US20070220829A1 - Packaged product and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Packaged product and method of manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070220829A1 US20070220829A1 US11/391,168 US39116806A US2007220829A1 US 20070220829 A1 US20070220829 A1 US 20070220829A1 US 39116806 A US39116806 A US 39116806A US 2007220829 A1 US2007220829 A1 US 2007220829A1
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- Prior art keywords
- product
- compressible
- outer shell
- stuffing
- graphic
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 28
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title description 4
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000001815 facial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002407 reforming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/50—Frames, stands, or wheels for dolls or toy animals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H9/00—Special methods or compositions for the manufacture of dolls, toy animals, toy figures, or parts thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2023—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in a flexible container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/07—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for compressible or flexible articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to packaged products and methods of manufacture. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and devices for manufacturing and packaging deformable products.
- Some items may be reduced in size by simply packaging less. Miniature toiletry kits, office desk sets, and snack foods have been marketed to great success for many years. Some items may be reduced in size by making more effective component parts. The current wave of personal electronic items comes immediately to mind. Some items may be reduced in size by merely packing them better, and it is in this arena that the present invention is directed.
- Shrink wrapping of goods is a technique well known in the art.
- Taunton, U.S. Pat. No. 2,778,171 disclosed “a method of evacuating an envelope” more than fifty years ago.
- Other inventions followed to address the method of evacuation and the preparation of the containers, bags, and envelopes. None of these, however dealt with the items to be contained in these containers, bags, and envelopes, nor with the configuration into which they would be placed.
- the present invention includes a packaged product and a method for packaging a product.
- a packaged product includes a compressible product with a flexible outer shell and a stuffing.
- the stuffing is formed from a compressible memory material such that the outer shell and the stuffing cooperate to form the compressible product into an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure.
- the stuffing may be hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber.
- a packaged product also includes an airtight packaging envelope.
- the packaging envelope includes a sealable opening.
- the compressible product is placed within the packaging envelope.
- the compressible product assumes a deformed state substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape.
- the deformed state includes compressing and/or folding the compressible product.
- the outer shell includes a graphic thereon that is unobscured in the uncompressed shape.
- the compressible product in the uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to the body, and at least one limb extending from the body.
- the graphic appears on the body, and the body is positioned in the packaging envelope with the head and/or the limb folded to obscure the graphic.
- the present invention also includes a method for packaging a product and a product manufactured according to the method.
- a flexible outer shell is provided.
- the outer shell is stuffed with a stuffing formed from a compressible memory material.
- the stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber. The outer shell and the stuffing cooperate to form a compressible product in an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure.
- An airtight packaging envelope including an a sealable opening is provided.
- the compressible product is placed into the packaging envelope and a pressure differential is created inside the envelope.
- the compressible product may be folded and in creating a pressure differential, the compressible product may be compressed.
- the opening is sealed such that the compressible product assumes a deformed state inside the packaging envelope substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape.
- the packaging envelope and compressible product in a deformed state form a compressed packaged product. When the seal is opened, the outer shell and the stuffing cooperate to substantially reform the compressible product to the uncompressed shape.
- the outer shell may include a graphic thereon that is unobscured in the uncompressed shape.
- the method includes positioning the compressible product in the packaging envelope to obscure the graphic on the outer shell such that the product is and when the seal is opened, the outer shell and the stuffing cooperating to substantially reform the compressible product to the uncompressed shape to reveal the graphic.
- the compressible product in the uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to the body, and at least one limb extending from the body. The graphic appears on the body and when the compressible product is placed in the packaging envelope, the head and/or the limb are folded to obscure the graphic.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of a compressible product in an uncompressed shape according to an optional embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a left side view of a compressible product in an uncompressed shape according to the optional embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front view of a packaged product with a compressible product according to the optional embodiment of FIG. 1 in a deformed shape;
- FIG. 4 is a left side view of a packaged product according to the optional embodiment of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a front view of a compressible product in an uncompressed shape according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of a packaged product with a compressible product according to the optional embodiment of FIG. 5 in a deformed shape;
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method according to an optional embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention is a packaged product 500 that includes a compressible product 100 and a packaging envelope 380 .
