Reusable flexible package intended for postal transport, protecting objects against impacts

Abstract

The invention relates to a reusable flexible package (1) intended for postal transport, comprising: an outer envelope (2) having a closure and being intended to show a postal address (3), and a device intended to be inserted into the outer envelope and allowing at least one object (4) to be wedged in place and protected against impacts, wherein the reusable device is inflatable and deflatable and comprises a foldable plastic pouch (5) having a sealed air volume divided into compartments (6A, 6B) communicating with each other and intended to be filled with air and inflated, so as to create an inlet (7A) and an inner housing (7B) situated between these air-inflated compartments (6A, 6B), the inner housing (7B) making it possible to receive an object (4) that will be surrounded, wedged and protected by these compartments (6A, 6B) filled with air, the plastic pouch (5) having a bidirectional valve (13) that is able to allow air to enter or exit along an axis via a tube (14), in order to inflate or deflate the compartments (6A, 6B) communicating with each other.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Reusable flexible package, intended for postal transport, protecting objects against shocks

[0001] The invention relates to the field of flexible packages intended for postal transport. Previous Art

[0002] Online commerce has grown significantly, particularly since the Covid period, requiring the transport of increasingly large quantities of parcels.

[0003] Most packages today are made of cardboard, and these boxes often need to be filled with different materials to protect the items being transported, especially fragile items.

[0004] These boxes and materials are most often thrown away by the user, which causes a great deal of waste: economically (this notably involves the collection and mechanical transport of boxes for recycling or incineration), energy, and human and environmental resources.

[0005] This waste is no longer acceptable in light of climate change and the efforts needed to protect the planet.

[0006] In this context, to combat this waste, companies are already producing and selling flexible, foldable and reusable packages, for example made of fabric or plastic, which can be closed, for example with a zipper or adhesive strip.

[0007] These reusable flexible packages allow you to send non-fragile items, such as clothing, a number of times, and they can be easily stored after being folded, for example at the recipient's home, while they use it for another item shipment.

[0008] However, these flexible packages do not allow the transport of fragile objects, the use of single-use cardboard boxes with over-packaging filling this gap.

[0009] In addition, these flexible packages are either economical and closed using simple, insecure adhesives, or closed using a zipper, which is therefore not very economical.

[0010] It is therefore necessary to find a flexible package that would be reusable while still allowing the protection of fragile objects. Document US2009 / 0266722 presents a package that includes: a flexible bag, a foldable bag made of inflatable semi-rigid material with a rigid valve to protect a fragile object. This rigid valve must have a closing cap to allow the inflatable foldable bag to be Waterproof. It is accessible from the outside of the package: this gives anyone the possibility of deflating the package without opening it. Finally, the rigid valve requires an accessory for the inflatable (not everyone has one) or to put the mouth in it (not at all hygienic). Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention presents a reusable flexible package, intended for postal transport, protecting objects against shocks, comprising: a reusable outer envelope, with advantageously secure closure and intended to present a postal address, and a reusable device intended to be inserted into the outer envelope and allowing the wedging and protection from shocks of at least one object.

[0012] The reusable device is inflatable and deflatable, and comprises a foldable plastic bag having a sealed air volume divided into intercommunicating compartments, intended to be inflated and filled with air, so as to create an entrance and an interior housing located between these air-inflated compartments, the interior housing making it possible to receive an object which will be surrounded, wedged and protected by these air-filled compartments.

[0013] The plastic bag is formed by two superimposed plastic films, folded on themselves and heat-sealed to form a first part and a second part opposite the first part and separated from the first part by a fold.

[0014] The first part and the second part together form in the space separating them the entrance and the interior housing into which the entrance opens once heat-sealed to each other, the first part and the second part communicating fluidically through the fold allowing air to pass through, and forming the sealed air volume with the compartments.

[0015] The air volume is located between the two plastic films of the first and second parts communicating fluidically.

[0016] The plastic bag has a two-way valve which is capable of letting air in or out along an axis via a tube, or any inflation device to inflate or deflate the compartments communicating with each other.

[0017] The outer envelope is made of flexible material and has dimensions that allow the plastic bag to give the outer shape to the flexible postal package when inflated, this flexible envelope being stretched by the inflated plastic bag, the inflated plastic bag allowing a pressure constraint to be maintained on the entrance, preventing the exit of the object from the interior housing of the plastic bag.

[0018] This flexible envelope is advantageously closed by a system of fastening such as wrapping to secure the package to prevent theft of the item.

[0019] Advantageously, the two-way valve is flexible and made of plastic film.

[0020] Choosing a soft valve is economical and hygienic (inflatable using a simple straw).

