Protective cover for items

Abstract

There is provided a protective cover (10) for at least one article comprising: a flexible envelope (12) made of recycled and recyclable fibers, the flexible envelope (12) being impermeable to liquids and gases; and a closure (14) arranged to be moved between an open position in which the article can be inserted into the flexible envelope (12), and a closed position in which the article is sealed in an internal space (16) of the flexible envelope (12), movement of the closure (14) from the open position to the closed position causing a quantity of air to be trapped in the internal space (16) of the flexible envelope (12) to form an air pocket protection of the article. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Protective cover for articles Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of protecting articles by a protective cover. Prior art

[0002] A protective cover conventionally comprises a flexible envelope receiving an item to be protected. The item can be introduced into the flexible envelope to be protected from humidity, dust, dirt, creasing and / or possible shocks.

[0003] For example, covers have been proposed whose envelope is formed from a plastic material, in particular polyethylene or nylon. This type of cover effectively provides good protection of the article against humidity. However, such covers tend to be harmful to the environment and are difficult to recycle.

[0004] There are also protective covers whose envelope is formed from an organic material, for example cotton. Such covers are however not waterproof and do not protect the article satisfactorily.

[0005] Furthermore, covers have been proposed whose flexible envelope comprises two walls. Air is injected between the two walls to form a pressurized air pocket around the object introduced into the envelope. Such covers provide good protection of the article against impacts. However, the presence of two walls, as well as the need to inject air between said walls, contribute to complicating the production and use of the cover. Summary

[0006] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0007] A protective cover for at least one article is provided comprising: - a flexible envelope made of recycled and recyclable fibers, the flexible envelope being impermeable to liquids and gases; and - a closure arranged to be moved between an open position in which the article can be inserted into the flexible envelope, and a closed position in which the article is sealed in an internal space of the flexible envelope, movement of the closure from the open position to the closed position causing a quantity of air to be trapped in the internal space of the flexible envelope to form an air pocket protection for the article.

[0008] Such a cover is environmentally friendly and durable, the flexible envelope being formed from recycled and recyclable materials. Such a cover is also impermeable to liquids and gases, which ensures good protection of the article against moisture and dirt. The tightness of the cover further allows the article to be surrounded by an air pocket, which ensures good protection against possible impacts. The air pocket can be easily made, the air pocket being introduced into the flexible envelope inherently when closing the cover. The tightness of the cover ensures that the amount of trapped air remains substantially constant when the closure is in the closed position, until the next time the closure is opened.

[0009] The features set forth in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another.

[0010] The fibers are suitable for heat-sealing, preferably the fibers are polyester fibers. Heat-sealing can thus be used for the production of the cover, avoiding the use of sewing, which could harm its waterproofness. In addition, heat-sealing makes it possible to make the heat-sealed parts non-deformable, to give a regular and clean appearance to the cover and to ensure its hold and flexibility over time.

[0011] The flexible envelope comprises a front wall and a back wall, the internal space extending between the front wall and the back wall, the front and back walls being joined by continuous heat sealing along a periphery of the front and back walls. This facilitates the manufacture of the cover. In this case, the two walls can be provided by weaving the fibers, and then the peripheries of the walls can be heat sealed together to close the envelope. The continuity of the heat sealing ensures that no gap between the two walls allows air trapped in the cover to escape when the cover is closed.

[0012] The closure is a waterproof zipper extending from an upper end of the flexible casing to a lower end of the flexible casing, with sliders of the zipper being secured to the flexible casing by continuous heat sealing along the sliders.

[0013] The zipper allows the item to be easily inserted into the cover without compromising the seal of the flexible envelope. The slider extending along the flexible envelope allows the item, particularly a garment, to be easily inserted without folding or creasing it. The continuity of the heat seal ensures that no gaps between the sliders and the flexible envelope allow air trapped in the cover to escape when the cover is closed.