- FIGS. 1 and 5 show optional embodiments of a compressible product 100 according to the current invention.
- the compressible product 100 may take many different forms such as a stuffed animal or toy or other plush object. However, it is contemplated that the compressible product 100 may be any item of a deformable nature.
- the compressible product 100 includes a compressible stuffing having an uncompressed shape.
- the stuffing is formed from a compressible memory material.
- compressible memory material a material is contemplated that may be deformed and compressed, but returns to its uncompressed shape when released.
- the stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fibers, such as 15 D 64 mm Hollow Conjugate Siliconized A grade polyester fibers.
- other material may be used, as long as such material is readily deformable and compressible, and capable of resuming its uncompressed shape when released.
- the stuffing is stuffed into a flexible outer shell 121 and the stuffing and outer shell 121 cooperate to form the uncompressed shape.
- the outer shell 121 could take any form.
- the compressible product is a stuffed animal or other plush toy
- the outer shell 121 may be fabric, textile, fur, or other outer covering.
- the outer shell 121 and stuffing cooperate to form a compressible product 100 in an uncompressed shape.
- This uncompressed shape is distinguished from a deformed shape that is discussed in greater detail below and shown in FIGS. 3, 4 , and 6 .
- decorative imagery such as facial features 111 may be included on the outer shell.
- a graphic 170 may be visible, i.e. unobscured, on the outer shell 121 .
- the graphic 170 may take many different forms, but in an optional embodiment the graphic is a message, such as “Happy Birthday” or “Get Well Soon,” an image, or other visually perceptible graphic 170 that is displayed in a graphic area on the outer shell 121 .
- the compressible product may take any shape.
- the compressible product 100 consists of a body 140 connected to a head 110 and one or more limbs 120 , 130 , 150 , 160 , such as a left arm 120 , a right arm 130 , a left leg 150 , and a right leg 160 .
- the body 140 may optionally a graphic in a designated graphic area 170 .
- the limbs 120 , 130 , 150 , 160 and the head 110 are disposed about the body 140 as would be expected for the semblance of a person, an animal, or a similar creature.
- the head 110 exhibits facial features 111 intended to resemble eyes and a mouth. In alternate optional embodiments, facial features 111 may differ, being more or less detailed, may exhibit different details, or may be omitted.
- the packaged product 500 also includes a packaging envelope 380 .
- the packaging envelope 380 is a plastic bag, sheath, tube, or other container that can be sealed in an airtight fashion.
- the packaging envelope 380 is formed from a flexible plastic ply that will conform to the shape of the compressible product 100 placed inside it.
- the compressible product 100 provided 700 is placed 704 in the packaging envelope 380 provided 702 .
- the compressible product 100 may be simply inserted or, in an optional embodiment, may be positioned within the packaging envelope 380 .
- the compressible product 100 may be folded inside the packaging envelope 380 so it is held in a folded configuration as discussed in greater detail below.
- a compressible product having a graphic 170 thereon is placed in the packaging envelope 380 with the graphic 170 obscured or hidden.
- a graphic 170 on the compressible product 100 may be obscured by folding the head 140 and/or one or more limbs 120 , 130 , 150 , 160 across the body.
- a pressure differential is created 706 to reduce the pressure inside the packaging envelope 380 below ambient atmospheric pressure.
- the pressure differential inside the packaging envelope 380 causes the packaging envelope 380 to collapse, and allows ambient air pressure to compress the compressible product 100 into a deformed shape substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape.
- the pressure differential is created by evacuating air from the packaging envelope 380 through an opening. For example, air may be evacuated through the opening using a vacuum pump.
- the compressible product 100 will be reduced in volume by approximately 80% when in its deformed shape compared to its uncompressed shape.