[0021] The choice of an easily removable inflatable cushioning, completely separate from the outer bag, was determined by the fact that the flexible valve must be fixed at the top or bottom of the cushioning. After numerous tests, it proved impossible to fix the two parts (the cushioning with the outer bag) without deforming the external shape of the package at the time of inflation.

[0022] Advantageously, the valve has a longitudinal passage, located between two heat-sealed longitudinal edges of plastic film, and which allows the tube to pass through to the air volume.

[0023] Advantageously, the longitudinal passage has two opposite ends, one opening onto the air volume and the other onto the free air outside the plastic bag.

[0024] Advantageously, the longitudinal passage has two surfaces in contact with each other in the absence of a tube, under the action of the air pressure of the volume of air located on either side of the two surfaces, making it possible to close the longitudinal passage.

[0025] Advantageously, the two longitudinal edges of the flexible valve are continuous weld points arranged to have a convergent shape to facilitate air flow and tube guidance.

[0026] Advantageously, the convergent shape has several continuous narrowings of cross-section of the longitudinal passage, separated from each other by straight sections, in the direction from the outside towards the air volume, allowing the tube to be guided, without tearing of the longitudinal passage or the plastic bag.

[0027] Advantageously, the longitudinal passage has for its longitudinal edges, after each continuous narrowing of cross-section a straight section, the straight sections having between them length ratios between them between 1 and 1.5.

[0028] Advantageously, the flexible valve is heat-sealed, then placed between the two plastic films before the latter are superimposed and heat-sealed, near the entrance to the plastic bag (the upper part).

[0029] It can be located symmetrically so that the air during inflation is distributed in a balanced and progressive manner in the compartments to avoid mechanically forcing one place rather than another to avoid tearing the plastic bag. This position central to the air bladder was determined after several unsuccessful attempts with different other positions such as close to the outer edge and also close to the middle dotted welds: the flexible two-way valve tended to tear when the rigid tube for deflation was introduced.

[0030] Advantageously, a rigid plastic tube between 2 and 5 cm is heat-sealed to the entrance of the flexible valve in order to facilitate inflation and deflation and thus save time in preparing packages.

[0031] Advantageously, the flexible valve can be welded to the bottom of the plastic bag so that it can be accessed from the outside of the package.

[0032] Advantageously, the thickness of each plastic film forming one of the two walls of the air volume of the plastic bag is greater than or equal to 75 micrometers, advantageously greater than 100 micrometers.

[0033] Advantageously, point heat seals of the two plastic films intended to form the plastic pouch are configured to give a flattened sausage shape to the compartments located in the first and second parts.

[0034] Advantageously, the first part and the second part are heat-sealed and / or folded together on the left, right, and / or bottom edges.

[0035] Advantageously, the first part and the second part are heat-sealed and / or folded together only on the left and right edges and the plastic pocket present in the interior housing, a flexible bag closed on a lower edge, right and left edges, and open on an upper edge which is heat-sealed with: the left and right edges, and advantageously on an upper inner circumference, of the first part and the second part.

[0036] Advantageously, an additional layer of puncture resistance is heat-sealed inside the plastic bag^

[0037] Advantageously, the additional layer is made of a non-stretch material, such as non-woven polypropylene.

[0038] Advantageously, the flexible outer shell is foldable, and is made of fabric or plastic.

[0039] Advantageously, the flexible outer envelope has, towards its opening on a right edge and on a left edge, projecting, a self-adhesive strip, with a male part and a female part, one part per edge, which when the flexible outer envelope is rolled up on itself from the opening leaves the male part and the female part outside the rolling up, these male and female parts then making it possible to form a handle by fixing the male and female parts, the envelope being closed following this rolling up.

[0040] Advantageously, the flexible outer envelope present at the end from its opening along its entire length a self-adhesive strip having a male part projecting from a first side of the envelope, and a female part projecting from a second side opposite the first side.

[0041] Advantageously, the outer flexible envelope is made of: non-woven polypropylene, woven polypropylene, laminated or not, tyvex@, coated fabric such as coated oxford (600D), polyester for example such as the mesh-shaped fabric known as ripstop.

[0042] Advantageously, polypropylene has a weight greater than or equal to 90 grams per m 2 , advantageously greater than or equal to 110 grams per m 2 .

[0043] Advantageously, sealing of the closed flexible outer envelope is achieved by passing a clamp through two holes located on the two sides of the flexible outer envelope near the opening.

