Method for forming fibers bales

The present invention provides novel veils, packages, packaging systems and packaging methods. Aspects of the present invention are particularly well adapted for use with bulk fibrous materials, fibrous or fibrous materials, including polymeric fibers such as acetate fibers. The packages of the present invention have shapes and dimensions that are advantageous for handling, transporting, storing and / or using fibers.

Ingredient commodities, including agricultural products, textiles, granular products, etc., are often packaged, transported, and stored in bulk form. Often these items are packaged, transported and stored in the form of veils. Typically, the bale contains a mass of material surrounded by a strap, cord, wire, or the like.

For example, fibers, including synthetic and natural fibers, are useful in a wide variety of applications and are found throughout commerce. Many fibers are packaged and shipped in bulk, in the form of veils. Typically, the veil includes a mass of fibers surrounded by a strap, cord, wire, or the like.

Many fibers and other materials that are typically veiled are elastic and bounce when compressed. During a typical packing operation, the material to be packed is compressed under pressure. When released from the applied pressure, this elastic material acts in a spring-like manner, expanding or bouncing back, creating pressure on all surfaces of the bale. Currently, fixed devices and fasteners, including straps, clasps, cords, wires, velcro®, etc., are used to limit bale expansion. Generally, a plurality of fixed devices are used to surround the bale.

The drawback of fixed devices such as straps for elastic material veils is that the fixed device only provides binding localized at its point of contact with the bale. The material on either side of the fixed device is only partially constrained and exhibits bounce and tends to bulge the veil in the part between adjacent fixed devices. The entire bale obtains a non-uniform round shape. In addition, the dimensions of the entire package will change over time. Therefore, for these reasons, the bale is difficult to stack or lay flat, which is therefore disadvantageous for storage, transportation or use.

Another drawback of the fixed device for elastic material veils is that the fixed device can cause localized damage, including excessive compression of the material in the bale at the contact point of the fixed device. Damaged or compressed material can make it difficult to use the material from the bale. For example, damaged or compressed fibers can cause difficulty in pulling the fibers from the veil into the processing equipment.

A further drawback of the fixed device for elastic material veils is that the fixed device itself can be under tension. Therefore, upon disconnection, the fixed device will bounce off, which can be potentially dangerous to the user. In addition, the bale portion may burst upon release of tension. In order to minimize some of these problems, the amount of material to be compressed is reduced, which is disadvantageous because the amount of material per unit volume in the bale is reduced.

In addition to the drawbacks associated with using fixed devices, some existing packaging options expose the material to the environment. As a result, the packaged material can be damaged due to environmental forces, including exposure to moisture, odors, sunlight, dust and the like.

In terms of fibers, many fibers are elastic and bounce when compressed. During a typical packing operation, the fibers to be packed are compressed under pressure. When released from the applied pressure, the elastic fibers act in a spring-like manner, expanding or bouncing back, creating pressure on all surfaces of the bale. Currently, fixed devices and fasteners, including straps, clasps, cords, wires, velcro®, etc., are used to limit bale expansion. Generally, a plurality of fixed devices are used to surround the bale.

The drawback of fixing devices such as straps for elastic fiber veils is that the fixing device only provides binding localized at its point of contact with the bale. The fibers on either side of the fixation device are only partially constrained and show rebound and tend to bulge the veil in the portion between adjacent fixation devices. The entire bale obtains a non-uniform round shape. In addition, the dimensions of the entire package will change over time. Therefore, for these reasons, the bale is difficult to stack or lay flat, which is disadvantageous for storage, transportation or use.

Another drawback of the fixed device for elastic fiber veils is that the fixed device can cause localized damage, including excessive compression of the fibers in the bale at the contact point of the fixed device. Damaged or compressed fibers can make it difficult to use the fibers from the bale. For example, damaged or compressed fibers can cause difficulty in pulling the fibers from the veil into the processing equipment.

A further drawback of the fixed device for elastic fiber veils is that the fixed device itself can be under tension. Therefore, upon disconnection, the fixed device will bounce off, which can be potentially dangerous to the user. In addition, the bale portion may burst upon release of tension. To minimize some of these problems, the amount of fiber compressed is reduced, thereby unfavorably reducing the amount of fiber per unit volume in the bale.

In addition to the drawbacks associated with using fixed devices, some existing packaging options expose the fibers to the environment. As a result, the fibers can be damaged due to environmental forces, including exposure to moisture, odors, sunlight, dust and the like.

<p> In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with current packaging techniques, it would be advantageous to provide new packaging and packaging methods that provide solutions to many or all of the above problems.</p><p> In a general sense, the present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques for bulk materials, including bulk commodities. Bulk commodities include, but are not limited to, agricultural materials, fibrous materials, woven materials and the like. The present invention provides veils, packages, packaging systems, packaging methods and packaging equipment.</p><p> Aspects of the invention overcome many of the shortcomings outlined above and provide advantages for packaging, storage, transportation and / or use of bulk materials, especially fibrous and fibrous products.</p>

<p> One aspect of the invention includes a veil of bulk material.</p><p> In one aspect, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume containing bulk material, the internal volume being placed at a pressure lower than the environmental atmospheric pressure.</p><p> In other respects, the present invention provides a packaging system comprising materials forming a chamber capable of evacuating to pressures below atmospheric atmospheric pressure.</p><p> In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of packaging bulk material comprising placing the bulk material at a pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure.</p><p> In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for packaging bulk material, including materials surrounding the bulk material to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The device of the present invention may further include a device for compressing bulk material. The present invention is particularly advantageous for packaging bulk fibrous materials, fibers and / or fibrous materials. Examples of fibers that are advantageous for use in the present invention are described in the section Best Forms for Carrying Out the Invention below. Bulk fiber materials or fibers include raw fibers, processed fibers and the like. The fibrous material includes woven fibers, knitted fibers, materials produced from fibers including woven fabrics, and the like. The present invention can be advantageously used to wrap textile articles commonly transported in veils or containers. Aspects of the invention in which the fibrous material consists of a woven fabric are prior art vacuum sweater bags and / or barrier materials that can be used in the veiled features and / or aspects of the invention of the woven fabric package of the present invention. It can be distinguished from suitcase bags.</p><p> On the one hand, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume containing fibers, the internal volume being placed at a pressure lower than the environmental atmospheric pressure. The present invention also provides a package having an internal volume containing a bulk fiber material, the internal volume being placed at a pressure lower than the environmental atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the present invention provides a package having an internal volume containing a fibrous material, the internal volume of which is placed at a pressure lower than the environmental atmospheric pressure.</p><p> In other respects, the present invention provides packaging materials that are useful for packaging bulk materials under vacuum. When sealed, the packaging material maintains at least a partial vacuum (lower than environmental atmospheric pressure, internal pressure inside the packaging material) for at least 24 hours, typically 48 hours or more, preferably 72 hours or more. Includes films, laminates, etc. that can be made. In an embodiment in which the packaging material of the present invention is used to surround the bulk material, the packaging material ideally maintains at least a partial vacuum until the expansion pressure in the bulk material is neutralized. To do.</p><p> In an additional aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum outlet assembly that is useful for packaging bulk materials under vacuum. This vacuum outlet assembly includes a flange portion that extends through the packaging material and contains an outlet adapted to access the internal atmosphere of the package. This flange portion generally has a larger surface area than the outlet so as to provide structural support to the outlet. In one embodiment, the flange portion and outlet are substantially circular, with the flange portion having a diameter larger than the outlet, typically at least 1.5 times the diameter of the outlet. Upon use, the flange portion remains inside the package and the outlet extends through the walls of the package to the outside of the package. The outlet can be adapted for attachment to a vacuum suction device. In other embodiments, the outlet may consist of a check valve that allows air to escape from the inside of the package, but restricts the flow of air into the package. The vacuum outlet assembly may further consist of a flange and a seal to seal the outlet to the package to minimize leakage, and a cover or cap to seal the outlet after creating the vacuum.</p><p> In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of packaging a fiber, which comprises placing the fiber at a pressure lower than the environmental atmospheric pressure. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of packaging bulk fiber materials, which comprises placing the fibers at a pressure below the environmental atmospheric pressure. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of packaging a fibrous material, comprising placing the fibers at a pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure.</p><p> In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a fiber packaging device that includes materials and an exhaust system for surrounding the fibers to form a chamber. The device of the present invention may further include a device for compressing the fibers. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a bulk fiber packaging device that includes a material that surrounds the bulk fiber to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The device of the present invention may further include a device for compressing bulk fibers. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a packaging device for fibrous materials, including materials surrounding the fibrous material to form a chamber and an exhaust system. The device of the present invention may further include a device for compressing the fibrous material.</p>

