Packaging apparatus and method

Abstract

A covering 10 for protecting an item that is placed within the covering 10 is provided. The covering 10 includes a substantially continuous tubing 11 having an inner surface 22, an outer surface 20, and a first opening 32 providing access to a cavity 34 of the continuous tubing 11. The continuous tubing 11 is adapted to have items to be protected inserted into cavity 34 of the tubing 11 through the first opening 32. A method for creating the protective covering 10 is also provided. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the method includes sealing an automobile bumper in the tubing 11 for protection of the bumper during material handling thereof.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of packaging, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for packaging items for protection during shipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Consumers demand that products they purchase be free of surface marks or any other physical damage. Often, damage to products occurs during shipping. Regardless of the type of shipment (i.e., water, air, road or rail), products may be subjected to physical impact, dropping, crushing, tearing, breaking, rough handling, puncturing or collision at any time. There are a variety of methods and devices which are commonly used for insulating and protecting products and components from physical damage during handling, shipping, transportation, etc. [0003] Included in those devices which are utilized to isolate and protect products from damage are insulating materials and insulating devices. Examples of insulating devices include special containers, such as boxes, envel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first layer of the laminate composition is a high density material having properties to substantially resist tearing or puncturing of the tubing. And, the second layer of the laminate composition is a low density material having cushioning properties. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer of the laminate composition is made of a high density polyethylene, and the second layer of the laminate composition is made of a low density polyethylene. In a most preferred embodiment, the low density polyethylene is a low density polyethylene foam material.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a covering for protecting items that are placed within the covering is made of a substantially continuous tubing having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first opening providing access to a cavity of the continuous tubing. The continuous tubing is adapted to have the items to be protected inserted into cavity of the tubing through the first opening. Further, the inner surface of the tubing has cushioning properties to cushion items that are located in the cavity of the tubing, and the outer surface of the tubing has properties to substantially resist tearing or puncturing of the tubing during normal use. The substantially continuous tubing is adapted to be sheared into intervals of tubing. Typically, the length of the intervals of the tubing is less than the length of the substantially continuous tubing. Additionally, the length of the intervals of the tubing is typically greater than the length of the product placed within the tubing.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of overwrapping products to protect the products is provided. The method comprises providing a length of tubing, the tubing having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a cavity, the tubing further having a first end and a second end, inserting the product into the cavity of the tubing, and sealing the first and second ends of the tubing, respectively, to secure the product within the cavity of the tubing.

Problems solved by technology

Often, damage to products occurs during shipping.

Regardless of the type of shipment (i.e., water, air, road or rail), products may be subjected to physical impact, dropping, crushing, tearing, breaking, rough handling, puncturing or collision at any time.

One significant downside to EPS packaging is the extreme cost associated with the molds to create the EPS insulation.

While very expensive, this tooling has a somewhat limited production life.

Further, the machinery for molding EPS is very expensive and thus is a major factor in the cost of such protective packaging.

Further, requirements for determining the means for packaging a product includes the cost and time to complete the process.

Such a process, however, results in excess waste of the over-wrapping product and strapping material, thereby increasing cost.

Furthermore, such a process is slow and often does not accomplish the desired result because of inherent deficiencies.

Most of these materials and devices, however, are not readily adaptable to varying sizes and shapes of product.

Additionally many of these materials and devices have performance and cost deficiencies.

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