BAG PACKING METHODS AND SYSTEMS

Description

FIELD

The disclosure relates to handling and packaging of items. In particular, the disclosure relates to methods and system useful for packing containers including flexible bags for transportation and storage. The processes and systems disclosed relate to efficient packaging of flexible bag items, enhancing efficiency of bulk packaging for flexible bags.

BACKGROUND

Related art bag packaging processes include conventional processes and systems for loading bags and flexible containers into larger containers such as crates, or boxes, or other similar bulk packaging. Some related art bag packaging processes include steps for providing, stacking, and feeding flexible containers. Such conventional processes may employ well known manufacturing solutions such as conveyers and suitable apparatus for holding and positioning the bags and the containers into which the bags are packed. These systems in their various configurations tailored for specific items and packaging parameters are well known and need not be described in detail herein.

Various conventional packaging processes and systems exist that are configured to increase an amount of items that can be fit into a packaging container. For example, some related art processes including processes for packaging flexible bags with closure tracks that cause an uneven shape when laid flat. Such processes and the systems implementing them are configured to increase bag density in a packaging container by, for example, offsetting batches of bags during stacking in a container.

SUMMARY

A need has been recognized for packaging processes for packaging flexible containers or bags. Bag packaging apparatus and processes are provided for optimizing bag packaging to maximize use of shipping container space and minimize shipping costs. Space on shipping transportation vessels, trucks, other carriers, and in storehouses and warehouses is at a high premium and has impacted bag packaging and distribution significantly. Apparatus and processes provided herein address these problems by optimizing use of container space and maximizing bag density in a packaging box, crate, or other container, and enhancing ease of moving and storing bags in large quantities.

A system for storing flexible containers or bags includes a packaging apparatus or device having a compression chamber. The compression chamber includes one or more pressure members disposed in the compression chamber and configured to move from an open position to a closed position. The one or more pressure members are configured to contact one or more flexible or containers or bags received in the compression chamber.

In an embodiment, the one or more pressure members including at least one first member disposed to move from the open position at a first side of the compression chamber, toward another, second member. In an embodiment, the second member may be fixed at a side of the compression chamber while the first member is configured to move toward the second member to diminish the amount of space therebetween, compressing an interposing object such as a plurality of bags.

In an embodiment, one or more fasteners may be placed in the compression chamber when the pressure members are in the open position configuration, and before a plurality of bags is received therein. The plurality of bags may be loaded into the compression chamber over the fasteners.

The fasteners may be constructed and arranged for wrapping or tying together the compressed plurality of bags. The bags are compressed together by urging the pressure members together in the compression chamber, thereby minimizing space between bag components and adjacent bags in a compressed block of bags. The fasteners may be fastened around a compressed bag block and tied or otherwise fastened for secure and convenient transportation and storage of the compressed plurality of bags.

In an embodiment, the compression chamber may be sized for receiving multiple pluralities of bags for compression. In an embodiment, for example, a first pressure member and/or a second pressure member may be arranged on tracks or rods for slidable movement within the compression chamber.

In one embodiment, a first pressure member is constructed and arranged to translate slidably toward a second pressure member on one or more bars or rods extending along a longitudinal axis of the compression chamber.

In an embodiment, processes for bag packaging include providing a bag packaging apparatus. The high density bag packaging apparatus includes a first pressure member and a second pressure member arranged in a compression chamber configured to receive a plurality of bag sets, each bag set including a plurality of bags. The first pressure member and the second pressure member may be arranged on tracks and at least one of the first pressure member and the second pressure member a slidably mounted for translation away from or toward the other pressure member.

Processes include a step of “opening” the compression chamber by separating the first pressure member and the second pressure member from each other to a distance suitable for receiving a plurality of bags or a plurality of sets of bags in the compression chamber. Processes include arranging one or more fasteners in the compression chamber, and then placing the one or more plurality of bag in the compression chamber on top of the fasteners and interposing the first pressure member and the second pressure member.

Processes include, in one embodiment, moving the first pressure member toward the second pressure member, urging the one or more plurality of bags against the second pressure member by the first pressure member. The one or more plurality of bags are compressed to a thin profile as the first pressure member is caused to slide toward the second pressure member.

For example, processes include placing the first pressure member in a first open position for receiving the one or more plurality of bags. Processes include moving the first pressure member to a second position wherein the bags are compressed between the first pressure member and the second pressure member.

Processes include, in one embodiment, fixing the fasteners to the compressed bags in the second position. Then, the first member is caused to slide back to the first position, leaving the bags in the compressed state.

For example, the fasteners may be straps arranged to wrap around the bags during compression and to be configured for tying and securing the compressed bags. The bags may be secured by the fasteners when the pressure member is in the second position or the first position. The compressed bags may be removed from the compression chamber for further processing, transport, or storage.

Additional features and technical effects of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein embodiments of the present disclosure are described simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated to carry out the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other and different embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure is shown by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus useful for high density bag packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus useful for high density bag packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a step of receiving a plurality of sets of bags;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus useful for high density bag packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a step of compressing the bags between two pressure members;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an apparatus useful for high density bag packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in a step of further compressing the bags between two pressure members;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an apparatus useful for high density bag packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein compressed and fastened plurality of bag sets have been removed from the compression chamber following compression.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments. It should be apparent, however, that exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring exemplary embodiments. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, ratios, and numerical properties of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

Systems and methods useful for minimizing a foot print of a set of bags for packaging is provided. In particular, apparatus and systems are provided for compressing sets of flexible containers or bags to maximize a number of bags that can fit in a storage space or container. Accordingly, storage and shipping costs may be minimized using systems and methods in accordance with embodiments. Flexible containers and bags useable with the disclosed systems and methods include, and are not limited to, bags such as bags having a thin profile, or bags having a bulky profile. Flexible bags useful for methods and systems disclosed herein may be formed of materials including non-woven polypropylene (NWPP), woven polypropylene (WPP), nylon, canvas, polyethylene (PET), recycled polyethylene (RPET), or any other similarly suitable now known or later developed material.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus useful for bag packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a system for storing flexible containers or bags that includes a packaging apparatus or device 100 having a compression chamber 103. The compression chamber 103 includes one or more pressure members 105 disposed in the compression chamber and configured to move from an open position to a closed position.