[0044] Advantageously, the inflatable plastic bag, once deflated, can receive the folded non-woven polypropylene outer envelope and, thanks to the prepaid return label stuck on the plastic bag, be returned in a simple letterbox. Figures

[0045] Other objectives, characteristics and advantages will emerge from the detailed description which follows with reference to the drawings given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

[0046] [Fig. 1] represents a flexible, foldable and reusable postal package according to the invention, with a flexible outer envelope which receives an inflatable plastic pocket

[0047] [Fig. 2A] represents a top view of a first embodiment according to the invention formed of the two superimposed plastic films with visible vertical and horizontal heat seals, as well as the flexible valve heat-sealed to the plastic bag between the two plastic films at a location where these two plastic films are heat-sealed; these two films will be folded in figure 3 to give the plastic bag;

[0048] [Fig. 2B] represents a top view of the first embodiment according to the invention of the plastic pocket obtained by folding the two plastic films in a horizontal fold, allowing it to form an interior housing and an entrance opening onto this interior housing;

[0049] [Fig. 3A] represents the flexible valve according to the invention which does not have a welding point in a longitudinal passage intended to receive a tube for inflating or deflating the plastic bag as many times as desired;

[0050] [Fig. 3B] represents the insertion of the tube into the valve;

[0051] [Fig. 4] represents the inflation of the plastic bag, with the air compartments communicating with each other;

[0052] [Fig. 5A] shows the plastic bag filled with air and the valve system that prevents the air from escaping;

[0053] [Fig. 5B] represents the insertion of the object into the plastic bag filled with air;

[0054] [Fig. 6A] represents the insertion of the air-filled plastic bag into the outer flexible envelope which has a self-adhesive strip located on either side of the outer flexible bag, with for example a male strand on a right edge and a female strand on a left edge;

[0055] [Fig. 6B] shows the closure of the outer flexible envelope after rolling up the opening (for example as illustrated after 3 folds of the upper part of the foldable outer envelope), the self-adhesive part not rolling up in view of the positioning of its male and female strands;

[0056] [Fig. 6C] represents the closed outer flexible envelope in which is located the inflated plastic bag which gives the shape of the flexible package;

[0057] [Fig. 7] represents the deflation of the plastic bag using the tube which is inserted into the flexible valve and which communicates between the exterior and the sealed volume of air;

[0058] [Fig. 8A] represents a top view of the second embodiment according to the invention formed of the two superimposed plastic films with visible vertical and horizontal heat seals, as well as the flexible valve heat sealed to the plastic bag between the two plastic films at a location where these two plastic films are heat sealed; these two films will be folded in figure 3 to give the plastic bag;

[0059] [Fig. 8B] represents a top view of the second embodiment according to the invention of the plastic bag obtained by folding the two plastic films in a vertical fold, allowing it to form an interior housing and an entrance opening onto this interior housing. Definitions

[0060] The word "longitudinal" corresponds to the X direction extending along the length of the flexible valve.

[0061] The word "upper" describes the edge where the object is inserted into the plastic bag and the word "lower" describes the edge opposite the upper edge.

[0062] The word "plastic" describes a polymer generally mixed with additives, colorants, fillers (miscible or not in the polymer matrix).

[0063] The word "plastic" can therefore designate any petro-sourced plastic or any bio-sourced plastic from plant fibers (example from corn, coffee grounds, potatoes, etc.)

[0064] The words "right" and "left" refer to the side edges between the top edge and the bottom edge. Detailed description of the invention

[0065] As illustrated in all of the figures, the present invention relates to a reusable flexible package 1 intended for postal transport.

[0066] Presentation of the Flexible Package

[0067] As shown in Figure 1, this reusable flexible package 1 comprises: a reusable outer envelope 2, intended to be closed and to present a postal address 3, and a reusable device intended to be advantageously inserted in a removable manner into the outer envelope and allowing the wedging and protection against shocks of at least one object 4.

[0068] The removable reusable device is inflatable, deflatable and re-inflatable, as many times as desired.

[0069] It protects any type of object during transport, particularly fragile to very fragile objects, such as glass or porcelain objects, for example.

[0070] As the soft package is foldable, due to the materials that make up the soft envelope and the plastic bag and due to the possible deflation of its plastic bag, it can easily be stored taking up little space after the multiple possible folds of the soft envelope including the deflated plastic bag, or returned to the sender.

[0071] The device comprises a plastic bag 5 whose walls 5A are filled with air. By "air" is meant ambient air but also any other gas, because the plastic bag is also inflatable with any gas having specific characteristics for transport, such as for example compressed gases, refrigerant gases to allow the transport of heat-sensitive goods, medicines, etc.

[0072] The outer envelope 2 is made of a sufficiently flexible material and has dimensions (fairly close to those of the inflated plastic bag, the outer envelope matching the shape of the inflated plastic bag) to allow the plastic bag 5 to give the shape to the flexible package when it is inflated.

[0073] The mechanical strength and rigidity of the flexible package protecting the object 4 is actually provided by the plastic bag 5 and its large sealed air volume, not by the foldable outer casing. The air volume is very large to absorb any shock, and the inflated and air-filled plastic bag 5 appears rounded, swollen or plump.