- this is exemplary only and, in alternate optional embodiments, such compression ratio may be higher or lower.
- the optional embodiment illustrated anticipates that the airtight package 380 will be highly evacuated, such evacuation is not essential and in alternate optional embodiments evacuation may be to a lesser degree or omitted.
- the packaging envelope 380 is sealed 708 .
- the packaging envelope 380 will hold the compressible product 100 in position when the packaging envelope 380 collapses around the compressible product 100 .
- the seal 382 may take many different forms, including adhesive, an interlocking seam, mechanical fasteners, or the like.
- a seal may be created by heating and crimping opposing surfaces until the ply melts and forms a seal.
- the seal 382 When the seal 382 is broken, the pressure inside and outside the packaging envelope 380 reaches equilibrium and the outer shell 121 and stuffing cooperate to substantially reform the compressible product 100 to its uncompressed shape.
- the seal 382 may be broken by cutting-the airtight package 380 .
- the airtight package 380 may be resealable or reformable, so that the airtight package 380 may be reused.
- the compressible product 100 once removed from the airtight package 380 , substantially reforms itself from its deformed shape to its uncompressed shape.
- the memory-type stuffing of which the compressible product 100 substantially reforms its uncompressed shape so that the compressible product 100 in its deformed shape in FIGS. 3 and 4 reforms itself into its uncompressed shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , just as the compressible product 100 in its deformed shape in FIG. 6 reforms itself into its uncompressed shape as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the reforming of the uncompressed shape serves to reveal the graphic 170 that was obscured in the deformed shape.
- the compressible product 100 may be constructed to allow repeated compression and decompression of the compressible product 100 .
Abstract
A compressible product such as a stuffed toy is formed of a memory type stuffing, such as hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fibers, optionally surrounded by an outer shell, that has an uncompressed shape at ambient atmospheric pressure. The compressible product is positioned in a packaging envelope and a pressure differential is created to deform the product into a deformed shape substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape. Optionally, a graphic on the outer shell that is visible in the uncompressed shape is obscured in the deformed shape. The packaging envelope is sealed with the compressible product in the deformed shape. When the seal is broken, the stuffing and outer shell cooperate to substantially reform the compressible product into its uncompressed shape.
Description
- The present invention relates to packaged products and methods of manufacture. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and devices for manufacturing and packaging deformable products.
- It has long been recognized that one of the primary factors in the costs of shipping and storing of merchandise is the volume required on a vehicle or vessel, in a warehouse, or on a store shelf. As more and more powerful engines are used in transportation, and stronger material are used for construction, weight is becoming less of a critical factor, and manufacturers are looking for ways to miniaturize items, in both their eventual usage form, and the form in which they are shipped and stored prior to, or in between, usage.
- Some items may be reduced in size by simply packaging less. Miniature toiletry kits, office desk sets, and snack foods have been marketed to great success for many years. Some items may be reduced in size by making more effective component parts. The current wave of personal electronic items comes immediately to mind. Some items may be reduced in size by merely packing them better, and it is in this arena that the present invention is directed.
- Shrink wrapping of goods is a technique well known in the art. Taunton, U.S. Pat. No. 2,778,171 disclosed “a method of evacuating an envelope” more than fifty years ago. Other inventions followed to address the method of evacuation and the preparation of the containers, bags, and envelopes. None of these, however dealt with the items to be contained in these containers, bags, and envelopes, nor with the configuration into which they would be placed.
- Compression of the item itself to reduce volume is also a technique well known in the art Merry, U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,629 discloses “a method of compacting a sheet article” such as a shirt or underwear, made of woven fabric, to reduce the volumetric requirement. Earlier, Hammon, U.S. Pat. No. 2,659,935 disclosed a method of making compressed sponges.
