A packaging system includes a sensor system that detects a height of a container, a plunger that moves downward to insert a piece of protective material into the container, a positioning system that positions the container under the plunger, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor system and the plunger. The controller receives an indication of a height of the container from the sensor system and determines a first plunger depth based on the indication of the height of the container. While the container is positioned under the plunger, the controller causes the plunger to move downward from a retracted position to the first plunger depth at a first rate and to move from the first plunger depth to a second plunger depth at a second rate. The first rate is greater than the second rate.
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65B 61/22 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents for placing protecting sheets, plugs, or wads over contents, e.g. cotton-wool in bottles of pills
B65B 57/12 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of wrapping materials, containers, or packages
B65B 35/16 - Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by grippers
2.
MACHINE-OPENABLE PAPER MAILERS AND ASSOCIATED MACHINES
A mailer includes a web that is arranged to form two panels. The panels are bordered by two sides, a bottom, and a top of the mailer. The web includes a paper skin layer and a paper cushioning layer. The paper skin layer is on an outer side of each of the two panels and the paper cushioning layer is on an inner side of each of the two panels. The paper skin layer of one panel extends a first distance from the bottom and the paper skin layer of the other panel extends a second distance from the bottom. The first distance is greater than the second distance such that an offset exists between the tops of the paper skin layers of the two panels.
A roller segment includes a circumferential surface, a wall substantially perpendicular to the circumferential surface, at least one of a protrusion or a depression on the circumferential surface, and a through hole in the wall. The roller segment is configured to be a portion of a segmented roller by inserting a shaft through the through hole of the roller segment. When the roller segment is in the segmented roller, the at least one of the protrusion or the depression on the circumferential surface of the roller segment forms at least one of a protrusion or a depression of the segmented roller. A pair of segmented rollers formed from a plurality of the roller segments are capable of converting a sheet material from a unformed state to a formed state.
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a polymeric, multilayer film suitable for use in a variety of applications, including (but not limited to) the manufacture of bioprocessing containers. The disclosed film comprises a sealant layer comprising: (i) one or more ethylene/alpha olefin copolymers with an average density lower than 0.922 g/cc; (ii) one or more polymers with an average density higher than or equal to 0.950 g/cc and selected among ethylene/alpha olefin copolymers and/or ethylene homopolymers; (iii) high molecular weight siloxane polymers; optionally, at least one gas barrier layer and an outer skin layer. The sealant layer of the disclosed films provides for a low blocking effect and for high seal strength. In addition, the surface of the sealant layer is inert and substantially free from migratory surface additives and from metal containing particulate additives, such that, when the film is used for manufacturing bioprocessing containers, cell growth and products harvesting are not affected. A method for manufacturing the film, a bioprocessing container comprising the film and a method for culturing cells in such container are also herein disclosed.
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
An envelope includes an outer layer and an inner layer that are fiber-based materials. The outer layer is a substantially flat form. The inner layer is coupled to the outer layer and is in a substantially three-dimensional form. The outer and inner layers are arranged to form an interior of the envelope and a mouth through which an object can be inserted into the interior of the envelope. The envelope includes a seam that includes two plies of the outer layer and two plies of the inner layer sandwiched between the two plies of the outer layer. In the seam, each of the plies of the outer layer is adhered to one of the plies of the inner layer and the two plies of the inner layer are adhered to each other. A percentage of non-fiber-based material in the envelope is less than or equal to about 10%.
A multilayer film and a pouch made therefrom is disclosed. The film having an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer-based barrier layer and an outer layer made from at least 95 wt% of a branched ethylene copolymer. The branched ethylene copolymer being 50 mol% or more ethylene, 50 mol% or less of a C6 to C8 alpha-olefin comonomer, and at least 0.001 mol % of a remnant of a metal hydrocarbyl chain transfer agent. The film including substrate layers between the barrier layer and each outer layer. The film having a low oxygen transmission rate and a low a moisture transmission rate.
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
C08L 23/00 - Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bondCompositions of derivatives of such polymers
C08F 2/38 - Polymerisation using regulators, e.g. chain terminating agents
7.
FILL MATERIAL CUTTING SYSTEMS FOR PARTIALLY OR FULLY CUTTING FILL MATERIAL
A system includes a source of sheet material and a conversion machine. The conversion machine is configured to receive the sheet material and to form the sheet material into a fill material. The conversion machine further includes a cutting system configured to selectively cut the fill material either partially or completely to form two pieces of the fill material. When the cutting system partially cuts the fill material, uncut portions of the fill material remain between the two pieces of the fill material. When the cutting system completely cuts the fill material, no uncut portions remain between the two pieces of the fill material.
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B26D 1/08 - Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting memberApparatus or machines thereforCutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member wherein the cutting member reciprocates of the guillotine type
B26D 3/12 - Slitting marginal portions of the work, i.e. forming cuts, without removal of material, at an angle, e.g. a right angle, to the edge of the work
B26F 1/18 - Perforating by slitting, i.e. forming cuts closed at their ends without removal of material
B26D 1/00 - Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting memberApparatus or machines thereforCutting members therefor
A packaging assembly for retention or suspension packaging is disclosed. The packaging assembly has at least one frame and at least one web sheet attached to the frame. The web sheet is primarily made from polyvinyl alcohol polymer(s) and includes an effective amount of plasticizer. The packaging assembly be sufficient to retain or suspend a product. The retention packaging assembly being able to be recycled without the need to separate the web sheet from the frame.
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
B65D 65/46 - Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
9.
MOLDING CUSHIONING PRODUCTS FROM CONVERTED SHEET MATERIAL
A method of forming a molded cushioning product includes providing a shaped converted sheet material. The shaped converted material includes a sheet material that has been converted from a two-dimensional form into a three-dimensional form and then shaped into a non-linear shape. The method further includes molding the shaped converted sheet material from the non-linear shape into a molded cushioning product. The molding includes applying a compressive force to the non-linear shape of the shaped converted sheet material. The molded cushioning product is capable of being positioned in a container between the container and an object in the container to provide cushioning for the object.
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65B 23/00 - Packaging fragile or shock-sensitive articles other than bottlesUnpacking eggs
B31D 5/02 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles including pressing
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
10.
ROLLER SEALING MACHINES HAVING WIDE BACKING ROLLERS
A system is capable of advancing and sealing a web of inflatable containers. The system includes a sealing roller that includes a sealing element located around a circumferential surface of the sealing roller. The system also includes a backing roller positioned with respect to the sealing roller to form a nip between a circumferential surface of the backing roller and the circumferential surface of the sealing roller. When the longitudinal edge of the web is located in the nip, the sealing roller and backing roller counterrotate to advance the web. The circumferential surface of the backing roller extends axially farther into the web than the circumferential surface of the sealing roller extends axially into the web such that backing roller contacts the web at a transverse location that is farther away from the longitudinal edge of web than the sealing roller contacts the web.
A fluid dispenser (10) includes a housing (12) and a valving rod (14). The housing includes an inlet (28) that receives a fluid product, an internal chamber (26) in fluid communication with the inlet, a discharge port (20) in fluid communication with the internal chamber that dispenses fluid from the internal chamber, a dispensing fluid inlet (38) that receives a dispensing fluid, and a dispensing fluid passage system that carries the dispensing fluid to the discharge port. The valving rod is disposed in the housing and moves within the internal chamber between an open position and a closed position. The dispensing fluid passage system includes a first passageway (44) that carries the dispensing fluid in a first direction and a second passageway (48) that carries the dispensing fluid in a second direction. The second passageway has a distal end that dispenses the dispensing fluid proximate the discharge port.
A system for coordination packaging machines in a packaging facility includes a computing device and packaging machines. The computing device includes a storage medium and a processing device. The packaging machines include a first packaging machine and a second packaging machine. Each of the plurality of packaging machines is communicatively coupled to the computing device. The storage medium has stored thereon instructions that, in response to execution of the instructions by the processing device, cause the computing device to receive object information from the first packaging machine about an object to be packaged and send a packaging instruction to the second packaging machine for forming at least a portion of a package to be used to package the object. The second packaging machine is configured to form the portion of the package in response to receiving the packaging instruction.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
A multi-layer film, a cushioning article and a method of manufacture a cushioning article from the multi-layer film is disclosed. The multi-layer film having a barrier layer that includes a compatibilizer. The film having an oxygen transmission rate sufficient to contain a fluid to form a cushioning article.
