Method and apparatus for compressing and holding in compression woven fabric articles

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for compressing woven material or other compressible material, such as, but not limited to, a comforter set or bedding set. The bedding set or other woven material is placed into a reclosable storage bag which includes a reclosable zipper and a reclosable air valve. With the zipper open, the bag is compressed by a compression apparatus, typically in the absence of vacuum being applied, and, thereafter, the zipper is closed. Straps are wrapped around the compressed bag and the compressed bag is placed into a tote container or similar device. The result is a package with reduced volume, which reduces shipping and display costs, and is more aesthetically attractive to the consumer.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 304,734, filed on Feb. 15, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]1. Field of the Disclosure[0003]The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for producing compact shipping for woven fabric articles or compressible materials, such as, but not limited to, bedding materials.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]In the prior art, it is well known to package woven fabric articles or compressible materials, such as bedding material, in a package or bag made from polymeric or similar material. However, the resulting packaging can be bulky which increases transportation, storage and display costs throughout the chain of commerce. Similarly, a consumer may be less prone to buy an unwieldy package.[0006]The storage of polymeric bag within a box is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,160, entitled “Combined Storage App...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus for compressing woven fabric articles or compressible materials, such as, but not limited to, bedding materials, in order to provide a compact and aesthetically pleasing package.

[0008]This and other objects are attained by the present disclosure by providing a method and apparatus wherein compressible materials are placed into a plastic storage bag, typically of the type with an air valve and a reclosable zipper. The zipper remains open, and the compressible material and plastic storage bag are compressed, typically with a pneumatic or hydraulic apparatus. After the compression step has been performed, the zipper is closed thereby retaining the package in its compressed state. The plastic storage bag, with the compressed woven cloth material therein, is then placed into a reusable tote bag, typically including a clear vinyl portion. This results in an aesthetically pleasing container for display and sale to the customer. This further results in a tote bag and plastic storage bag which may be used by the consumer after the retail sale of the compressible material within the plastic storage bag and the tote bag.

Problems solved by technology

However, the resulting packaging can be bulky which increases transportation, storage and display costs throughout the chain of commerce.

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