- Such prior art, however, has dealt primarily with the method of evacuation or compression and the apparatus to perform such evacuation or compression, rather than with the item to be evacuated or compressed. Items were assumed to be either formless, such as underwear or t-shirts, or capable of retaining their general shape when compressed. There is a need in the art for a method and device for the compression of items to reduce their space requirements, where subsequent shape recovery would be automatic and fast. Likewise, there is a need in the art for a method and device for the compression of items to reduce their space requirements, where the item being compressed has one, predetermined, shape when compressed, and a second, also predetermined, shape when released from compression.
- The present invention includes a packaged product and a method for packaging a product. A packaged product includes a compressible product with a flexible outer shell and a stuffing. The stuffing is formed from a compressible memory material such that the outer shell and the stuffing cooperate to form the compressible product into an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure. In one optional embodiment, the stuffing may be hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber.
- A packaged product also includes an airtight packaging envelope. The packaging envelope includes a sealable opening. The compressible product is placed within the packaging envelope. When a pressure differential is created inside the envelope and the opening is sealed, the compressible product assumes a deformed state substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape. Optionally, the deformed state includes compressing and/or folding the compressible product. When the seal is opened, the outer shell and the stuffing cooperating to substantially reform the compressible product to the uncompressed shape.
- In an optional embodiment, the outer shell includes a graphic thereon that is unobscured in the uncompressed shape. When the compressible product is placed within the packaging envelope, the product is positioned to obscure the graphic on the outer shell. Consequently, when the seal is opened, the outer shell and the stuffing cooperating to substantially reform the compressible product to the uncompressed shape with the graphic unobscured. For example, in one optional embodiment, the compressible product in the uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to the body, and at least one limb extending from the body. In one such optional embodiment, the graphic appears on the body, and the body is positioned in the packaging envelope with the head and/or the limb folded to obscure the graphic.
- The present invention also includes a method for packaging a product and a product manufactured according to the method. According to an embodiment of the method, a flexible outer shell is provided. The outer shell is stuffed with a stuffing formed from a compressible memory material. Optionally, the stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber. The outer shell and the stuffing cooperate to form a compressible product in an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure.
- An airtight packaging envelope including an a sealable opening is provided. The compressible product is placed into the packaging envelope and a pressure differential is created inside the envelope. Optionally, in placing the compressible product into the packaging envelope, the compressible product may be folded and in creating a pressure differential, the compressible product may be compressed. The opening is sealed such that the compressible product assumes a deformed state inside the packaging envelope substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape. The packaging envelope and compressible product in a deformed state form a compressed packaged product. When the seal is opened, the outer shell and the stuffing cooperate to substantially reform the compressible product to the uncompressed shape.
- As above, in one optional embodiment, the outer shell may include a graphic thereon that is unobscured in the uncompressed shape. In one such optional embodiment, the method includes positioning the compressible product in the packaging envelope to obscure the graphic on the outer shell such that the product is and when the seal is opened, the outer shell and the stuffing cooperating to substantially reform the compressible product to the uncompressed shape to reveal the graphic. For example, in one optional embodiment, the compressible product in the uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to the body, and at least one limb extending from the body. The graphic appears on the body and when the compressible product is placed in the packaging envelope, the head and/or the limb are folded to obscure the graphic.