B32B 3/06 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for securing layers togetherLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions for attaching the product to another member, e.g. to a support
B32B 3/26 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
A multi-layer film, a packaging article and a method of manufacture a packaging article from the multi-layer film is disclosed. The multi-layer film having at least 25% scrap material content, a compatibilizer and antioxidant and being useful for the packaging of food products. The scrap material including a blend of polymers reclaimed from streams of waste and recycling.
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
A dunnage conversion system (100) includes a supply area (120), a dunnage conversion machine (110), and an arcuate slot (130). The supply area (120) is configured to hold a supply of a sheet material (122). The sheet material (122) is in a substantially flat configuration in the supply area (120). The dunnage conversion machine (110) is configured to pull the sheet material (122) from the supply area (120) and to convert the sheet material (122) into a non-flat configuration. The arcuate slot (130) is positioned between the supply area (120) and the dunnage conversion machine (110) such that the sheet material (122) is fed through the arcuate slot (130) as the sheet material (122) passes along a path from the supply area (120) to the dunnage conversion machine (110).
A system includes a supply of an inflatable web (100) and a nozzle (240). The inflatable web includes chambers (116), an inflation channel (112), and cross seals (114) between the inflation channel and the chambers. The inflatable web also includes ports (124) that pass through the cross seals to permit gas to pass from the inflation channel to the chambers. The nozzle has an outlet (242) configured to insert gas into the inflation channel as the inflatable web is moved in a downstream direction. The system is configured to feed the inflatable web along a path from the supply and past the nozzle in the downstream direction. The system is configured to hold the supply of the inflatable web with respect to the nozzle such that the cross seals contact the nozzle and rides along a portion of the nozzle as the inflatable web is moved in the downstream direction.
An inflator inflates inflatable webs. The inflator includes a web supply holding device that holds a supply of an inflatable web, a first gas moving device having a first inlet for receiving gas and a first outlet for expelling gas, a second gas moving device having a second inlet for receiving gas and a second outlet for expelling gas, and a nozzle. The first outlet is coupled to the second inlet such that gas expelled from the first outlet is received by the second inlet. The nozzle is coupled to the second outlet and inserts gas expelled from the second outlet into the inflatable web to inflate the inflatable web. Parameters of the first and second gas moving devices are selected based on a type of the inflatable web.
A drive system is configured to feed a sheet material. The drive system includes a first roller and a second roller. A circumference of the first roller has a first curved profile. A circumference of the second roller has a second curved profile. The first and second rollers are arranged such that, when the sheet material is not located between the first and second rollers, the first curved profile of the first roller contacts the second curved profile of the second roller. The first and second rollers are further arranged such that, when the sheet material is located between the first and second rollers, rotation of at least one of the first and second rollers causes the sheet material to be fed through the drive system.
An inflatable web includes two juxtaposed sheets, seals between the sheets that define chambers, and two longitudinal edges. The chambers extend in a transverse direction between the two longitudinal edges. The seals include side seals that extend between the two longitudinal edges. The side seals include a two intermittent side seals and a continuous side seal. Each of the intermittent side seals includes side seal portions and gaps between the side seal portions. The gaps permit gas to pass between chambers on either side of the intermittent side seals. The continuous side seal is located between the two intermittent side seals. The continuous side seal does not permit gas to pass between chambers on either side of the continuous side seal. The gaps in the two intermittent side seals are aligned a longitudinal direction to form a non-continuous longitudinal channel across the continuous side seal.
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
20.
SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING MAILERS, CONTAINER FOR DISPENSING MAILERS
A system for dispensing mailers includes a retention system and a container. The retention system includes a surface and a retention mechanism. A portion of the retention mechanism extends transversely across a front of the surface. The container holds mailers. The container is supported by the surface of the retention system. The container includes a dispensing aperture that permits the mailers to be dispensed through a first panel of the container. The container is located so that a second panel of the container is substantially parallel to the surface. The dispensing aperture is between the surface of the retention system and a portion of the retention mechanism. The retention mechanism deters movement of the container toward the retention mechanism while a first mailer is dispensed from the container.
B65D 5/02 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
B65D 5/54 - Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
B65D 83/08 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
21.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPENING CHANNELS OF WEB MATERIALS
A system includes a channel opening device and a rail. The channel opening device includes a passageway capable of having a closed channel of a web material inserted into an interior thereof. Vents in the passageway are configured to permit gas to pass between the interior and an exterior of the passageway. The vacuum device draws a vacuum in the passageway through the vents. When the channel is inserted into the interior of the passageway, the vacuum causes the channel to be drawn to an inner surface of the interior of the passageway such that the channel has a tube-like shape. The rail is positioned with respect to the channel opening device so that the channel can be slid out of the passageway and the rail is threaded inside of the channel while the vacuum holds the channel in the tube-like shape.
A system includes a manifold block, a nozzle, and a blade carrier. The manifold block includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas outlet is in fluid communication with the gas inlet. The nozzle is configured to be coupled to the gas outlet of the manifold block, the nozzle including a conduit and a slot in the conduit. The blade carrier includes a body, a guard coupled to the body, and a blade coupled to the guard. The blade carrier is couplable to the manifold block so that so that a gap exists between the conduit and the guard. The wherein the blade is coupled to the blade carrier such that, when the blade carrier is couple to the manifold block, the blade is located in the gap between the conduit and the guard and a portion of the blade is located in the slot.
A system is configured to feed a web material. The system includes a supply of the web material, a nozzle, an idler shaft, and a tensioning system. The web material in the supply is folded about a longitudinal fold so that longitudinal edges of the web material are located adjacent to each other. The nozzle is configured such that a channel in one of the two longitudinal edges passes over the nozzle. The nozzle inserts gas into the channel. The idler shaft is positioned such that the web material can be fed from the supply, around a portion of the idler shaft, and to the nozzle. The tensioning system is configured to introduce tension into the web material between the idler shaft and the nozzle.
A web material includes two juxtaposed sheets and seals between the two juxtaposed sheets. The two juxtaposed sheets are arranged to form an inflatable web. The inflatable web comprises two longitudinal edges and chambers located between the two longitudinal edges. The seals define sides of the chambers. The seals have a pattern so that the chambers formed by the seals include cells and interconnecting channels. The web material has a cell wide point based on a distance between consecutive ones of the seals. The web material has a seal width based on a distance between consecutive ones of the seals. A ratio of the seal width of the web material to the cell wide point of the web material is in a range from about 1:4 to about 1:15.
B65D 81/02 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
25.
INFLATABLE WEB MATERIALS AND RAILS FOR GUIDING THE SAME
An automated packaging station is configured to inflate and seal a web material. The automated packaging station includes a rail, a nozzle, and a sealing system. The web material includes a channel that is closed so that the channel can be slid over the rail. The nozzle inserts gas into the channel of the web material, which is in fluid communication with chambers to inflate the chambers. The sealing system seals closed ends the chambers proximate the channel after inflation of the chambers. A shape of the rail causes the channel and an opposite longitudinal side of the web material to diverge either before or during inflation of the chambers by the nozzle.
A web material includes two juxtaposed sheets arranged to form an inflatable web and seals between the two juxtaposed sheets. The inflatable web includes two longitudinal edges and chambers located between the two longitudinal edges. The seals define sides of the chambers. The seals have a pattern so that the chambers formed by the seals include first cells and first interconnecting channels. The web material has a folding zone. In the folding zone, the seals deviate from the pattern so that portions of the chambers in the folding zone include second cells. At least some of the second cells in the folding zone are larger than the first cells outside of the folding zone.
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
B65D 81/38 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
A guide can be used to improve inflatability of web material. The guide can be in a system that also includes a supply of a web material and an inflation and sealing system. The web material includes chambers that are in fluid communication with a common channel. The web material in the supply is folded about a longitudinal fold such that lengths of the chambers are folded. The inflation and sealing system is configured to inflate and seal the chambers as the web material is fed from the supply. The guide has a guide mechanism configured to be located between portions of the web material as the web material is being fed from the supply. The guide mechanism is configured to at least partially unfold the longitudinal fold in the web material at a point in the system where the inflation and sealing system is configured to inflate the chambers.
A tension-inducing shaft system includes a shaft, two shaft caps, and a biasing mechanism. A bore extends through the shaft between two ends of the shaft. The shaft caps are positioned on the two ends of the shaft. Each shaft cap includes a collar having a size that is larger than the bore, a keyed end, and an anchor. The biasing mechanism is arranged inside the bore and is coupled to the anchors of the shaft caps so that the biasing mechanism exerts inward forces on the shaft cap. The keyed ends of the shaft caps can be coupled to a housing so that the shaft caps do not rotate with respect to the housing. The shaft is configured to rotate with respect to the shaft caps such that, when the keyed ends are coupled to the housing, the shaft is capable of rotating with respect to the housing.
