A wrapped textile bale including a bottom sheet

Abstract

Disclosed are wrapped textile bales and methods for wrapping textile materials, such as cellulose acetate tow bales. The wrapped textile bales can include compressed textile materials encased in a wrap. The wrap can include a top sheet and a bottom sheet including a tab. After residual forces in the wrapped bale equilibrate after pressing, more than 99% of the bale's surface area is encased by the wrap.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Claiming priority This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 270,483, filed October 21, 2021, the contents and disclosure of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a wrapped bale of textile material, the wrap comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet including a tab, and to a method for making a wrapped bale of textile material. In particular, the present invention relates to a wrapped cellulose acetate tow bale, the bottom sheet having a tab to reduce and / or eliminate quality problems associated with open corners caused by the bale pressing process. [Background technology]

[0003] Methods and materials for packaging fibrous materials are known. For example, cellulose acetate tow is a fibrous material that is typically compressed into a bale for packaging, storage and shipping. Cellulose acetate tow is a continuous band or bundle of cellulose filaments that can be processed into cigarette filters. Generally, cellulose acetate tow can be packed at a density of, for example, about 100 kg / m 3 The cellulose acetate tow has a low bulk density of 0.1 mm and is compressed to increase the bulk density to improve handling and transport efficiency. After being compressed into a bale, the cellulose acetate tow exerts an expansion force that must be effectively controlled to maintain the required bulk density and size for storage and shipping. Packaging materials, such as polyester strapping, are typically used to counter the expansion force of the tow bale. However, due to press size limitations, known packaging methods still result in exposed corners after at least 48 hours of bale storage.

[0004] Numerous wrapping methods have been proposed in the prior art. US Patent No. 8,161,716 discloses a wrapping method for filter tow bales, which includes over-compressing the distance between the press bases to a height that is 50-250 mm, more preferably 80-200 mm, even more preferably 90-180 mm lower than the desired height of the wrapped bale, then adjusting the distance between the press bases to the desired height in a wrapped or unwrapped state, and then releasing the pressing force applied to the pressed bale.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,732,531 discloses a method for wrapping a veil of compressed, resilient fibers, comprising the steps of providing a reusable bale wrap kit including at least two pieces, each piece adapted to substantially encase and contain the veil of compressed, resilient fibers when joined with the other piece. Mushroom loop fasteners are located along edge portions of each piece and adapted to join the pieces together. Uncompressed, resilient fibers are provided. A portion of the uncompressed, resilient fibers are surrounded by the kit. The fibers are compressed and the mushroom loop fasteners are engaged.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,754 states that the strength of the material should be at least 0.2 daN / cm 2 The '754 patent discloses that compressed fibers, filaments, or cable-bound tows under an internal pressure of 1000 psi are wrapped in an outer wrapping, the overlapping areas of the wrapping being held together by an adhesive, such as a neoprene-chloroprene-rubber adhesive. This method makes it possible to eliminate straps, belts, or wires traditionally used to hold the package together. As shown in Figure 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,754, the adhesive is a glue applied over the entire overlapping area.

[0007] GB 1512804 claims a method of preparing and packaging feed comprising the steps of partially wilting blue grass, inserting small blocks thereof into a bag or wrapper of impermeable plastic material, sealing the bag or wrapper against the ingress of air, and providing an anti-return valve to allow the contents to be vented to the atmosphere before or after sealing.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,577,752 discloses an improved high density tow bale wrapped in a covering such as cardboard and held in a compressed state by a plurality of leather straps extending around the bale, the tow bale having a pattern of pads at its bottom for supporting the bale on the floor and flat areas along the way between the pads for receiving the leather straps.