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of a compressible product in an uncompressed shape according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a left side view of a compressible product in an uncompressed shape according to the optional embodiment ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front view of a packaged product with a compressible product according to the optional embodiment ofFIG. 1 in a deformed shape; -
FIG. 4 is a left side view of a packaged product according to the optional embodiment ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of a compressible product in an uncompressed shape according to an optional embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a front view of a packaged product with a compressible product according to the optional embodiment ofFIG. 5 in a deformed shape; -
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method according to an optional embodiment of the present invention. - Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. The present invention is a packaged product 500 that includes a
compressible product 100 and apackaging envelope 380.FIGS. 1 and 5 show optional embodiments of acompressible product 100 according to the current invention. Thecompressible product 100 may take many different forms such as a stuffed animal or toy or other plush object. However, it is contemplated that thecompressible product 100 may be any item of a deformable nature. - The
compressible product 100 includes a compressible stuffing having an uncompressed shape. The stuffing is formed from a compressible memory material. By compressible memory material, a material is contemplated that may be deformed and compressed, but returns to its uncompressed shape when released. In one optional embodiment, the stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fibers, such as 15 D 64 mm Hollow Conjugate Siliconized A grade polyester fibers. However, in alternate optional embodiments, other material may be used, as long as such material is readily deformable and compressible, and capable of resuming its uncompressed shape when released. - Optionally, the stuffing is stuffed into a flexible
outer shell 121 and the stuffing andouter shell 121 cooperate to form the uncompressed shape. In such an optional embodiment, theouter shell 121 could take any form. In an optional embodiment in which the compressible product is a stuffed animal or other plush toy, theouter shell 121 may be fabric, textile, fur, or other outer covering. - At ambient atmospheric pressure, the
outer shell 121 and stuffing cooperate to form acompressible product 100 in an uncompressed shape. This uncompressed shape is distinguished from a deformed shape that is discussed in greater detail below and shown inFIGS. 3, 4 , and 6. - In one optional embodiment, decorative imagery such as facial features 111 may be included on the outer shell. In one particular embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , a graphic 170 may be visible, i.e. unobscured, on theouter shell 121. The graphic 170 may take many different forms, but in an optional embodiment the graphic is a message, such as “Happy Birthday” or “Get Well Soon,” an image, or other visually perceptible graphic 170 that is displayed in a graphic area on theouter shell 121. - The compressible product may take any shape. Referring generally to
FIGS. 1-6 , in an optional embodiment thecompressible product 100 consists of abody 140 connected to ahead 110 and one ormore limbs left arm 120, aright arm 130, aleft leg 150, and aright leg 160. Thebody 140 may optionally a graphic in a designatedgraphic area 170. In this optional embodiment, thelimbs head 110 are disposed about thebody 140 as would be expected for the semblance of a person, an animal, or a similar creature. Thehead 110 exhibits facial features 111 intended to resemble eyes and a mouth. In alternate optional embodiments, facial features 111 may differ, being more or less detailed, may exhibit different details, or may be omitted. - Turning to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , in the optional embodiment illustrated, the packaged product 500 also includes apackaging envelope 380. In one optional embodiment, thepackaging envelope 380 is a plastic bag, sheath, tube, or other container that can be sealed in an airtight fashion. In an optional embodiment, thepackaging envelope 380 is formed from a flexible plastic ply that will conform to the shape of thecompressible product 100 placed inside it. - To carry out the method of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 7 , thecompressible product 100 provided 700 is placed 704 in thepackaging envelope 380 provided 702. In placing the 704compressible product 100 in thepackaging envelope 380, thecompressible product 100 may be simply inserted or, in an optional embodiment, may be positioned within thepackaging envelope 380. For example, in one optional embodiment, shown inFIG. 6 , thecompressible product 100 may be folded inside thepackaging envelope 380 so it is held in a folded configuration as discussed in greater detail below. In one such optional embodiment, a compressible product having a graphic 170 thereon is placed in thepackaging envelope 380 with the graphic 170 obscured or hidden. Thus, in the example discussed above in which acompressible product 100 includes abody 140 with ahead 110 andlimbs compressible product 100, such as thebody 140, may be obscured by folding thehead 140 and/or one ormore limbs - Referring generally to