B65H 23/08 - Registering, tensioning, smoothing, or guiding webs longitudinally by retarding devices, e.g. acting on web-roll spindle acting on web roll being unwound
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
An automated packaging station is capable of being used to package objects. The automated packaging station includes a supply of web material, a surface (202), an aperture (206) therein, and a closing system. The automated packaging station is configured to form the web material into a pouch. The aperture (206) is configured such that an object can be inserted therethrough. The automated packaging station is configured to bias open the pouch beneath the surface such that the object inserted through the aperture falls into the pouch. The closing system is configured to close the pouch to form a package around the object in response to the object being inserted through the aperture. The object is capable of being shipped to a recipient in the package.
B65B 9/08 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it in a web folded and sealed transversely to form pockets which are subsequently filled and then closed by sealing
B65B 35/12 - Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by gravity
B65B 5/02 - Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65B 9/093 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it in a web folded and sealed transversely to form pockets which are subsequently filled and then closed by sealing the web having intermittent motion
30.
INFLATABLE CELLULAR WEB WITH MULTIPLE INFLATABLE PANELS
An inflatable web includes an inflation zone, a first inflatable panel in fluid communication with the inflation zone, and a second inflatable panel in fluid communication with the inflation zone. The first inflatable panel includes a first sheet juxtaposed on a second sheet. The first and second sheets are sealed together to form inflatable chambers. The second inflatable panel include a third sheet juxtaposed on a fourth sheet. The third and fourth sheets are sealed together to form inflatable chambers. The inflatable film is configured to be inflated by an inflation and sealing machine configured to direct gas into the inflatable chambers of the first and second inflatable panels via the inflation zone and to individually seal the inflatable chambers of the first and second inflatable panels.
A system includes a forming funnel, a cutting element, and a fusing device. The forming funnel has divergent surfaces arranged to receive a mailer in an insertion direction between the divergent surfaces. The forming funnel includes a slot that constrains the mailer after the mailer is inserted between the divergent surfaces. The cutting element cuts off a portion of the mailer and to forms a cut end of the mailer as the mailer is moved through the slot in a sliding direction. The fusing device applies pressure to an exterior of the cut end of the mailer and applies heat to the cut end of the mailer as the mailer is moved through the slot. The pressure and the heat applied by the fusing device cause portions of the cut end to fuse together to close the mailer.
A system includes a source of sheet material and a conversion machine. The conversion machine is configured to receive the sheet material and to form the sheet material into a fill material. The conversion machine further includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut the fill material. The cutting mechanism is configured such that, when cutting the fill material to form two pieces of fill material, uncut portions of the fill material remain between the two pieces of fill material.
B31D 5/04 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles including folding or pleating, e.g. Chinese lanterns
B65B 61/22 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents for placing protecting sheets, plugs, or wads over contents, e.g. cotton-wool in bottles of pills
A retention packaging assembly (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a frame (100) and sheet assemblies (200, 300). The frame includes a central panel (102), end panels (104), and two sets of wing panels (108, 110). Each set of wing panels includes wing panels foldably coupled to the central panel and to one of the two end panels. The sheet assemblies include a sheet (208) that is attached at its ends to slot panels (204, 206, 304, 306). The slot panels of each of the sheet assemblies are selectively couplable to one of the set of wing panels. After an object is placed on a front of the central panel, the sheets of the sheet assemblies are located over the sides of the object. The sets of wing panels can then be folded to a back of the frame to cause the sheets to retain the sides of the object to the central panel.
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
A retention packaging assembly (100, 200, 300) includes an end retention frame (200) that retains one lateral side of an object (150) and another retention frame (300) that retains another lateral side of the object. Each of the retention frames includes a retention panel, an end panel (104, 106) foldably coupled to the retention panel, a set of wing panels configured to be folded into a folded configuration, and a sheet (208, 308) fixedly coupled to each of the wing panels. Each end retention frame retains a lateral side of the object between the sheet and the retention panel when the wing panels are in the folded configuration. In some cases, the end retention frames are laterally spaced away from each other such that they do not contact each other when they retain the lateral sides of the object.
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
35.
MANDREL FOR HOLDING AND ALIGNING FILM SUPPLY ROLLS
A mandrel includes a shaft that can hold a supply roll of film. A primary button and one or more secondary buttons are located on the shaft. The primary button and the one or more secondary buttons are biased toward an extended position and are capable of moving to a retracted position. The primary button and the one or more secondary buttons retract to the retracted position during at least a portion of loading the supply roll of film onto the shaft. The retraction of the primary button to the retracted position causes retraction of the one or more secondary buttons to the retracted position. When the supply roll of film is in an aligned position on the shaft, the supply roll of film is maintained in the aligned position in part by one of the primary button and the one or more secondary buttons in the extended position.
B65H 75/40 - Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans specially adapted or mounted for storing and repeatedly paying-out and re-storing lengths of material provided for particular purposes, e.g. anchored hoses, power cables involving the use of a core or former internal to, and supporting, a stored package of material mobile or transportable
A system includes a frame assembly, a slide assembly, and a print mechanism. The frame assembly including a guide rod and a slide adjustment shaft. The slide assembly includes a handle that is biased to a non-actuated position. The print mechanism is fixedly coupled to the slide assembly. The slide adjustment shaft includes grooves and the slide assembly includes a pin that selectively engages two of the grooves. The handle is coupled to the pin such that the pin is engaged with and biased toward one of the grooves when the handle is in the non-activated position and movement of the handle to an activated position causes pin to disengage from the grooves. The slide assembly can slide when the pin is disengaged from the grooves and the slide assembly cannot slide when the pin is engaged with and biased toward one of the grooves.
B41J 25/304 - Bodily-movable mechanisms for print heads or carriages movable towards or from paper surface
B41J 15/08 - Supporting, feeding, or guiding devicesMountings for web rolls or spindles characterised by being applied to printers having transversely-moving carriages
37.
INFLATABLE CELLULAR CUSHIONING ARTICLE WITH ENHANCED PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES
An inflatable cellular cushioning article has a plurality of inflatable chambers with each chamber comprising a plurality of inflatable cells connected in series with one another by connecting channels. The article is made from a first multilayer film sealed to itself or to a second film. The first film comprises a plurality of microlayers. At least 50 percent of the microlayers comprise a polymer selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymer, ethylene copolymer, propylene homopolymer, and propylene copolymer.
B32B 7/05 - Interconnection of layers the layers not being connected over the whole surface, e.g. discontinuous connection or patterned connection
B32B 3/28 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer comprising a deformed thin sheet, e.g. corrugated, crumpled
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
A form-fill-seal system includes a tube feeding system, an end seal carriage (420), and a computing device. The tube feeding system feeds a tube (410) of flexible material at a first velocity (v1). The computing device controls the end seal carriage (420) to cause an increase in a velocity of the end seal carriage to substantially the first velocity (v1), a start of a dwell time of the end seal mechanism (424, 422) on the tube (410) of flexible material while the velocity of the end seal carriage is at substantially the first velocity (v1), and an increase in the velocity of the end seal carriage to a second velocity (v2) during the dwell time. The end seal mechanism cuts a package (440) from the tube during the dwell time. The increase in the velocity of the end seal carriage to the second velocity (v2) results in an increased distance of the package from the tube.
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
B65B 51/30 - Devices, e.g. jaws, for applying pressure and heat successively, e.g. for subdividing filled tubes
B65B 9/067 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it the web advancing continuously
B65B 9/073 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it the web having intermittent motion
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor
39.
FORMING FUNNEL FOR CONSTRAINING CUSHIONED MAILERS AS WELL AS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLOSING AN OPENING OF A MAILER
A system (300) for closing mailers includes a forming funnel (320) and a fusing device (310). The forming funnel includes funneling surfaces that receive an opening of a mailer in an insertion direction (302) and constrain the opening of the mailer after the opening of the mailer is inserted. The funneling surfaces are arranged to continue constraining the opening of the mailer as the mailer moves in a sliding direction (304). The fusing device includes a slot that receives the constrained opening of the mailer from the forming funnel. The fusing device applies pressure and heat to the opening of the mailer as the opening of the mailer moves through the slot. The pressure and the heat applied by the fusing device cause portions of the opening to fuse together to close the mailer.
