PACKAGING COMPRESSION WRAP

• US 20080289302A1
• Filed: 05/19/2008
• Published: 11/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ShurTech Brands LLC (STM Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: ShurTech Brands LLC (STM Industries Incorporated)
• Inventors: VULPITTA, BRIAN
• Granted Patent: US 8,146,748 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 53/472
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/051 using pillow-like elements filled with cushioning material, e.g. elastic foam, fabric
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3469 Pop-corn bags
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/90 in food processing or handling, e.g. food conservation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 90/10 Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics

Abstract

A packaging device is provided for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein. The device includes a mass of loose fill elements disposed within the outer wrap and can occupy a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit the packaging device to be stored. The device further provides that the mass of elements disposed within the outer wrap can occupy a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit the elements to deform within the outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item. The outer wrap and the elements disposed within the outer wrap are biodegradable. The elements are adapted to change from the first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to the second use state of popped popcorn kernels.

Claims

1. A packaging device for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising:

a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein;

a mass of loose fill elements disposed within said outer wrap and occupying a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit said packaging device to be stored;

said mass of elements disposed within said outer wrap occupying a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit said elements to deform within said outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item;

said outer wrap and said elements disposed within said outer wrap are biodegradable and,

wherein said elements are adapted to change from said first storage state of unpopped corn kernels [seeds, grains, epidermal skin (like pork grind pellets)] to said second use deformable state of popped/expanded 3-D structure. example;

popcorn kernels.

2. The packaging device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said outer wrap is a paper bag.

3. The packaging device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said bag is ventless.

4. The packaging device as set forth in claim 3, wherein said outer wrap includes one or more self-contained compartments, each one of said compartments hingedly connected to at least another one of said compartments for relative movement thereto.

5. The packaging device as set forth in claim 4, wherein each of said compartments includes a portion of said elements.

6. The packaging device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first volume is less than said second volume.

7. The packaging devices as set forth in claim 6, wherein said adaptation to change from said first state to said second state results from application of microwaves or hot air to the packaging device.

8. A packaging device for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising:

a deformable outer wrap having an exterior shell and an interior shell;

said interior shell defining and surrounding an enclosed space within and characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein;

said exterior shell defining a substantially planar configuration in a storage orientation and a substantially rectilinear configuration in a use orientation for lining the inside surfaces of a shipping container;

said exterior shell lines at least four of said inside surfaces of said shipping container;

a mass of loose fill elements disposed within said outer wrap and occupying an amount of said space sufficient to permit said packaging device to be shaped about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit said fill elements to deform within said outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item and to envelop the item therein; and

,

said loose fill elements include unpopped corn kernels in said storage orientation and popped popcorn kernels in said use orientation.

9. The packaging device of claim 8, wherein said outer wrap and said elements disposed within said outer wrap

10. The packaging device as set forth in claim 9, wherein said outer wrap is ventless Or vented

11. The packaging device as set forth in claim 10, wherein said outer wrap includes a plurality of self contained compartments, each one of said compartments hingedly connected to at least another one of said compartments wherein each one of said compartments substantially co-planar with one of said inside surfaces of said shipping container in said use orientation.

12. A method of packaging an item of three-dimensional shape comprising:

providing an outer wrap including a plurality of individual compartments, each one of said compartments hingedly connected to at least another one of said compartments;

filling said outer wrap with a mass of loose fill elements disposed within and occupying an amount of space sufficient to permit a packaging device to be shaped about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit said fill elements to move within said outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item;

changing said elements from a first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to a second use state of popped popcorn kernels wherein said first state defines a substantially planar configuration and said second state defines a substantially non-planar configuration for lining the inside surfaces of a shipping container;

defining and surrounding an enclosed space within and characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein; and

,

lining a majority of said inside surfaces of said shipping container with said packaging device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein changing said elements from said first state to said second state includes microwaving [or utilizing hot air] said packaging device.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said elements occupy less than 30% of said space within said outer wrap in said first storage state and up to 90% of said space within said outer wrap in said second use state.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said outer wrap and said elements disposed within said outer wrap are biodegradable.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said elements comprise a natural renewable resource.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said bag is ventless.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein said first storage state includes a deflated orientation.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein said second use state includes an inflated orientation.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein said bag is vented.