[0014] The cover may include a fold line extending along a transverse axis of the cover, the fold line allowing the cover to be folded by rotation around the transverse axis. The cover can adopt a folded position in which one portion of the cover is folded over another. In the folded position, the cover is compact, facilitating the transport and / or storage of the cover.

[0015] The cover may comprise a first handle and a second handle, the first and second handles being symmetrical with respect to the transverse axis, each handle being fixed to an outer surface of the flexible envelope by heat-sealing. In the folded position, the first handle overlaps the second handle. The handles make it easy to carry the cover, the user being able to simply grasp the handles by hand or shoulder. Fixing the handles by heat-sealing also makes it possible not to compromise the watertightness of the flexible envelope.

[0016] The cover may include at least one support provided on an interior surface of the flexible envelope, the support being secured to the flexible envelope by heat sealing. The support may be used to hold the item in place in the cover without compromising the seal of the flexible envelope. For example, the support may be a tab, for receiving a garment hanger, or a pocket, for holding a small item.

[0017] The cover may be a garment cover. The cover is particularly suitable for protecting clothing. The air pocket helps protect the garment against shocks and creasing. The waterproofness of the cover helps protect the garment against moisture and dirt.

[0018] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a protective cover for at least one article comprising: - form a flexible envelope made from recycled and recyclable fibers, the flexible envelope being impermeable to liquids and gases. - attaching a closure to the flexible envelope to be movable between an open position in which at least one article can be inserted into the flexible envelope and a closed position in which the article is sealed within an internal space of the flexible envelope, movement of the closure from the open position to the closed position causing a quantity of air to be trapped in the internal space of the flexible envelope to form an air pocket protection of the article.

[0019] The features set forth in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented independently of one another or in combination with one another.

[0020] Forming the flexible envelope may include providing a front wall and a back wall, the internal space extending between the front wall and the back wall, and connecting the front and back walls by continuous heat sealing along a periphery of the front and back walls.

[0021] The closure may be a zipper, and securing the closure comprises heat-sealing two sliders of the zipper to the flexible casing by continuously heat-sealing the sliders to the flexible casing.

[0022] The method may further comprise heat-bonding at least one handle to an exterior surface of the flexible envelope and / or a support to an interior surface of the flexible envelope. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0024] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a front view of a protective cover in the open position according to one embodiment. Fig. 2

[0025] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a back view of the protective cover of [Fig.l]. Fig. 3

[0026] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover of [Fig.l] in the folded position. Fig. 4

[0027] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a front view of the protective cover of [Fig.l] in the closed position. Fig. 5

[0028] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the cover of [Fig.l] according to one embodiment. Fig. 6

[0029] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of another portion of the cover of [Fig.l]. Fig. 7

[0030] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a detail of the protective cover of [Fig.l] in which a hanger is inserted into the cover. Fig. 8

[0031] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates the steps of a method of producing the cover of [Fig.l] according to one embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0032] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a protective cover 10. The protective cover 10 is intended to protect at least one item. Here, the item to be protected is an item of clothing, for example a shirt, trousers, a dress, a skirt, a jacket, a coat, a vest. However, the item to be protected could be any other item, for example shoes, a bag, or an electronic device such as a phone or laptop, a camera.

[0033] As illustrated, the protective cover 10 essentially comprises a flexible envelope 12 and a closure 14. The flexible envelope 12 is intended to contain the article in the cover 10. The closure 14 is adapted to close or on the contrary open the cover 10 to allow the introduction and removal of the article from the cover 10.

[0034] Flexible envelope 12

[0035] The flexible envelope 12 is formed from recycled and recyclable fibers. The fibers can for example be formed by transforming waste into granules, then by heating and extruding the granules to obtain yarn. Subsequently, the weaving of the yarn makes it possible to form the flexible envelope 12. The manufacture of the cover 10 can be part of a circular economy logic.

