RETAINING ARTICLE IN FIXED DISPOSITION ON TEXTILE SHEET DURING PACKAGING

Description

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

Any new and original work of authorship in this document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. Reproduction by anyone of this document as it appears in official governmental records is permitted, but otherwise all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to packaging methods and systems that include reusable packaging materials that are capable of being cleaned and decontaminated by washing and/or heating for reuse in the packaging methods and systems and, more particularly, to such methods and systems in which a virtual pouch is created.

A recent development in packaging methods and systems related to the present invention comprises a two-phase packaging method. In a first phase, a textile article is partially inserted into an open end of a virtual pouch. The virtual pouch is created by folding a first sheet of textile material and fixing the folded first sheet in its folded configuration, such as by tacking. A tacking bar may be used. Subsequently, the first sheet is further folded about the textile article such that the textile article is entirely encompassed by the first sheet with a portion of the textile article remaining within the virtual pouch. The virtual pouch serves as a static fixation point to minimize movement in the packaging and during processing, transport and storage of the resulting package. Subsequent to folding the first sheet to envelop the textile article, a second sheet of a textile material is folded about the first sheet such that the second sheet entirely wraps around and encloses the first sheet and the textile article within. Subsequently, the second sheet is secured in its disposition wrapped around and enclosing the first sheet with the textile article enclosed therewithin. For additional understanding of this recent development, reference is here made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/817,220 filed on Aug. 28, 2024, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and any U.S. patent application publication thereof, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

While methods and systems in accordance with the foregoing are believed to be environmentally friendly and much needed, it is believed that a need continues to exist for further improvements in such methods and systems. At least one or more aspects and features of the invention are believed to represent such needed improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes many aspects and features.

In an aspect, a packaging method comprises: positioning and retaining an article in a fixed disposition on a first sheet of a material; and subsequently, folding the first sheet about the article such that the article is entirely encompassed by the first sheet.

In preferred embodiments, the method further comprises subsequently folding a second sheet of a material about the first sheet such that the second sheet entirely wraps around and encloses the first sheet and the article; and subsequently securing the second sheet in its disposition wrapped around and enclosing the first sheet and article therewithin. Alternatively, the first sheet and the article therewithin preferably are inserted into a textile bag that encloses and secures the first sheet and the article therewithin.

In a feature of this aspect, a virtual pouch is partially fastened to the first sheet of material and at least one corner of the virtual pouch opposite a side where the article is inserted is not fastened to the sheet.

In a feature, a piece of material is fastened to the first sheet and defines a virtual pouch into and by which the article is inserted and retained in the fixed disposition. Preferably, the article is partially inserted into an open end of the virtual pouch on a first side of the virtual pouch, and the virtual pouch is not directly fastened to the first sheet of material on an opposite side of the virtual pouch, whereby the virtual pouch does not define an enclosed corner whereat debris may accumulate. The piece of material may be in the shape of a right triangle, with the hypotenuse of the triangle forming the open end of the virtual pouch through with the article is partially inserted. Furthermore, a corner area defined by the intersection of the legs of the right triangle preferably is not directly fastened to the first sheet such that the corner of the virtual pouch is open ended. Additionally, the first sheet of material, the second sheet of material or the bag, the article, and the piece of material each preferably comprises a textile material, and the textile material may be the same for each.

In another feature, a single strap is fastened to the sheet and receives and retains the article to the sheet in the fixed disposition thereon.

In another feature, straps are fastened to the sheet and receive and retain the article to the sheet in the fixed disposition thereon. The first sheet of material, the second sheet of material or the bag, the article, and the straps each may comprise a textile material, and the textile material may be the same for each.

In yet another feature, snaps retain the article to the sheet in the fixed disposition thereon.

In yet another feature, buttons retain the article to the sheet in the fixed disposition thereon.

In yet another feature, the first sheet of material comprises a tie fastened to the first sheet of material on a surface opposite the surface on which the article is located, and wherein the tie retains the article to the first sheet in the fixed disposition thereon. Additionally, the second sheet of material may be secured in said disposition by tape or by a tie. The tie preferably has a midportion that is fastened to the second sheet of material. Furthermore, the first sheet of material, the second sheet of material or the bag, the article, and the tie each may comprise a textile material, and the textile material may be the same for each.

In another aspect, a packaging method comprises: positioning and retaining an article in a fixed disposition on a first sheet of a material; subsequently, folding the first sheet about the article such that the article is entirely encompassed by the first sheet; and subsequently, inserting the first sheet and the article therewithin into a bag to enclose and secure the first sheet and the article therewithin.