[0009] JP 2018-079983 A describes a method for packaging a textile material, the method including: a) placing the textile material between an upper sheet and a lower sheet; b) compressing the textile material in a press to form a bale; c) substantially enveloping 100% of the surface area of ​​the bale with a packaging including the upper sheet and the lower sheet; and d) fixing the packaging around the bale to form a packaged bale, wherein after the packaged textile material is stored for at least 48 hours, 99%, 99.5% or more than 99.9% of the surface area of ​​the bale is enclosed by the packaging. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, these existing packaging methods can be complicated, expensive, and dangerous. For example, metal straps under high pressure can break during storage or spring back when opened. Vacuum sealing and heat sealing require additional equipment and the seal must be strong enough to maintain the vacuum or airtight condition during storage. Additionally, these existing methods may not adequately protect the textile material over time as it expands after compression. Thus, there is a need for an improved method for packaging textile materials, particularly for packaging cellulose acetate tow bales, that adequately protects the textile material over time as it expands after compression. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a wrapped textile veil comprising: a) a textile veil having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface; and b) a wrapper enclosing at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the textile veil, the wrapper comprising: i) a top sheet enclosing the top surface; and ii) a bottom sheet enclosing a portion of the bottom surface and the side surfaces of the textile veil, the wrapper comprising: i) a top sheet enclosing the top surface; and ii) a bottom sheet enclosing a portion of the bottom surface and the side surfaces of the textile veil, the bottom sheet comprising: a) a corner fold enclosing at least a portion of one of the side surfaces; and b) a bottom sheet comprising a tab located at or adjacent to the corner fold, i.e., a tab inserted below the corner fold and closer to the textile material than the outer layer. The length of the tab may be 30-99% of the corner fold height along a portion of one of the side surfaces. The bottom sheet may comprise two tabs, preferably three tabs, more preferably four tabs. The wrapper may further comprise a side sheet, the side sheet overlying the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The textile veil may comprise cellulose acetate tow. The lower sheet may comprise a continuous sheet with slits located at the tabs. The lower sheet may have at least one set of score lines along the longitudinal length of the lower surface, preferably along the longitudinal length of at least two sides of the lower surface, more preferably along the longitudinal length of at least three sides of the lower surface, and most preferably along the longitudinal length of at least four sides of the lower surface. The at least one set of score lines may include three sets of parallel score lines along the longitudinal length of the lower surface. The textile material veil may include two short sides and two long sides, the tab extending on one of the two long sides. The lower sheet may include tabs located at or adjacent to at least two corner folds. The textile material veil may further include d) a width of the tab being less than 60%-100% of the width between the set of innermost and outermost cut lines. In some embodiments, when measured after the wrapped fibrous material bale has been stored for at least 48 hours, greater than 99.5%, preferably greater than 99.9%, and more preferably greater than 99.99% of the surface area of ​​the tow bale is enclosed by the wrapping.

[0012] In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method for packaging a tow bale, the method comprising: a) placing the textile material between a top sheet and a bottom sheet, the bottom sheet including at least one tab along a longitudinal length of the bottom sheet; b) compressing the textile material in a press to form a textile material veil; c) encasing a surface area of ​​the textile material veil with a wrap including the top sheet and the bottom sheet, where i) at least a portion of the bottom sheet including the tab is folded around at least one side of the textile material veil to form a corner fold; and d) securing the wrap around the textile material veil to form a packaged textile material veil, wherein at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the textile material veil is encased by the wrap after the packaged textile material veil is stored for at least 48 hours. The bottom sheet may have a longitudinal score line. The bottom sheet may have at least two parallel longitudinal score lines. The bottom sheet may be scored at each corner. The packaging may further comprise at least one side sheet. The fibrous material veil may comprise cellulose acetate. In some embodiments, step a) further comprises encasing the fibrous material in a non-sealing liner before placing the tow between the top and bottom sheets, and further wherein at least 99%, preferably at least 99.5%, more preferably at least 99.9%, and most preferably at least 99.99% of the surface area of ​​the non-sealing liner is encased by the packaging after the veil is stored for at least 48 hours. The packaging may comprise a cardboard material. In some embodiments, step (d) comprises applying straps, preferably plastic straps, around the packaging. In some embodiments, step (d) comprises applying the straps horizontally and / or vertically around the packaging.

[0013] The invention will be better understood in view of the accompanying non-limiting drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a textile material being wrapped in a textile material bale press. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a wrapped textile material bale with exposed surface area of ​​the bale according to a comparative example. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a lower sheet according to a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a bottom sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a wrapped textile bale according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Introduction The present invention relates to a wrapped textile bale, in particular a wrapped cellulose acetate tow bale. The wrapping comprises a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet comprises tabs which allow the corners of the bottom surface and the sides of the bale to be covered after 48 hours of storage of the wrapped textile bale. The bottom sheet may comprise two, three or four tabs, allowing the tabs to be used at one or more corners of the bottom surface and the sides of the bale to strengthen the wrapping in those areas. The wrapped textile bale is thus able to retain the envelopment of at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the bale when the residual forces on the bale are balanced.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for wrapping a tow bale, comprising placing the tow between top and bottom sheets, compressing the tow in a press to form a tow bale, enveloping a surface area of ​​the bale with a wrapping comprising the top and bottom sheets, and securing the wrapping around the tow bale to form a wrapped bale. The bottom sheet includes tabs that allow for covering corners of the underside of the tow bale after 48 hours of storage of the wrapped textile material bale. The bottom sheet may include two, three or four tabs, allowing the tabs to be used at one or more corners of the underside and sides of the bale to strengthen the wrapping in those areas.