[0036] The flexible envelope 12 is also impermeable to liquids and gases. The fibers forming the flexible envelope 12 are chosen for their waterproof properties. Thus, the article contained in the cover 10 can be protected against humidity and the introduction of liquids which could damage and / or soil the article.

[0037] Furthermore, the flexible envelope 12 is devoid of openings or holes, with the exception of the closure 14 which will be described in more detail later. Thus, air can be trapped in an internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 when the closure 14 of the cover 10 is closed. By imprisonment is meant that the air cannot escape from the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 when the closure 14 is closed. From the moment the cover 10 is closed, the air is contained in the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 permanently. Only the subsequent opening of the cover 10 can release the air. The trapped air forms a protective pocket around the article. The cover 10 can protect the article against impacts. In the particular case of textile articles, the cover 10 can also provide satisfactory protection against creasing.

[0038] The flexible envelope 12 is also made of a material suitable for heat bonding. Heat bonding is understood to mean the process of assembly under the action of heat. A heat-sealant 57 is applied between two surfaces to be joined, the heat-sealant reacting to the heat to bond the two surfaces together. The fibers forming the flexible envelope 12 are chosen for their properties to be thermally bonded, in particular not to burn or melt when heat is applied. The heat-sealant 57 may be a fabric, woven or non-woven, or a liquid that becomes adhesive when heat is applied. The use of heat bonding makes it possible to provide a cover 10 without stitches that could impair the sealing of the cover 10. The cover 10 can thus be perfectly waterproof. A liquid cannot enter the cover 10 and the air trapped in the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 cannot escape. The heat-sealing also helps to make the heat-sealed parts non-deformable, to give a regular and clean appearance to the cover 10 and to ensure its hold and flexibility over time.

[0039] In a particular example, the flexible envelope 12 is formed from recycled polyester fibers. Alternatively, the flexible envelope 12 may be formed from organic, plant, or algae fibers. The cover 10 is environmentally friendly and durable while having lightweight and flexible properties.

[0040] The flexible envelope 12 may for example have a substantially rectangular shape. The flexible envelope 12 may for example have a length a of 90 cm and a width b of 60 cm (see [Fig.2]). A thickness e of the flexible envelope 12 could be approximately 6 cm. Such dimensions are suitable for a cover 10 for protecting a garment. However, the flexible envelope 12 could also have any other dimensions depending on the item to be protected. The flexible envelope 12 could also have a shape other than rectangular, for example square, circular or oval.

[0041] Here, the flexible envelope 12 comprises a front wall 18 and a back wall 20. The walls 18, 20 are substantially flat surfaces. In practice, the walls 18, 20 are pieces of fabric woven from recycled and recyclable fibers. The walls 18, 20 may for example be formed from fibers of the same material, or from fibers of different materials. The walls 18, 20 may have a color or texture distinct from one another. The back wall 20 may further have a thickness greater than the front wall 18. The back wall 20 may be rigid, to support the article. The front wall 18 may be flexible, allowing the insertion of the article. There is thus flexibility in the production of the flexible envelope 12.

[0042] The front and back walls 18, 20 are bonded together by heat sealing. The walls 18, 20 may be heat sealed continuously (i.e. without interruption) over the entire periphery 58 of the walls 18, 20. As seen in [Fig. 5], the heat sealant 57 extends continuously between the front and back walls 18, 20, at the periphery 58 of the walls 18, 20. The internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 extends between the front and back walls 18, 20. The joint between the front and back walls 18, 20 is sealed, with no gaps into which liquid could enter or air trapped in the internal space 16 of the cover 10 could escape.

[0043] Furthermore, the flexible envelope 12 may define a fold line 23 (which is not particularly visible on the cover 10). Here, the fold line 23 extends along a transverse axis X of the flexible envelope 12 (see [Fig. 2]). The fold line 23 extends substantially in the center of the flexible envelope 12, in the direction of the width a of the flexible envelope 12. Therefore, the lower end of the flexible envelope 12 can be folded over the upper end of the flexible envelope 12. The cover 10 can adopt a folded position in which the cover 10 is folded in two around the transverse axis X (see [Fig.3]). The length a of the cover 10 is thus divided in two (and its thickness doubled). The transport of the cover 10 is thus made easier.