<p> Aspects of the invention overcome many of the drawbacks of the prior art packaging and packaging methods described in the background of the invention.</p><p> In addition, aspects of the invention have one or more of the following advantages:</p><p> In some aspects of the packaging of the present invention, no external wrapping or binding strap is required.</p><p> In some aspects of the packaging of the present invention, the wall provides a moisture barrier that seals the product therein from environmental moisture.</p><p> In some aspects of the packaging of the present invention, the walls provide an odor barrier that minimizes the capture of odor by the products in the package.</p><p> In some aspects of the packages of the invention, the package dimensions remain substantially constant over time.</p><p> In some aspects of the packages of the invention, the packages remain box-shaped with a flat surface that can be stacked and stored in various directions.</p><p> In some embodiments of the packaging of the present invention, the density (amount) of fibers can be increased by 10% or more as compared to conventional veils.</p><p> In some aspects of the packaging of the present invention, the packaging logo or graphic may be included on the outside of the wall.</p><p> In some aspects of the packages of the invention, a ruptured package or a lack of differential pressure does not cause the package to explode.</p><p> In some aspects of the packages of the invention, the packages can be easily opened.</p><p> In certain aspects of the packaging of the present invention, bulk material, fiber, bulk fibrous material or fibrous material can be used incrementally after opening the package.</p><p> In certain aspects of the packages of the invention, the package dimensions can be adapted for ease of palletization for transport and / or storage.</p><p> Aspects of the packaging systems, methods and devices of the present invention are advantageous for making the packages and other packages of the present invention. Further details regarding the features and advantages of the present invention are described in the section on Best Forms for Carrying Out the Invention below.</p>

<figref num="1">An embodiment of the package of the present invention will be illustrated.</figref><figref num="2">Possible embodiments of the chamber used in aspects of the present invention are illustrated in exploded views.</figref><figref num="3">Other possible aspects of the chamber used in aspects of the present invention are illustrated in exploded views.</figref><figref num="4A">An aspect of the packaging system of the present invention is illustrated by an exploded view.</figref><figref num="4B">An embodiment of the packaging system of the present invention is illustrated by an assembly drawing.</figref><figref num="5">The manufacture of other possible embodiments of the package of the present invention and the final shape of the package are illustrated.</figref><figref num="6A">The figure of the aspect of the vacuum outlet assembly of this invention is shown.</figref><figref num="6B">The figure of the aspect of the vacuum outlet assembly of this invention is shown.</figref><figref num="6C">The figure of the aspect of the vacuum outlet assembly of this invention is shown.</figref><figref num="6D">The figure of the aspect of the vacuum outlet assembly of this invention is shown.</figref><figref num="7">An embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention will be illustrated.</figref>

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

Aspects of the invention typically include various materials that are packaged, transported and / or stored in bulk, typically including materials that are veiled, packaged, transported and / or stored. May contain and / or can be used with these materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, tobacco, bulk fibrous materials, fibers, fibrous materials, cotton, cardboard, hay and agricultural products including straw. In this regard, certain aspects of the veils and packages of the present invention can be distinguished from conventionally known packages for consumer products such as coffee, at least based on their size and volume. As can be seen from the description herein, the veils of the present invention are advantageous for use as an alternative to conventional veils that use straps in the applications in which the veils are used.

Aspects of the invention may consist of, but are not limited to, staple fibers, tow fibers, woven filament fibers, for example a wide variety of fibers including: and / or can be used with these fibers. ..

Acetate: Cellulose acetate, a manufacturing fiber whose fiber-forming substance is cellulose acetate. If 92% or more of the hydroxyl groups are acetylated, the term "triacetate" can be used as a general description of this fiber.

Acrylic: Acrylonitrile units (-CH) with at least 85% by weight of fiber-forming material₂-CH [CN]-)_xManufactured fibers that are any long-chain synthetic polymers, including;

Anidex: Monohydric alcohol and acrylic acid (CH) with at least 50% by weight of fiber-forming material₂= CHCOOH]-)_xManufactured fiber that is any long-chain synthetic polymer containing one or more esters with;

Aramid: A production fiber in which the fiber-forming material is a long-chain synthetic polyamide with at least 85% amide (-CO-NH-) bonds bonded directly between the two aromatic rings;

Azlon: A fiber-forming material that contains any regenerated, naturally occurring protein;

Composite: A bicomponent fiber contains two polymers with different chemical and / or physical properties extruded from the same spinneret with both polymers in the same filament;

cotton; wool; Other natural fibers such as flax, cannabis, angora, fur, etc .;

Elastesters: Elastesters are the official US Federal Trade Commission general fiber type defined as at least 50% by weight aliphatic polyethers and at least 35% by weight polyesters;

Glass: Includes e-glass, s-glass and other mineral fibers; Carbon fiber;

Lyocell: Cellulose fibers obtained by the organic solvent spinning method, where 1) "Organic solvent" means a mixture of organic chemicals and water, and 2) "Solvent spinning" means dissolving and spinning without the formation of derivatives;

Melamine: A manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming material is a synthetic polymer containing at least 50% by weight of crosslinked melamine polymer;

Metals: Metals, plastic-coated metals, metal-coated plastics or manufactured fibers containing cores completely covered with metal;

Modacrylic: Fiber-forming material is less than 85% by weight, but at least 35% by weight of acrylonitrile units (-CH)₂CH [CN]-)_xManufactured fibers that are any long-chain synthetic polymers, including;

Nylon: A long-chain synthetic polyamide with less than 85% amide (-CO-NH-) bonds attached directly to two aliphatic groups;

Nitrile: At least 85% vinylidene dinitrile (CH)₂C [CN]₂-)_xProduction fiber containing a long-chain polymer (however, the vinylidene dinitrile content is not less than all other units in the polymer chain);

Olefins: Manufactured fibers in which the fiber-forming material is any long-chain synthetic polymer containing at least 85% by weight ethylene, propylene or other olefin units;

PBI: Manufactured fibers in which the fiber-forming material is a long-chain aromatic polymer with repeated imidazole groups as an integral part of the polymer chain;

PEN: Polyethylene naphthalate; PLA: Polylactide fiber or polylactic acid fiber;

Polyester: Fiber-forming material is at least 85% by weight, but not limited to, substituted terephthalic acid unit p (-RO-CO-C).₆H₄-CO-O-)_xAnd para-substituted hydroxybenzoic acid ester unit p (-RO-CO-C₆H₄-O-)_xA production fiber that is any long-chain synthetic polymer containing an ester of a substituted aromatic carboxylic acid, including;

Polypropylene: Manufactured fibers in which the fiber-forming material is any long-chain synthetic polymer containing at least 85% by weight ethylene, propylene or other olefin units;

Rayon: Manufactured fiber containing regenerated cellulose in which the substituent is substituted with 15% or less of hydrogen of the hydroxyl group;

Saran: Fiber-forming material is at least 80% by weight vinylidene chloride unit (-CH)₂-CCl₂-)_xManufactured fibers that are any long-chain synthetic polymers, including;

Spandex: Fiber-forming material is at least 85% sulfide (-S)_n-) Manufactured fiber that is a long-chain synthetic polysulfide whose bond is directly bonded to two aromatic rings;

Sulfar: Fiber-forming material is at least 85% sulfide (-S)_n-) Manufactured fiber that is a long-chain synthetic polysulfide whose bond is directly bonded to two aromatic rings;

Triacetate: Triacetate is derived from cellulose by combining cellulose with acetic acid and acetic anhydride. Cellulose acetate is dissolved in a mixture of methylene chloride and methanol for spinning. As the filament emerges from the spinneret, the solvent evaporates in warm air-dry spinning-leaving almost pure cellulose acetate fibers. Triacetate fibers contain a higher acetate-to-cellulose ratio than acetate fibers;

Vinyl: The fiber-forming substance is at least 50% by weight of vinyl alcohol units (-CH).₂CH [OH]-)_xAny long-chain synthetic polymer produced fiber, comprising the total of vinyl alcohol units and any one or more of various acetal units being at least 85% by weight of the fiber.

