Envelope with stringing and hanging piece

Abstract

A container unit (106) configured to be retained on a string hanger (100) may include: an envelope (10) having flexible walls secured to each other and defining pockets for retaining articles; and a string tab (18) connected to one of the flexible walls and configured to engage a string pendant (100) to suspend the packaging device with the string pendant from the string pendant. The string tab (18) may be disengaged from the envelope (10) in response to a force exerted on the envelope and may remain in engagement with the string hanger (100) after separation from the envelope (10). The stringing flaps (18) of a plurality of container units (106) may be joined to form a stringing ridge that helps distribute a tensile force applied on one of the container units to at least some of the other container units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to packaging for, for example, holding articles during shipment. More specifically, this disclosure relates to envelopes configured to be held on and distributed from wickets.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 506,280, filed June 5, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 610,342, filed December 14, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Polyethylene bags (i.e., bags made of plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene) are widely used for mailing small to medium-sized items, partly due to their ability to withstand tearing and other damage that may occur during shipment and to conform to the shape of the items packaged within them. In some applications, multiple polyethylene bags may be arranged in a vertical or horizontal stacked arrangement suspended from a wire frame or hanger. When needed, individual bags can be removed from the hanger by pulling on them, causing the bag material to tear and thus releasing the bag from the hanger.

[0005] Due to the reusability of paper, the use of paper-made shipping sleeves is becoming increasingly popular compared to polyethylene bags. However, configuring paper sleeves in arrangements with string hangers can present challenges. For example, tearing of the sleeve that occurs when removing it from the string hanger can damage the flaps or other parts required to close and seal the sleeve, which in turn can interfere with the sleeve's ability to properly contain and protect the items held within it. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect of the disclosed technology, the clasp includes a plurality of container units, each container unit having a clasp. The clasp includes a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall, the second flexible wall covering the first flexible wall and secured to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of a pocket boundary. The pocket boundary encloses a pocket defined between the first and second flexible walls and configured and sized to accommodate articles. At least one of the first and second flexible walls defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the clasp for loading articles into the pocket.

[0007] Each container unit also includes a cascading flap that is removably attached to the envelope. The cascading flaps of the plurality of container units are fixed to each other to collectively define a cascading ridge, such that the ridge has increased stiffness and tear resistance relative to the individual cascading flaps.

[0008] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the ridge is configured to distribute at least a portion of the force applied to one of the container units to the cascaded flaps of at least some of the other container units.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force is tension.

[0010] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the ridge is configured to remain on the sling, and the sling flaps are configured to disengage from the first flexible wall in response to the tension, wherein the tension is applied in a direction away from the sling in one or both of the first and second flexible walls.

[0011] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the lanyard is configured to engage the lanyard to suspend the container unit from the lanyard, and remain engaged with the lanyard when separated from the sleeve.

[0012] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope is flexible.

[0013] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the dangling flaps are removably connected to the first wall.

[0014] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the tandem flaps of the plurality of container units are configured to be stacked to further collectively define the tandem ridge.

[0015] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the stack of the envelope with the string of pendants also includes at least five of the container units.

[0016] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the stack of the envelope with the string of pendants also includes at least ten of the said container units.

[0017] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the stack of the envelope with the string of pendants also includes at least twenty of the container units.

[0018] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the ridge has a thickness approximately equal to the combined thickness of the cascaded flaps of the plurality of container units.

[0019] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a closure flap adjacent to and disposed between the first flexible wall and the hanging flap. The hanging flap is removably attached to the closure flap. The closure flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which it covers the pocket opening to hold an item in the pocket.

[0020] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the closing flap and the second flexible wall. The sealing element is configured to form a closure seal that secures the closing flap to the second flexible wall when the closing flap is in the second position.

[0021] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, when the closure flap is in the first position, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket and open on the fourth side of the pocket. When the closure flap is secured in the second position by the closure seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket.

[0022] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall. The sealing element is configured to form a closed seal that secures the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

[0023] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the pocket is sealed on a first, second, and third side before a closure seal is formed, and is open on a fourth side. The pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides when the first flexible wall is secured to the second flexible wall by the closure seal.

[0024] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the cascading flaps of the plurality of container units are connected by at least one of nails, clamps, and adhesives.

[0025] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the nail, clamp, and adhesive is configured to transmit at least a portion of the force to the cascading flaps of other container units.

[0026] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall comprises paper.

[0027] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the container units are configured to be stacked within the stack.

[0028] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the container units are configured to be stacked in a substantially flat configuration within the stack.

[0029] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the stringing wing has at least one hole formed in the stringing wing and configured to receive a portion of the stringing member.

[0030] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the tandem wing has at least two holes formed in the tandem wing. The holes are configured to receive respective first and second legs of the tandem member.

[0031] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the swivel ridge is further configured to resist a reaction force exerted on the swivel ridge by the swivel in response to the force.

[0032] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the tandem ridge is further configured to keep each tandem wing in contact with one or more adjacent tandem winglets within the stack of the tandem winglets.

[0033] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the weak region is defined between the tandem flap and the cover. The weak region is configured to facilitate separation of the tandem flap and the cover.

[0034] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the weak area is defined by perforation.

[0035] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope also includes a gusset plate that connects the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall and is configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to move toward and away from each other.

[0036] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall includes a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer.

[0037] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first layer includes a first layup of paper.

[0038] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the second layer includes a second layup of paper.

[0039] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first ply is secured to the second ply by a plurality of inter-ply seals, and the inter-ply seals define the boundary of the inter-ply space defined by the first ply and the second ply.

[0040] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the inter-lay seal includes a sealing element, and the inter-lay space does not contain the sealing element.

[0041] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the stack of the sheath with string hangers also includes at least one of a cushioning material, a filler, and / or a thermally insulating material disposed in the inter-lay space.

[0042] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the cushioning material, filler, and / or thermal insulation material is an expandable material.

[0043] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a container unit configured to be held on a hanging accessory includes: a sleeve having a first flexible wall; and a second flexible wall covering the first flexible wall and secured to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of a pocket boundary. The pocket boundary encloses a pocket defined between the first and second flexible walls and configured and sized to accommodate an article. At least one of the first and second flexible walls defines a pocket opening that allows access from outside the sleeve to the pocket for loading an article into the pocket. The container unit also includes a hanging flap removably attached to the sleeve.

[0044] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the supply unit of the container unit configured to be held on the spool includes the spool; and a plurality of the aforementioned container units.

[0045] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the tandem flaps are configured to detach from the first flexible wall in response to a force applied to the container unit.

[0046] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force is tension.

[0047] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the tandem flaps are configured to engage the tandem to suspend the container unit from the tandem, and remain engaged with the tandem after separation from the envelope.

[0048] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope is flexible.

[0049] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the tandem fins are removably attached to the first wall.

[0050] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope also includes a closure flap adjacent to and disposed between the first flexible wall and the hanging flap. The hanging flap is removably connected to the closure flap, and the closure flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which the closure flap covers the pocket opening to hold an item in the pocket.

[0051] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the closing flap and the second flexible wall, and the sealing element is configured to form a closure seal that secures the closing flap to the second flexible wall when the closing flap is in the second position.

[0052] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, when the closing flap is in the first position, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket, and open on the fourth side of the pocket. When the closing flap is secured in the second position by the closing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket.

[0053] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, and the sealing element is configured to form a closed seal that secures the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

[0054] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the pocket is sealed on a first, second, and third side before a closure seal is formed, and is open on a fourth side. The pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides when the first flexible wall is secured to the second flexible wall by the closure seal.

[0055] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall comprises paper.

[0056] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the weak region is defined between the tandem flap and the cover. The weak region is configured to facilitate separation of the tandem flap and the cover.

[0057] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the weak area is defined by perforation.

[0058] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope also includes a gusset plate that connects the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall and is configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to move toward and away from each other.

[0059] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall includes a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer.

[0060] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first layer includes a first layup of paper.

[0061] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the second layer includes a second layup of paper.

[0062] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first ply is secured to the second ply by a plurality of inter-ply seals, and the inter-ply seals define the boundary of the inter-ply space defined by the first ply and the second ply.

[0063] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the inter-lay seal includes a sealing element, and the inter-lay space does not contain the sealing element.

[0064] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the container unit further includes at least one of a cushioning material, a filler, and / or a thermally insulating material disposed within the interlayer space.

[0065] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the cushioning material, filler, and / or thermal insulation material is an expandable material.

[0066] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a method of packaging articles includes: providing a container unit configured to be held on a hanger. The container unit includes a sleeve having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall opposite to the first flexible wall. The first and second flexible walls define a pocket between the first and second flexible walls. The container unit also includes a sealing element configured to form a closure seal that maintains the pocket opening in a closed state; and a hanger flap connected to the closure flap.

[0067] The method also includes: suspending the container unit from the hanger by means of the hanger flaps; loading the item into the pocket; detaching the cover from the hanger flaps; and forming a closed seal.

[0068] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the cascading flap is connected to and abuts the first flexible wall, and detaching the sleeve from the cascading flap includes detaching the first flexible wall from the cascading flap.

[0069] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a sealing element is disposed on a first flexible wall, and a closing seal is configured to secure the first flexible wall to a second flexible wall.

[0070] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a closing flap that is connected to and abuts the first flexible wall and the cascading flap. The closing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position.