In another aspect, a packaging method comprises: positioning and retaining an article in a fixed disposition on a first sheet of a material; subsequently, folding the first sheet about the article such that the article is entirely encompassed by the first sheet; and subsequently, securing the first sheet folded around the article using a tie having a midportion that is fastened to the first sheet.

In a feature, the tie is fastened to the first sheet on a surface of the first sheet that is opposite to a surface on which the article is located.

In yet another aspect, a packaging method comprises: folding a first sheet about an article such that the article is entirely encompassed by the first sheet; subsequently, folding a second sheet of a material about the first sheet such that the second sheet entirely wraps around and encloses the first sheet and the article therewithin; and subsequently, using a tie having a midportion that is fastened to the second sheet, securing the second sheet in its disposition wrapped around and enclosing the first sheet and article therewithin.

In a feature, the tie is fastened to the second sheet on a surface that is opposite to a surface on which the first sheet is located.

In a feature, the method further comprises securing the first sheet folded around the article using a tie having a midportion that is fastened to the first sheet. The tie is fastened to the first sheet on a surface that is opposite to a surface on which the article is located.

Other aspects include packages made by and resulting from the foregoing packaging methods.

Additional aspects and features are disclosed in U.S. patent application 63/687,809, filed on Aug. 28, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference and which also is contained in the appendix, incorporated herein by reference; and in U.S. patent application publication 2024/0409273, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the invention, it should be noted that the invention further encompasses the various logical combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, claims in this or a divisional or continuing patent application or applications may be separately directed to any aspect, feature, or embodiment disclosed herein, or combination thereof, without requiring any other aspect, feature, or embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of an embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a portion of a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIGS. 13-19 illustrates packaging steps of an embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention using the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 11.

FIG. 20 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 20 with the textile article having been partially received within the virtual pouch.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 20 with the textile article having been partially received within the virtual pouch, wherein the portion of the textile article received within the virtual pouch is illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 23 illustrates a packaging step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a packaging step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a packaging step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 26 with the textile article having been partially received within the virtual pouch.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 26 with the textile article having been partially received within the virtual pouch, wherein the portion of the textile article received within the virtual pouch is illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 29 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 29 with the textile article having been partially received within the virtual pouch, wherein the portion of the textile article received within the virtual pouch is illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 31 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 33 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 33 with the textile article retrained by a strap fixed to the first sheet.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of a top of a first sheet of textile material having two straps fixed thereto for retaining a textile article and is representative of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 35 with the textile article retrained by straps fixed to the first sheet.

FIG. 37 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 37 with the textile article retrained by straps fixed to the first sheet.

FIG. 39 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 39 with the textile article retrained by straps fixed to the first sheet.

FIG. 41 illustrates a step of another embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention.

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of a top of the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 41 with the textile article retrained by the snaps fixed to the first sheet.

FIG. 43 is a schematic view of a side of a sheet of textile material having a tie for securing an item, which item may be another sheet of textile material with a textile article contained therein in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention, or which item may be the textile article itself.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. Furthermore, an embodiment of the invention may incorporate only one or a plurality of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein; only one or a plurality of the features disclosed herein; or combination thereof. As such, many embodiments are implicitly disclosed herein and fall within the scope of what is regarded as the invention.

Accordingly, while the invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded by the invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the invention be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

With regard solely to construction of any claim with respect to the United States, no claim element is to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to and should apply in the interpretation of such claim element. With regard to any method claim including a condition precedent step, such method requires the condition precedent to be met and the step to be performed at least once but not necessarily every time during performance of the claimed method.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “comprising” is open-ended insofar as that which follows such term is not exclusive. Additionally, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” is the same as “a picnic basket comprising an apple” and “a picnic basket including an apple”, each of which identically describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside an apple. In contrast, “a picnic basket consisting of an apple” has only a single item contained therein, i.e., one apple; the picnic basket contains no other item.

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.

When used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list”. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers”, as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese”; the picnic basket further may contain one or more other items beside cheese and crackers.

The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of items joined by “and” denotes an item of the list but does not require every item of the list. Thus, “at least one of an apple and an orange” encompasses the following mutually exclusive scenarios: there is an apple but no orange; there is an orange but no apple; and there is both an apple and an orange. In these scenarios if there is an apple, there may be more than one apple, and if there is an orange, there may be more than one orange. Moreover, the phrase “one or more” followed by a list of items joined by “and” is the equivalent of “at least one” followed by the list of items joined by “and”.