Vinyon: The fiber-forming material is at least 85% by weight of vinyl chloride units (-CH).₂CHCl-)_xManufactured fibers that are any long-chain synthetic polymers, including.

For the purposes of this specification, all numbers used herein to represent the amount of ingredients, reaction conditions, etc., unless otherwise indicated, are in all examples the term "about". Should be understood as being modified by. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters described herein are approximations that can vary depending on the desired properties required to be obtained by the present invention. At least not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, but for each numerical parameter, at least in light of the number of significant numbers reported and applying conventional rounding techniques. Should be interpreted by.

Despite the fact that the numerical ranges and parameters that describe the broad range of the invention are approximations, the numerical values described in the special examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, all numbers inherently contain a certain error that is inevitably obtained from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements. Furthermore, it should be understood that all ranges disclosed herein include all subranges and all numbers between endpoints contained therein. For example, the description range of "1 to 10" is all subranges between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (including these), that is, all subranges starting with a minimum value of 1 or more, for example, 1. Subranges ending in ~ 6.1 and maximum values of 10 or less, such as 5.5 ~ 10, and all ranges starting and ending within endpoints, such as 2-9, 3-8, 3-9, 4-7, and finally this range. It should be considered to include the respective numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 contained within. In addition, all references cited as "included herein" should be understood as being included herein in their entirety.

Furthermore, it is pointed out that the singular form used herein includes a plurality of indicators, unless explicitly and unambiguously limited to one indicator.

One aspect of the invention is a package comprising a sealed chamber containing bulk material, the chamber being placed under initial pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the chamber is airtightly sealed. The sealed chamber may consist of a plurality of walls, including a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, which define the internal chamber volume. The sealed chamber may also consist of a bag or similar container that can be sealed, preferably airtightly sealed. The present invention will be described with reference to a substantially box-shaped (slightly rounded parallelepiped) embodiment consisting of walls, but the embodiments of the present invention are not thus limited, and thus the sealed chambers are other. Can take the shape of. The configuration and composition of the sealable bag or container may be similar to the configuration and composition described below with reference to the chamber wall.

In aspects of the invention, the walls may be sufficiently flexible and elastic to substantially match the geometric volume of the bulk material to be packaged prior to the introduction of vacuum. .. Similarly, the volume of bulk material can provide structural support for the wall.

The walls are polymer films such as polyethylene (PE); polypropylene (PP); ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer (EVOH); nylon; mylar; polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). ); Polyethylene; Polyethylene; Tyvek® Protective Material manufactured and sold by EI du Pont de Nemours and Company in Wilmington, Delaware. Made and sold by the division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc., Valeron® strength film (discussed later); BO (biaxially stretched) nylon; LLDPE (Linear low density polyethylene); ULLDPE (Ultra linear low density polyethylene); SiO_x(Silicon Dioxide)-Nylon; SiO_x-A film consisting of PET or the like may be included and the degree of flexibility and resilience can be varied prior to the introduction of sealing and vacuum. This polymer film can impart strength and / or fracture resistance. The wall may consist of a single layer or multiple layers that can take the form of a laminated structure. As mentioned above, the polymer film can be coated with a ceramic material, oxide or the like, for example silicon dioxide. Suitable film laminates are, for example, SiO_xNylon / Valeron® / LLDPE may be included.

The walls may additionally or optionally contain metal foils containing aluminum, tin, nickel and / or alloys.

In some aspects of the invention, where the bulk material can be degraded by moisture and / or other environmental factors, the walls provide a gas, moisture and / or odor barrier that seals the contents from the external environment. be able to.

The walls further include barrier elements, structural supports and / or protective elements, including sheets or lattices of aluminum and / or other metals, woven materials containing thick paper, wood, synthetic or natural fibers, woven strips, etc. You can go out. The barrier element can provide a barrier against substances that may adversely affect the bulk material, such as chemical vapors, water, infrared rays and the like. The wall may include a film and a laminate containing these additional layers. Each layer in the laminate can be selected to provide one or more functions, for example an aluminum layer can provide a gas barrier and can also provide increased fracture resistance. it can.

In general, the wall thickness is sufficient time to neutralize at least a partial vacuum inside the package within 24 hours, typically the expansion force within the packaged bulk material. , Would be enough to maintain. Typical thicknesses will be described later.

At least one wall, side, top or bottom wall will contain an exhaust to exhaust the chamber. As used herein, "evacuator" refers to valves, ports, tubes, hoses, etc. that allow gas (eg, air) to be removed from the internal volume of the chamber. Suitable evaporators include, but are not limited to, those known in the art, such as vacuum check valves, vacuum fitments or sealable ports that allow the chamber to evacuate. Examples of vacuum check valves suitable for use in the present invention are described in US Pat. No. 6,056,439 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). Depending on the application, multiple evaporators, such as vacuum check valves, can be used on one or more walls.

In addition to or instead of the exhaust above, aspects of the invention may consist of ports subsequently sealed with fin seals or wrap seals.

In one aspect, the invention provides a vacuum outlet suitable for use as an evaporator in aspects of the invention. This vacuum outlet will be described in more detail later.

The term "below sea level" is used in a manner consistent with its usual meaning, where the environment is altitude above / below sea level at the place where the package is formed. And temperature. Below atmospheric pressure is also understood to mean at least the pressure at which a partial vacuum begins. Therefore, the pressure of the internal volume of the chamber in the package of the present invention is at least under partial vacuum.

Standard environmental atmospheric pressure is understood to be 101,325 Pascal (Pa), 101.325 kPa at sea level at 25 Celsius degrees (° C). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, atmospheric pressure changes as a function of altitude and temperature, so pressures below environmental atmospheric pressure in aspects of the present invention change accordingly. Aspects of the packaging of the present invention generally include a sealed chamber having an internal pressure between a lower limit determined by the capacity of the processing apparatus to evacuate the chamber and an upper limit below the environmental atmospheric pressure. In general, the packaging aspects of the invention have an internal pressure of 16,000 to less than 101,325 Pa, more specifically 40,000 to 92,000 Pa, and in some embodiments 50,000 to 70,000 Pa.

For aspects of the invention consisting of elastic bulk material that rebounds and exerts outward pressure when the package is compressed into the bale, the internal chamber pressure to prevent bale growth generally balances. To maintain, it will be equal to fibrous force per area minus atmospheric pressure. The internal chamber pressure may be greater or lesser, as desired for specific applications. The density of the bale in the chamber will change with vacuum pressure.

The term "sealed" as used herein is substantially completely sealed to the passage of gaseous substances (eg, air) or other fluids in a manner consistent with its generally accepted meaning. It is used to indicate that it has been done. To some extent the chamber or package remains sealed, it will depend, in part, on the permeability of the material used to form the chamber, eg, the permeability of the polymer film.

In an advantageous aspect of the invention, the package must be sufficiently sealed so that the initial partial vacuum can be maintained for at least 2 days. Preferably, the packages of the invention will be sufficiently sealed to maintain at least a partial vacuum from the time of initial exhaust to the time of use of the fibers. For some industrial applications, for example, the average time between package filling and use is 30 days, so it is advantageous to maintain at least a partial vacuum for at least 45 days for the packages of the present invention. Is. For certain aspects of the invention, it would be advantageous to maintain at least a partial vacuum for at least 300 days or 365 days or less.

As will be understood from the description contained herein, in some embodiments, the features and advantages of the present invention are by placing the internal volume of a chamber made of bulk material at a pressure below environmental atmospheric pressure. , The pressure within the internal volume will change over time and will eventually return to environmental atmospheric pressure, but can be achieved. The term "initial pressure" is used herein to describe the pressure at which the chamber is first sealed.

As will be described in more detail later, sealing is carried out by common methods such as welding, taped, glued, fused or otherwise joined to the wall edges and / or other openings of the material surrounding the fibers. Can be achieved. Suitable welding techniques include thermal welding and induction welding. Seals can also be made mechanically by using interlocking channels or zippered portions in a manner similar to a zip lock bag.

The packaging of the present invention may further include additional walls and / or unsealed packaging. For example, the packaging of the present invention can be placed inside a woven material, bag or thick paper box for transportation and / or storage. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a sealed package comprising a sealed wall sufficient to provide an oxygen barrier and further comprising an outer packaging material sufficient to provide an additional moisture barrier. Become. The outer packaging material can also provide additional protection during transport, transportation and storage.