[0071] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, detaching the envelope from the cascading flaps includes detaching the closing flaps from the cascading flaps.

[0072] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the method further includes moving the closing flap from a first position to a second position after disengaging the sleeve from the cascading flap. A sealing element is disposed on one of the closing flap and the second flexible wall, and the closing seal is configured to secure the closing flap to the second flexible wall. Attached Figure Description

[0073] The following figures illustrate specific embodiments of this disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements.

[0074] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a supply unit for a sleeve with string attachments;

[0075] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a container unit of the supply unit, wherein the envelope of the container unit is attached to the cascading flaps of the container unit;

[0076] Figure 3 It is in the container unit Figure 1 The image shown is a front view of a container unit with string hangers;

[0077] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The front view of the two layups of the web of the container unit shown in its unassembled state;

[0078] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The front view of the two plies of the container unit wall in its unassembled state;

[0079] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The front view of the web and walls of the container unit shown in its unassembled state;

[0080] Figure 7 Through Figure 3 The bottom view of the cross section intercepted by the "VII-VII" line is not drawn to scale for clarity.

[0081] Figure 8 Through Figure 3 A side view of the cross section taken by line "VIII-VIII";

[0082] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The perspective view shown shows the supply unit mounted on the back panel, and the envelope is shown in an open and loaded state and separated from its corresponding string flaps;

[0083] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of the separated and loaded envelope, wherein its closing flaps are sealed in the closed position;

[0084] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 The bottom view of the container unit shown;

[0085] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a stack of supply units, wherein clamps are set on the ridges of the stack;

[0086] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the supply unit in an alternative embodiment of the container unit;

[0087] Figure 14 yes Figure 3 A top perspective view of another embodiment of the container unit;

[0088] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The container unit shown is through Figure 14 A cross-sectional view taken by the line “XV-XV”.

[0089] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 and Figure 15 The container unit shown is a side-by-side view of its web and walls before the walls are fixed to the web; and

[0090] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The first and second plies of the fabric shown are viewed side-by-side before the second ply is fixed to the first ply. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The inventive concept is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts and assemblies throughout several views. Several aspects of the inventive concept are described below with reference to exemplary applications for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a complete understanding of the inventive concept. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the inventive concept can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or by other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the inventive concept.

[0092] The inventive concept is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts and assemblies throughout several views. Several aspects of the inventive concept are described below with reference to exemplary applications for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a complete understanding of the inventive concept. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the inventive concept can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or by other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the inventive concept.

[0093] Envelopes can include parcel packaging and other containers used to package items. Envelopes are configured to contain and hold items, typically sealing items during shipment or storage. Parcel packaging is configured for shipping and / or storing products, such as for storage in warehouses or retail shelves and display racks. Examples of parcel packaging include flexible shipping containers, such as envelopes, which may have varying degrees of flexibility and are typically used for shipping or mailing small or relatively flat items, or envelopes whose walls can conform to even smaller items. Flexible shipping containers (such as envelopes) can be filled or unfilled, can be made of materials such as paper and flexible cardboard, can be configured to have or not have side walls or gussets, and can include larger envelopes, such as mail parcels. Examples of parcel packaging also include bags, such as paper bags or polyethylene bags, which may have self-sealing capabilities and are typically used for shipping small to medium-sized items; boxes, which may be formed from cardboard, hardboard, wood or plastic and typically have a rigid or semi-rigid structure suitable for holding medium to large-sized items as well as heavier items; and shipping tubes or tubular parcels, which are typically used for shipping documents and paper items.

[0094] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 Multiple sleeves 10 with swivels are depicted. Each sleeve 10 is attached to a swivel flap 18. The sleeves 10 and the swivel flaps 18 together form a container unit 11. The container unit 11 can be held on the swivel filament or swivel 100.

[0095] The container unit 11 and the swivel 100 together form a supply unit 116 for a sleeve 10 with swivels. The sleeve 10 is configured to contain and hold the item 114 to be packaged, typically when the item 114 is being mailed or shipped, or otherwise requires to be packaged in a closed container. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The article 114 is depicted in dashed lines. As discussed below, after the article 114 has been loaded into the envelope 10, the envelope 10 can be manually or using automated equipment detached from the sling flap 18, while the sling flap 18 remains on the sling 100.

[0096] As used herein, the term “enclosure” is intended to cover, but is not limited to, flat shipping containers (including parcels) typically used for shipping or mailing smaller items and having sufficient flexibility to unfold and bend around the item 114 when the item 114 is inserted into a pocket within the envelope; and wherein the sidewalls or thickness of the container are substantially less than the width and / or height of the container (e.g., less than 1 / 100 (one percent) of the width and / or height of the container).

[0097] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9The stringer 100 includes a rigid transverse member 102 and two rigid legs 104. The legs 104 abut opposite ends of the transverse member 102 and are substantially perpendicular to the transverse member 102, thus giving the stringer 100 a substantially U-shaped configuration. Container units 11 are arranged in groups or stacks 106, attached to each other within the groups or stacks, as discussed below. Each stack 106 includes ten container units 11. Alternatively, each stack 106 may include fewer or more than ten container units 11. For example, in other embodiments, each stack 106 may include five container units 11. In other embodiments, each stack 106 may include, for example, twenty or more container units 11.

[0098] The stringer 100 can be configured to hold four stacks 106. Alternatively, the stringer 100 can be configured to hold fewer or more than four stacks 106.

[0099] In one possible application, the stringer 100 can be mounted on the back panel 108 of the packing station, allowing the packing operator to remove individual envelopes 10 from the stringer 100 when envelopes 10 are needed to pack items 114. The back panel 108 is located on... Figure 9 The freestanding ends of the legs 104 can engage holes 107 or other mounting structures on the backplate 108, such that the sling 100 is suspended and extends outward from the backplate 108. This particular application is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Alternatively, the sling 100 can be mounted on other mounting structures, including walls or automated packaging devices, using other mounting features. Furthermore, the sling 100 can have configurations other than those disclosed herein. For example, an alternative embodiment of the sling 100 can be configured as a single piece of flexible or semi-rigid wire, wherein the ends of the wire are configured to engage mounting structures. Other alternative embodiments may have hooks or other structures at the freestanding ends of each leg 104 for engaging complementary mounting structures on the mounting structure.

[0100] Each container unit 11 may be formed wholly or partially of paper (such as kraft paper). Examples of suitable paper for use in forming the container unit 11 include, but are not limited to, kraft paper, fiberboard, pulp paper, recycled paper, newsprint, cardboard, etc. In some applications, the paper may be stretchable paper configured to elongate or stretch a certain percentage of its original (unstretched) length without tearing. The parameters of the paper, including its size and weight, may vary depending on the desired application. For example, the container unit 11 may be formed of kraft paper with a basis weight of 40 pounds. In alternative embodiments, the container unit 11 may be formed of materials other than paper, such as plastic film.

[0101] See Figure 3 and Figure 10Each container unit 11's envelope 10 includes a flexible wall 12 and a flexible wall 14 fixed to the flexible wall 12 in the following manner. The walls 12 and 14 define a receiving area in the form of a sealed pocket 15. The sealed pocket 15 is configured to receive and hold the article 114 to be packaged.

[0102] The envelope 10 also includes a closing flap 16. The lower end of the closing flap 16 is adjacent to the upper end of the wall 12. The lower end of the string flap 18 of the container unit 11 is adjacent to the upper end of the closing flap 16.

[0103] Envelope 10 also includes Figure 11 The gusset plate 19 shown is adjacent to the lower ends of walls 12, 14. The gusset plate 19 further defines the envelope pocket 15 and facilitates the unfolding of the envelope 10 by allowing relative movement between walls 12 and 14. Alternative embodiments of the envelope 10 may be formed without the gusset plate 19. Other alternative embodiments of the envelope 10 may include longitudinally extending gusset plates between walls 12, 14, as a supplement to or replacement for the laterally extending gusset plate 19.

[0104] Directional terms such as "up," "down," "above," and "below" are relative to... Figure 3 The orientation of the components shown is used. These terms are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0105] The tandem wing 18 has two holes 20 formed in the tandem wing. See also Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 9 Each hole 20 receives a corresponding leg 104 of the suspender 100, such that the container unit 11 is suspended from the suspender 100 by means of suspender flaps 18. The holes 20 may be symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal centerline of the cover 10 and may have, for example, a center-to-center spacing of about eight inches. In an alternative embodiment, the center-to-center spacing of the holes 20 may be about four inches. These specific values ​​for the center-to-center spacing of the holes 20 are presented for illustrative purposes only. In alternative embodiments, the holes 20 may be spaced by other distances.

[0106] The uppermost and lowermost portions of each hole 20 may be offset from the corresponding upper and lower edges of the lanyard 18 by a distance approximately equal to the diameter of the hole 20, to reduce the likelihood of the lanyard 18 tearing and separating from the lanyard 100 when the cover 10 is separated from the lanyard 18, as discussed below. In alternative embodiments, the holes 20 may be spaced further apart from the upper and lower edges of the lanyard 18.

[0107] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9As shown, two retainers in the form of buttonholes or washers 110 are provided on each leg 104 of the string 100. The washers 110 on each leg 104 are located at the rear and front of the stack 106, are held on the respective leg 104 by friction, and help to hold the stack 106 on the respective leg 104.