FIG. 1 shows the pressure members 105 arranged in an open position in the compression chamber 103. One or more fasteners 107 are provided in the compression chamber 103 and arranged over the pressure members 105. The one or more pressure members 105 are configured to contact one or more flexible or containers or bags 109 received in the compression chamber 103.

In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, one or more pressure members 105 includes at least one first pressure member 105 disposed to move from the open position at a first side of the compression chamber 103, toward another, second member 105. In an embodiment, the second member 105 may be fixed at a side of the compression chamber 103 while the first member 105 is configured to move toward the second member 105 to diminish the amount of space therebetween, compressing an interposing object such as a plurality of bags 109.

In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, one or more fasteners 107 may be placed in the compression chamber 103 when the pressure members 105 are in the open position configuration, and before a plurality of bags is received therein. The plurality of bags may be loaded into the compression chamber over the fasteners 107 in the direction of arrow A to rest on the bottom of the compression chamber in an upright position.

In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the bags 109 are compressed together by urging the pressure members 105 together in the compression chamber 103, thereby minimizing space between bag components and adjacent bags in a compressed block of bags. As shown in FIG. 4, the fasteners 107 may be constructed and arranged for wrapping or tying together the compressed plurality of bags 109 to form a compressed bag block 115.

The fasteners 107 may be fastened around the compressed bag block 115 and tied or otherwise fastened for secure and convenient transportation and storage of the compressed plurality of bags 109 in the form of the compressed bag block 115. Accordingly, significantly space and shipping cost savings are achieved.

In an embodiment, the compression chamber 103 may be sized for receiving multiple pluralities of bags 109 for compression as shown in FIG. 2. In an embodiment, for example, a first pressure member 105 and/or a second pressure member 105 may be arranged on tracks or rods for slidable movement within the compression chamber 103 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein a first pressure member 105 is translated from a first open position in FIG. 2, through a “middle” position as shown in FIG. 3, to a closed position as shown in FIG. 4.

The first pressure member 105 is also shown in a closed position in FIG. 5. In particular, FIG. 5 shows the plurality of bags 109 in a compressed block form 115 and tied by fasteners 107. The compressed block 115 has been removed from the compression chamber 103 post-compression.

In one embodiment, a first pressure member 105 is constructed and arranged to translate slidably toward a second pressure member 105 on one or more bars or rods extending along a longitudinal axis of the compression chamber 103. The one or more bars may extend longitudinally along a bottom interior of the compression chamber 103. One or more of the pressure members 105 may be slidably mounted to the rods or bars for translation between the open position and the closed position, for example.

Alternative embodiments and any suitable now known or later developed materials may be used to form apparatus in accordance with scope and spirit of the disclosure and the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, in an alternative embodiment not shown, a compression chamber may include only a single pressure member configured to compress a plurality of bags against a wall of the compression chamber.

In another embodiment not shown, the bars or rods may be substituted with any suitable configuration and materials useful for effecting rotation and support of a pressure member for urging from a first position to a second position for compressing bags or flexible containers against a hard surface.

In an embodiment, processes for bag packaging include providing a bag packaging apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-5. The bag packaging apparatus 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 includes a first pressure member and a second pressure member 105 arranged in a compression chamber 103 configured to receive a plurality of bag sets, each bag set including a plurality of bags 109. The first pressure member and the second pressure member may be arranged on tracks and at least one of the first pressure member and the second pressure member a slidably mounted for translation away from or toward the other pressure member.

Processes include a step of “opening” the compression chamber by separating the first pressure member and the second pressure member 105 from each other to a distance suitable for receiving a plurality of bags or a plurality of sets of bags 109 in the compression chamber 103 as shown in FIG. 2. Processes include arranging one or more fasteners in the compression chamber 103, and then placing the one or more plurality of bag in the compression chamber on top of the fasteners 107 and interposing the first pressure member and the second pressure member 105.

Processes include, in one embodiment, moving the first pressure member toward the second pressure member 105 as shown in FIGS. 2-4, urging the one or more plurality of bags against the second pressure member 105 by the first pressure member 105 as shown in FIG. 4. The one or more plurality of bags 109 are compressed to a thin profile as the first pressure member is caused to slide toward the second pressure member 105.

For example, processes include placing the first pressure member 105 in a first open position for receiving the one or more plurality of bags 109. Processes include moving the first pressure member 105 to a second position wherein the bags are compressed between the first pressure member and the second pressure member 105.

Processes include, in one embodiment, fixing the fasteners 107 to the compressed bags 115 in the second position as shown in FIG. 4. Then, the first member is caused to slide back to the first position, leaving the bags in the compressed state, as shown in FIG. 5.

For example, the fasteners 107 may be straps arranged to wrap around the bags during compression and to be configured for tying and securing the compressed bags as shown in FIG. 5. The bags 109 may be secured by the fasteners 107 when the pressure member 105 is in the second position or the first position. The compressed bags may be removed from the compression chamber for further processing, transport, or storage.

Embodiments are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures and drawings. While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order.