FIGS. 3, 4 , 6, and 7, a pressure differential is created 706 to reduce the pressure inside thepackaging envelope 380 below ambient atmospheric pressure. The pressure differential inside thepackaging envelope 380 causes thepackaging envelope 380 to collapse, and allows ambient air pressure to compress thecompressible product 100 into a deformed shape substantially smaller than the uncompressed shape. Optionally, the pressure differential is created by evacuating air from thepackaging envelope 380 through an opening. For example, air may be evacuated through the opening using a vacuum pump. - For example, in an optional embodiment in which hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fibers fill a textile outer shell, one may anticipate that the
compressible product 100 will be reduced in volume by approximately 80% when in its deformed shape compared to its uncompressed shape. However, it is noted that this is exemplary only and, in alternate optional embodiments, such compression ratio may be higher or lower. While the optional embodiment illustrated anticipates that theairtight package 380 will be highly evacuated, such evacuation is not essential and in alternate optional embodiments evacuation may be to a lesser degree or omitted. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 3, 4 , 6, and 7, to maintain the pressure differential, thepackaging envelope 380 is sealed 708. As may be appreciated, if thecompressible product 100 is positioned before the pressure differential is created, thepackaging envelope 380 will hold thecompressible product 100 in position when thepackaging envelope 380 collapses around thecompressible product 100. Theseal 382 may take many different forms, including adhesive, an interlocking seam, mechanical fasteners, or the like. In an optional embodiment in which thepackaging envelope 380 is a flexible plastic ply, a seal may be created by heating and crimping opposing surfaces until the ply melts and forms a seal. - When the
seal 382 is broken, the pressure inside and outside thepackaging envelope 380 reaches equilibrium and theouter shell 121 and stuffing cooperate to substantially reform thecompressible product 100 to its uncompressed shape. For example, in one optional embodiment in which thepackaging envelope 380 is heat sealed, theseal 382 may be broken by cutting-theairtight package 380. In alternate optional embodiments, theairtight package 380 may be resealable or reformable, so that theairtight package 380 may be reused. In the optional embodiment illustrated, thecompressible product 100, once removed from theairtight package 380, substantially reforms itself from its deformed shape to its uncompressed shape. For example, once removed from theairtight package 380 and released, the memory-type stuffing of which thecompressible product 100 substantially reforms its uncompressed shape, so that thecompressible product 100 in its deformed shape inFIGS. 3 and 4 reforms itself into its uncompressed shape as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , just as thecompressible product 100 in its deformed shape inFIG. 6 reforms itself into its uncompressed shape as shown inFIG. 5 . In an optional embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6 in which a graphic 170 is included on theouter shell 121, the reforming of the uncompressed shape serves to reveal the graphic 170 that was obscured in the deformed shape. - It contemplated that the
compressible product 100 may be constructed to allow repeated compression and decompression of thecompressible product 100. - While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims presented herein.
Claims (20)
1. A packaged product comprising:
a compressible product comprising a flexible outer shell and a stuffing, said stuffing formed from a compressible memory material such that said outer shell and said stuffing cooperate to form said compressible product into an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure; and
an airtight packaging envelope including a sealable opening such that when said compressible product is placed within said packaging envelope, a pressure differential is created to reduce the pressure inside said packaging envelope below ambient atmospheric pressure, and said opening is sealed, said compressible product assumes a deformed state substantially smaller than said uncompressed shape, and when said seal is opened, said outer shell and said stuffing cooperating to substantially reform said compressible product to said uncompressed shape.
2. The packaged product of claim 1 wherein said deformed state includes compressing said compressible product.
3. The packaged product of claim 1 wherein said deformed state includes folding said compressible product.
4. The packaged product of claim 1 wherein said outer shell includes a graphic thereon that is unobscured in said uncompressed shape such that when said compressible product is placed within said packaging envelope, said product is positioned to obscure said graphic on said outer shell and when said seal is opened, said outer shell and said stuffing cooperating to substantially reform said compressible product to said uncompressed shape with said graphic unobscured.
5. The packaged product of claim 4 wherein said compressible product in said uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to said body, and at least one limb extending from said body.
6. The packaged product of claim 5 wherein said graphic appears on said body, and said body is positioned in said packaging envelope with one of said head or said limb folded to obscure said graphic.