[0108] The container units 11 within each stack 106 can be held together by, for example, one or more staples 112 extending through each container unit 11 by means of, for example, a string of tassels 18. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. As a supplement to or alternative to the nail 112, the container units 11 within each stack 106 can be held together by other features. For example, Figure 12 The container units 11, depicted as a stack 106, are held together by a clamp 113 that holds the hanging flaps 18 of the container units 11 by means of a protective layer 115 formed of paper or another suitable material. In other embodiments, the hanging flaps 18 may be held together by adhesives, fasteners other than nails, etc.

[0109] The sling flaps 18 of each stack 106 collectively form a sling ridge 118 for that stack 106. Since the sling flaps 18 within the stack 106 are connected to each other by nails 112, clamps 113, and / or other structures, the force applied to one sling flap 18 is distributed to the other sling flap 18 in the stack 106. The sling ridge 118 thus acts as a rigid or semi-rigid structure through which external forces acting on one or more container units 11 can be transmitted to the sling 100. Conversely, the reaction force applied by the sling 100 is distributed throughout the sling ridge 118.

[0110] In the disclosed embodiment of container unit 11, the sleeve 10 is configured to separate from the hanging flap 18 by providing a weak region between the closing flap 16 and the hanging flap 18. For example, the weak region allows the closing flap 16 to be torn or otherwise separated from the hanging flap 18 when a packaging operator wishes to remove the sleeve 10 from the hanging piece 100. The weak region can be provided, for example, by... Figure 3 and Figure 8The perforations 22 visible in the container are provided. Each perforation 22 may have a length of, for example, about 0.75 inches and may be spaced apart from its adjacent perforation 22 by, for example, about 0.03 inches. These values ​​are presented for illustrative purposes only. The optimal length and spacing of the perforations 22 are application-dependent and may vary with factors such as the thickness of the material from which the cover 10 is formed, the desired amount of force required to separate the closure flap 16 from the cascading flap 18, and so on. In alternative embodiments, instead of the perforations 22, the container unit 11 may be equipped with pull tabs or other structures to facilitate the separation of the cover 10 from the cascading flap 18.

[0111] In alternative embodiments, the weak area can be provided by features other than the perforation 22. For example, the weak area can be provided by scribing lines. Other alternative embodiments may be configured without weak lines. In such embodiments, the closed flap 16 can be separated from the strung flap 18 by cutting, tearing, concentrated heat application, etc. In other alternative embodiments, instead of the perforation 22, the container unit 11 may be fitted with a pull tab or other structure.

[0112] The wall 12 can be integrally formed with the closed wing 16, the suspended wing 18, and the corner brace 19. The wall 12, the closed wing 16, the suspended wing 18, and the corner brace 19 can be formed from... Figures 6 to 8 The depicted double-layer web 23 is formed. Each layer of the double-layer web 23 is made of a single layup 28a of paper. The wall 14 also comprises two layers, wherein each layer of the double-layer wall 14 is formed of a single layup 28b of paper. The wall 14 can be fixed to the web 23 in the following manner to form an assembled envelope 10.

[0113] The paper forming layers 28a and 28b can be, for example, kraft paper with a basis weight of 40 pounds. In an alternative embodiment, one or both of the web 23 and the wall 14 have a single-layer configuration. In an alternative embodiment, layers 28a and 28b can be formed from paper other than kraft paper, from paper with a basis weight greater than or less than 40 pounds, or from materials other than paper, such as plastic film.

[0114] See Figure 4 and Figures 6 to 8 The ply 28a of the web 23 is secured to each other by two longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a and two transverse inter-ply seals 32a. The longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a and transverse inter-ply seals 32a are formed of sealing elements in the form of an adhesive material 34. The adhesive material 34 is applied to the first ply of the ply 28a, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Another layup 28a is aligned with the first layup 28a and contacts the adhesive material 34 (as shown by...). Figure 4(Indicated by arrow 39 in the diagram) to form longitudinal inter-lay seals 30a and transverse inter-lay seals 32a, thereby securing the layups 28a to each other to form the web 23. In an alternative embodiment, the web 23 may be formed as part of a continuous webbing comprising a plurality of webs 23. Individual layups 28a within the webbing may be formed from two continuous sheets of paper, which are secured to each other by an adhesive material 34 applied to the sheets to form longitudinal inter-lay seals 30a and transverse inter-lay seals 32a when the sheets are aligned and in contact with each other. Each individual web 23 may be cut from the webbing before or after the web 23 is attached to the corresponding wall 14 to form the envelope 10.

[0115] The vertical and horizontal directions are represented by the corresponding arrows "L" and "T" in the diagram.

[0116] Each longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a is positioned along a corresponding longitudinal edge or side edge of the web 23 and extends along the entire length of the web 23. In an alternative embodiment, each longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a may be offset from a corresponding side edge of the web 23. The longitudinal inter-lay seals 30a are continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-lay seals 30a may be discontinuous.

[0117] The transverse lay-up seal 32a is positioned along the upper and lower edges of the web 23 and extends substantially in the transverse direction between the longitudinal lay-up seals 30a. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse lay-up seal 32a may be offset from the upper and lower edges of the web 23.

[0118] The transverse inter-lay seal 32a is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse inter-lay seal 32a may be discontinuous. In other alternative embodiments, the transverse inter-lay seal 32a may extend across the entire width of the web 23, while the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a may extend between the transverse inter-lay seals 32a.

[0119] The adhesive 34 may be a cold glue. In alternative embodiments, other types of adhesives and other types of sealing elements may be used instead of cold glue. For example, in alternative embodiments, the adhesive 34 may be a cohesive material, a heat-sealing material, and / or a hot-melt adhesive.

[0120] The sealing element (e.g., adhesive material 34) can be applied directly to the exposed surface of the first layup 28a by a suitable known method. Alternatively, the sealing element can be applied as an adhesive tape (such as double-sided tape) or by other suitable methods.

[0121] Adhesive 34 can be, for example, a liquid adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesives adhere to form a bond when a slight initial external pressure is applied to the adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesives include water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives. Specific examples of such adhesives include RHOPLEX. TM N-1031 Emulsion, RHOPLEX TM N-580 Emulsion and RHOPLEX TM N-619 emulsion. Other emulsion polymers or acrylic polymer blends are also known, and other suitable types of adhesives and contact adhesives can be used. Pressure-sensitive adhesives also include drying adhesives, which typically do not require activation with water, solvents, or heat and adhere firmly to many dissimilar surfaces.

[0122] In an alternative, adhesive 34 may be, for example, an adhesive material. Adhesive materials include bonding materials that adhere one surface to an opposite surface by contacting the same or complementary adhesive substances to form a bond between the two surfaces. The adhesion of the adhesive to other substances is insufficient for it to fully adhere to those other substances, or in some cases, its adhesion is very weak compared to the bond formed when they adhere to each other.

[0123] In an alternative, adhesive 34 can be, for example, a heat-sealing material. A heat seal can be formed between these materials by subjecting them to heat and pressure sufficient to weld them together. In the case of paper substrates to be fixed to each other, the heat-sealing material can be applied to each substrate. As the substrates are to be fixed, the heat-sealing material on one or both substrates is subjected to heat and pressure sufficient to weld the heat-sealing material together, thereby fixing the paper substrates to each other.

[0124] In an alternative, adhesive 34 may be, for example, a hot melt adhesive. Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic polymers that are solid at room temperature, melt when heated above their softening point, and re-solidify by losing heat, thereby increasing their strength upon re-solidification. Most hot melt adhesives do not undergo any chemical reactions, such as crosslinking or carrier removal (e.g., water evaporation), during melting to a molten state and re-solidification. Therefore, hot melt adhesives can typically be reactivated after initial application to the substrate, i.e., remelted and re-solidified.

[0125] The longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a and the transverse inter-lay seal 32a define the boundaries and help define the inter-lay area or inter-lay space 36a between two layups 28a of the web 23. The inter-lay space 36a is in... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in the text.

[0126] The plies 28a face each other across the interply space 36a, but do not adhere to each other within the interply space 36a. Furthermore, the interply space 36a is sufficiently empty so that the plies 28a can abut and otherwise contact each other within the interply space 36a, and can slide relative to each other within the interply space 36a. For example, the interply space 36a can be completely empty, that is, the interply space 36a can be completely free of any filler or other material.

[0127] In alternative embodiments, cushioning material, filler, and / or thermal insulation material, or other types of expandable and non-expandable materials, may be disposed in the interply space 36a. For example, foam filler may be disposed in the interply space 36a. As another example, expandable material may be disposed in the interply space 36a and may adhere to one or both plies of plies 28a. The expandable material is configured to present an expanded configuration upon activation by an expansion initiator. The expansion initiator may be, for example, a thermal initiator, a mechanical initiator, and / or a chemical initiator, and / or may include other suitable initiation properties for activating the expandable material. The expandable material, in its expanded state, may provide cushioning, thermal insulation, or other properties to the envelope 10.

[0128] One or more of the layups 28a may include one or more functional layers positioned thereon. Examples of functional layers may include, but are not limited to: a waterproof layer configured to reduce the permeability of water through it, an airtight layer configured to reduce the permeability of air through it, other suitable material layers, and / or combinations thereof.

[0129] In other alternative embodiments, the plies 28a may be integrally adhered to each other, such that there is no inter-ply space 36a between the plies 28a. In other alternative embodiments, the plies 28a may be adhered to each other at locations other than the periphery of the plies 28a, or at additional locations in addition to the periphery.

