needle extends into a formed portion of the multi-layered web;

a fluid injection subsystem configured to inject a fluid through the needle and into the fluid passage to inflate the panel;

a roller that is configured to advance the multi-layered web such that the needle is withdrawn from the fluid passage; and

a seam sealer that is configured to seal a first end seam that seals a distal end of the fluid passage and to form a second end seam that seals the fluid in the panel.

26. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the needle includes a plurality of openings through which the fluid is injected.

27. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the needle is shaped such that a first portion is configured to be positioned in the fluid passage and a second portion external to the fluid passage and angled away from the multi-layered web.

28. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein:

the fluid passage includes a first fluid passage of two or more fluid passages; the needle includes a first needle of two or more needles;

the FFS machine further comprises a second needle that is configured to be inserted into a second fluid passage such that a distal end of the second needle extends into the formed portion of the multi-layered web;

the fluid injection subsystem is configured to inject the fluid through the second needle and into the second fluid passage to inflate the panel; and

the roller is configured to advance the multi-layered web such that the second needle is withdrawn from the second fluid passage.

29. The FFS machine of claim 25, further comprising a bond roller that is configured to seal the first seam to the second seam.

30. The FFS machine of claim 25, further comprising:

a corner bonder that is configured to form a corner of the multi-layered web between a first portion of the multi-layered web and a second portion of the multi-layered web.

31. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the form-fill-seal (FFS) includes vertical FFS or horizontal FFS.

32. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the fluid includes air, nitrogen, water, water that freezes to ice, a polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid, or an insulation fluid.

33. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the fluid includes an expansion foam.

34. The FFS machine of claim 33, wherein the expansion foam includes a propane expanded polyurethane (EPU) or a polystyrene (EPS).

35. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the first layer and the second layer are constructed of a thermoplastic film, a paper, or a foil.

36. The FFS machine of claim 25, wherein the panel includes:

a rectangular panel;

a triangular panel; or

a triangular-quadrilateral panel.