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

Aspects of the packaging of the present invention can be advantageously stacked when stored. It is often preferable that the package remains sufficiently sealed to maintain the vacuum, but if the vacuum is lost within the stacked packages, due to the reduced expansion force of the fibers resulting from the application of the vacuum. In addition, the package can retain substantially the same shape. Therefore, many of the advantages of the packages of the present invention will remain even if the initial vacuum is compromised over time before use.

Aspects of the invention may have any physical size and may be of any size without departing from the scope of the invention.

Some aspects of the invention are suitable for use in common process equipment, the dimensions of a common fiber bale, i.e., generally 80-120 cm ("cm") x length. It will have dimensions approximately equal to 100-150 cm in height x 105-155 cm in height. Preferred dimensions for use in a typical process device are width 95-105 cm x length 115-125 cm x height 120-135 cm.

For use in commercial process equipment, the packaging aspects of the invention are generally 0.9-2.3 cubic meters (m).³), More details 1.2 ~ 1.8m³, 1.4 ~ 1.6m in some embodiments³Includes a sealed chamber with an internal volume of. Aspects of the packaging of the present invention are about 1.7-2 m for use in certain processing devices configured for common bale sizes.³Consists of a sealed chamber with an internal volume approximately equal to that of a typical veil.

Aspects of the package of the present invention may consist of any shape including a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid, a sphere, a substantially spherical shape, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the like. "Cuboid" is used in a manner consistent with its meaning in geometry, where it has a right-angled parallelepiped, such as a relatively right-angled angle and all unequal lengths, widths and heights. Represents a box-shaped volume. For transport, handling, storage and use, a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, a substantial cube or a substantial rectangular parallelepiped is preferred. Designed for use in a manner similar to conventionally known fiber veils, the packaging aspects of the present invention preferably have those of fiber veils, ie, geometric volumes that substantially approximate a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

As understood from the description herein, aspects of the invention do not have to have perfectly perpendicular angles, and the faces do not have to be perfectly flat. For example, as will be described later, aspects of the packaging of the present invention may exhibit slightly coronal or arcuate surfaces on their top and / or bottom surfaces. Therefore, it should be understood that all descriptions of the shapes of aspects of the invention described herein are used herein to describe the shapes in general.

Another aspect of some aspects of the invention is that the packaged bulk material exhibits a reduced tendency to expand. As a result, the package maintains a substantially uniform shape over time.

One aspect of some aspects of the invention is that the flatness of the bulk material increases relative to the flatness of the corresponding volume of the bulk material bound in a non-vacuum state, eg, the walls of the package are substantial. To remain flat. In aspects of the invention, the difference in height between the edge of the wall and the center point of the wall is less than 8 centimeters (cm), preferably less than 5 cm, even more preferably. Less than 3 cm, in some embodiments less than 1 cm. For example, referring to the rectangular parallelepiped morphology, the top and bottom walls are substantially flat, and the difference in height between the edge of the top or bottom wall and the center point of the top or bottom wall is It is less than 8 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm, even more preferably less than 1 cm. This flatness provides advantages for the transport, storage and use of the packages of the invention.

Another aspect of some aspects of the invention is that the walls of the chamber can be embossed to facilitate stacking and to include graphics or label information or for other purposes. This embossing is achieved by creating a positive relief on the portion of the packing platen and / or at the bottom of the packing chamber, and using this platen to compress the fibers in the manner described herein. it can. As recognized by those skilled in the art, a "packing platen" is a flat plate of a hydraulic ram assembly used to compress a material. In one embodiment, the packages include a "positive" embossed portion on the top side and / or a "negative" embossed portion on the bottom side to facilitate stacking of the packages when stacked. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom side of the package can be embossed with a groove to facilitate insertion of the fork portion of the forklift under the package. As described herein, when the chamber wall is made of film, the wall substantially matches the shape of the mass of bulk material contained within the wall.

A feature of certain aspects of the invention is that the packages facilitate handling and storage, eg, on their tops and / or bottoms, using similar devices for moving common forklifts and pallets. It consists of embossed reliefs.

The present invention is advantageous for use with bulk fibrous materials, fibrous or fibrous materials. One aspect of the invention provides a package that includes a sealed chamber having an internal volume at an initial pressure below environmental atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of which comprises a bulk fiber material. In another aspect, the invention provides a package that includes a sealed chamber having an internal volume at an initial pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of which contains fibers. In another aspect, the invention provides a package that includes a sealed chamber having an internal volume at an initial pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of which comprises a fibrous material. Details regarding this package have been previously described with reference to aspects of the invention that include bulk material.

The advantage of some aspects of the invention is that the density of the material or fiber in the package of the invention is the corresponding volume of the material or fiber under non-vacuum conditions, eg, a conventional bale bound by a lacing. It can be increased compared to the density. Aspects of the invention show an increase in the density of fibers or materials in the package, 1.1 to 2.0 times, typically 1.1 to 1.5 times, the density of similar fibers or materials wrapped in a veil with a tie strap. be able to.

An additional advantage of certain aspects of the invention is that the density of fibers or materials within the packaging of the invention is substantially uniform.

Another advantage of certain aspects of the invention is that the total weight of the package of the invention is the weight of the corresponding volume of the fiber or material under non-vacuum conditions, eg, a conventional veil bound by a strap. In comparison, it can be increased. Aspects of the invention can exhibit a 1.1- to 2-fold increase in weight, typically a 1.1-1.5-fold increase, over conventional veils with binding straps of approximately the same volume.

Aspects of the invention may exhibit one or more of these advantages or other advantages described herein.

The density of the material or fiber in the package of the present invention and the total weight of the package depend on the composition of the material or fiber in the package. For example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped (box-shaped) embodiment of the present invention containing acetate tow fibers measuring 95 to 105 cm in width × 115 to 125 cm in length × 120 to 135 cm in height is 825 to 1175 kg, typically 880 to 880 to. It has a total mass of 1130 kg. The density of fibers in this package ranges from 0.2 to 0.9 grams / cubic centimeter (g / cc), typically 0.48 to 0.82 g / cc, often 0.50 to 0.78 g / cc.

Further details regarding the aspects of the package of the present invention will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In other respects, the invention provides a packaging system or kit for packaging bulk materials, including bulk fibrous materials, fibrous and fibrous materials. On one side, the packaging system includes a sealable chamber, which chamber contains an evaporator.

In one embodiment, the packaging system may include multiple walls that can be sealed together to form a sealed chamber, preferably an airtightly sealed chamber. Each wall may be provided with pre-folded edges or flaps to provide a sealing surface. In another embodiment, the walls can be wrapped sealed to each other. The at least one wall further includes at least one evaporator, such as a vacuum ground, vacuum ground check valve or a port that allows vacuum to be drawn from the chamber after assembly. Instead, the packaging system may consist of a sealable bag or container. The features of this packaging system are substantially similar to those described herein for the packaging of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention creates a sealable chamber around the volume of bulk material, evacuates the chamber to create an internal pressure in the chamber below atmospheric atmospheric pressure, and creates a chamber. Provided are packaging methods for bulk materials, including sealing.

This method further involves compressing the volume of bulk material. This compression step can be performed before completing the formation of the chamber around the volume of bulk material, or after the chamber has been formed, and then the chamber can be evacuated, or both.

In another aspect, the present invention forms a sealable chamber around the volume of bulk fibrous material, fibrous or fibrous material, evacuates the chamber and inside the chamber below environmental atmospheric pressure. Provided are methods of packaging bulk fibrous materials, fibrous or fibrous materials, including creating pressure and sealing the chamber.

The method further comprises compressing the volume of the material or fiber. This compression step can be performed before completing the formation of the chamber around the volume of material or fiber, or after the chamber has been formed, and then the chamber can be evacuated or both.

With respect to the aforementioned aspects of the method of the invention for packaging bulk materials, bulk fibrous materials, fibers or fibrous materials, by chamber exhaust, at least a partial vacuum in the chamber, actually below atmospheric atmospheric pressure. Internal pressure is created. With respect to the volume of the material or fiber, for example, in order to minimize the tendency to exert outward pressure due to bounce, the exhaust is exerted by the material or fiber per unit area after sealing the chamber minus a large force. It must be at least sufficient to create a vacuum pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. Exhaust is lower than the force minus atmospheric pressure exerted by the material or fiber per unit area, in some embodiments substantially lower than the force minus atmospheric pressure exerted by the material or fiber per unit area. It can be carried out to obtain low internal pressure in the chamber. The pressure exerted by the vacuum is generally greater than the force exerted by the fibers per unit area.