[0044] Here, the cover 10 is folded around the fold line 23 so that the front wall 18 of the flexible envelope 12 is oriented towards the inside of the cover 10 and the back wall 20 of the flexible envelope 12 faces the outside of the cover 10. Thus, the closure 14 of the cover 10, here provided on the front wall 18, can be hidden when the cover 10 is in the folded position. In the folded position, the exterior of the cover 10 can be a smooth surface, improving its aesthetics. In addition, the back wall 20 of the cover 10 can have a thickness greater than the front wall 18 to ensure good protection of the article in the folded position, while providing a compact cover 10.

[0045] Closure 14

[0046] The closure 14 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position ([Fig.l]), the article can be introduced into the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12. In the closed position ([Fig.4]), the article is contained in a sealed manner in the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12.

[0047] The closure 14 is a sealed closure. When moving the closure 14 from the open position to the closed position, air is de facto trapped in the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12. The air cannot escape from the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 while the closure 14 is in the closed position. The air forms the protective air pocket around the article.

[0048] Here, the closure 14 is a zipper 14 extending from the upper end of the flexible envelope 12 to the lower end of the flexible envelope 12. The closure 14 extends in the direction of the length b of the flexible envelope 12, substantially in the center of the flexible envelope 12. Such a closure 14 is suitable for inserting clothes without folding or creasing them. The closure 14 is provided on the front wall 18 of the flexible envelope 12, so that it cannot be seen from the outside of the cover 10 in the folded position of the cover 10.

[0049] The zipper 14 here comprises two slides 34 and a pull tab 32 sliding on the slides 34. The slides 34 are heat-sealed to the flexible casing 12, in particular to the front wall 18. The heat-sealing 57 can extend continuously (i.e. without interruption) between an upper surface of the slides 34 and an inner surface of the front wall 18 (see [Fig. 6]). The continuous heat-sealing contributes to the sealing of the closure 14, preventing the introduction of liquid into the internal space 16 of the flexible casing 12 or the escape of air trapped in the internal space 16. Alternatively, the closure 14 may not include a pull tab 32. The closure 14 may be of the Minigrip® type.

[0050] Other elements of the cover

[0051] The cover 10 may comprise at least one handle 22, 24 heat-sealed on an outer surface of the flexible envelope 12. The at least one handle 22, 24 makes it possible to carry the cover 10 by hand or on the shoulder, in particular in the folded position. The heat-sealing of the handles 22, 24 avoids the creation of stitches, which could harm the sealing of the flexible envelope 12.

[0052] In the illustrated example, the at least one handle 22, 24 is heat-sealed onto the back wall 20 of the flexible envelope 12. When the back wall 20 has a thickness greater than the front wall 18, the rigidity of the connection between the handle 22, 24 and the flexible envelope 12 is increased, making it easier to grasp the cover 10. Alternatively, the at least one handle 22, 24 could be heat-sealed onto the front wall 18, to hide the joint between the handle 24, 26 and the flexible envelope 12 in the folded position.

[0053] In the illustrated example, a first handle 22 is provided at an upper end of the back wall 20 and a second handle 24 is provided at a lower end of the back wall 20. The first and second handles 22, 24 are symmetrical with respect to the transverse axis X (and the fold line 23) of the cover 10. Thus, in the folded position, the first handle 22 overlaps the second handle 24 to facilitate the transport of the cover 10.

[0054] Each handle 22, 24 comprises a curved portion 28 and two flat portions 30 provided at opposite ends of the curved portion 28. The curved portion 28 forms an arc of a circle projecting from the back wall 20 so that a user can grasp the curved portion 28 and carry the cover 10 by hand or on the shoulder. The flat portions 30 define a heat-sealing surface on the back wall 20, to which the heat-sealing material 57 can be applied. The flat portions 28 increase the heat-sealed surface, improving the quality of the heat-sealing.