A dispenser (200) includes a supply structure (202) and a biasing structure (206). The supply structure holds mailers (204). A mailer from the mailers includes a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls are closed at a first side of the mailer, closed at a second side of the mailer, and closed at a closed end of the mailer. The first and second walls are not closed at an open end of the mailer. The mailer is arranged to be dispensed from the supply structure (202). The biasing structure (206) is arranged to engage the mailer as the mailer is dispensed from the supply structure (202). The biasing structure (206) has narrowing surfaces configured to contact the sides of the mailer as the mailer is dispensed. The narrowing surfaces of the biasing structure (206) are arranged to narrow the open end of the mailer thereby causing the open end to be biased open.
B65H 1/06 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles substantially horizontally, e.g. for separation from top of pile for separation from bottom of pile
B65H 3/08 - Separating articles from piles using pneumatic force
B65H 3/24 - Separating articles from piles by pushers engaging the edges of the articles
B65H 3/30 - Separating articles from piles by escapement devicesSeparating articles from piles from staggered pilesSeparating articles from piles from piles of articles having staggered formations, e.g. cuts or perforations
41.
POLYETHYLENE RECYCLABLE FILM WITH HIGH STRENGTH AND/OR BARRIER
Polyethylene recyclable composite article comprises multilayer film having first layer comprising polyolefin with a melting point ≤190°C, second layer comprising second polymer selected from amorphous polyamide, polyamide with melt point 191-205°C, polyvinylidene chloride w/melt point 191-205°C, and/or EVOH w/melt point 191-205°C, and tie layer between the first layer and the second layer. The multilayer film is bonded to itself or another component. The second polymer makes up 1 to 10 wt % of composite article weight, and composite article exhibits a composite melt index of from 0.5 to 4 grams/10 min at 190°C and 2.16 kg in a Composite Melt Index Test. A corresponding polyethylene recyclable multilayer film also exhibits 0.5 to 4 grams/10 min at 190°C and 2.16 kg in a Composite Melt Index Test.
B32B 3/04 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by a layer folded at the edge, e.g. over another layer
B65D 65/40 - Applications of laminates for particular packaging purposes
B32B 7/05 - Interconnection of layers the layers not being connected over the whole surface, e.g. discontinuous connection or patterned connection
B65D 75/54 - Cards, coupons or other inserts or accessories
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
B32B 3/28 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer comprising a deformed thin sheet, e.g. corrugated, crumpled
A system includes a foam-in-bag system (100), a user interface device (910), and an arm (920). The foam-in-bag system forms bags (826) from film (812) and to dispense foaming chemical precursors (836) into the bags. The foam-in-bag system includes a controller that controls at least a portion of operation of the foam-in-bag system. The user interface device is communicatively coupled to the controller. The user interface device receives user inputs and sends signals indicative of the user inputs to the controller. The arm is coupled to both a housing (194) of the foam-in-bag system and to the user interface device. The arm selectively holds the user interface device in at least two different positions with respect to the foam-in-bag system. The arm is configured such that a user is capable of repositioning the user interface device between the at least two different positions by hand without the use of tools.
Webs of inflatable mailer pouches and associated methods are disclosed. Pouches include a multilayer inner cushion structure with inflatable compartments and a fill channel disposed at a first longitudinal edge of the structure. An outer layer with a closure flap is secured to the inner structure. The inner cushion structure and outer layer are folded at a bottom edge of the pouch to form first and second panels of the pouches. The fill channel may be disposed at a top of the first panel and the closure flap disposed at a top of either the first or the second panel. The fill channel extends beyond a top of the second panel and the closure flap is extendable beyond the top of the fill channel. When wound, the closure flap is folded so that the fill channel of each pouch layer is exposed at a lateral face of the cylinder.
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B65D 27/00 - Envelopes or like essentially-rectangular flexible containers for postal or other purposes having no structural provision for thickness of contents
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
A packaging system includes a conveyance system, a package forming system, and a tracking system. The conveyance system is configured to receive objects and to convey the objects through the packaging system. Spacing between the objects is non-uniform as the objects are received by the conveyance system. The package forming system is configured to feed a packaging material to form a tube of the packaging material and to seal the tube of the packaging material around the objects to form packages of the packaging material around the objects. The tracking system configured to track locations of the objects as the objects are conveyed through the packaging system on the conveyance system. In some cases, the tracking system is configured to track locations of the objects independently of any marks on the packaging material and/or independently of the location of inducting documents placed on the objects.
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
B65B 11/10 - Wrapping articles, or quantities of material, by conveying wrapper and contents in defined paths in a single straight path to fold the wrappers in tubular form about contents
B65B 59/00 - Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
A retention packaging assembly includes a frame and two sheet assemblies. The frame includes a central panel, end panels, and two sets of wing panels. Each set of wing panels includes wing panels that are foldably coupled to the central panel and to one of the two end panels. The sheet assemblies include a sheet that is attached at its ends to slot panels. The slot panels of each of the sheet assemblies are selectively couplable to one of the set of wing panels. After an object is placed on a front of the central panel, the sheets of the sheet assemblies are located over the sides of the object. The sets of wing panels can then be folded to a back of the frame to cause the sheets to retain the sides of the object to the central panel.
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
46.
PACKAGING WITH INFLATED QUILT AND RESILIENT INSERT
An insert (130) for a cushion system includes a resilient cushioning material. The insert (130) is usable with an inflated quilted cushion (100) that has two longitudinal seams (114, 116), an inner row (108) between the two longitudinal seams, a first outer row on a side of one longitudinal seam opposite the inner row, and a second outer row on a side of the other longitudinal seam opposite the inner row. The insert (130) has a transverse width that permits the insert to be located on the inflated quilted cushion between the outer rows when the inflated quilted cushion is in a folded configuration where the inflated quilted cushion (100) is folded at the two longitudinal seams. The insert (130) includes a first transverse side that engages the first outer row when the inflated quilted cushion is in the folded configuration to deter longitudinal movement of the insert with respect to the inflated quilted cushion.
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
47.
CRIMPED CUSHIONED ENVELOPES AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
A cushioned envelope is formed from a laminated material that includes a cushioning web and a shell web. The outer side of the cushioning web is laminated to the inner side of the shell web. A crimping adhesive is applied to first and second transverse seams of the inner side of the cushioning web. The laminated web material is crimped so that each of the first and second transverse seams on the inner side of the cushioning web is folded in on itself. The folded laminated web material is crimped at the first transverse seam and at the second transverse seam. The crimped laminated web material is cut at a location in the first transverse seam and at a location in the second transverse seam.
A cushion package can be formed around an object. The object can be removed from and reinserted into the cushion package. The cushion package includes a cushion material (104) having a longitudinal length and two longitudinal edges (110). The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are folded into an overlapping position to form a tube of the cushion material. The cushion package includes first and second transverse seals (148,150) in the tube of the cushion material. The first and second transverse seals (148,150) respectively form first and second ends of the cushion package. Each of the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150) seals the cushion material with the two longitudinal edges (110) in the overlapping position. The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are uncoupled between the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150).
B65D 75/38 - Articles or materials enclosed in two or more wrappers disposed one inside the other
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
B65D 75/58 - Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
B65D 77/06 - Liquids or semiliquids enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
49.
SELF-SEALING INFLATABLE ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED FLUID RETENTION UNDER LOAD
An inflatable article is made from a flexible film and has an inflatable chamber and a self-sealing one way valve. The film provides a first chamber side and a second chamber side. An inflatable chamber is formed by perimeter seals of the first chamber side to the second chamber side. The self-sealing one-way valve has a collapsible self-sealing inflation channel and an internal valve passageway into the inflatable chamber. At least a portion of the film making up the one-way valve has an outside layer containing a particulate antiblock in an amount of at least 0.5 wt %, the particulate antiblock having an average particle size of from 2 to 9 microns, and a particle size distribution span of ≤ 3.0.
B65D 30/08 - Sacks, bags or like containers characterised by the material used with laminated or multiple walls in spaced face-to-face relationship, e.g. double walls
B65D 33/00 - Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
50.
METHOD AND FORMULATION FOR RENEWABLE POLYETHYLENE FOAMS
A method of making a foam using a renewable resource and a foam thereof is disclosed. The foam is made using green polyethylene polymers made from renewable sugarcane ethanol. The use of these polymers to make foam has the potential to reduce carbon dioxide gas emissions by more than half. The foam can be used in a variety of applications and can also be made with blends of renewable LDPE and non-renewable LDPE.