The step of forming a sealable chamber may include assembling a plurality of walls, including a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. Walls can be assembled by assembling and sealing the individual wall panels together. In some embodiments, one or more walls can be formed from a single piece of material that is folded or creases. Instead, with respect to a sealable bag or container, the step of forming a sealable chamber may include the step of placing the material or fiber into the bag or container and then the step of sealing the opening.

A feature of aspects of the method of the invention is that the process of compressing a material or fiber can be utilized to create a partial vacuum in the chamber, in fact a pressure below atmospheric pressure. For example, the material or fiber is placed in a sealable chamber with a vacuum check valve, the chamber is sealed, and then the fibers are compressed in the sealed chamber. During compression, air and gas in the chamber are forced out of the chamber through a vacuum check valve. As a result, when the compressive force is released when equilibrium is reached, at least a partial vacuum, a pressure below the environmental atmospheric pressure, is created in the sealed chamber.

The steps of the method of the present invention can be carried out in a different order. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises preparing a material or fiber, compressing the material or fiber, forming a sealable chamber around the material or fiber, sealing the chamber, and the like. It includes a step of evacuating the chamber and then a step of releasing the compression.

In an alternative embodiment, the methods of the invention prepare a material or fiber, form a sealable chamber around the material or fiber, seal the chamber, allow air in the chamber to escape, which Includes a step of compressing the material or fiber and then releasing the compression while evacuating the chamber at least partially by means of.

In other embodiments, the methods of the invention are a step of preparing a material or fiber, a step of compressing the material or fiber, a step of binding the compressed material or fiber, a step of releasing the compression, around the material or fiber. Includes a step of forming a sealable chamber, a step of sealing the chamber, a step of evacuating the chamber, and then a step of releasing the binding.

In addition to the above steps, aspects of the invention may further include the step of wrapping the sealed package with additional packaging material. A feature of certain aspects of the invention is that due to the reduced expansive force within the material or fiber, the package of the invention can be more easily surrounded by additional material, eg, after being removed from the packing device. ..

Further details regarding aspects of the method of the present invention will be described later.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus that is advantageous for packaging bulk materials. Another aspect of the present invention is a device for packaging bulk fibrous materials, fibers or fibrous materials.

Aspects of the apparatus of the present invention may include the packaging system of the present invention. This aspect may further include an exhaust system. Further or alternative, this embodiment may further include a device for compressing a mass of bulk material.

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a material and a device that compresses a mass of material or fiber that forms a sealable chamber. The material or fiber can be compressed or compressed while in the chamber and then surrounded by the chamber. Materials for forming chambers within the apparatus of the present invention include materials identified herein as suitable for forming walls or chambers within the packages of the present invention. The device for compressing a mass of material or fiber may consist of a commercially available packing device. Generally, such packing equipment includes a container for placing a mass of material or fiber, a hydraulic ram for compressing the mass of material or fiber, and a motor and process control for operating the ram.

An exhaust system suitable for the device of the present invention may include a vacuum device and an accompanying hose. This exhaust system is unable to exhaust the chamber containing the material or fiber to a pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure, preferably to the pressure considered herein with reference to the packaging of the invention. Must not be. Examples of exhaust systems include vacuum production equipment and ancillary hoses for connecting devices to the chamber. The exhaust system further includes a motor and process control to operate the machine used to draw the vacuum.

Further details regarding the apparatus of the present invention will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Aspects of the packaging of the present invention can be advantageously manufactured using the packaging systems, methods or devices of the present invention or can be manufactured by other means.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the special embodiments exemplified in the drawings, including fibers. These special embodiments described below will be described with reference to fibers, but it should be understood that similar embodiments involving bulk materials, bulk fibrous materials and fibrous materials are also within the scope of the present invention. ..

FIG. 1 shows an aspect of the package of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the package 2 may include a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14, and side surfaces 16, 18, 20 and 22. These surfaces preferably have any crown or dome formation of any surface less than 8 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 3 cm, and in some embodiments less than 1 cm. It is substantially flat, as it is small. This dimension is shown as "A" in FIG. 1 with reference to the top surface 12.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of possible aspects of the chamber for aspects of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealed chamber may include a plurality of walls including a top wall 12, a bottom wall 14, and side walls 16, 18, 20 and 22. The sidewalls can be formed from a single sheet material that is bent and glued, for example at the seam 24. This shape can be referred to as a girth piece. In some embodiments, the top wall 12 is slightly larger than the bottom wall 14 for ease of use in certain machines.

Each wall may contain a polymeric film or similar sealable, preferably airtightly sealable material, suitable polymeric films as described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each wall uses a laminated structure containing a polymer film and a barrier element, a structural support or a protective material. This element may include aluminum, tin, cardboard or similar materials.

Aspects of the invention allow different wall materials and laminates to be used to achieve the properties desired for a particular end use. In the case of wall materials or laminates, each layer may have different moisture and gas permeability. In aspects of the invention where the wall material comprises a polymeric film, the film can be protected against water vapor influx and can provide an oxygen barrier and an odor barrier. In the laminated structure, the film being laminated can be used as a moisture barrier and the other films can be used as an oxygen barrier.

In general, for aspects of the invention where a moisture barrier is important, polymer film wall elements are 0.001 to 4.3 grams / milliliter (g / mL) per 100 square inches at 38 ° C for 24 hours. Preferably, it has a water vapor permeability of 0.003 to 0.3 g / mL under these conditions. Similarly, where an oxygen barrier is desired, the wall element has an oxygen permeability of 0.001 to 185, preferably 0.001 to 0.06 cubic centimeters per 100 square inches for 24 hours at 25 ° C. The wall elements can be combined in the form of a laminate. Due to the outer layer of the laminate, it is advantageous to provide a moisture barrier that protects the oxygen barrier. For example, polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate / metal film laminates can be used, in which case polyethylene helps in making and maintaining a seal, preferably an airtight seal, the polyethylene terephthalate provides strength and moisture barrier, And the metal provides an odor and an oxygen barrier. Not limited to these, PE / nylon / PET, PE / EVOH / PET / PE, SiO_x-Nylon / valeron (registered trademark) / LLDPE, BO nylon / Valeron (registered trademark) / LLDPE / EVOH / ULLDPE, Valeron (registered trademark) / BO nylon / metal / ULLDPE, etc. (Here, the order of materials is , A cross section of the laminate, and Valeron® is a Valeron® strength film), other film laminates from the above list are possible.

Valeron® strength film manufactured and sold by Illinois Tool Works Inc. Division, 3600 West Lake Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 60025. Has been done. A general description of Valeron® strength film is given in the following paragraph from the information provided by the manufacturer.

Valeron® strength film or Valeron® film consists of a family of films that combine tear resistance, fracture resistance and tear growth resistance in a single laminated film. This film may generally contain polyethylene. The orthogonal laminated structure of Valeron® film provides an ideal pattern for high perforation resistance. Due to their unique multi-layer structure, any sharp object requires perforation of the multi-layer before damaging the Valeron® film. This film exhibits very good tear growth resistance while allowing stapling, nailing, sewing or punching without causing any damage.

Valeron® strength films have extreme tensile strength up to twice the UTS achieved by standard polyethylene films of equal thickness. Valeron® film is multi-layered and is formed by laminating a plurality of monolayers on top of each other. This manufacturing method ensures the high quality properties and characteristics of these strong films. Due to their multilayer structure, Valeron® film exhibits an enhanced moisture barrier compared to other single extruded films. Valeron® film withstands most commonly used chemicals. Uncoated Valeron® film can be printed according to flexographic techniques (solvents and water-based inks). A top coating is applied to the Valeron® film to achieve more versatile printability. With this top coating, Valeron® film can be made into dot matrix, thermal transfer, flexo UV, offset (standard and UV), digital, inkjet (piezo and bubble jet). jet) (both registered trademarks) printers) It is possible to print with various printing techniques ranging from printing to screen printing.

Valeron® film withstands temperatures in the range of -40 ° C to + 90 ° C. Contrary to other synthetic materials, Valeron® film does not become brittle while exposed to negative temperatures, withstands high temperatures and exhibits unique thermal stability due to its orthogonal laminated structure.

Valeron® film with high performance coating shows excellent adhesion of the image to Valeron® film, withstands scratching and rough handling, and the end user's product is harsh. Ensure that it retains its perfect shape even when exposed to the outdoor environment. Valeron® film exhibits good UV resistance. This UV resistance can be increased by including a UV stabilizer in the Valeron® film.