[0130] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may have more than one inter-ply space 36a defined within the web. For example, an alternative embodiment of the web 23 may have two inter-ply spaces 36a defined by three longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a. Two of the longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a may be positioned along the longitudinal edges of the web 23. A third longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a may be located approximately at the midpoint of the wall, i.e., approximately midway between the longitudinal edges of the wall, thereby dividing the space between the plies 28a into two inter-ply spaces 36a.

[0131] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may have more than three longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a, such that more than two inter-ply spaces 36a are defined within the web 23. Other alternative embodiments of the web 23 may have more than two transverse inter-ply seals 32a to similarly divide the space between the plies 28a into more than one inter-ply space 36a. In other alternative embodiments, one or more of the inter-ply seals may extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. In other alternative embodiments, small adhesive strips or dots located between the plies 28a and inside the longitudinal, lower, and upper edges of the web 23 may be used to further adhere the plies 28a to each other while still allowing some relative movement between the plies 28a.

[0132] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may be formed from a single sheet of paper folded over itself to form two layups 28a and sealed along its three exposed edges.

[0133] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may be formed from a single layup 28a.

[0134] See Figures 6 to 8 The ply 28b of wall 14 is secured to each other by two longitudinal inter-ply seals 30b and two transverse inter-ply seals 32b. The longitudinal inter-ply seals 30b and transverse inter-ply seals 32b are formed of adhesive material 34. Adhesive material 34 is applied to the first ply in ply 28b, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Another layup 28b is aligned with the first layup 28b and contacts the adhesive material 34 (as shown by...). Figure 5 (As indicated by arrow 41 in the diagram) to form a longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b and a transverse inter-lay seal 32b, thereby securing the layups 28b to each other to form a wall 14.

[0135] Each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b is positioned along a corresponding longitudinal edge or side edge of wall 14. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b may be offset from the side edge of wall 14. The upper end of each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b may be offset from the upper edge of wall 14. The offset distance may be, for example, about 1 / 8 inch to about 1 / 2 inch. The longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b may be discontinuous.

[0136] One of the transverse inter-lay seals 32b is positioned along the lower edge of the wall 14 and extends between the longitudinal inter-lay seals 30b. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse inter-lay seal 32b may be offset from the lower edge of the wall 14. Another transverse inter-lay seal 32b may be offset from the upper edge of the wall 14 and extends between the longitudinal inter-lay seals 30b. The offset distance may be approximately equal to the offset distance of the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b from the upper edge of the wall 14, for example, approximately 1 / 8 inch to approximately 1 / 2 inch. The offset distances of the transverse inter-lay seal 32b and the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b from the upper edge of the wall 14 are... Figure 5 The terminus is indicated by reference numeral 33 in the accompanying drawings. The offset of the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b and the transverse inter-lay seal 32b from the upper edge of the wall 14 allows the upper portion of the wall 14 to fold downwards, as shown in the attached figures. Figure 8 As shown.

[0137] The transverse inter-lay seal 32b is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse inter-lay seal 32b may be discontinuous. In other alternative embodiments, the transverse inter-lay seal 32b may extend across the entire width of the wall 14, while the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b may extend between the transverse inter-lay seals 32b.

[0138] The longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b and the transverse inter-lay seal 32b define the interlayer region or inter-lay space 36b between two layups 28b of wall 14. The inter-lay space 36b is located in... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen in the text.

[0139] The ply 28b face each other across the interply space 36b, but do not adhere to each other within the interply space 36b. Furthermore, the interply space 36b is sufficiently empty to allow the ply 28b to abut and otherwise contact each other within the interply space 36b, and to slide relative to each other within the interply space 36b. For example, the interply space 36b can be completely empty, i.e., it can be completely free of any filler or other material.

[0140] The above discussion of possible alternative embodiments of the web 23 also applies to the wall 14.

[0141] In an alternative embodiment, the inter-ply seals of the web 23 and wall 14 may extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the inter-ply seals may extend non-linearly.

[0142] The multi-ply construction of the web 23 and the wall 14, and the absence of fixed mechanical connections between the plies 28a and 28b and within the corresponding interply spaces 36a and 36b, enhance the tear and puncture resistance of the envelope 10. More specifically, in the event of a tear or puncture in one of the plies 28a or 28b, the lower envelope pocket 15 of the envelope 10 and the article 114 residing in the envelope pocket 15 will remain sealed because there are intact (i.e., undamaged) plies 28a and 28b within the same wall 12 and 14.

[0143] Furthermore, although a tear or puncture may spread along the damaged plies 28a, 28b, it will not necessarily spread to the intact plies 28a, 28b, because the longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a, 30b and / or the transverse inter-ply seals 32a, 32b will act as stoppers, preventing the tear or puncture from spreading across or through the longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a, 30b or the transverse inter-ply seals 32a, 32b. Therefore, even if a tear or puncture spreads across most or all of the damaged plies 28a, 28b, the envelope bag 15 will remain intact, and the article 114 held within it will remain in the envelope bag 15.

[0144] Furthermore, the multi-layered configuration of web 23 and wall 14 facilitates the use of paper with a lower basis weight than would otherwise be possible, thereby providing web 23 and wall 14 with greater flexibility than they would otherwise possess, while maintaining the strength and tear resistance required for specific applications. For example, the corresponding web 23 and wall 14 layers 28a, 28b can be formed from relatively low basis weight paper, such as two layers of 40-pound paper, instead of a single layer of 90-pound paper.

[0145] The web 23 and wall 14 can be fixed to each other as follows to form an assembled container unit 11. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a sealing element in the form of adhesive material 35 is applied along the side edge of the web 23 to the outer surface of one of the plies 28a of the web. Adhesive material 35 extends between the lower edge of the web 23 and the lower edge of the closing flap 16 on the assembled sleeve 10. Adhesive material 35 is also applied along the lower edge of the ply 28a.

[0146] The adhesive 35 may be a cold glue as described above with respect to adhesive 34. In alternative embodiments, other types of adhesives and other types of sealing elements may be used instead of cold glue. For example, as discussed above, in alternative embodiments, adhesives, heat-sealing materials, and / or hot-melt adhesives may be used as sealing elements.

[0147] After applying adhesive material 35, the lower portion of the web 23 is stretched along... Figure 6The lines F1 and F2 shown are folded to define a first fold 37a and a second fold 37b. The first fold 37a and the second fold 37b form a gusset plate 19. The first fold 37a is folded upwards and folded onto an adjacent portion of the web 23. The adjacent portion of the web 23 forms part of the wall 12 of the fully formed envelope 10. The folding of the first fold 37a causes the adhesive material 35 on the side of the first fold 37a to contact the adhesive material 35 on the corresponding side of the adjacent portion of the web 23, thereby forming a longitudinal seal (not shown) that secures the first fold 37a to the adjacent portion of the web 23.

[0148] When the first fold 37a is folded upward, the second fold 37b is folded downward such that the side of the second fold 37b on which the adhesive material 35 is applied faces outward. The wall 14 is then positioned such that the lower edge of the wall 14 is aligned with the lower edge of the second fold 37b, and each longitudinal edge of the wall 14 is aligned with the corresponding longitudinal edge of the web 23.

[0149] Then, wall 14 is brought into contact with web 23. Adhesive material 35, extending along the lower edge of the second fold 37b, contacts the portion of wall 14 adjacent to the lower edge of the second side wall 14, thereby forming a transverse seal 40 between the second fold 37b and wall 14. The transverse seal 40... Figure 8 As can be seen, the adhesive material 35 along the side of the second fold 37b contacts the longitudinal edge portion of the wall 14, thereby forming a longitudinal seal (not shown) between the second fold 37b and the adjacent portion of the web 23.

[0150] Furthermore, the adhesive material 35, extending along the side of the web 23 and located above the first fold 37a and the second fold 37b, contacts the side edge portion of the wall 14, thereby forming a longitudinal inter-wall seal 42 between the walls 12 and 14. The longitudinal inter-wall seal 42... Figure 7 As can be seen in the text.

[0151] At this point, wall 14 has been secured to web 23. Second wall 14 is opposite wall 12 and is secured to wall 12 by longitudinal inter-wall seal 42. Corner gusset 19 is secured to wall 12 by longitudinal seal between wall 12 and first fold 37a. Corner gusset 19 is secured to wall 14 by longitudinal seal between wall 14 and second fold 37b and by transverse seal 40. The longitudinal inter-wall seal 42 and transverse seal 40 define the boundary of pocket 15 defined by walls 12, 14, and corner gusset 19, and thus form an enclosed boundary.

[0152] Hole 20 may then be formed in the tandem flap 18. Alternatively, hole 20 may be formed prior to assembly of sleeve 10.

[0153] exist Figure 8 The visible scribing line 29 on the web 23 can be positioned between the upper end of the wall 12 and the lower end of the closing flap 16. The scribing line causes the lower portion of the web 23 to act as a movable hinge, which allows the closing flap 16 to... Figure 9 Rotate to the open position shown Figure 10 The closed position is shown. When in the closed position, the closing flap 16 is positioned on the outward-facing surface of the wall 14, such that the closing flap 16 closes the envelope pocket 15 and thus holds the article 114 within the envelope pocket 15. Alternatively, the engraving lines may be formed prior to the assembly of the envelope 10.