C08J 9/00 - Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materialsAfter-treatment thereof
B32B 5/18 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by features of a layer containing foamed or specifically porous material
C08J 9/14 - Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materialsAfter-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a physical blowing agent organic
A packaging system includes an outer tray and an inner tray. The outer tray has a base panel. The inner tray is configured to be placed over the base panel with a first side of the inner tray facing the base panel and a second side of the inner tray facing away from the base panel. The inner tray is arranged to form a temperature pack compartment and an object compartment. The temperature pack compartment is between the outer tray and the inner tray on the first side of the inner tray and the temperature pack compartment is configured to accommodate a temperature pack. The object compartment is on the second side of the inner tray and the object compartment configured to accommodate an object placed within the packaging system.
B65D 81/38 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
F25D 1/00 - Devices using naturally-cold air or water
An object can be heat-shrinkable packaged by placing an object inside of heat-shrinkable film, sealing the heat-shrinkable film around the object to form a heat-shrinkable package, coupling a first portion of a label to the heat-shrinkable package, and causing the heat-shrinkable film to shrink into heat-shrunk film and the heat-shrinkable package to form into a heat-shrunk package. The label includes an identifier on a second portion of the label. The label remains coupled to the heat-shrunk film after the heat-shrinkable film is caused to shrink into heat-shrunk film. The second portion of the label remains substantially undeformed after the heat-shrinkable film is caused to shrink into heat-shrunk film.
A packaging system includes an object, a heat-shrinkable package, and a protective film. The heat-shrinkable package is formed from heat-shrinkable film around the object and the heat-shrinkable film includes a weakened portion. The protective film is coupled to the heat-shrinkable film and positioned to cover the weakened portion in the heat-shrinkable film. The heat-shrinkable package is configured to shrink and form a package of heat-shrunk film around the object in response to being exposed to a heat-shrink environment. The protective film is positioned to cover the weakened portion in the heat-shrunk film after exposing to package of heat-shrinkable film and the protective film to the heat-shrink environment.
B65B 53/02 - Shrinking wrappers, containers, container covers or container cover securing members during or after packaging by heat
B65B 61/18 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for applying or incorporating package-opening or unpacking elements, e.g. tear-strips
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
Methods and systems can be used to determine packaging characteristics for an object. An input that includes an object model is received. The object model includes can be any of a solid computer-aided drafting model, a mesh model, a point cloud model, a shell model, or a surface model. A number of scan angles with respect to the object model are determined. The object model is scanned from the scan angles. A scan of the object model from one of the scan angles generates object surface data that includes a two-dimensional array of values corresponding to depths to a surface of the object model in a direction corresponding to the one of the scan angles. The object surface data from scans at the scan angles is compiled to form converted object data. The converted object data is analyzed to determine one or more packaging characteristics of the object model.
A system for detaching one or more cushions from a string of cushions includes a string of inflated cushions having detachment lines, a channel, and a lever. The lever includes a beam having a tear end and an opposing clamp end. The beam has a given beam length that corresponds to a multiple of the uniform cushion length of the string. The beam is pivotally mounted at a fulcrum between the tear end and clamp end and along the path of travel so that the tear end is downstream from the clamp end and the lever is movable between: (i) an engaged mode where the tear end of the beam separates the string of cushions along a corresponding detachment line and (ii) a disengaged mode where the string of cushions is pullable along the path of travel past the lever.
Methods and systems are capable of being used to package products from a selection of products. A collection of one or more products is provided from the selection of products. Information is received, where the information includes one or more of recipient-specific information associated with an intended recipient of the collection and product-specific information associated with the collection. Targeted information is selected for the collection based on the received information. The targeted information is affixed on a protective packaging material to create a targeted protective packaging material. A package is created by combining the targeted protective packaging material and the collection.
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65B 61/20 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents
B65B 61/22 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for adding cards, coupons or other inserts to package contents for placing protecting sheets, plugs, or wads over contents, e.g. cotton-wool in bottles of pills
B65B 61/26 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for marking or coding completed packages
B65B 5/06 - Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
G06Q 30/02 - MarketingPrice estimation or determinationFundraising
An inflatable web (10) includes a top film (30) heat sealed to a bottom film (32) to define sealed regions (40) and non-sealed regions (214). The non-sealed regions include inflatable regions (216) that are inflatable through one or more inflation ports. The top film (30) may have a color that differs from the color of the bottom film (32) to create a visual contrast between the sealed regions (40) and the adjacent non-sealed regions (214) when the web is viewed from the top film side. The ratio of the surface area of the inflatable regions (216) to the total surface area of the inflatable web is at least 50% and at most 95%.
B65D 75/30 - Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
B65D 75/20 - Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks doubled around contents and having their opposed free margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
B65D 75/58 - Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
A system is capable of forming a flexible package. The system includes a packaging system, an end sealer, and a gas delivery system. The packaging system is configured to form a flexible package and fill the flexible package with an object. The end sealer is configured to form a seal in an end of the flexible package to close the flexible package with the object inside of the flexible package. The gas delivery system is configured to direct a stream of gas toward the end of the flexible package after the seal is formed. In some instances, the stream of gas is configured to make the formed flexible package easily separable by causing at least one of deflection of the end of the flexible package with the seal or an increased rate of solidification of the seal.
B65B 51/30 - Devices, e.g. jaws, for applying pressure and heat successively, e.g. for subdividing filled tubes
B65B 9/02 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, between opposed webs
B65B 9/067 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it the web advancing continuously
B29C 65/78 - Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles
B65B 35/24 - Feeding, e.g. conveying, single articles by endless belts or chains
A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system (12, 212), an inflation system (280), and a conveying system (250). The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
B65B 31/04 - Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
A packaged product includes a web arranged to have a top panel and a bottom panel heat sealed to each other to completely enclose the product by (i) the web and (ii) one or more heat seals formed by the web between its top and bottom panels. A detachment line extends across the top and bottom panels to delineate a top portion and a main body of the package. The top portion and main body are manually detachable from each other along the detachment line to open the package. The packaged product may further include a closure tape adhered to the main body of the package on a product side of one of the top and bottom panels proximate the detachment line. The closure tape is configured to reseal the main body of the package closed after the top portion has been removed from the main body.
B65B 11/50 - Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins
B65B 61/18 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for applying or incorporating package-opening or unpacking elements, e.g. tear-strips
B65D 75/00 - Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
B65B 9/067 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it the web advancing continuously
A supply of inflatable pouches includes an inflatable web having two sheets sealed to define a series of inflatable chambers having a closed distal end and an open proximal end providing an inflation port for each of the chambers. The chambers are arrayed in a transversely. The inflatable web includes a longitudinal fold defining two juxtaposed inflatable panels. A series of transverse seals bond the panels together to form a connected series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals. The inflatable web includes a series of slits, each slit extending transversely in the two juxtaposed inflatable panels from the longitudinal fold for at least one inch. Each slit of the series is between adjacent inflatable pouches.
An inflatable pouch includes a bladder formed from an inflatable web and an outer skin formed from a film. The bladder includes a bladder pouch that includes a bottom portion at a folded edge of the inflatable web, front and back portions on either side of the folded edge, and sides where the front and back portions are sealed to each other. The outer skin includes an outer skin pouch that includes a bottom portion at a folded edge of the film, front and back portions on either side of the folded edge, and sides where the front and back portions are attached to each other. The bladder is attached to the outer skin at a tack area such that the sides of the bladder pouch and the outer skin pouch are not directly attached to the sides of the outer skin pouch.
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65D 33/00 - Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
63.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING BOX AND FRAME. RAM SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SEPARATING A FRAME FROM A PACKAGING ASSEMBLY
A system for assembling a packaging assembly of a box and a frame (i) a conveyor for transporting the box along a path of travel in an inverted position with the front and rear closure flaps extending in an open configuration, (ii) an adhesive application station for applying adhesive to the front and rear closure flaps in selected regions, and (iii) a compression station downstream from the adhesive application station to compress (1) the front panel flap to the front closure flap and (2) the rear panel flap to the rear closure flap in the selected regions.