Along with waterproof membranes that exhibit good chemical resistance, Valeron® film is also a substantially airtight barrier. Valeron® film is multi-layered and is formed by laminating a plurality of single layers together. This manufacturing method allows Valeron® films to also contain a highly sealable layer, which can provide high sealability for applications for both hot bars and impulse seals.

The thickness of the wall material can be varied depending on the specific end use of the package. Generally, wall thicknesses range from 0.0025 to 0.080 cm (1 to 32 mils), and more typically 0.0127 to 0.038 cm (5 to 15 mils) to avoid excessive weight for transport. Is inside. For some embodiments, the wall thickness is preferably sufficient to provide adequate fracture resistance and tear resistance. Aspects of the present invention include 0.020 cm (8 mil) PE / PET / aluminum laminated walls. Alternative embodiments include 0.025 to 0.0275 cm (10 to 11 mils) Taibek® protective material (very fine high density polyethylene fibers) and Valeron® strength film.

Each wall may include peripheral flaps or pre-folded edges identified as 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 in FIG. The pre-folded edges provide a sealing surface to allow a seal that can withstand at least a partial vacuum in the chamber. The seal can be thermally welded, glued, taped or ultrasonically fused using techniques known in the art.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the chambers may be of many different sizes without departing from the present invention, so the dimensions of each wall will vary depending on the amount of material to be packaged. Can be made to. In some embodiments, the size of the chamber after assembly approximates the size of a conventional fiber bale designed for use in process equipment. For example, in aspects of the invention comprising acetate tow fibers, the chamber approximates the size of an acetate tow fiber veil. In these embodiments, the chamber, after assembly, is about 70-130 cm long (cm), about 55-100 cm wide or about 55-100 cm deep, and about 25-150 cm high. Aspects of the invention are advantageous for commercial size packages.

At least one wall of the chamber contains an evaporator 26 that allows the chamber formed by sealing the walls to each other to be evacuated. Evacuators are the following commercial suppliers, Richmond Aircraft Co., Norwalk, CA; Menshen Packaging Co., Waldwick, NJ; Amber Vacuum Equipment Co., Hudson, Massachusetts and Plat-o-Matic Valves Co., Cedar Grove, NJ It may include vacuum check valves commonly used in the art of vacuum packaging, including vacuum check valves available from Grove). This vacuum check valve can be formed in the wall during the manufacture of the wall or can be heat-sealed, glued, welded or fused into the wall after the wall is formed. The evaporator may also consist of the vacuum outlet of the present invention. In some applications, multiple evaporators can be used, for example to reduce exhaust time.

In aspects of the invention, the vacuum check valve may be of a diameter that allows press-fitting connection between the valve and the hose. For example, press fitting between the "male" end of a vacuum hose and the "female" end of a valve. This diameter can be selected to allow for a flow rate and pressure that allows the chamber to be evacuated within the frame for a short period of time. For example, for a standard bale size chamber 96 cm wide, 121 cm long and 127 cm high, the diameter of the vacuum check valve may be 20-40 cm, preferably 25-38 cm. The size of the vacuum check valve can be advantageously selected based on the diameter of the hose used to draw the vacuum. As mentioned above, multiple vacuum check valves of different diameters can be used. The number and size of vacuum check valves will depend on the rate at which you want to remove air from the package.

Vacuum check valves are advantageous for use in aspects of the invention, but other devices can be used. For example, standard hose attachments can be provided on at least one wall of the chamber. The chamber can be evacuated using standard hose attachments and then the area behind or above the hose attachments can be sealed, for example with additional film.

The vacuum outlets of the present invention, which will be described in detail later with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, can be advantageously used in aspects of the present invention.

The embodiment described in FIG. 2 further includes a section 28 designed to facilitate the opening of the chamber for use of the fibers in the chamber. Section 28 can be referred to as the "easy openness" element. The structure of the easily open element includes a pull tape designed to pull to tear open the chamber along a defined path.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the chamber illustrated in FIG. 1 can be assembled and filled in a number of ways. For example, the bottom wall can be sealed to the side wall to form an open box shape. The fibers can be placed in the chamber thus formed and the top wall can be placed on top of the fibers. The fibers are then compressed to a height substantially equal to the height of the chamber. The top wall can then be sealed to the side wall. After sealing, a vacuum check valve and a common vacuum generator can be used to evacuate the interior of the chamber to reduce the expansion force acting on the inner wall of the chamber from the release and rebound of compressed fibers. ..

Instead, the fibers are compressed between the top and bottom walls of the chamber, and the side walls are wrapped around the compressed fibers and sealed to each other and to the top and bottom walls. After sealing, the chamber can be evacuated before releasing the compression.

Another procedure is to form a chamber around the compressed fiber volume, release the compressive force, and then evacuate the chamber. The compressed fibers expand and are bound by the walls of the chamber. Since environmental air cannot enter the sealed package, the fibers are generally a partial vacuum or the differential pressure between the inside of the chamber and the outside environment is the expansion force of the fibers per surface area of the package. Inflate until the equilibrium is reached. The overall density of fibers in the package is lower using this procedure when compared to evacuating a chamber containing fibers that are still under compressive force.

The amount of vacuum drawn from the chamber after sealing depends on the material being packaged. In general, sufficient vacuum is drawn to counteract the expansion force within the packaged material, which allows the material to expand. Typically, an amount of vacuum greater than the theoretically calculated pressure is used to ensure neutralization of the expansive force. In aspects of the invention used for packaging bulk fiber materials, 0.5 atm (0.5 kg / cm) from the chamber to ensure neutralization of expansion forces.²Larger than), typically 1 atmosphere (1 kg / cm)²It is advantageous to draw a vacuum below).

As described herein, in certain aspects of the invention, the packaging material, eg, the edges of the laminate, seal each other so as to completely surround the material to be packaged. This sealing can be performed in a variety of ways, such as those described herein. Depending on the size of the package, the material to be packaged and the amount of vacuum, the fin seal will prove to be advantageous. Fin seals can be made using techniques known in the art, such as jaw type constant heating or induction sealers. In the manufacturing environment, it is generally advantageous to carry out the sealing operation quickly so as to increase the total processing capacity.

Typically, to aid in sealing, the laminated packaging material includes a sealing layer as the outermost layer. The sealing layer may contain a heat-sealable polymer with a melt index that minimizes sealing time. In general, low density polyethylene (including ULLDPE or LLDPE) has been found to provide a useful combination of performance and sealing properties. The sealing layer may advantageously be thick enough to allow the molten material to flow into the seams and overlapping secondary seams. This thickness helps in minimizing leakage.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative form of chamber suitable for use in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, in aspects of the invention, the top wall 42 may be pre-joined to side walls 46, 48, 50 (not shown) and 52 (not shown). The resulting "open box like" shape may include pre-folded sealing edges or flaps 47, 49, 51 (not shown) and 53 (not shown). The bottom wall 44 may include a pre-folded sealing edge or flap 45. At least one wall will contain the exhaust gear 56. Further, the easily open portion 58 may be provided on one or more walls. The structures and materials used in the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 may be as described elsewhere herein.

The chamber shown in FIG. 3 can be used in various ways. For example, the fibers are placed on the bottom wall, then the remaining chamber portions are placed on the fibers and the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is sealed to the sidewalls and then exhausted.

4A and 4B show other possible embodiments of the present invention in exploded views and assembly views. Package 72 (Fig. 4B) contains a U-joint structure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the three walls of the package, namely the top wall 62, the side walls 61 and the side walls 63, are formed from a portion of the first U-shaped polymer film 60 and the remaining three walls of the package, That is, the bottom wall 67, the side wall 66 and the side wall 68 are formed from the portion of the second U-shaped polymer film 65. The edges of the U-shaped portion may further include a sealing edge or flap, one of which has been identified in each portion as 64 and 69, respectively. At least one wall of at least one U-shaped part contains an exhaust.

A second U-shaped portion, including the bottom wall 67, can be placed, for example, on the bottom platen of a baler. A material 70 to be packaged, such as a fibrous material, can be placed on the bottom wall 67. The first U-shaped portion 60, including the top wall 62, can then be placed on top of the material 70 to be packaged. The side walls 61, 63, 65 and 68 are then folded around the material and the edges are sealed to the other side walls as well as the top and bottom walls 67 using flaps to form the package 72. be able to. The package can then be evacuated. Instead, a first U-shaped portion can be placed on top of the material, the material compressed, and then the side walls can be folded and sealed around the material.