[0055] Each handle 22, 24 is made of recycled and recyclable fiber. Each handle 22, 24 can be made of the same material as the cover or of a separate material. The handles 22, 24 then contribute to the ecological logic of the cover 10.

[0056] The cover 10 may also comprise a means for fixing in the folded position. The fixing means may be a first magnet 59 arranged in the vicinity of the upper end of the flexible envelope 12 and a second magnet 60 arranged in the vicinity of the lower end of the flexible envelope 12 to cooperate with the first magnet 59 in the folded position. The first and second magnets 59, 60 are symmetrical with respect to the transverse axis X (and the fold line 23) of the cover 10. The first and second magnets 59, 60 may be attached to the front wall 18 of the cover 10 or to the inside of the first and second handles 24, 26.

[0057] The cover 10 may also include at least one support 36. The support 36 may be used to hold the article in place in the internal space 16 of the cover 10. The support 36 is heat-sealed to an interior surface of the flexible envelope 12. The support 36 may be attached to the flexible envelope 12 without creating stitches which could compromise the sealing of the cover 10.

[0058] For example, the support 36 may be a tab 36 adapted to receive a garment hanger 38 (see [Fig.7]). The tab 36 may be provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the cover 10, substantially in the center of the flexible envelope 12 so that the garment extends along the length b of the cover 10. The tab 36 is heat-sealed to the inner surface of the flexible envelope 12, in particular to the back wall 20. Unlike a conventional garment cover, the hanger 38 does not protrude from the cover 10. The cover 10 is devoid of openings through which liquid could enter or trapped air could escape.

[0059] Alternatively or in addition, the support 36 may be one or more pockets adapted to receive a small object such as a tie, a bow tie, a piece of jewelry, a square of fabric. Two pockets may for example be provided on either side of the closure 14, in the vicinity of the upper end of the cover 10. The pockets may be heat-sealed onto the inner surface of the flexible envelope 12, in particular on the front wall 18. The pockets may include a flap to prevent the objects contained in the pocket from escaping. Process

[0060] A method of manufacturing the cover 10 described above is described below, with reference to [Fig.8].

[0061] A first step 100 consists of producing the flexible envelope 12. The flexible envelope 12 is for example obtained by providing a front wall 18 and a back wall 20. The front and back walls 18, 20 are made of recycled and recyclable fibers. The fibers can for example be formed by transforming waste into granules, then by heating and extruding the granules to obtain yarn. Subsequently, the weaving of the yarn makes it possible to form the front and back walls 18, 20. The weaving can for example be a plain weave, a double weave, a tight weave, a satin weave or a Jacquard weave.

[0062] The periphery 58 of the walls 18, 20 may be heat-sealed to define the internal space 16 of the flexible envelope 12 into which the article may be inserted. The heat-sealant 57 may be applied (in the form of strips or liquid) continuously all around one of the front or back walls 18, 20. The front and back walls 18, 20 are then superimposed and heat is applied to the periphery 58 of the walls 18, 20.

[0063] A second step 200 comprises attaching the closure 14 to the flexible casing 12. In the particular example of the zipper 14, the sliders 34 may be heat-sealed to the flexible casing 12 to extend from the lower end to the lower end of the flexible casing 12. The heat-sealing 57 may be continuously applied to the sliders 34. The sliders 34 are then placed on the flexible casing 12 (for example, on the inner surface of the flexible casing 12) and heat is applied to the sliders 34. A pull tab 32 may be provided to slide along the sliders 34 and allow the opening and closing of the cover 10. Depending on the embodiment, a step 300 may consist of heat-sealing the handles 22, 24 to an outer surface of the flexible casing 12, for example, at two opposite ends of the back wall 20 of the flexible envelope 12.The heat sealant 57 may be applied to the flat portion 30 of the handles 22, 24. The handles 22, 24 may then be positioned on the back wall 20 and heat applied to secure the handles 22, 24.