[0017] Without being limited by theory, the inventors have discovered that by including tabs in the bottom sheet, the problems associated with exposed fibrous material bale corners are overcome. Due to the internal pressure in the fibrous material bale after compression, the compressed fibrous material exerts forces against the wrapping applied thereto. These forces result in vertical and lateral expansion of the tow. As a result, the wrapping can degrade, allowing the fibrous material to be exposed to the environment. This exposure of the fibrous material to the environment, particularly to moisture, can then result in damage to the fibrous material. In the case of cellulose acetate tow bales, cardboard is a relatively inexpensive wrapping method, but it is inelastic and prone to failure, especially at the folding positions and most particularly at the corner positions. Straps may be used to help tuck the bale, but the cardboard wrapping can fail at the corners of the wrapping, especially the bottom corners.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom corner compromise is caused at least in part by the limitations of how the bottom sheet is positioned when applied in the press. Due to the nature of the press design, the bottom sheet is folded in the opposite direction around the bottom press stamp, which is then stored in the press box. The surface area of ​​the press box is therefore larger than the bottom press stamp and closer to the dimensions of the bale. The bottom press stamp must accommodate the bottom sheet that is folded around it. After the press cycle is complete, the bottom sheet is folded around the bale, which has the footprint of the press box. Thus, the bottom sheet, which has a slightly smaller footprint to accommodate the reverse fold on the press stamp, leaves exposed corners at the bottom of the bale. These exposed corners may expand over time, for example, over 48 hours or more, as the residual forces in the bale equilibrate.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an exposed corner. As shown in Figure 2, the cardboard packaging has been pushed away from the corner due to residual forces, leaving the corner open even though there is enough material remaining to enclose the corner. The packaging used in Figure 2, shown in Figure 3, included slits rather than tabs. This was achieved with a surface area of ​​12.33 cm 2 Press machine exposed toe and 17.55 cm 2 (corresponding to 99.98% and 99.97% of bale coverage, respectively). During storage and distribution, as well as during unbaling to make downstream products, such failures of the cardboard packaging, especially at the corners of the packaging, have detrimental effects. For example, since the tow is no longer covered by the cardboard packaging, it can be exposed to, for example, moisture and debris. This can damage the fibrous material and can lead to material swelling, fiber entanglement, or tearing of the fibrous material. Additionally, as a result of exposure to the environment, the fibrous material can become stained or can become foul-smelling. Even the inclusion of a liner has not made it possible to overcome this problem due to damage and / or tearing of the liner. To solve this problem, it has been surprisingly and unexpectedly discovered that by designing the corners of the bottom sheet to include tabs, failures of the packaging can be avoided, especially at the corners adjacent to the bottom sheet.

[0020] The design of the bottom sheet described herein, i.e., including the tab, results in a wrapped textile bale that provides an acceptable amount of textile bale surface area coverage, e.g., at least 99%, at least 99.5%, at least 99.9%, or at least 99.99%. The acceptable amount of textile bale coverage is determined at least 48 hours after the wrapped textile bale is removed from the press. The 48-hour period is selected because at 48 hours, the internal pressure in the bale is substantially equilibrated and the bale has reached a "steady state". As used herein, "substantially equilibrated" refers to at least 80%, e.g., at least 90%, at least 95% of the internal pressure at bale equilibration. Thus, the bale is not expected to expand further within the package after 48 hours.

[0021] The surface area of ​​the bottom sheet is greater than the surface area of ​​the bottom surface of the veil, allowing the bottom sheet to be folded over the sides of the veil to form the corner folds. The corners of each bottom sheet may be scored to allow for easier folding and improved durability. Additionally, the longitudinal (perimeter flap edge) sides of the bottom sheet may be scored. The top sheet may have a surface area greater than the surface area of ​​the top surface of the veil as well. The top sheet may also be scored and may have the tabs described for the bottom sheet.