Additionally, as used herein, “decontamination” refers to the neutralization or removal of dangerous substances, radioactivity, or germs from an area or object, and may include sterilization or disinfection. Decontamination may be performed by a number of techniques, including heating, application of a sterilizing gas, and radiation. Decontamination also may be performed during and as part of cleaning, including washing.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

In FIGS. 1-12, a sheet of textile material 404 is illustrated that may be used as a sheet of textile material having a virtual pouch for receiving a textile article, which subsequently is folded within and enveloped by a second sheet of textile material or inserted into a textile bag. In each of the embodiments represented in FIGS. 1-12, a virtual pouch 428 is formed on the first sheet 404 using a piece of the textile material that is fastened to the first sheet 404 for receiving the textile article to be packaged.

In particular, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a single virtual pouch 428 located in a lower corner of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having two virtual pouches 428 located in the lower corners of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a pair of virtual pouches 428 located away from the lower corners along a lower edge of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a single virtual pouch 428 located away from a lower corner of the sheet along a side edge of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having two virtual pouches 428 located in the lower corners of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article and is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 with the exception that the virtual pouches are larger in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having two virtual pouches 428 located away from the lower corners of the sheet alongside edges of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a single virtual pouch 428 located in a lower corner of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article and is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with the exception that the virtual pouch is larger in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having two virtual pouches 428 located in the lower corners of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article and is similar to that shown in FIG. 5 with the exception that the virtual pouches are larger in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having two virtual pouches 428 located in lower corners of the sheet for receiving a portion of a textile article and is similar to that shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a single virtual pouch 428 located away from the edges of the sheet and away from any corners of the sheet.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a pair of virtual pouches 428 located away from the edges of the sheet and away from the corners of the sheet.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a top of sheet 404 having a single virtual pouch 428 located away from the edges of the sheet and away from any corners of the sheet and is similar to that shown in FIG. 10 with the exception that the virtual pouch is larger in FIG. 12 and is located further from the lower edge of the sheet.

Some embodiments illustrated in these figures comprise multiple virtual pouches 428 and, in particular, pairs of opposed virtual pouches. Opposed virtual pouches are illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11. A pair of virtual pouches further may be diagonally opposed (not shown) and located, for example, in diagonal corners rather than adjacent corners of the sheet as shown.

The fastening of a piece of textile material to the sheet of textile material to form a virtual pouch may be accomplished by tacking, spot fastening, line fastening, or block fastening, welding, taping, adhering, gluing, other stitching techniques, studs, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, the corner piece is preferably fastened in such a way so as not to create an enclosed corner whereat debris may accumulate. Instead, the corner piece is not fastened in the area of the corner whereby fluid and particles are free to flow through and out of the virtual pouch at the corner.

For example, to the extent that the corner piece is a right triangular in shape, as shown for instance in each of FIGS. 1-12, the hypotenuse of the triangle is not fastened to the sheet 404, and the corner formed by the legs of the triangle is not fastened to the sheet 404; the remainder of the legs of the triangle are fastened to the sheet 404.

FIGS. 13-19 illustrates packaging steps of an embodiment in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention using the first sheet of textile material of FIG. 11. In particular, FIG. 13 illustrates the sheet 404 with two virtual pouches 428. Both are used to receive and retain a portion of the same textile article 422, as shown in FIG. 14. FIGS. 15-17 illustrate folding of the sheet 404 about fold lines 418 to enclose the textile article 422 to arrive at the resulting package 450 shown in FIGS. 18-19. The folding of the sheet 404 is secured by tape 452 as shown in FIG. 19, or a strap. A second textile sheet then may be used to enclose and envelop the package 450 to form a finished package. Alternatively, the package 450 may be inserted into a textile bag. A preferred bag that may be used is disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent application publication 2024/0409273, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate the positioning of another textile article 422 in a virtual pouch 428, wherein the virtual pouch is shaped and configured to correspond to the portion of the textile article 422 that is received therein. The textile article 422 is footwear, and the virtual pouch is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the end of the footwear.