[0154] A sealing element in the form of a strip of adhesive 48 is placed on the surface of the closing flap 16 that is folded onto the wall 14. Adhesive 48 may be a pressure-sensitive (cold) adhesive. Adhesive 48 may be made of... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The release band 49 shown covers until the sleeve 10 is ready to close. In alternative embodiments, sealing elements other than cold adhesive 48 may be used. For example, instead of cold adhesive, adhesive materials, heat-sealing materials, or hot-melt adhesives may be used.

[0155] As discussed above, the assembled container unit 11 can be divided into a stack 106, and the corresponding string flaps 18 of the container unit 11 within the stack 106 can be secured to each other by nails 112 or other devices as discussed above. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 9 As can be seen, due to the flat configuration of the container unit 11, the stack 106 has a relatively compact footprint, which allows the stack 106 to be transported to the packaging facility in an efficient manner.

[0156] Upon arrival at the packaging facility, stack 106 can be placed on hanger 100 along with one or more other stacks 106, as needed by the packaging operator. The cap 10 of each container unit 11 can be manually loaded while the container unit 11 is on hanger 100. To load the cap 10, the packaging operator can... Figure 9 The top of wall 14 is pulled away from wall 12, thereby expanding the envelope 10 from its flat state. The flexibility of walls 12 and 14 and the gusset plate 19 facilitate the expansion of the envelope 10. The expansion of the envelope 10 defines the envelope pocket 15 between walls 12 and 14, wherein the upper edge of wall 14 and the adjacent portion of wall 12 define an opening 46 leading to the envelope pocket 15.

[0157] The packaging operator can insert the item 114 to be packaged into the sealing bag 15 through the opening 46. For example... Figure 9As shown, the packaging operator then separates the sleeve 10 from the lanyard flaps 18 (and stack 106) by pulling the sleeve 10 to break the material between the perforations 22.

[0158] As discussed above, the lanyard flaps 18 of the container units 11 in each stack 106 collectively form a lanyard ridge 118 through which external forces acting on individual sleeves in the stack 106 are distributed and transmitted to the lanyard 100. The reaction force exerted by the lanyard 100 is also applied to and transmitted through the lanyard ridge 118. Therefore, the pulling force applied by the user to separate the lanyard flaps 18 from the rest of the sleeve 10, and the reaction force exerted by the lanyard 100, are distributed across the multiple lanyard flaps 18 that collectively form a relatively large surface area along the lanyard ridge 118, rather than being concentrated solely on the lanyard flaps 18 of a particular sleeve 10 that is separating from the stack 106. This force distribution reduces the likelihood that the lanyard flap 18, which is associated with the cover 10 being removed from the stack 106, will tear and separate from the lanyard 100 (while remaining together with the cover 10), instead of tearing properly along the weak area provided by the perforation 22.

[0159] Once the hanging flap 18 has been separated from the rest of the sleeve 10, the packaging operator can close and seal the sleeve 10 (which does not have the hanging flap 18, which remains on the hanging member 100). Specifically, the packaging operator can remove the release tape 49 from the tape of the adhesive 48 on the closing flap 16, as... Figure 9 As depicted. The packaging operator can then rotate the closing flap 16 about the scribe line 29 between the closing flap 16 and the wall 12, such that the closing flap 16 and the strip of adhesive 48 thereon rotate onto the outward-facing surface of the wall 14, as shown. Figure 11 As shown. The folding closure of the closure flap 16 leads to the opening 46 of the pocket 15. The tape of adhesive 48 secures the closure flap 16 to the wall 14, keeping the envelope pocket 15 closed and holding the packaged item 114 within it. The closure flap 16 should have a height sufficient to allow the closure flap 16 to cover the opening 46 in the unfolded envelope 10 and to allow the tape of adhesive 48 to fall on the outward-facing surface of the wall 14.

[0160] Once the stack 106 of the envelope 10 on the hanger 100 has been used up, the packaging operator can remove the hanger 100 from the back panel 108 or other mounting device. The packaging operator can then remove the hanger flaps 18 that have been held on the hanger 100 as part of the hanger ridge 118. One or more additional stacks 106 can then be loaded onto the hanger 100, and the hanger 100 can be remounted onto the back panel 108. Alternatively, another supply unit 116 consisting of the hanger 100 and another set of stacks 106 can be mounted on the back panel 108.

[0161] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 and the wall 14 may be integrally formed from a single webbing folded over itself, such that the wall 14 covers the web 23. One inter-wall seal may be used to secure the overlapping longitudinally extending edges of the webbing to each other. Similarly, another inter-wall seal may be used to secure the overlapping laterally extending edges of the webbing 14 to each other at the bottom end of the envelope.

[0162] Figure 13 A supply unit 116b for container unit 11a is depicted, each container unit including a sleeve 10a with a swivel and adjacent swivel flaps 18. Container unit 11a is shown arranged in a stack 106a on swivel 100. Sleeve 10a is substantially similar to sleeve 10, except that sleeve 10a does not have closing flaps. Instead, the wall 12 of each sleeve 10a directly abuts the swivel flaps 18. A sealing element (i.e., a strip of adhesive 48) may be disposed on the inward-facing surface of wall 12, near the upper end of wall 12. After article 113 has been loaded into sleeve 10a, release strip 49 (not shown) can be removed from adhesive 48, and wall 14 can be pressed into the strip of adhesive 48 to secure wall 14 to wall 12, thereby sealing article 114 within sleeve 10a. In an alternative embodiment, the strip of adhesive 48 may be disposed on wall 14 as a supplement to or alternative to wall 12.

[0163] Figures 14 to 17 An alternative embodiment of container unit 11 in the form of container unit 11b is depicted. Container unit 11b is substantially similar to container unit 11, and unless otherwise stated, the above description of container unit 11 also applies to container unit 11b.

[0164] Container unit 11b includes a cover 10b and cascaded flaps 18b. See also Figure 14 The container unit 11b can be stacked 106b and held on the stringer 100, as discussed above regarding the container unit 11.

[0165] The container unit 11b and the hanger 100 together form a supply unit 116b for a sleeve 10b with a hanger. The sleeve 10b is configured to contain and hold the article 114 to be packaged. As discussed below, after the article 114 has been loaded into the sleeve 10b, the sleeve 10b can be manually or using automated equipment detached from the hanger flap 18b, which remains on the hanger 100.

[0166] Each container unit 11b's envelope 10b includes a flexible wall 12b and a flexible wall 14b fixed to the flexible wall 12b in the manner described below. Walls 12b and 14b define a shape... Figure 14The central portion depicts a receiving area in the form of a sealed bag 15b. The sealed bag 15b is configured to receive and hold the item 114 to be packaged.

[0167] The envelope 10b also includes a closing flap 16b. The lower end of the closing flap 16b is adjacent to the upper end of the wall 12b, as shown in... Figures 14 to 16 As can be seen, the lower end of the cascaded wing 18b of container unit 11b is adjacent to the upper end of the closed wing 16.

[0168] Directional terms such as "up," "down," "above," and "below" are relative to... Figure 14 The orientation of the components shown is used. These terms are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0169] The tandem fin 18b has two holes 20a formed therein, as discussed above with respect to the tandem fin 18 of the container unit 11. The above description of the holes 20 of the tandem fin 18 also applies to the holes 20a of the tandem fin 18.

[0170] The container units 11b within each stack 106b can be held together by, for example, one or more nails 112b, as discussed above with respect to container unit 11.

[0171] The tandem flaps 18b of each stack 106b collectively form a tandem ridge 118b for that stack 106b. As discussed above with respect to container unit 11, the tandem ridge 118b acts as a rigid or semi-rigid structure through which external forces acting on one or more container units 11b can be transmitted to the tandem member 100, and the reaction force exerted by the tandem member 100 is distributed throughout the tandem ridge 118b.

[0172] The sleeve 10b can be configured to separate from the cascading flap 18b by providing a weak region between the closing flap 16b and the cascading flap 18b. For example, the weak region can be provided by a perforation 22a that is similar to or the same as the perforation 22 of the container unit 11. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the perforation 22a, the container unit 11b may be equipped with a pull tab or other structure to facilitate the separation of the sleeve 10b from the cascading flap 18b.

[0173] In alternative embodiments, the weak area can be provided by features other than the perforation 22a. For example, the weak area can be provided by a scribing line. Other alternative embodiments can be configured without a weak line. In such embodiments, the closed flap 16b can be separated from the strung flap 18 by cutting, tearing, concentrated heat application, etc. In other alternative embodiments, instead of the perforation 22a, the container unit 11b can be fitted with a pull tab or other structure.

[0174] Wall 12b can be integrally formed with closed flap 16b and cascading flap 18b. Wall 12b, closed flap 16b, and cascading flap 18b can be formed as web 23a. See also Figure 15 and Figure 17 The web 23a comprises two layers. Each layer is made of corresponding layups 28a1 and 28a2 of paper. As discussed below, layups 28a1 and 28a2 have different dimensions. More specifically, layup 28a2 is shorter than layup 28a1, such that the cascading flaps 18b have a single-layer configuration, while the wall 12b and most of the closing flaps 16b have a double-layer configuration.

[0175] Wall 14b also comprises two layers, each formed by a single layup 28b1 of paper. Layups 28b1 are substantially identical. Wall 14b can be attached to web 23a in the following manner to form an assembled envelope 10b.