[0022] Fiber materials and their compression As described herein, the present invention is applicable to packaged fibrous material bales and methods for packaging fibrous materials. The fibrous material may be any material containing fibers packaged for use, storage and / or shipping. In some embodiments, the fibrous material may be selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, olefin, and other polymeric materials. In some embodiments, the fibrous material may be grass or hay, such as timothy hay, alfalfa hay, orchard grass hay, turf grass hay, oat hay, clover hay, pasture hay, permanent pasture grass, and tall fescue hay. In further embodiments, the fibrous material may be selected from the group consisting of cotton, fiberglass insulation, bead pulp, and wood chips. In a preferred embodiment, as shown, the fibrous material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of tow, preferably cellulose acetate tow, which is typically compressed to form a bale prior to packaging. Methods for preparing and packaging cellulose acetate tow are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,610,852, 7,585,442, 7,585,441, 8,308,624, 6,924,029, and 7,487,720, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0023] The fibrous material may be compressed or otherwise compacted prior to packaging. Compression is typically in a bale press, with at least a top sheet and a bottom sheet applied to the press. Compression during packaging may reduce the volume of the fibrous material by at least 10%, preferably at least 25% or more preferably at least 40%. In terms of ranges, the volume of the fibrous material may be reduced by compression by 10-80%, preferably 25-75% or 40-70%. When determining the amount of compression, the flammability of the fibrous material may be considered, especially for fibrous materials with low ignition temperatures such as hay. In some embodiments, the fibrous material, such as cellulose acetate tow, may be compressed by at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, or more preferably at least 70%.

[0024] After compression but before securing the packaging, the platens may be retracted or opened a small amount. This retracting step may result in a volumetric increase of less than 20%, such as less than 15% or less than 10%, optionally 0.5-15%. After opening the platens to release the packaged bale, the resulting packaged fibrous material may be allowed to expand further, causing a limited degree of elongation of the upper and lower sheets and / or straps, optionally resulting in a volumetric increase of less than 20%, such as less than 15% or less than 10%, optionally 1-15%, such as 1-10%, calculated based on the difference in volume or height from the time packaging is completed to the time expansion has substantially ceased.

[0025] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,610,852, which is incorporated herein by reference, the fibrous material may be placed in the can and then set in the press wall of the press. The fibrous material is then pressed between the applied platens. The platens may be applied with at least a portion of the package, such as a top sheet and a bottom sheet. Additionally, at least one of the platens may be applied with a liner, as further described herein. If a liner is included, it is applied to the top and / or bottom platens on the top and / or bottom sheets such that the liner is in intimate contact with the fibrous material and the top and / or bottom sheets are in intimate contact with the liner. The platens may be flat or shaped depending on the degree of compression and the desired final shape of the veil. It is understood that by using shaped platens, the veil may initially be concave at the top and / or bottom surfaces. Over time, as the internal pressure in the veil equilibrates, the veil is substantially flat, e.g., does not have a visibly convex appearance at the top or bottom. Substantially flat bales may be desirable compared to bales with a visibly convex appearance, particularly at the top or bottom of the bale, because substantially flat bales may be stored and transported in a lateral position (not turned sideways) and because the unbaling process is easier, e.g., there is less entanglement of the tow fibers due to the flatness of the bale compared to a convex bale. This unbaling problem is solved by applying a force of at least 300 kg / m 3 It particularly relates to cellulose acetate tow which may have a packing density of

[0026] Top, bottom and side sheets The top sheet, bottom sheet and at least one side sheet, if used, may be of the same or different materials. The sheets may be flexible or rigid and may be made of fabric, film or foil, such as a single layer extruded film or a multi-layer extruded film. The film or foil may comprise one or more of paper, polymer or metal. In one embodiment, the top and bottom sheets comprise cardboard. In another embodiment, one or both sheets comprise a polymer film or foil. The polymer film or foil may comprise ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene homopolymer, polypropylene homopolymer, ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, polyester, and polystyrene. The polyethylene film may be a long chain-low density polyethylene film.

[0027] In some embodiments, the sheeting may be made from woven or woven coated polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, scrims, and other fiber reinforced films, provided the sheeting has sufficient stiffness to accommodate the bulging of the material under the residual force of the fibrous material.

[0028] The sheets may further include modifiers, pigments, processing aids, antistatic agents, and other additives to modify the properties of the layer. For example, the film may be liquid impermeable, vapor impermeable, or both. Each sheet may be one continuous sheet without seams or perforations. In some embodiments, the sheets may include fiber or yarn reinforced polymeric films.

[0029] The sheets may be transparent, translucent or opaque, or may be of various colors. In one embodiment, the film is black. In another embodiment, the sheets are transparent.