B31B 50/62 - Uniting opposed surfaces or edgesTaping by adhesives
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
B31B 105/00 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by assembling separate sheets, blanks or webs
B31B 110/35 - Shape of rigid or semi-rigid containers having a polygonal cross section rectangular, e.g. square
B31B 120/25 - Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers provided with two or more compartments formed by partitions or like inserts not integral with walls
A nozzle is usable to inflate a film having two sides that form a common channel and inflatable channels. The inflatable channels are in fluid communication with the common channel. The nozzle includes a proximal end configured to separate the two sides of the film to open the common channel as the film moves in a longitudinal direction. The nozzle includes a distal end configured to permit the two sides of the film to converge as the film moves in the longitudinal direction. The nozzle includes a slot configured to direct gas transversely into the common channel to inflate the inflatable channels as the film moves in the longitudinal direction.
A system (400) for cutting and conveying cushioning material includes an infeed conveyor system (402), a cutting mechanism (404), and a discharge conveyor system (406). The infeed conveyor system conveys a supply of cushioning material. The cutting mechanism cuts pieces of the cushioning material from the supply of cushioning material conveyed by the infeed conveyor system. The discharge conveyor system captures and discharges the pieces of the cushioning material. The discharge conveyor system includes a first conveyor (428) in a fixed planar position and a second conveyor (430) that rotates about an upstream roller (440) of the second conveyor. A downstream roller (442) of the second conveyor is biased toward first conveyor. A driving mechanism rotates at least one conveyor belt (438) on one or more of the first conveyor or the second conveyor.
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B65G 15/20 - Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration comprising two or more co-operating endless surfaces with parallel longitudinal axes, or a multiplicity of parallel elements, e.g. ropes defining an endless surface with two or more endless belts arranged side by side, e.g. for conveyance of flat articles in vertical position
66.
MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING VOID FILL PACKAGING MATERIAL
A machine for converting sheet stock material into void fill material comprises an improved, angled inlet chute, an outlet chute, and an internal drive assembly comprising a motor and power transmission system for rotating a plurality of opposed crush wheels that pull the sheet stock from the inlet chute and push the void fill material to the outlet chute in a downstream direction. The internal drive assembly comprises a frame securing a motor and a first power transmission set to rotate a drive axle and a first set of crush wheels. The assembly comprises a subframe securing a driven axle and a second set of crush wheels that are rotated by a second power transmission set. The subframe is pivotably attached to the frame at a pivot point that allows the driven axle to pivot away from the drive axle at least partly in upstream and downstream directions.
A system of facilitating printing of shipping labels includes a computing device and a label printer. The computing device receive shipment database data from a remote computing device, store the shipment database data in a shipment database, receive scan data associated with an object from a scanning device, determine whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database, determine shipping information for the object based on whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database, and send shipping information to the label printer. The shipping information for the object is based on whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database. The label printer prints a shipping label for the object based on the shipping information.
An inflatable web (10, 12, 18, 22) includes a top film (30) sealed to a bottom film (32) in selected regions (40) to define (i) a plurality of inflation rows (34) each having a proximal end (42) and a distal end (44) and (ii) an inflation port (60) at the proximal end of each inflation row. Each inflation row (34) includes a plurality of inflatable cells (46) in fluid communication with each other via an interconnecting inflation channel (48) between adjacent inflatable cells of the inflation row. Each plurality of inflatable cells includes a proximal inflatable cell (50), a distal inflatable cell (52), and a plurality of intermediate inflatable cells (54) between the proximal and distal inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell (46) has a peripheral seal boundary (56) defining a peripheral shape (58) of the inflatable cell.
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B65B 31/08 - Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzle being adapted to pierce the container or wrapper
B65B 55/20 - Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
69.
OPAQUE, HEAT SHRINKABLE FILM COMPRISING MICROLAYERS
A microlayer is provided having a pigment that may include carbon black particles ranging from about 25 nm to about 200 nm in diameter and/or titanium dioxide (Ti02) particles ranging from about 54 nm to about 390 nm in diameter. Such a microlayer may be used in a film that has a core layer adjacent to a substrate layer, which is itself adjacent to an outer layer. The core layer may one or more first multilayers having at least one of carbon black particles ranging from about 25 nm to about 200 nm in diameter and Ti02 particles ranging from about 54 nm to about 390 nm in diameter. Such a film is characterized by an opacity of at least about 90%. A multilayer core layer will result in a film having an Elmendorff tear strength of at least about 27.9 g.
B32B 27/20 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
A sheet panel (140) is capable of being used with a base panel (110) to form a retention packaging system. The sheet panel (140) includes a first overwrap panel (142), a second overwrap panel (144), a sheet(152) connected to the first overwrap panel (142) and to the second overwrap panel (144), and a detachable portion (148, 150) between the first and second overwrap panels and configured to be detached from the sheet panel. After the detachable portion (148, 150) is detached from the sheet panel (140), the first overwrap panel (142) is configured to be selectively attached to a first tension flap (112) of the base panel at one of a plurality of locations on the first tension flap and the second overwrap panel (144) is configured to be selectively attached to a second tension flap (114) of the base panel at one of a plurality of locations on the second tension flap such that the sheet (152)spans between the first and second tension flaps (112, 114).
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
A retention packaging system includes a frame (102), a sheet (108), and an attachment zone (170). The frame includes a first panel (106), a second panel (112), and a sheet panel (108). The frame is foldable to a first folded state where the frame forms a space having an opening with the sheet panel (108) foldably connected to the first panel (106). The sheet is attached to the frame across a portion of the sheet panel. The frame is foldable to a second folded state where an attachment end (158) of the sheet panel (108) is attached to the attachment zone (170) with the sheet spanning across of the opening. In the second folded state, one side of the attachment end (158) is attached to a portion of the attachment zone (170) on the second panel (112) and the other side of the attachment end (158) is attached to another portion of the attachment zone (170) on an attachment flap (142, 146) foldably connected to the second panel (112).
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
A reloading supply system includes a loading cart (100) and a machine (200). The loading cart has a first material tray (120) that includes a first combed surface (122) configured to retain a supply material in the first material tray. The machine has a second material tray (220) that includes a second combed surface (222) configured to retain the supply material in the second material tray after the supply material is transferred from the first material tray of the loading cart to the second material tray of the machine. Teeth (124) of the first combed surface are configured to pass by teeth (224) of the second combed surface. The first combed surface and the second combed surface are configured such that the supply material in the first material tray is transferred to the second material tray as the teeth of the first combed surface pass by the teeth of the second combed surface.
B62B 1/10 - Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheelsEquipment therefor in which the load is intended to be transferred totally to the wheels
B62B 3/12 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by three-wheeled construction
A shaft decoupling system (200) includes an inner shaft (202) couplable to an actuator (102), an outer shaft (204) aligned coaxially with the inner shaft, and a bearing release collar (206). The bearing release collar is biased toward a first position by a biasing mechanism and configured to be moved to a second position against a biasing force of the biasing mechanism (222, 322) in response to the bearing release collar contacting a collar strike plate (118) as the actuator moves the shaft decoupling system. When the bearing release collar is in the first position, a bearing (220, 320) is held by the bearing release collar to prevent respective movement of the inner shaft and the outer shaft. When the bearing release collar is in the second position, the bearing release collar permits the bearing to retract such that the inner shaft is permitted to move coaxially with respect to the outer shaft.
Example embodiments provide methods, apparatus, systems, and computer program products for providing a packaging solution and a corresponding predetermined sequence of packing materials. In one embodiment, a method for controlling one or more packing material making machines is provided. The method comprises storing one or more predetermined packing recipes, wherein a packing recipe comprises (a) machine instructions for making a sequence of one or more packing materials and (b) a packaging solution for positioning the one or more packing materials in a container with an item. One of the one or more predetermined packing recipes is selected based on received input. The method further comprises causing at least one of the packing material making machines is to make the predetermined sequence of one or more packing materials in accordance with the machine instructions of the selected packing recipe and providing the packaging solution to a user through a user interface.
Various embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses configured to detect the presence of foam forming composition in various regions within a foam dispensing apparatus. In various embodiments, the foam dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing nozzle positioned between at least two container-forming layers and configured to dispense foam forming composition into a container interior formed by the container-forming layers. The sensing apparatus may be positioned external to the container interior, on an opposite side of a container-forming layer relative to the nozzle, and the sensing apparatus may be configured to detect whether foam forming composition is present within a field of view of the sensing apparatus, which encompasses a portion of the container interior. The sensing apparatus may comprise a contactless temperature sensor configured to detect the presence of foam forming composition based on the detected temperature of a surface within the field of view of the sensor apparatus.