[0176] The paper forming the layers 28a1, 28a2, and 28b1 can be, for example, kraft paper with a basis weight of 40 pounds. In an alternative embodiment of packaging unit 11b, wall 14b may have a single-layer configuration. In an alternative embodiment, layers 28a1, 28a2, and 28b1 may be formed from paper other than kraft paper, from paper with a basis weight greater than or less than 40 pounds, or from materials other than paper, such as plastic film.

[0177] As in Figure 17 As can be seen, the layup 28a1 of the web 23b has a greater height or longitudinal dimension than the layup 28a2. As discussed below, the different heights of layups 28a1 and 28a2 result in a single-layer configuration of the tandem flaps 18b.

[0178] The layups 28a1 and 28a2 of the web 23b are achieved through... Figure 15 Two longitudinal inter-lay seals 30a1 and two transverse inter-lay seals 32a1, visible in the image, are fixed to each other. The longitudinal inter-lay seals 30a1 and transverse inter-lay seals 32a1 can be formed from sealing elements in the form of an adhesive material 34 as discussed above with respect to the web 23. The adhesive material 34 is applied to the first layup in the layups 28a1 and 28a2, such as... Figure 17 As shown (it depicts the adhesive material 34 applied to ply 28a1). Another ply 28a1, 28a2 is aligned with the first ply 28a1, 28a2 and contacts the adhesive material 34 to form a longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 and a transverse inter-ply seal 32a1, thereby securing the ply 28a1, 28a2 to each other to form web 23a.

[0179] In an alternative embodiment, the web 23a may be formed as part of a continuous webbing comprising a plurality of webs 23a. Individual layups 28a1, 28a2 within the webbing may be formed from two consecutive sheets of paper, the two sheets being secured to each other by an adhesive material 34 applied to the sheets to form a longitudinal inter-layup seal 30a1 and a transverse inter-layup seal 32a1 when the sheets are aligned and in contact with each other. Each individual web 23a may be cut from the webbing before or after the web 23a is joined to the corresponding wall 14b to form the envelope 10b.

[0180] In the longitudinal and lateral directions Figure 14 The symbols are represented by the corresponding arrows "L" and "T".

[0181] As mentioned above, ply 28a2 is shorter than ply 28a1. For example, in 15 and... Figure 17 As can be seen, the upper edge of ply 28a2 is offset from the upper edge of ply 28a1, such that the upper edge of ply 28a2 is located below the perforation 22a at the boundary defining the space between the cascading wing 18b and the closed wing 16b. For example, from Figure 14 and Figure 17 From this angle, the upper edge of ply 28a2 may be located approximately 3 / 8 inch below the perforation 22a. In an alternative embodiment of container unit 11b, the upper edge of ply 28a2 may substantially coincide with the perforation 22a. Thus, the cascading flap 18b is configured as a single layer formed solely of ply 28a1; while at least a portion of wall 12b and closing flap 16b has a double-ply configuration formed of ply 28a1, 28a2.

[0182] The single-layer configuration of the tandem flap 18b allows for the separation of the associated cover 10b from the tandem flap 18b using a smaller force compared to the force required to separate the cover 10 from the aforementioned double-layered tandem flap 18b. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood that the tandem flap 18b will tear and separate from the tandem piece 100 without being completely separated from the cover 10b.

[0183] Each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 is positioned along a corresponding longitudinal edge or side edge of the web 23b. In an alternative embodiment, each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 may be offset from a corresponding side edge of the web 23b. The longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 extends from the corresponding lower edge of plies 28a1, 28a2 and may be offset downward from the upper edge of the shorter ply 28a2, for example, about ¼ inch. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 may extend to the upper edge of the second ply 28a2. The longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 may be discontinuous.

[0184] One of the transverse inter-lay seals 32a1 of the web 23b extends along the respective lower edge of layups 28a1, 28a2. The other or upper transverse inter-lay seal 32a2 is offset from the upper edge of layup 28a2, for example, about ¼ inch. In an alternative embodiment, the upper transverse inter-lay seal 32a2 may extend along the upper edge of the second layup 28a2.

[0185] The transverse inter-lay seal 32a1 extends substantially in the transverse direction and abuts the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a1. In an alternative embodiment, the respective ends of the transverse inter-lay seal 32a1 may be spaced apart from the adjacent longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a1. In other alternative embodiments, the transverse inter-lay seal 32a1 may extend across the entire width of the web 23a, while the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a1 may extend between upper and lower transverse inter-lay seals 32a1. The transverse inter-lay seal 32a1 is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse inter-lay seal 32a1 may be discontinuous.

[0186] The adhesive 34 may be a cold glue. In alternative embodiments, other types of adhesives and other types of sealing elements may be used instead of cold glue. For example, in alternative embodiments, the adhesive 34 may be a bonding material, a heat-sealing material, and / or a hot-melt adhesive.

[0187] The sealing element (e.g., adhesive material 34) can be applied directly to the exposed surface of the ply 28a1 (or ply 28a2) by a suitable known method. Alternatively, the sealing element can be applied as an adhesive tape (such as double-sided tape) or by other suitable methods.

[0188] The longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a1 and transverse inter-lay seal 32a1 of the web 23b are defined and help to define the inter-lay area or inter-lay space (not shown) between the layups 28a1, 28a2 of the web 23a, as discussed above with respect to the cover 10.

[0189] Plyes 28a1 and 28a2 face each other across the interply space, but do not adhere to each other within the interply space. Furthermore, the interply space is sufficiently empty to allow plyes 28a1 and 28a2 to abut and otherwise contact each other within the interply space, and to slide relative to each other within the interply space. For example, the interply space can be completely empty, i.e., it can be completely free of any filler or other material.

[0190] In alternative embodiments, cushioning material, filler and / or thermal insulation material or other types of expandable and non-expandable materials may be disposed in the interlay space within the web 23b, as discussed above with respect to the sheath 10.

[0191] One or both of plies 28a1 and 28a2 may include one or more functional layers positioned thereon, as discussed above with respect to envelope 10.

[0192] In other alternative embodiments, plies 28a1 and 28a2 may be integrally adhered to each other, such that there is no inter-ply space between plies 28a1 and 28a2. In other alternative embodiments, plies 28a1 and 28a2 may be adhered to each other at locations different from or attached to the periphery of plies 28a1 and 28a2.

[0193] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23a may have more than one inter-ply space defined within the web. For example, an alternative embodiment of the web 23a may have two inter-ply spaces defined by three longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a1. Two of the longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a1 may be positioned along the longitudinal edges of the web 23a. A third longitudinal inter-ply seal 30a1 may be located approximately at the midpoint of the wall, i.e., approximately midway between the longitudinal edges of the wall, thereby dividing the space between the plies 28a1, 28a2 into two inter-ply spaces.

[0194] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23a may have more than three longitudinal inter-ply seals 30a1, such that more than three inter-ply spaces 36a1 are defined within the web 23a. Other alternative embodiments of the web 23a may have more than two transverse inter-ply seals 32a1 to similarly divide the space between plies 28a1, 28a2 into more than one inter-ply space. In other alternative embodiments, one or more of the inter-ply seals may extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. In other alternative embodiments, small adhesive strips or dots located between plies 28a1, 28a2 and inside the longitudinal, lower, and upper edges of the web 23a may be used to further adhere plies 28a1, 28a2 to each other, while still allowing some relative movement between plies 28a1, 28a2.

[0195] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23a may be formed from a single sheet of paper folded over itself to form two layups 28a1, 28a2, and sealed along its three exposed edges.

[0196] See Figure 15 and Figure 16 The ply 28b1 of wall 14b is secured to each other by two longitudinal inter-ply seals 30b1 and two transverse inter-ply seals 32b1 (the longitudinal inter-ply seals 30b1 and the transverse inter-ply seals 32b1 are in... Figure 16(Depicted in dashed lines). The longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b1 and the transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 are formed by adhesive material 34. Adhesive material 34 is applied to the first layup in layup 28b1. Another layup 28b1 is aligned with the first layup 28b1 and contacts the adhesive material 34 to form the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b1 and the transverse inter-lay seal 32b1, thereby securing the layups 28b1 to each other to form wall 14.

[0197] Each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b1 of wall 14b is positioned along a corresponding longitudinal edge or side edge of wall 14b. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b1 may be offset from a side edge of wall 14b. The upper end of each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b1 may be positioned along the upper edge of wall 14b. In an alternative embodiment, the upper end of each longitudinal inter-ply seal 30b1 may be offset from the upper edge of wall 14b. The longitudinal inter-ply seals 30b1 are continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal inter-ply seals 30b1 may be discontinuous.

[0198] One of the transverse inter-lay seals 32b1 of wall 14b is positioned along the corresponding lower edge of wall 14b and extends between the longitudinal inter-lay seals 30b1. In an alternative embodiment, the lower transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 may be offset from the lower edge of wall 14b. The upper transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 may be offset from the upper edge of wall 14b, for example, about 1 / 16 inch. In an alternative embodiment of sleeve 10b, the upper transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 may extend along the upper edge of wall 14b.

[0199] The interlayer seal 32b1 is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the interlayer seal 32b1 may be discontinuous.