Each of FIGS. 23-25 also illustrates such packaging of footwear, wherein each respective virtual pouch in these embodiments is illustrated as having a different shape for receiving the footwear.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate placement of a generally rectangular textile item 422 in a virtual pouch 428 of a generally rectangular textile sheet 404 wherein the virtual pouch shares an orientation with the textile sheet. In contrast, FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate placement of a generally rectangular textile item 422 in a virtual pouch 428 of a generally rectangular textile sheet 404 in which the orientation of the virtual pouch is opposite that of the textile sheet (portrait view versus landscape view).

FIG. 31 illustrates placement of a generally rectangular textile item 422 in a virtual pouch 428 of a generally rectangular textile sheet 404 wherein the virtual pouch is located adjacent a long edge of the textile sheet 404. In contrast, FIG. 32 illustrates placement of a generally rectangular textile item 422 in a virtual pouch 428 of a generally rectangular textile sheet 404 wherein the virtual pouch is located adjacent a short edge of the textile sheet 404.

It will be noted that as shown in each of FIGS. 1-12, 13-14, 20, and 23-32, each virtual pouch is not fastened to the sheet 404 along certain edge portions thereof (many such edge portions forming corners), each such edge portion being indicated in these figures by callout 454. These edge portions that are not fastened to the textile sheet enable flow of fluid and particles therethrough and avoid accumulation of debris in the virtual pouch. Each, an unfastened edge portion, is generally located opposite the side of insertion of the textile article as shown, for example, in these figures, and preferably includes one or more corner areas. The fastening of the virtual pouch is illustrated by dashed lines in these drawings.

It will also be appreciated that each virtual pouch shown in FIGS. 1-12, 13-14, 20, and 23-32 is particularly useful as a static fixation point that will minimize movement of the textile article in the wrapping of the textile sheet during both processing, transport, and storage.

In an alternative to the virtual pouch, one or more textile straps 470 are fastened to the textile sheet 404, and during packaging a textile article 422 is received under the strap for retention by the strap to the textile sheet. Embodiments of this alternative invention are illustrated in FIGS. 33-40. In some embodiments, a single strap is used, and in other embodiments a plurality of straps is used. When there is a plurality of straps, the straps may or may not overlap with one another. Like the virtual pouches, the straps serve as a static fixation point that will minimize movement of the textile article in the wrapping of the textile sheet during both processing, transport, and storage.

In yet another alternative to the virtual pouch, buttons or snaps 480 are used to secure the textile article 422 to the textile sheet 404, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42.

Lastly, with reference to FIG. 43, in a feature of some embodiments a tie is used to secure a textile sheet 490 in an enveloping configuration around an item, wherein the textile sheet comprises a fastening point that secures the tie to the textile sheet. This preferably is done by fastening the tie at, or threading the tie through, a fastening point (represented by the “X” in FIG. 43), for providing a static fix keeping the tie from moving relative to this point on the textile sheet.

The textile article, the first and second textile sheets, including the virtual pouches, snaps, and straps, preferably are capable of being washed, heated, or washed and heated for cleaning and decontamination, whether in the same process or different processes. Indeed, it is contemplated that each can be decontaminated separately or together, and that they can be decontaminated before packaging or after packaging. The textile article, the textile sheets, and the textile strap thus can be reused, including in a subsequent repackaging of the textile article, with minimal recurring packaging waste, if any. Additionally, the textile material of each of the textile article, the textile sheets, the textile pieces used to form the virtual pouches, and the textile straps, may comprise at least one of nylon, polyester, cotton, flax, and hemp, and in some embodiments each of these is made from the same textile material such that the packaging is part of a mono-material system. The textile material of any or all of these may be water repellant, semi-impermeable to water, or impermeable to water. Furthermore, the textile material of any or all of these may be coated with a hydrophobic substance such as, for example, a wax. The textile material of any or all of these also may be coated with a member of the C6 fluorocarbon family or C6 fluorotelomers. In another feature, the textile material of any or all of these is coated with a wax as a waterproofing agent.

The afore disclosed apparatus, methods, and systems are believed to be environmentally friendly and promote sustainability. Certainly, waste is avoided and space conserved at landfills when packaging materials are reused and not discarded. Such methods and systems are also believed to be well suited in the food services and healthcare industries. For example, the textile article may comprise an apron or a head covering required by food safety regulations when handling, preparing, or serving food. The textile article also may comprise a gown, a surgical drape, scrubs, a sanitary piece of textile clothing worn by a healthcare provider, or a sanitary piece of textile clothing worn by a healthcare patient. All of these items can be cleaned and decontaminated along with the packaging materials for reuse with the same intended purposes.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the invention has broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the invention.

Accordingly, while the invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.