[0074] For example, the air pressure can be between 0.1 bar and 0.4 bar.

[0075] The plastic bag 5 according to the invention plays a dual function: the func- tion that plays, for example, as is the case in the state of the art today, a cardboard by its rigidity, and the function that plays a device for wedging the object which would be placed in the cardboard, with the additional advantage that the plastic pocket 5 because of the air that it traps can adapt to any form of flexible package whose dimensions are compatible with its own.

[0076] In other words, today, in the state of the art, the cardboard and the elements for wedging the object 4 used inside the cardboard are equivalent to the plastic pocket 5 according to the invention which protects against any shock that the flexible postal package would receive during its transport, the external pocket according to the invention serving essentially to close the flexible package, to prevent punctures or tears in the plastic pocket and also to protect the object against bad weather or other factors.

[0077] Since the two materials of the plastic bag and the flexible envelope are different, their recyclability is better, as they are not welded together.

[0078] A first user can send the flexible package with the inflated plastic bag for shipping to a second user who can reuse the flexible package with the inflated or deflated plastic bag according to his needs. If the second user does not want to reuse the package, he can return it. It is thus possible for the return of the folded package, to put the flexible envelope in the deflated plastic bag on which a prepaid postal address will have been placed beforehand.

[0079] In other words, the advantage of having the removable inner plastic pocket completely separate from the outer pocket is that only the secure outer pocket can be used for shipments of non-fragile products that do not require additional protection, which makes the invention versatile.

[0080] Another advantage of this removable packing is that it can become the carrying pouch for the folded outer pocket and inserted inside the packing with the prepaid return address for return to the sender stuck on the packing. This avoids any confusion in the different addresses (the outward address stuck on the outer pocket and the empty return address, stuck on the packing). The plastic packing is more fragile but as it is returned in the form of an envelope it is safe because it is less fragile than a simple paper envelope which always arrives in good condition because it takes a different logistics route than parcel shipments.

[0081] Presentation of the plastic bag

[0082] As illustrated more precisely in Figures 5A and 5B, the plastic bag 5 has a sealed air volume divided into compartments 6A, 6B communicating with each other, intended to be filled with air and inflated, so as to create an entrance 7A and an interior housing 7B located between these compartments 6A, 6B filled with air, this interior housing 7B making it possible to receive one or more objects which will be surrounded, wedged and protected by these compartments 6A, 6B filled with air.

[0083] The plastic bag 5 is formed according to the following manufacturing method which is illustrated in particular in Figures 2A and 2B, and Figures 8A and 8B.

[0084] Two plastic films are superimposed in a first step, and 8A, 8B, 8C point and / or continuous heat seals are carried out in a second step on these two superimposed plastic films.

[0085] These two films will form the 5A walls between which the air will lodge, this air deforming the 5A walls which are significantly inflated and appear rounded towards the outside.

[0086] These two films are then folded together on themselves in a third step, and once folded, heat-sealed together in a fourth step to form and hold fixed together a first part 9 and a second part 10 separated from the first part 9 by a fold 11 and intended to be opposite this first part 9.

[0087] The first part 9 and the second part 10 together form, through the space which separates them, an inlet 7A and the internal housing 7B into which the inlet 7A opens, once heat-sealed to each other, the first part 9 and the second part 10 forming the sealed volume of the plastic bag 5 filled with air after inflation.

[0088] The sealed air volume is located between the two plastic films of the two fluidly communicating parts.

[0089] In other words, the plastic pocket 5 is made by the fold 11 on themselves of the two superimposed plastic films and then this fold 11 is held by fixing facing edges by heat-sealing.

[0090] Thus, this fold 11 greatly facilitates the production of the plastic bag 5 and makes it possible to have a single sealed volume of air to inflate or deflate or re-inflate and so on, which makes these operations easy and quick for any user.

[0091] The fold 11 forming the plastic pocket 5 may be accompanied by a heat-sealing point at the fold 11 or at a distance from the fold 11 (several centimeters) depending on the location of the air compartments 6A, 6B that one wishes to create to protect the object 4.

[0092] There are many possibilities of realization, one is illustrated in the figures in figures 2A and 2B, the other in figures 8A and 8B.

[0093] In the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the first part 9 and the second part 10 are heat-sealed with heat seals 8C' and / or folded together only on the left edge, the right edge, and the bottom edge.

[0094] In the second embodiment illustrated in figures 8A and 8B, the first part 9 and the second part 10 are heat-sealed and / or folded only on the left edge and the right edge (but open on the upper and lower edges) and have in the interior housing 7B, a flexible bag closed on a lower edge and open on an upper edge is heat-sealed: with the left and right edges, and advantageously on an upper inner circumference of the first part 9 and the second part 10.