[0200] The transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 extends substantially in the transverse direction and abuts the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b1. In an alternative embodiment, the respective ends of the transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 may be spaced apart from the adjacent longitudinal inter-lay seal 30a1. In other alternative embodiments, the transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 may extend across the entire width of the web 23a, while the longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b1 may extend between upper and lower transverse inter-lay seals 32b1. The transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 may be discontinuous.

[0201] The longitudinal inter-lay seal 30b1 and the transverse inter-lay seal 32b1 define the boundaries and help define the inter-lay area or inter-lay space between the plies 28b1 of the wall 14b.

[0202] Ply 28b1 face each other across the interply space, but do not adhere to each other within the interply space. Furthermore, the interply space is sufficiently empty to allow ply 28b1 to abut and otherwise contact each other within the interply space, and to slide relative to each other within the interply space. For example, the interply space can be completely empty, i.e., it can be completely free of any filler or other material.

[0203] The above discussion of possible alternative embodiments of web 23b also applies to wall 14b.

[0204] In an alternative embodiment, the inter-ply seals of the web 23b and wall 14b may extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the inter-ply seals may extend non-linearly.

[0205] The web 23b and wall 14b can be fixed to each other as follows to form an assembled container unit 11b. For example... Figure 16 As shown, a sealing element in the form of the aforementioned adhesive material 35 is applied along the side edge portion of the web 23a to the outer surface of the web ply 28a2. The adhesive material 35 extends from the lower edge of the ply 28a2 to a position approximately ¼ inch downward offset from the lower edge of the closure flap 16. The adhesive material 35 is also applied along the entire length of the lower edge portion of the ply 28a2.

[0206] The adhesive 35 may be a cold glue as described above with respect to adhesive 34. In alternative embodiments, other types of adhesives and other types of sealing elements may be used instead of cold glue. For example, in alternative embodiments, adhesives, heat-sealing materials, and / or hot-melt adhesives may be used as sealing elements.

[0207] After the adhesive material 35 is applied, the wall 14b is aligned with the web 23b such that the lower edge of the wall 14b is offset upward from the lower edge of the web 23b, for example, by about 1 / 2 inch, and the ply 28a2 of the web 23a faces the inward-facing ply 28b1 of the wall 14b. The wall 14b then contacts the web 23b. The adhesive material 35, extending along the side edge portion of the ply 28a2, contacts the corresponding side edge portion of the inward-facing ply 28b1 of the wall 14b, thereby forming a longitudinal inter-wall seal 42a between the web 23a and the wall 14b.

[0208] At this point, due to the aforementioned offset between the corresponding lower edges of wall 14b and web 23b, wall 14b does not overlap with the lowest portion of web 23a. The lowest portion of web 23b is folded onto the outward-facing surface of the outer ply 28b1 of wall 14b, such that the adhesive material 35 along the lower edge portion of ply 28a2 of web 23a contacts the outer ply 28b1. The adhesive material 35 along the lower edge portion of ply 28a2 forms a transverse inter-wall seal 40b between web 23b and wall 14b. The transverse inter-wall seal 40b secures the folded portion of web 23b to the outward-facing surface of the outer ply 28b1 of wall 14b, thereby maintaining the bottom of sleeve 10b in a closed state.

[0209] At this point, wall 14b has been secured to web 23b. The second wall 14b is opposite to wall 12b and is secured to wall 12b by a longitudinal inter-wall seal 42b extending along the side of packaging unit 11b and a transverse inter-wall seal 40b extending along the bottom of packaging unit 11b. Wall 12b is defined by the portion of web 23b located between the bottom fold in web 23a and the closing flap 16b. The boundary between the upper edge of the closing flap 16b and the lower edge of the hanging flap 18b is defined by a perforation 22a. The upper edge of wall 14b is opposite to the upper edge of wall 12b and the lower edge of the closing flap 16b. The longitudinal inter-wall seal 42b and the transverse seal 40b define the boundary of the pocket 15b defined by walls 12b and 14b, and thus define the sealing boundary. As discussed below, before sealing the envelope 10b, the envelope pocket 15b can be accessed by means of the opening 46b defined between the wall 12b and the wall 14b.

[0210] In an alternative embodiment, packaging unit 11b may be configured without a bottom fold in web 23b. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, packaging unit 11b may be configured with side gussets and / or bottom gussets between walls 12b and 14b. In other alternative embodiments, the upper end of longitudinal inter-wall seal 42b may be offset downwards from the upper edge of wall 14b by a distance sufficient to allow the upper end of wall 14b to fold inwards toward the envelope pocket 15b.

[0211] Hole 20b may then be formed in the tandem fin 18b. Alternatively, hole 20b may be formed prior to the assembly of packaging unit 11b.

[0212] After article 114 has been loaded into envelope 15b, closing flap 16b can be folded onto the outward-facing surface of wall 14b to close opening 46b, thus retaining article 114 within envelope 15b. Figure 14 and Figure 15As can be seen, the sealing element, in the form of a strip of adhesive 48, is placed on the surface of the closing flap 16b folded onto the wall 14b. Adhesive 48 can be a pressure-sensitive (cold) adhesive. Adhesive 48 can be covered by a release strip 49b until the sleeve 10b is ready to close. In an alternative embodiment, a sealing element other than cold adhesive 48 can be used. For example, instead of cold adhesive, a heat-sealing material or a hot-melt adhesive can be used. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the strip of adhesive 48 can be placed on the outward-facing surface of the wall 14b instead of on the closing flap 16b.

[0213] In an alternative embodiment, the scribe line can be placed on the web 23b between the upper end of the wall 12b and the lower end of the closing flap 16b, such that the lower portion of the web 23b can act as a movable hinge that facilitates the rotation of the closing flap 16b, so as to... Figure 9 Rotate to the open position shown Figure 10 The closed position is shown.

[0214] As discussed above, the assembled container units 11b can be assembled into a stack 106b, and the corresponding string flaps 18b of the container units 11b within the stack 106b can be secured to each other by means of nails 112b or other devices as discussed above.

[0215] Upon arrival at the packaging facility, the stack 106b can be placed on the hanger 100, and the sleeve 10b of the packaging unit 11b can be loaded with the article 114 and separated from its corresponding hanger flap 18b, as discussed above regarding the packaging unit 11b. As described above, the single-lay configuration of the hanger flap 18b reduces the force required to separate the closing flap 16b from the hanger flap 18b along the line of the perforation 22a, which in turn reduces the likelihood that the hanger flap 18b will be torn off the hanger 100 rather than completely separated from the closing flap 16b.

[0216] Once the string flap 18b has been separated from the rest of the packaging unit 11b, the packaging operator can close and seal the envelope 10b as discussed above.

[0217] Although this solution has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will make equivalent changes and modifications upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, while a particular feature of this solution may be disclosed only with respect to one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this solution should not be limited by any of the foregoing embodiments. Rather, the scope of this solution should be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0218] Although this solution has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will make equivalent changes and modifications upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, while a particular feature of this solution may be disclosed only with respect to one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this solution should not be limited by any of the foregoing embodiments. Rather, the scope of this solution should be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A stack of envelopes with string pendants, the stack comprising: - Multiple container units, each container unit comprising: -- Envelope, the envelope comprising: ---First flexible wall; ---A second flexible wall, which covers the first flexible wall and is secured to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of the pocket boundary, the pocket boundary enclosing the pocket, the pocket being defined between the first and second flexible walls and configured and sized to accommodate an article, at least one of the first and second flexible walls defining a pocket opening that allows access from outside the envelope to the pocket for loading the article into the pocket; and --A cascading flap, which is removably attached to the envelope; -The tandem flaps of the plurality of container units are fixed to each other to jointly define a tandem ridge, such that the tandem ridge has increased stiffness and tear resistance relative to the individual tandem flaps.

2. The stack of the envelope with swivels according to claim 1, wherein the swivel ridge is configured to distribute at least a portion of the force applied to one of the container units to the swivel flaps of at least some of the other container units.

3. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 2, wherein the force is a tensile force.

4. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 3, wherein: The sling ridge is configured to be held on the sling; and The tandem flaps are configured to detach from the first flexible wall in response to the tension applied in a direction away from the tandem flaps to one or both of the first and second flexible walls.

5. The stack of a cover with a swivel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the swivel flaps are configured to engage the swivel to suspend the container unit from the swivel, and remain engaged with the swivel after separation from the cover.

6. The stack of the envelope with string hangers according to claim 1, wherein the envelope is flexible.

7. The stack of the envelope with string hangers according to claim 1, wherein the string hangers are removably connected to the first wall.

8. The stack of the envelope with garlands according to claim 1, wherein the garland flaps of the plurality of container units are configured to stack to further collectively define the garland ridge.

9. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, further comprising at least five of the container units.

10. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, further comprising at least ten of the container units.

11. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, further comprising at least twenty of the container units.

12. The stack of the envelope with swivels according to claim 1, wherein the swivel ridge has a thickness approximately equal to the combined thickness of the swivel flaps of the plurality of container units.

13. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, wherein: The envelope further includes a closing flap, which is adjacent to the first flexible wall and the string flap, and is disposed between the first flexible wall and the string flap; The cascading flaps are removably connected to the closed flaps; and The closing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, in which the closing flap covers the pocket opening to hold the item in the pocket.

14. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 13, wherein: The envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the closing flap and the second flexible wall; and The sealing element is configured to form a closed seal that secures the closed flap to the second flexible wall when the closed flap is in the second position.

15. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 14, wherein: When the closing flap is in the first position, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket, and open on the fourth side of the pocket; and When the closing flap is secured in the second position by the closing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket.

16. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, wherein: The envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall; and The sealing element is configured to form a closed seal that secures the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

17. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 16, wherein: Before forming the closure seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket, and opened on the fourth side of the pocket; and When the first flexible wall is secured to the second flexible wall by the closing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket.

18. The stack of envelopes with string hangers according to claim 2, wherein the string hangers of the plurality of container units are connected by at least one of nails, clamps and adhesives.

19. The stack of envelopes with string hangers according to claim 18, wherein at least one of the nails, clamps, and adhesives is configured to transfer at least a portion of the force to the string hangers of other container units.

20. The stack of the envelope with string hangers according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall comprises paper.

21. The stack of envelopes with string hangers according to claim 1, wherein the container units are configured to be stacked within the stack.

22. The stack of envelopes with string hangers according to claim 21, wherein the container units are configured to be stacked in a substantially flat configuration within the stack.

23. The stack of the envelope with a string of pendants according to claim 1, wherein the string of pendants has at least one hole formed in the string of pendants and configured to receive a portion of the string of pendants.

24. The stack of a cover with a string of pendants according to claim 23, wherein the string of pendants has at least two holes formed in the string of pendants, the holes being configured to receive respective first and second legs of the string of pendants.

25. The stack of the envelope with the swivel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the swivel ridge is further configured to resist a reaction force exerted on the swivel ridge by the swivel in response to the force.

26. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, wherein: The tandem ridge is further configured such that each of the tandem winglets maintains contact with one or more adjacent tandem winglets within the stack of the tandem winglets.

27. The stack of a cover with a string of tabs according to claim 1, wherein a weak region is defined between the string of tabs and the cover, the weak region being configured to facilitate separation of the string of tabs from the cover.

28. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 27, wherein the weak area is defined by a perforation.

29. The stack of the envelope with string hangers according to claim 1, wherein the envelope further includes a gusset plate connecting the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall and configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to move toward and away from each other.

30. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall comprises a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer.

31. The stack of the envelope with string hangers according to claim 30, wherein the first layer comprises a first layup of paper.

32. The stack of the envelope with string hangers according to claim 31, wherein the second layer comprises a second layup of paper.

33. The stack of envelopes with string pendants according to claim 32, wherein: The first ply is secured to the second ply by a plurality of inter-ply seals; and The inter-ply seal defines the boundary of the inter-ply space defined by the first ply and the second ply.

34. The stack of envelopes with string pendants according to claim 33, wherein: The interlayer seal includes a sealing element; and The interlayer space does not contain the sealing element.

35. The stack of the sheath with string hangers according to claim 33, further comprising at least one of a cushioning material, a filler, and / or a thermally insulating material disposed in the inter-lay space.

36. The stack of the sheath with string hangers according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the cushioning material, filler and / or thermal insulation material is an expandable material.

37. A container unit configured to be held on a string hanger, comprising: - An envelope, the envelope comprising: --First flexible wall; --A second flexible wall, which covers the first flexible wall and is secured to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of the pocket boundary, the pocket boundary enclosing the pocket, the pocket being defined between the first and second flexible walls and configured and sized to accommodate an article, at least one of the first and second flexible walls defining a pocket opening that allows access from outside the envelope to the pocket for loading the article into the pocket; and - A string of flaps, which are removably attached to the envelope.

38. The container unit of claim 37, wherein the cascading flaps are configured to detach from the first flexible wall in response to a force applied to the container unit.

39. The container unit of claim 38, wherein the force is a tensile force.

40. The container unit of claim 37, wherein the lanyard flap is configured to engage the lanyard to suspend the container unit from the lanyard, and to remain engaged with the lanyard after separation from the sleeve.

41. The container unit of claim 37, wherein the envelope is flexible.

42. The container unit of claim 37, wherein the cascading flaps are removably connected to the first wall.

43. The container unit according to claim 37, wherein: The envelope further includes a closing flap, which is adjacent to the first flexible wall and the string flap, and is disposed between the first flexible wall and the string flap; The cascading flaps are removably connected to the closed flaps; and The closing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, in which the closing flap covers the pocket opening to hold the item in the pocket.

44. The container unit according to claim 43, wherein: The envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the closing flap and the second flexible wall; and The sealing element is configured to form a closed seal that secures the closed flap to the second flexible wall when the closed flap is in the second position.

45. The container unit according to claim 44, wherein: When the closing flap is in the first position, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket, and open on the fourth side of the pocket; and When the closing flap is secured in the second position by the closing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket.

46. ​​The container unit according to claim 37, wherein: The envelope further includes a sealing element disposed on at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall; and The sealing element is configured to form a closed seal that secures the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

47. The container unit according to claim 46, wherein: Before forming the closure seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket, and opened on the fourth side of the pocket; and When the first flexible wall is secured to the second flexible wall by the closing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket.

48. The container unit of claim 37, wherein at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall comprises paper.

49. The stack of a cover with a string of tabs according to claim 37, wherein a weak region is defined between the string of tabs and the cover, the weak region being configured to facilitate separation of the string of tabs from the cover.

50. The stack of the envelope with string pendants according to claim 49, wherein the weak area is defined by a perforation.

51. The container unit of claim 37, wherein the envelope further comprises a gusset plate connecting the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall and configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to move toward and away from each other.

52. The container unit of claim 37, wherein at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall comprises a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer.

53. The container unit of claim 52, wherein the first layer comprises a first layup of paper.

54. The container unit of claim 53, wherein the second layer comprises a second layup of paper.

55. The container unit according to claim 54, wherein: The first ply is secured to the second ply by a plurality of inter-ply seals; and The inter-ply seal defines the boundary of the inter-ply space defined by the first ply and the second ply.

56. The container unit according to claim 55, wherein: The interlayer seal includes a sealing element; and The interlayer space does not contain the sealing element.

57. The container unit of claim 55 further comprises at least one of a cushioning material, a filler, and / or a thermally insulating material disposed within the interlayer space.

58. The container unit of claim 57, wherein at least one of the cushioning material, filler, and / or thermal insulation material is an expandable material.

59. A supply unit for a container unit configured to be held on a string hanger, comprising: String pendants; as well as Multiple container units as claimed in claim 37.

60. A method of packaging articles, comprising: Provides a container unit configured to be held on a string hanger, the container unit comprising: - A cover, the cover comprising: a first flexible wall; a second flexible wall opposite to the first flexible wall, the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall defining a pocket between the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall; and a sealing element configured to form a closure seal that maintains the pocket opening in a closed state; and - A series of detached winglets, the detached winglets being connected to a closed winglet; The container unit is suspended from the string of attachments by means of the string of attachments; Load the items into the pocket; Disengage the sleeve from the cascading flaps; and This forms the closed seal.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein: The cascaded winglets are connected to and adjacent to the first flexible wall; and Disengaging the cover from the cascading flaps includes disengaging the first flexible wall from the cascading flaps.

62. The method according to claim 60, wherein: The sealing element is disposed on the first flexible wall; and The closure seal is configured to secure the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

63. The method of claim 60, wherein the envelope further comprises a closing flap connected to and adjacent to the first flexible wall and the cascading flap, the closing flap being configured to rotate from a first position to a second position.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein disengaging the envelope from the cascading flap comprises disengaging the closing flap from the cascading flap.

65. The method of claim 63, further comprising: After the envelope is detached from the cascading flap, the closing flap is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein: The sealing element is disposed on one of the closing flap and the second flexible wall; and The closure seal is configured to secure the closure flap to the second flexible wall.

66. The container unit according to claim 37, wherein: The cascaded winglets are removably connected to the first flexible wall; The first flexible wall and the strung winglets together comprise a first layer; and The first flexible wall also includes a second layer fixed to the first layer.

67. The container unit of claim 66, wherein the second layer is offset from the strung flaps in the longitudinal direction of the first wall.

68. The container unit of claim 66, wherein the length of the second layer is less than the length of the first layer.

69. The container unit according to claim 66, wherein: The first layer comprises a first layup of paper; and The second layer comprises the second layup of the paper.

70. The container unit of claim 66, wherein the second layer overlaps with no more than a portion of the first layer.

71. The container unit of claim 70, wherein the second layer does not overlap with the cascaded fins.

72. The container unit according to claim 66, wherein: The second layer and the first portion of the first layer define the first wall; The second portion of the first layer defines the tandem winglets; and The second layer overlaps with the first portion of the first layer, which does not exceed the first layer.

73. The container unit according to claim 66, wherein: The envelope further includes a closing flap, which is adjacent to the first flexible wall and the string flap, and is disposed between the first flexible wall and the string flap; The cascading winglets are removably connected to the closed winglets; The closing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position, in which the closing flap covers the pocket opening to hold the item in the pocket; and The first flexible wall, the string-mounted winglets, and the closed winglets together comprise the first layer.

74. The container unit of claim 66, wherein the first layer is the outer layer of the first wall and the second layer is the inner layer of the first wall.

75. The container unit according to claim 52, wherein: The first wall comprises the first layer and the second layer; The cascading flaps are removably connected to the first wall; and The tandem winglets include no more than one of the first layer and the second layer.

76. The container unit of claim 52, wherein the bottom portion of the first wall is folded onto and adhered to the bottom portion of the second wall.

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