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
B29K 75/00 - Use of polyureas or polyurethanes as moulding material
Provided herein are frames, packaging assemblies, and associated methods for supporting an object. The frame may include a first panel having a first distal end spaced from the first base end, and a second panel having a second distal end spaced from the second base end. The frame may further include at least one pivot axis pivotally connecting the first base end of the first panel and the second base end of the second panel, such that the first panel and the second panel may rotate relative to one another about the at least one pivot axis. A flexible support may extend between the first distal end and the second distal end, and at least one of the distal ends may pivot towards an opposing one of the distal ends in response to application of a force from an object to the flexible support.
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
A system for active alignment of an inflatable web with respect to an inflation nozzle as the web is dispensed from a roll for serial inflation by the inflation nozzle, the inflatable web including top and bottom sheets sealed together by transverse seals to define a series of inflatable chambers having an opening between the terminal ends of the transverse seals and proximate a longitudinal edge of the web for receiving inflation fluid from the nozzle, the system comprising: a spool adapted to support the roll so that the roll rotates about the spool as the inflatable web is withdrawn from the roll; an actuator arranged to adjust the position of the roll along the length of the spool; an inflation nozzle adapted to provide inflation fluid into the openings of the inflatable chambers as the web travels along a path of travel past the inflation nozzle; a tracking sensor comprising: a sensor arm pivotally mounted at a pivot point at a given location relative the inflation nozzle, the sensor arm having a contact portion, the sensor arm adapted to pivot on the pivot point as the terminal ends of the transverse seals of the web contact the contact portion of the sensor arm; and an analogue sensor adapted to detect the movement of the sensor arm and to generate an analogue signal varying in relation to the movement of the sensor arm; and a controller operative to receive the analogue signal and based on the analogue signal to send output to the actuator to adjust the position of the roll on the spool to maintain the transverse position of the web within a predetermined range.
A machine for providing cushioning products of varying lengths from a supply of a web material having sequential transverse rows of inflated protrusions. A pair of opposing feed members form a feed nip for moving the web along a path of travel. At least one sensor detects location information for the sequential rows of inflated protrusions as the web travels along the path of travel. A severing device is moveable between (i) an engaged position to separate the web transversely or perforate the web transversely and (ii) a disengaged position. A controller is programmed (i) to receive the location information and (ii) to operatively control the severing device to move it to the engaged position when a selected row is in a determined position relative the severing device.
A system for dispensing a liquid includes a source (24) of a liquid that crystallizes upon exposure to water moisture in air (e.g., an isocyanate). A dispenser (58) includes an inlet conduit (62) for receiving the liquid from the source, an outlet conduit (72) for dispensing the liquid out of an outlet opening exposed to air, and a valve (66) between the inlet (62) and outlet conduits (72). In the closed position of the valve (i) an upstream portion of the liquid is retained in the inlet conduit (62) on the upstream side of the valve (66) and (ii) a downstream portion of the liquid extending from the downstream side of the valve to the outlet opening is retained in the outlet conduit (72) on the downstream side of the valve (66). The size of the outlet opening of the outlet conduit (72) is sufficiently small to retain the downstream portion of the liquid in the outlet conduit when the valve (66) is in the closed position.
A system for supplying a liquid. A reservoir tank has a low level and a high level of the liquid. A pump is submerged in the liquid within the reservoir tank. The pump has an inlet to receive the liquid from a source outside of the reservoir tank and an outlet to deliver the liquid to a destination outside of the reservoir tank. A bleed path places the pump outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The bleed path has a bleed valve controlling the flow of liquid through the bleed path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank above the low level. A recirculation path places the pump inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The recirculation path has a recirculation valve controlling the flow of liquid through the recirculation path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank below the high level.
The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to an apparatus that controls a film to allow various sized products to enter the film. The disclosed apparatus comprises a first arm, a second arm, and an upper member positioned between the first arm and the second arm. A system comprising the apparatus and components to wrap a product in film, such as, an end sealer, a conveyor, and a side sealer is also disclosed. Additionally disclosed is a method for controlling a film during a sealing process.
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
A system for packaging includes a continuous flow wrap machine, a product reader, and a labeling unit. The product reader is configured to sense each product of the series of products transported on the infeed conveyor of the continuous flow wrap machine and to provide detected information for facilitating access to unique product information associated with each sensed product of the series of products. The labeling unit is adapted to apply visual representation of the unique product information to the tube formed in the continuous flow wrap machine while the tube is moving or to the resulting packaged product while the packaged product is moving.
B65B 61/02 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
B65B 9/067 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it the web advancing continuously
B65B 59/02 - Arrangements to enable adjustments to be made while the machine is running
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
A frame (10) used in a packaging assembly for retaining a product within a box. The frame includes a panel (16) having a panel width (W1) greater than the box width. A front panel flap fold zone (26) corresponds to the front closure flap fold line of the box. A rear panel flap fold zone (30) corresponds to the rear closure flap fold line of the box. A central panel portion (34) extends between the front and rear panel flap fold zones. Front and rear panel flaps (36, 38) extend from the front panel flap fold zone and the rear panel flap fold zone, respectively. A detachment line (40) extends from the left edge (19) to the right edge (20) of the panel in the central panel portion to delineate front and rear central panel portions (42, 44). A sheet (18) extends across the central panel portion and attaches to the panel at opposing regions of the panel outside of the central panel portion.
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
B65B 5/02 - Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
B31B 1/00 - Box, carton, envelope or bag making machinery characterised by performing specific operations
84.
METHOD OF POSITIONING AND SEALING A BAG IN A VACUUM CHAMBER, BAG POSITIONING APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PATCH BAG
A method of positioning and sealing a bag in a vacuum chamber, includes detecting a trailing edge of a product in the bag, detecting a trailing edge of a patch adhered to the bag, controlling advancement of the bag, and closing the bag. A bag positioning apparatus includes an infrared sensing apparatus, a fluorescence sensing apparatus, and a controller. A method of manufacturing a patch bag includes adhering a first patch to film stock, detecting a position of the first patch, aligning a second patch with the first patch, and adhering the second patch to the film stock. A method of manufacturing a patch bag includes detecting an edge of a patch adhered to film stock, forming a seal across the film stock adjacent to the edge of the patch, and severing the film stock adjacent to the edge of the patch.
B65B 31/02 - Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
B65B 51/14 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
B65B 57/04 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of such material, containers, or packages
B65B 57/12 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of wrapping materials, containers, or packages
85.
MULTILAYER, HEAT-SHRINKABLE FILM COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF MICROLAYERS
A multilayer, heat-shrinkable film generally includes at least one bulk layer and a microlayer section comprising a plurality of microlayers. The film has a sufficiently low shrink force to wrap fragile items, such as furnace filters.
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
A frame useful for retaining a product includes a frame and a sheet. The panel includes a central portion and right and left retention flaps extending from the central portion. The panel also includes right and left front pieces moveable to an engaged position coupled with the right and left retention flaps, respectively. The sheet includes a front retaining portion extending between the right and left front pieces and a front remainder portion at least partially overlaying the central portion of the panel. The right and left front pieces in the engaged position connect the front retaining portion of the sheet to the right and left retention flaps, respectively. When the right and left front pieces are both in their engaged positions, the front retaining portion of the sheet extends over the central portion of the panel. The frame is positionable in a retained position having the right and left front pieces in their respective engaged positions and the right and left retention flap folded to extend beneath the central portion. The front retaining portion may be tensioned to retain the product between the front retaining portion and the front remainder portion of the sheet.
A frame (14) is useful in a packaging assembly including a box. The frame includes a panel(16) and a sheet (40). The panel has a panel length (L1) that is greater than the box length. The panel has a panel width (W1) that is greater than the box width. The panel defines a left slot (26) configured to receive the left closure flap of the box and a right slot (28) configured to receive the right closure flap of the box. The panel includes a left panel flap (30) extending from the left slot to the left edge (18) of the panel, a right panel flap (32) extending from the right slot to the right edge (20) of the panel, a front panel flap (34) extending from the left panel flap to the right panel flap; and a rear panel flap (36) extending from the left panel flap to the right panel flap. The left panel flap is foldably connected to the front panel flap and to the rear panel flap. The right panel flap is foldably connected to the front panel flap and the rear panel flap. The panel defines a panel opening (38) circumscribed by the left, right, front, and rear panel flaps. The sheet (40) is attached to the front panel flap and the rear panel flap and extends over the panel opening.
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
B65D 5/50 - Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
88.
A SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING PACKAGING CUSHIONING AND SUPPLY STRUCTURE THEREFOR
A supply structure (114) for a supply (16) of fan-folded sheet stock material (20), which is positionable relative to a cushion conversion machine to provide thereto the fan-folded sheet stock material for conversion thereof into packaging cushioning. The supply structure includes two or more supports (146), each of the supports including a base (148) and a riser (150) extending upwardly from the base. The base and the riser are structured and arranged to cooperatively accommodate a stack of the fan-folded sheet stock material.
A machine (10) for inflating and sealing an inflatable web, the web including opposing longitudinal edges and a pair of sheets sealed together by transverse seals that form a series of inflatable containers. The machine (10) generally includes a support structure (12), a spool (18) for supporting a roll of the inflatable web, a web conveyance system (20), an inflation system (22) to inflate the containers, and a sealing device (24) for sealing closed the openings of the containers.
Inflation device (100) configured for inflating an inflatable structure (200) defining a plurality of inflatable chambers (205), the inflation device comprising: an engagement device for engaging the inflatable structure and advancing the inflatable structure in a machine direction; a pressurized fluid source (50) configured for inflating one or more of the inflatable chambers; a remote sensor (70) configured for being removably secured to a surface and for sensing the presence of the inflatable structure in proximity to the remote sensor; and a control unit (60) in communication with the remote sensor, the control unit being configured to cause the engagement device and pressurized fluid source to advance the inflatable structure in the machine direction and inflate multiple inflatable chambers of the inflatable structure until the remote sensor detects the presence of the inflatable structure in proximity to the remote sensor.
A method of making a foam uses the following steps. A mixture is created having a polymerizable condensation polymer and a blowing agent. The polymerizable condensation polymer has hydroxy acid units and unsaturated di-functional units. The unsaturated di-functional units are unsaturated dicarboxylic acid units or unsaturated di-alcohol units. The mixture is expanded to create a froth. The polymerizable condensation polymer in the froth is reacted to create the foam.
C08J 9/12 - Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materialsAfter-treatment thereof using blowing gases generated by a previously added blowing agent by a physical blowing agent
C08J 9/30 - Working-up of macromolecular substances to porous or cellular articles or materialsAfter-treatment thereof by mixing gases into liquid compositions or plastisols, e.g. frothing with air
A film has a skin layer, a base layer, and an intermediate layer between the skin and base layers. The skin layer has styrenic block copolymer, the base layer has ethyiene/alpha-olefin copolymer, and the intermediate layer has from 12% to 50% styrene/ethylene-butadiene/styrene block copolymer. The film has a free shrink at 90°C of at least 65% and a density of at most 0.960 grams per cubic centimeter.
B32B 7/00 - Layered products characterised by the relation between layers Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
B32B 7/02 - Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
B32B 7/10 - Interconnection of layers at least one layer having inter-reactive properties
B32B 9/00 - Layered products essentially comprising a particular substance not covered by groups
B32B 27/06 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
B32B 1/00 - Layered products having a non-planar shape
B32B 3/00 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form
G09F 3/04 - Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication meansSealsPostage or like stamps to be fastened or secured by the material of the label itself, e.g. by thermo-adhesion
93.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING INFLATABLE POUCHES
A supply (14) of inflatable pouches (12) includes an inflatable web (18) defining a series of inflatable chambers (26), a longitudinal fold (36) in the web such that the web is configured in the form of two juxtaposed inflatable panels (38a, 38b) joined together at the longitudinal fold, and a series of transverse seals (40a, 40b) that bond the panels together to form a series of inflatable pouches between pairs of the transverse seals.
B31D 5/00 - Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
B31B 19/00 - Machinery characterised by making rectangular envelopes or bags of flat form, i.e. without structural provision at the base for thickness of contents
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
A frame useful in a suspension package includes a panel and a sheet attached to the paneL The panel has a central portion defining a panel opening. The sheet extends over the panel opening. First and second primary leg flaps extend from the central portion. The first and second primary leg flaps are foldable from an unfolded position to a folded position extending from the plane of the central portion. The panel also includes first and second auxiliary leg flaps foldably connected to the central portion.
B65D 81/07 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means
A system (10) for producing packaging cushioning generally includes a cushion conversion machine (12) and a supply structure (14) for a stack (16) of fan-folded sheet stock material. The structure is positioned relative to the machine to supply thereto the fan-folded sheet stock material and includes an inclined, load-bearing support (46). The load-bearing support includes a base (48) and a riser (50) extending upwardly from the base, the base and the riser being structured and arranged to accommodate the stack of fan-folded sheet stock material such that the sheet stock material is supplied to the machine from a top of the stack and a bottom of the stack is supported by the base. The riser is inclined at an angle relative to vertical such that the stack of fan-folded sheet stock material is also inclined at the angle, whereby, the stack is urged against the riser by force of gravity.
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a film comprising a blend of about 90% to 99% polyester and about 1 % to 10% biodegradable aliphatic or aromatic polyester (by weight). It has been surprisingly discovered that polymeric films comprising the disclosed blend exhibit improved flexibility and impact strength compared to polyester films known in the art. Films with the disclosed blends also advantageously do not adversely affect recyclability of the film. The disclosed films can be used in a wide variety of areas, including (but not limited to) shrink sleeve applications.
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
C08L 67/02 - Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and dihydroxy compounds
A thin sealing device (230) which is resistant to damage caused by foreign material (700) is disclosed. The thin sealing device (230) has an internal heating element. The thin sealing device has a blunt edge (236), which has a radius smaller than that of the heating element. A thermocouple is placed in a cavity (235) near this blunt edge (236) to monitor the temperature at the point of sealing. In some embodiments, the thin sealing device (230) is pivotably attached to the side sealing machine at its leading (upstream) edge. The trailing (downstream) edge of the thin sealing device (230) is moved by means of a compressible force, such as an air cylinder (660). In this way, the air in the cylinder (660) pushes the thin sealing device (230) downward into the plane of the film (237). However, a foreign object (700) located on the film can overcome the force of the air cylinder (660), thereby lifting the thin sealing device (230) out of the path of the film (237).
B29C 65/18 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool
B29C 65/74 - Joining of preformed partsApparatus therefor by welding and severing
B65B 9/06 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
B65B 51/26 - Devices specially adapted for producing transverse or longitudinal seams in webs or tubes
The system comprises a central processing module that is configured to interconnect the fresh departments and operational functions. These tasks can include facilitated order fulfillment, inventory and accounting functions, sanitation, maintenance, traceability and others. This is a system that integrates various subsystems within the fresh departments, as well as integrating the fresh departments together. The system may also utilize a plurality of slicing machines that communicate with the centralized processing unit. The software modules resident in the processing unit receive inputs that represent customer orders, and dispatch these orders to the plurality of slicing machines. The slicing machines are in communication with the software modules such that the modules are aware of the food product that is currently placed on the slicer. In this way, the software modules are able to direct specific orders to a particular slicing machine, minimizing human interaction and customer wait time.
A packaging structure for restraining an object comprises a panel and a film. The panel comprises a platform portion, an end flap portion, and a hinge portion. The end flap portion is foldably connected to the platform portion along an end flap fold line. The hinge portion comprises top and bottom hinge sections foldably connected to each other along a first hinge fold line between the top and bottom hinge sections. The hinge portion is bordered by (i) a second hinge fold line between the platform portion and the top hinge section, (ii) at least one top hinge cut line between the platform portion and the top hinge section and extending from the end flap fold line to the second hinge fold line, (iii) a third hinge fold line between the end flap portion and the bottom hinge section, and (iv) at least one bottom hinge cut line between the end flap portion and the bottom hinge section and extending from the end flap fold line to the third hinge fold line. The film extends across the end flap fold line and is attached to the end flap portion and is also attached to the panel outside of the end flap portion. The packaging structure is foldable to an engaged position in which the object may be restrained between the film and the platform portion of the panel.
A cushioning article comprises a flap-cut sheet with a plurality of discrete sets of flaps, with each discrete set of flaps having a plurality of flaps extending outward from the sheet. A plurality of the outwardly extending flaps of each discrete set of flaps are affixed to a discrete cap member, resulting in a composite dome sheet having a plurality of composite domes extending from the flap-cut sheet. A cushioning and thermal protection packaging article for packaging a thermally-sensitive product utilizes a plurality of the layers of the composite dome sheet with each layer separated by a separating sheet. Both the composite dome sheet and the separating sheet can be made of paper.
B65D 81/03 - Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films
B65D 81/38 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents with thermal insulation
patents