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

To facilitate sealing, each component piece has a flanged edge, ie, piece 110 to 112, 114, 116 and 118; piece 120 to 122, 124, 126 and 128; piece 130 to 132, 134, 136 and 138; Piece 140 may contain 142, 144, 146 and 148. In the first step, "B", the corresponding pair of edges can be sealed to form a larger piece. As shown in FIG. 5, the edge 112 of the piece 110 and the edge 122 of the piece 120 are sealed to form the seal 152. Similarly, the edge 132 of the piece 130 and the edge 142 of the piece 140 are sealed to form the seal 162.

As shown in "C" of FIG. 5, the larger pieces thus formed can be placed on the top and bottom of the bulk material to form a package with the bulk material inside. The remaining edges of the packaging material can then be sealed to completely seal the package. D in FIG. 5 shows the seals 172 and 182. The extra packaging material forms flaps 192, 194, 196 and 198. The flaps can be folded over the side walls of the package and sealed to the side walls to form the package 200 of the invention, as shown in "E" in FIG.

As understood from the description contained herein, at least one piece of packaging material may include an evaporator to facilitate the creation of a vacuum within the package.

Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 show a substantially rectangular parallelepiped chamber that makes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped package. The present invention includes packages of different shapes. Further, the present invention includes packages having a non-uniform shape or a random shape. As understood from the description contained herein, the principles of the invention can be utilized in a bag-shaped chamber for making packages that match the shape of the fibers within the internal volume of the bag. Many of the features and advantages of the present invention will be achieved in non-uniform packages, but such packages are less advantageous for stacking and palletizing.

As mentioned above, the packaging of the present invention is advantageous for use with a wide variety of fibers. Aspects of the invention include packaging for the types of acetate tow fibers used for filter materials. In this aspect, the package of the present invention may constitute an internal volume of a chamber sealed at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, a chamber containing acetate fibers.

6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show the vacuum outlet assembly of the invention suitable for use as an evaporator in aspects of the invention. As shown in the exploded view in FIG. 6A, the vacuum outlet assembly may include a vacuum outlet 302, a gasket 304 and a cap 306. The vacuum outlet includes an opening 312 that allows airflow between the inside and outside of the package. This opening may include a plurality of holes 314 or a single hole. This opening can advantageously take the form of a check valve that allows unidirectional flow from the inside of the package to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the opening can be lifted relative to the base 304 of the vacuum outlet to create a wall 316 through which the opening can extend through the packaging material. The portion of the wall 316 protruding through the packaging material may consist of a flange-like portion 318 for facilitating connection to the vacuum suction device. Upon use, the base 302 is placed on one side of the packaging material, and the wall 316 extends through a hole or slit in the packaging material so that the flange 318 is on the opposite side of the packaging material than the base 302. It has become. A gasket 304 with an opening 305 adapted to fit around the wall 316 of the outlet 302 can be placed on the flange to secure the assembly. In addition, the assembly can be glued and / or sealed to the packaging material. A cap 306 is provided to seal the opening 312, as shown in FIG. 6B. Instead, after evacuating, the 312 can be glued to the packaging material.

The vacuum outlet assembly can be formed from a moldable and / or machinable material, including but not limited to, polymer materials including nylon, LLDPE and the like, metals, wood and the like. Vacuum outlet assemblies can be manufactured by molding and / or machining using common techniques.

FIG. 6C shows additional details in aspects of vacuum outlet 302. As shown in FIG. 6C, the vacuum outlet 302 may be substantially circular and may include a radially extending piece 322 for strength. Further, the vacuum outlet may include an inclined plateau portion 324 near the opening.

As shown in FIG. 6D, the underside of the vacuum outlet 302 may include a groove 326 and a wedge portion 322 corresponding to the radially extending pieces. Grooves and wedges help give the vacuum outlet assembly a structural shape.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, the vacuum assembly is substantially round and the coupler to the vacuum suction device is round. Other shapes and designs will be useful, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Generally, the base for vacuum assembly is larger than the opening to provide structural support in the opening and package wall. Larger base assemblies also help prevent the assembly from being pulled through the walls of the package and provide a larger sealing surface. Generally, the base is 1.5 to 20 times larger than the opening. In aspects of the invention, the diameter of the opening was about 26 centimeters and the diameter of the base was about 80 centimeters.

An aspect of the apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus of the present invention may include the type of packaging system shown in FIG. The device may further include a container 84 and a ram 86 suitable for receiving the fibers 82. The ram may be a hydraulic utilization device and can be operated by a motor and an accompanying control device (not shown). The device may further include an exhaust system 88. The exhaust system may include a vacuum suction device 90 and an accompanying hose 92 adapted to be connected to an exhaust tool 26 within the wall of the packaging system.

For use, the bottom surface of the packaging system can be placed in a container. The fibers can be placed on the bottom surface, and the side and top surfaces can be placed around the fibers. Lamb 86 can then be used to compress the fibers. After compression, the hose 92 from the exhaust system 88 can be connected to the exhaust tool 26 to remove air and gas from the chamber until the chamber reaches the desired pressure below atmospheric atmospheric pressure.