[0064] A step 400 may also consist of heat-sealing the support 36 to an internal surface of the flexible envelope 12, for example in the vicinity of the upper end of the back wall 20 of the flexible envelope 12. The heat-sealing 57 may be applied to a portion of the support 36. The support 36 may then be positioned on the flexible envelope 12 and heat may be applied to the support to fix the support 36 to the flexible envelope 12.

[0065] It is noted that the order of the heat-sealing can be arbitrary. The closure 14 could be heat-sealed to the front wall 18 before or after the heat-sealing of the front wall 18 to the back wall 20. The support 36 and / or the handles 22, 24 can be heat-sealed before or after the heat-sealing of the front wall 18 to the back wall 20.

Claims

Claims

1. A protective cover (10) for at least one article comprising: - a flexible envelope (12) made of recycled and recyclable fibers, the flexible envelope (12) being impermeable to liquids and gases; - a closure (14) arranged to be moved between an open position in which the article can be introduced into the flexible envelope (12), and a closed position in which the article is sealed in an internal space (16) of the flexible envelope (12), the movement of the closure (14) from the open position to the closed position causing a quantity of air to be trapped in the internal space (16) of the flexible envelope (12) to form an air pocket protection of the article;and wherein the flexible envelope (12) comprises a front wall (18) and a back wall (20), the internal space (16) extending between the front wall (18) and the back wall (20), the front and back walls (20) being bonded by continuous heat sealing along a periphery (58) of the front and back walls (18, 20).;

2. A cover (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fibers are suitable for heat sealing, preferably the fibers are polyester fibers.

3. A cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure (14) is a waterproof zipper (14) extending from an upper end of the flexible envelope (12) to a lower end of the flexible envelope (12), sliders (34) of the zipper (14) being attached to the flexible envelope (12) by continuous heat sealing along the sliders (34).

4. A cover (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover (10) comprises a fold line (23) extending along a transverse axis (X) of the cover (10), the fold line (23) allowing folding of the cover (10) by rotation about the transverse axis (X).

5. A cover (10) according to claim 4, wherein the cover (10) comprises a first handle (22) and a second handle (24) fixed to an outer surface of the flexible envelope (12) by heat sealing, the first and second handles (22, 24) being symmetrical with respect to the transverse axis (X).

6. A cover (10) according to any preceding claim wherein the cover (10) comprises at least one support (36) provided on an interior surface of the flexible envelope (12), the support (36) being attached to the flexible envelope (12) by heat sealing.

7. A cover (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover (10) is a garment cover.

8. A method of manufacturing a protective cover (10) for at least one article comprising: - forming a flexible envelope (12) made of recycled and recyclable fibers, the flexible envelope (12) being impermeable to liquids and gases, wherein forming the flexible envelope (12) comprises providing a front wall (18) and a back wall (20), the internal space (16) extending between the front wall (18) and the back wall (20), and connecting the front and back walls (18, 20) by continuous heat sealing along a periphery (58) of the front and back walls (18, 20);- attaching a closure (14) to the flexible envelope (12) to be movable between an open position in which at least one article can be inserted into the flexible envelope (12) and a closed position in which the article is sealed in an internal space (16) of the flexible envelope (12), movement of the closure (14) from the open position to the closed position causing a quantity of air to be trapped in the internal space (16) of the flexible envelope (12) to form an air pocket protection of the article.;

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the closure (14) is a zipper (14), and attaching the closure (14) comprises heat-sealing two sliders (34) of the zipper (14) to the flexible casing (12) by continuously heat-sealing the sliders (34) to the flexible casing (12).

10. A method according to one of claims 8 to 9, further comprising heat-sealing at least one handle (22, 24) to an outer surface of the flexible envelope (12) and / or a support (36) to an inner surface of the flexible envelope (12).

Images