[0095] The heat seals 8A, 8B, with points made, can have a given geometry to give the desired shapes to the air compartments 6A, 6B when the latter are inflated and filled with air.

[0096] The inner side heat seals 8A and the lower inner heat seals 8B, for example, with points, allow the compartments to be made, and the heat seals 8C and 8C', for example, continue the limits of the inflatable plastic pocket.

[0097] In particular, the heat seals 8C are carried out on the two superimposed plastic films, before folding these two plastic films to produce the plastic pocket 5 with the first and second parts 10 facing each other to make the inlet 7A and the internal housing 7B.

[0098] Thus, the air compartments 6A, 6B can have, for example, once inflated and filled with air, the shape of a flattened sausage allowing a compactness of the flexible package facilitating its transport and at the same time a great protection against impacts of the object 4.

[0099] A sausage can be made at the lower end having a flattened shape with flared ends following inflation and filling with air which flares these ends under the pressure of the air, making it possible to protect the flexible package during its transport, and for example when it is placed on a conveyor belt during postal sorting.

[0100] It goes without saying that other heat-sealing configurations are possible.

[0101] Particularly for transporting bottles or larger objects, the package has elongated, smaller and more numerous tubes (for example more than 6 per side).

[0102] Likewise, continuous or point heat-welds 8C' between the first part 9 and the second part 10 are carried out to fix them to each other, and to produce the entrance 7A and the internal housing 7B of the object 4, after their fold 11.

[0103] It should be noted that the materials and thicknesses used for the plastic films allow the plastic bag 5 to remain filled with air, even under high weight constraints. A user can put himself standing on the plastic bag 5 without deflating it.

[0104] In particular, the thickness of each plastic film forming one of the two walls 5A or sides of the air volume of the plastic bag 5 is greater than or equal to 75 micrometers, advantageously greater than or equal to 100 micrometers.

[0105] These thicknesses can be less than 300 micrometers, advantageously less than 150 micrometers.

[0106] The plastic bag can be made with the following materials: polyethylene with nylon or thermoplastic elastomer.

[0107] For example, between 60%-85% polyethylene and between 15%-40% nylon.

[0108] Thanks to the nylon, the user has no risk of over-inflation or bursting of the plastic bag when using the tube 14 (or straw).

[0109] The addition of nylon also makes the plastic bag particularly waterproof.

[0110] An additional layer of puncture resistance can be heat-sealed inside the plastic pocket 5.

[0111] For example, the additional layer is made of a certain type of material such as non-woven polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0112] Introduction to the two-way valve

[0113] An essential element of the invention is that the plastic bag 5 has a bidirectional valve 13 which is capable of letting air in or out along an axis via a tube 14, such as a straw, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 and 7.

[0114] This two-way valve 13 thus makes it possible to inflate or deflate the compartments 6A, 6B communicating with each other, in particular via the fold, which makes the flexible package reusable as many times as desired.

[0115] Very advantageously, it is flexible and is made of plastic film, as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0116] For example, by way of illustration but not limitation, it is formed by two symmetrical plastic cutouts from a plastic film

[0117] This plastic film is made from the same material as that used to make the plastic bag, but advantageously less thick to allow better adhesion of the surfaces to achieve sealing.

[0118] These two cutouts are heat-sealed together and then placed between the two plastic films which will be superimposed and then heat-sealed (8C) to create the two walls of the plastic bag which will be folded and heat-sealed together (8C').

[0119] The two plastic blanks can be rectangular in shape, which are superimposed and heat-sealed with each other.

[0120] It has a longitudinal passage 15 located between two longitudinal edges 16A, 16B continuously heat-sealed and which allows the tube 14 to pass to the air volume.

[0121] This longitudinal passage 15 is by definition what allows the passage of air in the bidirectional valve and therefore does not have any heat seal or other element which could hinder the passage of the tube 14 and which would have the purpose of only allowing the passage of the air flow in one direction.

[0122] The longitudinal passage 15 has a length less than that of the tube 14 which is partially returned into the longitudinal passage when inflating the volume of air, and completely by part of its length into the longitudinal passage when deflating the volume of air.

[0123] The longitudinal passage 15 has two opposite ends 15A, 15B, one opening onto the air volume and the other onto the free air outside the plastic bag 5.

[0124] Thus, the tube 14 passes through the longitudinal passage 15 to present one end 15A in the inflated volume and the other end 15B outside to be able to empty the plastic bag 5, as illustrated in figure 7, which provides safety during deflation, because without this tube 14, the sealed plastic bag 5 remains inflated.

[0125] The valve produced is fixed to the plastic bag 5 so that the longitudinal passage 15 is free to move along its inner part included in the sealed air volume, for example in one of the compartments 6A, 6B, as illustrated in figure 5B.