7. The packaged product of claim 1 wherein said stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber.
8. A packaged product comprising:
a compressible product comprising a flexible outer shell and a stuffing, said stuffing formed from a compressible memory material such that said outer shell and said stuffing cooperate to form said compressible product into an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure, said outer shell including a graphic thereon that is unobscured in said uncompressed shape; and
an airtight packaging envelope including a sealable opening such that when said compressible product is placed within said packaging envelope with said product positioned to obscure said graphic on said outer shell, a pressure differential is created to reduce the pressure inside said packaging envelope below ambient atmospheric pressure, and said opening is sealed, said compressible product assumes a deformed state substantially smaller than said uncompressed shape with said graphic obscured, and when said seal is opened, said outer shell and said stuffing cooperating to substantially reform said compressible product to said uncompressed shape with said graphic unobscured.
9. The packaged product of claim 8 wherein said deformed state includes compressing said compressible product.
10. The packaged product of claim 8 wherein said compressible product in said uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to said body, and at least one limb extending from said body.
11. The packaged product of claim 10 wherein said graphic appears on said body, and said body is positioned in said packaging envelope with one of said head or said limb folded to obscure said graphic.
12. The packaged product of claim 8 wherein said stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber.
13. A method for packaging a product, comprising:
providing a flexible outer shell;
stuffing said outer shell with a stuffing, said stuffing formed from a compressible memory material such that said outer shell and said stuffing cooperate to form a compressible product in an uncompressed shape under ambient atmospheric pressure;
providing an airtight packaging envelope including an a sealable opening;
placing said compressible product into said packaging envelope;
creating a pressure differential to reduce the pressure inside said packaging envelope below ambient atmospheric pressure; and
sealing said opening such that said compressible product assumes a deformed state inside said packaging envelope substantially smaller than said uncompressed shape wherein the packaging envelope and compressible product in a deformed state form a compressed packaged product, and when said seal is opened, said outer shell and said stuffing cooperate to substantially reform said compressible product to said uncompressed shape.
14. A compressed packaged product manufactured by the method of claim 13 .
15. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of creating a pressure differential includes compressing said compressible product.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein said step of placing said product into said packaging envelope includes folding said compressible product.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein said outer shell includes a graphic thereon that is unobscured in said uncompressed shape, said method further comprising positioning said compressible product in said packaging envelope to obscure said graphic on said outer shell such that said product is and when said seal is opened, said outer shell and said stuffing cooperating to substantially reform said compressible product to said uncompressed shape with said graphic unobscured.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein said compressible product in said uncompressed shape includes a body, a head extending from to said body, and at least one limb extending from said body.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein said graphic appears on said body, said method further comprising folding one of said head or said limb to obscure said graphic after placing said compressible product in said packaging envelope.
20. The method of claim 13 wherein said stuffing is hollow conjugate siliconized polyester fiber.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/391,168 US20070220829A1 (en) | 2006-03-27 | 2006-03-27 | Packaged product and method of manufacture |
PCT/IB2007/000345 WO2007107814A1 (en) | 2006-03-23 | 2007-02-07 | Packaged product and method of manufacture |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/391,168 US20070220829A1 (en) | 2006-03-27 | 2006-03-27 | Packaged product and method of manufacture |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070220829A1 true US20070220829A1 (en) | 2007-09-27 |
Family
ID=38522077
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/391,168 Abandoned US20070220829A1 (en) | 2006-03-23 | 2006-03-27 | Packaged product and method of manufacture |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070220829A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007107814A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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WO2018156770A1 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2018-08-30 | Hallmark Cards, Incorporated | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
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WO2018156770A1 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2018-08-30 | Hallmark Cards, Incorporated | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
US10137723B2 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2018-11-27 | Hallmark Cards, Incorporated | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
GB2574342A (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2019-12-04 | Hallmark Cards | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
US10596846B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2020-03-24 | Hallmark Cards, Incorporated | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
GB2574342B (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2021-10-20 | Hallmark Cards | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
GB2601881A (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2022-06-15 | Hallmark Cards | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
GB2601881B (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2022-09-07 | Hallmark Cards | Greeting card having compressed object therein and method of selectively controlling deformation thereof |
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WO2007107814A1 (en) | 2007-09-27 |
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