<p> Further features and advantages of the present invention will be illustrated by the following examples.<u style="single">Example 1</u> The advantages of aspects of the packaging of the invention comprising fibers are illustrated with reference to a typical prior art veil referred to as a control.</p><p> A packing device manufactured by Lummus Corporation, Savannah, Georgia, was used to produce a typical prior art veil as a control and aspects of the invention.</p><p><u style="single">Control veil</u> Packing machine bottles were filled with acetate tow to a level that was approximately 94 cm wide (cm) wide, 122 cm long and 112 cm high after the bale was compressed. After removing the compressive force, the new bale dimensions were approximately 99 cm wide, 127 cm long and 123 cm high.</p><p> The bale was then wrapped with cardboard and plastic sheets along the sides of the bale and 10 plastic strips surrounding the bale. After removal from the packing device, the bale was stored, which increased in height by about 18 cm due to the approximate bale dimensions of 99 cm wide, 127 cm long and 141 cm high. The density of the bale was about 0.4 grams / cubic centimeter and the bale weighed about 726 kilograms (kg). The veil obtained had a notch in the strap that was apparent on visual inspection, and bulged in a dome shape of about 5 cm at the center of the top and bottom. As a result, this veil was inadequately flat and had to be stacked on top of it.</p><p><u style="single">The present invention</u> Aspects of the packaging of the present invention were made using the following procedure. The package used was essentially as shown in Figure 2.</p><p> The bottom wall was placed above the lower compartment of the fiber holding chamber of a conventional processing device for compressing and packing fibers. The fiber holding chamber was filled with acetate tow fibers on the bottom wall. The top wall was placed on the fibers accumulated in the chamber. A compression cycle was performed to create a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The chamber wall of the fiber retention chamber was removed while maintaining compression, and a girth wrap (side wall) was wrapped around the compressed acetate tow. An airtight seal was made by heat sealing on the pre-folded edges of the front and trailing edges of the girth wrap. The combined pre-folded edges of the top and bottom, top wall, and bottom wall of the gir wrap were also sealed by heat sealing, thereby creating an airtightly sealed chamber.</p><p> A vacuum hose was applied to the vacuum check valve in the side wall of the chamber (the panel of gir wrap). The chamber was evacuated until the expansion force of the acetate tow fibers reached equilibrium by drawing a vacuum and the acetate tow fibers exerted little or no outward force on the walls of the chamber. The vacuum hose was removed and a vacuum check valve maintained the vacuum in the chamber. The compression from the processing device was released.</p><p> When removed from the packing machine, the resulting package retains a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with approximately the following dimensions: width 98 cm, length 123 cm and height 127 cm, and approximately 975 kilograms of acetate tow fiber. Was contained. The average density of acetate tow fibers in the package was approximately 0.64 grams / cubic centimeter.</p><p> The swelling was minimal during storage and the package retained a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with approximately the following dimensions: width 98 cm, length 123 cm and height 129 cm. The veil was substantially flat at the top and bottom to within 0.35 cm.</p><p><u style="single">Example 2</u> This example illustrates aspects of the invention. By joining the packages of the present invention together with parts of Bx4 nylon / Valeron / ULLDPE film in the manner shown in FIG. 5, two film pieces of about 243 cm x about 269 cm are formed. Formed. Other laminates such as PET-SiOx / Valeron / ULLDPE are expected to work in a similar fashion.</p><p> A hole about 2.8 cm in diameter was punched into one piece of film to provide an opening for a vacuum outlet assembly substantially as described in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. .. A heat sealer was used to seal the vacuum outlet assembly to the film pieces.</p><p> Another piece of film was then placed in the packing machine bin of a conventional packing device as described elsewhere.</p><p> Cellulose acetate tow fibers were fed onto a piece of film into a packing machine bottle to give a finished compressed veil approximately 127 cm high.</p><p> The first piece of film was then placed on the platen of the packing device so that when the platen moved to compress the cellulose acetate tow fibers, the film covered the top and top portions of the fibers.</p><p> The fibers were then compressed.</p><p> The sides of the packing bin were dropped while maintaining compression, and the edges of the first and second film pieces were sealed together using fin seals, as shown in Figures 5C and 5D.</p><p> A soft rubber gasket was placed over the portion of the vacuum outlet assembly that extends through the film.</p><p> Using a hose connection to the vacuum source and vacuum outlet assembly openings, a small vacuum was drawn over the package to create a differential pressure to remove excess air and then the package was neatly trimmed.</p><p> The edges of the film were then taut and pulled to remove creases and wrinkles, folded and sealed as shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E to form a substantially rectangular package.</p><p> Approximately 0.90 kg / cm using vacuum source and hose connection²Vacuum suction was continued until a substantially constant vacuum was obtained.</p><p> The hose was removed and a cap was placed over the opening.</p><p> The compressive force applied by the packing machine platen was removed, and the resulting veil was removed from the packing machine. A common shrink wrap was placed on the bale and the bale was inspected for vacuum leaks.</p><p> The result was the package of the present invention.</p><p> Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the systems of the invention can be practiced in other ways and embodiments. Therefore, the description herein should not be read as limiting the invention, as other aspects also fall within the scope of the invention. Aspects of the present invention are listed below. 1. A veil consisting of a sealed chamber with an internal volume of initial pressure below atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of which contains bulk material. 2. The veil according to aspect 1, wherein the bulk material is a bulk commodity. 3. The veil according to aspect 1, wherein the internal volume of the chamber has an initial pressure of less than 101 kilopascals. 4. The veil according to aspect 1, wherein the package is substantially composed of a rectangular parallelepiped shape. 5. The chamber is composed of multiple walls including a top wall and a bottom wall and multiple side walls, and the walls are sealed to each other along their edges, and at least one of those walls. The veil according to aspect 1, wherein the veil contains at least one evaporator. 6. The veil according to embodiment 1, wherein the chamber is configured to include a wall, and the wall comprises a polymer film. 7. The veil according to aspect 6, wherein the polymer film comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide or polyamide. 8. The veil according to aspect 5, wherein the wall comprises a polymer film. 9. Described in Aspect 8 in which the polymer film comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide, polyamide, Tyvec® protective material or Valeron® strength film. Veil. 10. The veil according to aspect 8, wherein the wall further comprises a moisture barrier element. 11. A package consisting of a sealed chamber with an internal volume of initial pressure below atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of which contains fibers. 12. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the fibers contain acetate. 13. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the internal volume of the chamber has an initial pressure of less than 101 kilopascals. 14. The package according to aspect 11, wherein the package is substantially composed of a rectangular parallelepiped shape. 15. The chamber is composed of multiple walls, including a top and bottom wall and multiple side walls, and the walls are sealed to each other along their edges, and at least one of those walls. 11. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the package contains at least one evaporator. 16. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the chamber comprises walls, and those walls comprise a polymeric film. 17. Aspect 16 wherein the polymer film comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide, polyamide, Tyvec® protective material or Valeron® strength film. Package. 18. The package according to embodiment 15, wherein the wall comprises a polymer film. 19. Described in aspect 18 where the polymer film comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer, nylon, mylar, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polyimide, polyamide, Tyvec® protective material or Valeron® strength film. Package. 20. The package according to embodiment 18, wherein the wall further comprises a moisture barrier element. 21. The package according to aspect 18, wherein the wall comprises a gas barrier. 22. The package according to aspect 20, wherein the element comprises aluminum. 23. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the sealed chamber comprises a bag. 24. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the fibers have a substantially uniform density throughout their assembly. 25. The package according to embodiment 24, wherein the density of the fibers is increased relative to the density of the corresponding volume of fibers in a non-vacuum state. 26. The package according to embodiment 25, wherein the density increase is 1.1 to 1.5 times. 27. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the weight of the fiber is increased compared to the weight of the corresponding volume of the fiber in a non-vacuum state. 28. The package according to embodiment 27, wherein the weight gain is 1.1 to 1.5 times. 29. The package according to aspect 11, wherein the flatness of the package is increased relative to the flatness of the corresponding volume of the fibers bound in a non-vacuum state. 30. The package according to embodiment 11, wherein the package is substantially composed of a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the height of the center of the apex wall is less than 3 cm above the height of the edge of the apex wall. 31. The package according to embodiment 15, further comprising additional packaging material surrounding the sealed wall. 32. The package according to aspect 11, wherein the package includes an embossed area. 33. A package consisting of a sealed chamber with an internal volume of initial pressure below atmospheric pressure, the internal volume of which contains a fibrous material. 34. The package according to embodiment 33, wherein the fibrous material comprises a bulk product. 35. A packaging system consisting of a sealable chamber with an internal volume sufficient to contain the volume of bulk material to be packaged. 36. The packaging system according to embodiment 35, further comprising means for exhausting a sealable chamber. 37. The packaging system according to embodiment 35, wherein the sealable chamber comprises a plurality of walls, and the system further comprises means of sealing the edges of the walls against each other. 38. The packaging system according to embodiment 35, wherein the bulk material contains fibers. 39. The packaging system according to embodiment 36, wherein the bulk material comprises a fibrous material. 40. A fiber packaging method comprising the steps of forming a package having an internal volume, placing the fibers within the internal volume, sealing the package and exhausting the internal volume. 41. The method of aspect 40, further comprising the step of compressing the fibers. 42. The process of preparing a bottom wall, the process of placing fibers on the bottom wall, the process of placing fibers on the bottom wall, the process of preparing the bottom wall, in which the package contains a substantially rectangular package consisting of a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The process of placing the top wall on the top wall, the process of compressing the fibers between the top wall and the bottom wall by applying compressive force, the process of placing the side walls around the compressed fibers, the side walls of the top wall and bottom wall A method according to aspect 40, comprising the steps of forming a sealed chamber having an internal volume containing fibers, evacuating the internal volume, and releasing the compressive force. .. 43. The package is composed of a substantially rectangular package containing a top wall, a bottom wall and multiple side walls, the process of preparing the bottom wall, the process of placing the fibers on the bottom wall, the top on the fibers. The process of placing the wall, the process of compressing the fibers between the top and bottom walls by applying compressive force, the process of placing the side walls around the compressed fibers, the process of placing the side walls against the top and bottom walls And then seal each other to form a sealed chamber with an internal volume containing the fibers, releasing the compressive force and evacuating the internal volume after the equilibrium pressure of the fibers has been reached. 41. 44. Includes steps to prepare the fibers, compress the fibers, form a sealable chamber around the fibers, seal the chamber, evacuate the chamber and then release the compression. Elastic fiber packaging method. 45. The process of preparing the fibers, forming a sealable chamber around the fibers, sealing the chamber, compressing the fibers while letting air out of the chamber, thereby at least partially exhausting the chamber. And then a method of packaging elastic fibers comprising the step of releasing compression. 46. The process of preparing the fibers, the process of compressing the fibers, the process of binding the compressed fibers, the process of releasing the compression, the process of forming a sealable chamber around the fibers, the process of sealing the chamber, the process of sealing the chamber A method for packaging elastic fibers, which comprises a step of evacuating and then a step of releasing the binding. 47. The method of aspect 44, further comprising surrounding a package sealed with additional packaging material. 48. A fiber packaging device that includes materials and an exhaust system that surround the fibers to form a chamber. 49. The device according to aspect 48, further comprising a device for compressing fibers. 50. The device of aspect 49, wherein the exhaust system includes a vacuum suction device and an attached hose. 51. The device according to aspect 50, wherein the device that compresses the fibers comprises a ram.</p>