[0126] The inner part of the longitudinal passage 15 free to move in the sealed air volume has two surfaces 15C in contact with each other in the absence of a tube 14, under the action of the air pressure of the air volume located on either side of the two surfaces 15C, making it possible to close the longitudinal passage 15 and thus keep the air in the volume of the compartments 6A, 6B, the volume being made sealed by this adhesion under the air pressure of the two surfaces 15C in contact, when the plastic bag 5 is filled with air.

[0127] This feature of the invention allows any user who has a tube to fill the plastic bag while allowing a hermetic closure of the bag, this adhesion avoids the use of a cap or any complex fixing system to hermetically close the plastic bag.

[0128] Very advantageously, these two longitudinal edges 16A, 16B of the flexible valve have welding points with a convergent shape to facilitate the flow of air and the guiding of the tube 14, avoiding tearing of the flexible valve during the passage of the tube 14 to the volume of air.

[0129] This convergent shape also prevents air from escaping once the plastic bag is inflated. Because it allows for a smaller opening section at its end opening into the interior volume of the plastic bag than at its end located at the level of the continuous 8C heat seals.

[0130] This smaller opening section therefore allows the inflated plastic bag to be more airtight than an opening section which would have been larger, during adhesion under air pressure of the two surfaces 15C in contact, when the plastic bag 5 is filled with air.

[0131] More precisely, as illustrated in particular in Figure 3A, the convergent shape may have several successive narrowings 17A, 17B whose variation in cross-section (perpendicular to the length of the valve) decreases progressively or continuously along the length in the direction from the outside to the inside of the plastic bag 5. In other words, these are not straight steps.

[0132] The cross sections of the longitudinal passage 15 are separated from each other by straight longitudinal sections 18A, 18B, allowing the tube 14 to be guided without tearing the longitudinal passage 15 or the plastic bag 5, by delicately guiding the tube 14 into the longitudinal passage 15.

[0133] The longitudinal passage 15 has, between each continuous narrowing of cross-section, straight sections 18A, 18B of comparable length.

[0134] The longitudinal passage 15 may, for example, have a length / width ratio greater than 1.5.

[0135] The length / width ratio can be, for example, between 2 and 10, for example for a length greater than 5 cm.

[0136] The inner part of the longitudinal passage 15 located inside the plastic pocket has a length which can be at least twice the sum of the length of the part of the longitudinal passage 15 located at the heat seals (so-called fixing part) and the length located outside the plastic pocket 5 (so-called external part).

[0137] In other embodiments, the inner part of the longitudinal passage 15 located inside the plastic pocket has a length which can be at least four times greater than the sum of the length of the part of the longitudinal passage 15 located at the heat seals (so-called fixing part) and the length located outside the plastic pocket 5 (so-called external part).

[0138] The length of the soft valve can be for example 20 cm, with 2-3 cm of length on the outside, and 0.5 -1 cm at the heat-sealed attachment with the plastic pocket and 17cm inside the plastic pocket.

[0139] The width of the longitudinal passage 15 which allows the tube 14 to pass through is adapted to the size of the plastic bag 5 to be inflated and to the width of the tube 14.

[0140] It can, for example, be greater than 5 mm, allowing a tube 14 to be inserted which very quickly inflates the plastic bag 5.

[0141] An element to facilitate the insertion of the tube 14 and which is not shown in the figures can be welded to the external inlet 7 A of the flexible valve, and can have for example a truncated cone shape.

[0142] For the attachment of the flexible valve to the plastic bag 5 during the first manufacturing step, the flexible valve already produced beforehand is placed between the two plastic films before being heat-sealed with the latter, as illustrated in figures 2A, 2B, 8A, 8B.

[0143] The flexible valve is welded to a given location T of the plastic bag 5.

[0144] The heat-sealing location T of the flexible valve on the plastic bag 5 is located substantially symmetrically with respect to the air pressure inside the sealed air volume of the plastic bag 5, to avoid the slightest tearing during insertion of the tube 14 into the longitudinal passage 15 which would make it impossible to inflate the plastic bag or during excess pressure during inflation.

[0145] In other words, this location T is located substantially equidistant from the lateral internal heat seals 8A, at the level of the heat seals 8C or 8C', in the width direction or in the length direction of the plastic pocket 5.

[0146] Presentation of the flexible outer envelope

[0147] The flexible outer shell can advantageously be made of fabric or plastic. It can be, for example, made of: non-woven polypropylene, woven polypropylene, laminated or not, tyvex®, coated fabric such as coated oxford (600D), laminated or not polyester, tyvex®, coated oxford, polyester such as ripstop fabric, bio-sourced material from plant fibers.

[0148] It can be of any shape adapted to that of the object 4 to be transported and to that of the inflated plastic bag 5 allowing it to be protected against shocks. It can have straight, flared or other ends.

[0149] It is illustrated in particular in Figures 6A to 6C.

[0150] It makes it possible to prevent the object 4 located in the interior housing 7B from exiting through the entrance 7A, which is always left open, of the plastic pocket 5, this flexible envelope being stretched by the plastic pocket 5 filled with air and therefore maintaining a mechanical constraint or pressure on the entrance 7A preventing the object 4 from exiting through the closure that this flexible envelope presents.

[0151] Thus, the inflatable and deflatable device does not need heat-sealing or any other system to close its 7 A input, which makes it directly reusable as many times as desired.

[0152] Any solution is possible for closing the outer envelope.

[0153] A possible solution is that the flexible outer casing has at the end of its opening 2C on a right edge 2A and on a left edge 2B, projecting, a self-adhesive strip 19, with a male part 19A and a female part 19B, one part per edge, which when the flexible outer casing is wound on itself from the opening illustrated in Figure 6B, leaves the male part 19A and the female part 19B outside the winding, these male and female parts then making it possible to form a handle, by fixing the latter (for example with their hooks and their wire loops), the outer casing being closed following this winding.

[0154] In an alternative embodiment, the flexible outer envelope has at the end of its opening over its entire length on its two 2D sides a self-adhesive strip 19 having a male part projecting from a first 2D side of the envelope, and a female part 19B projecting from a second 2D side opposite the first 2D side.

[0155] You can also simply make a flexible envelope with protruding strips which, after rolling the flexible envelope around itself, are attached to each other with a knot.

[0156] The soft envelope can also be closed with snap fasteners, magnets, a zipper, or any other fastening method.

[0157] After this closure, a sealing of the flexible outer envelope can be carried out.

[0158] For example, this sealing can be achieved by passing a clamp 20 through two holes 21 located on the two 2Ds of the flexible outer casing near the opening.

[0159] This cable tie 20 may have an identification mark linked to the identification of the flexible package, allowing the user to be certain that his flexible package has been opened or not if the cable tie 20 that he receives does not have the identification number that it should have.

[0160] An additional layer of puncture resistance, which is not shown in the figures, can also, as for the plastic bag 5, be heat-sealed inside the flexible outer envelope.

[0161] For example, the additional layer can be made with non-woven polypropylene or polyethylene.

Claims

Claims

1. Reusable flexible package (1), intended for postal transport, protecting objects against impacts, comprising: a reusable outer envelope (2), intended to close the flexible package and to present a postal address (3), and a reusable device intended to be inserted into the outer envelope and allowing the wedging and protection from impacts of at least one object (4), in which: - the reusable device is inflatable and deflatable, - the reusable device comprises a foldable plastic bag (5) having a sealed air volume divided into compartments (6A, 6B) communicating with each other, intended to be inflated and filled with air, so as to create an inlet (7A) and an interior housing (7B) located between these compartments (6A, 6B) inflated with air, the interior housing (7B) making it possible to receive an object (4) which will be surrounded, wedged and protected by these compartments (6A, 6B) filled with air, - the plastic pocket (5) is formed by two superimposed plastic films, folded on themselves and heat-sealed to form a first part (9) and a second part (10) opposite the first part (9) and separated from the first part (9) by a fold (11), - the first part (9) and the second part (10) together forming in the space separating them, the inlet (7A) and the interior housing (7B) into which the inlet (7A) opens once heat-sealed to each other, the first part (9) and the second part (10) communicating fluidly via the fold (11) and forming the sealed air volume with the compartments (6A, 6B), - the volume of air being located between the two plastic films of the first part (9) and second part (10) communicating fluidly, - the plastic bag (5) has a two-way valve (13) which is capable of letting air in or out along an axis via a tube (14), to inflate or deflate the compartments (6A, 6B) communicating with each other, - the outer envelope (2) is made of flexible material and has dimensions allowing the plastic bag (5) to give the outer shape to the flexible postal package when it is filled with air and inflated, this flexible outer envelope (2) being stretched by the inflated plastic bag (5) and allowing, by its closure located at the entrance of the plastic bag (5), to prevent the exit of the object (4) from the inner housing (7B) and from the entrance (7A) of the plastic bag (5), in which: - the two-way valve (13) is flexible and made of plastic film; - the flexible valve is formed by two plastic cutouts which are superimposed and heat-sealed together - the valve has a longitudinal passage (15), located between two longitudinal edges (16A, 16B) heat-sealed with plastic film, and which allows the tube (14) of a size greater than the length of the longitudinal passage to pass up to the volume of air, - the longitudinal passage (15) has two opposite ends (15A, 15B), one opening onto the air volume and the other onto the free air outside the plastic bag (5), - the valve produced is fixed by heat welding to the plastic bag (5) so that the longitudinal passage (15) has a part which is free to move in the sealed air volume, - the free-moving part of the longitudinal passage (15) has two surfaces (15C) in contact with each other in the absence of a tube (14), under the action of the air pressure of the volume of air located on either side of the two surfaces (15C), making it possible to close the longitudinal passage (15), the volume being made airtight by this adhesion under the air pressure of the two surfaces 15C in contact, when the plastic bag 5 is filled with air.

2. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the longitudinal passage (15) is without heat sealing or other element which could hinder the passage of the tube (14) and which would have the purpose of only allowing the passage of the air flow in one direction.

3. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which two longitudinal edges (16A, 16B) of the flexible valve are continuous welding points arranged so as to have a convergent shape to facilitate the flow of air and the guidance of the tube (14).

4. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the convergent shape has several continuous narrowings (17A, 17B) of cross-section of the longitudinal passage (15), in the direction from the outside towards the air volume, separated from each other by straight sections (18A, 18B), allowing the tube (14) to be guided, without tearing the longitudinal passage (15) or the plastic bag (5).

5. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the longitudinal passage (15) has for longitudinal edges (16A, 16B), after a continuous narrowing of cross-section a straight section, the straight sections (18A, 18B) located after each longitudinal edge (16A, 16B) having between them length ratios between them between 1 and 1.

5.

6. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inner part of the longitudinal passage (15) located inside the plastic bag has a length which is at least twice the sum of the length of the part of the longitudinal passage (15) located at the heat seals and the length located outside the plastic bag (5).

7. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inner part of the longitudinal passage 15 located inside the plastic pocket has a length greater than 5 cm, advantageously greater than 10 cm.

8. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flexible valve is formed by two symmetrical plastic cutouts, of rectangular shape, which are superimposed and heat-sealed with each other.

9. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the longitudinal passage (15) of the valve bidirectional has a length / width ratio greater than 1.5

10. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the longitudinal passage (15) of the bidirectional valve has a length / width ratio of between 2 and 10, advantageously between 4 and 10, for example a length greater than 5 cm.

11. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the thickness of each plastic film forming a wall (5A) of the air volume of the plastic bag (5) is greater than or equal to 75 micrometers, advantageously greater than or equal to 100 micrometers.

12. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the plastic bag is made of elastomeric thermoplastic or polyethylene with nylon, for example between 60%-85% polyethylene and between 15%-40% nylon.

13. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which point heat seals (8A, 8B) of the two plastic films intended to form the plastic pocket (5) are configured to give a flattened sausage shape to each compartment (6A, 6B) located in the first part (9) and second part (10).

14. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flexible valve is located in a place of the first part (9) or the second part (10) consisting of two superimposed and heat-sealed plastic films, to inflate and bring air into each compartment symmetrically with respect to the compartment, which is located halfway through the compartment in the direction of its width or in the direction of its length.

15. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first part (9) and the second part (10) are heat-sealed by heat-seals (8C, 8C') for example continuous and / or folded together on a left edge (12A), a right edge (12B), and a lower edge (12C).

16. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (9) and the second part (10) are heat-sealed and / or folded together only on left and right edges and the plastic bag (5) has in the interior housing (7B), a flexible bag closed on a lower edge, right and left edges, and open on an upper edge which is heat-sealed with: the left edge and the right edge, and advantageously on an upper interior periphery, of the first part (9) and of the second part (10).

17. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which an additional puncture resistance layer is heat-sealed inside the plastic bag (5)

18. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the additional layer is made with non-woven polypropylene.

19. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flexible outer envelope (2) is foldable and is made of fabric or plastic.

20. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the closure is carried out by rolling the flexible outer envelope towards the entrance of the plastic bag (4), the rolling making it possible to stretch the flexible outer envelope (2) around the inflated plastic bag (5) containing the object (4).

21. Reusable flexible package (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the flexible outer envelope (2) has at its opening on a right edge and on a left edge, a projecting self-adhesive strip (19), with a male part (19A) and a female part (19B), one part per edge, which when the flexible outer envelope is wound on itself from an opening (2C) leaves the male part (19A) and the female part (19B) outside the winding, these male (19A) and female (19B) parts then making it possible to form a handle by fixing the male (19A) and female (19B) parts, the outer envelope (2) being closed following this winding.

22. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the closure of the flexible envelope (2) is carried out by any fastening means which is chosen from the following list: press stud, magnet, zipper.

23. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the outer flexible envelope is made of: Non-woven polypropylene, woven polypropylene, coated fabric, polyester, polyethylene.

24. Reusable flexible package (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a seal of the closed flexible outer envelope is achieved by a clamping collar (20) passing through two holes (21) located on two sides (2D) of the flexible outer envelope near the opening (2C).

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