[0030] The sheet may have a thickness of 100-800 μm, preferably 200-600 μm, or more preferably 300-400 μm. The sheet may have a tensile strength of 10-175 N / cm width, preferably a minimum of 17-131 N / cm width, more preferably a minimum of 43-87 N / cm width, in both the machine and x-machine directions. In some embodiments, the sheet may have a tensile strength of about 87 N / cm width. To maintain the desired final tow bale package height and volume, the sheet should not be excessive and may range from 1-20%, preferably 1-10%, of the load application ranges mentioned above.

[0031] In other embodiments, the sheet may have a thickness of 1 to 20 mm, preferably 2 to 10 mm, or more preferably 2 to 5 mm. Sheets of such thickness may include fiberboard, cardboard, paperboard, corrugated cardboard, and corrugated cardboard with grooves therebetween.

[0032] Fix the packaging The top sheet, bottom sheet, and, if used, at least one side sheet, i.e., packaging, may be secured around the veil using tape, straps, adhesive (e.g., glue), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, no adhesive is used and the packaging is secured only by straps.

[0033] In some embodiments, the packaging is secured with a tape comprising a substantially flat substrate (optionally wound into a tape roll) having an adhesive on its surface. The tape can be any tape that is strong enough to withstand the expansion forces of the fibrous material, as indicated above, without tearing or having excessive elongation that would cause excessive expansion after packaging. When the fibrous material is a cellulose acetate tow bale, the force on the tape can range from 10 to 175 N / cm, e.g., 17 to 131 N / cm, 43 to 87 N / cm, or up to 87 N / cm.

[0034] The tape may be selected to meet a particular tensile strength, such as a tensile load requirement and / or a shear load requirement. The tensile load requirement may be measured in Newtons (N) per centimeter (cm) width in the cross machine or primary load direction and may be measured by ASTM D3759 or PSTC-131, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The tape may withstand a tensile load of 10 to 175 N / cm, preferably 17 to 131 N / cm, more preferably 43 to 87 N / cm. In another embodiment, the tape may withstand a tensile load of at least 87 N / cm. Suitable tapes are described, for example, in US 2014 / 0004765, EP 2631278 A1, WO 2013 / 037648 A2, and WO 2012 / 150099 A1, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0035] The shear load is measured in kilograms per square centimeter and may be measured using ASTM 6463-99, Procedure A, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Tests are performed at the desired weight and the tape is able to withstand the shear load if it does not fail after 3000 minutes. Failure is defined as the tape slipping or separating before 3000 minutes. The tape is tested to have a shear load of 0.5 to 10 N / cm 2 , preferably 0.6 to 7 N / cm 2 , more preferably 2 to 6 N / cm 2 , most preferably 4 to 6 N / cm 2 In another embodiment, the tape may be capable of withstanding a constant shear load of at least 4 N / cm 2 It can withstand a constant shear load of 100 mm.

[0036] When selecting a tape for the method of the present invention, other properties of the tape may also be considered, including tear strength, adhesive strength, viscosity, glass transition temperature, elongation at break, peel strength, and softening point. The tape may have sufficient peel strength to facilitate handling, i.e., the ability of the tape to resist forces that may pull it apart. The peel strength may be high enough for handling and application of the tape, but less force is required to tear or cut the tape. The peel strength may be controlled by adjusting the adhesive strength of the tape. In some embodiments, the tape may have a peel strength of at least 2.7 N / cm, preferably at least 4.3 N / cm, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0233485, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The peel force of the tape may depend on the width of the tape and the type of carrier used. The tape has sufficient elongation to facilitate handling. In some embodiments, the tape may have an elongation of 1% to 25%, preferably 1% to 15%, and more preferably 5% to 15%.

[0037] The tape may include a substrate or carrier, such as paper, laminate, film, foam, or foamed film. The film may be composed of polyethylene, polyethylene terphthalate, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide (including nylon-6, nylon-6,6, nylon-6,9, nylon-6,10, nylon-6,12, nylon-11, and nylon-12), polyurethane, mixtures thereof, and copolymers thereof. The film may be uniaxially or biaxially oriented. The carrier may also include fibrous carriers, such as knits, scrims, tapes, braids, tufted fibers, felts, woven materials (including plain weaves, twills, and satins), reinforced fabrics, warp knits, and nonwoven webs (including reinforced staple fiber webs, filament webs, meltblown webs, and spunbond webs).

[0038] The adhesive may be a stress-sensitive adhesive, for example a viscoelastic composition that remains permanently tacky and adhesive in the dry state at room temperature. Bonding is achieved under momentarily gently applied pressure to virtually all substrates. The stress-sensitive adhesives used include those based on block copolymers containing polymer blocks. These blocks are preferably formed, for example, through the polymerization of vinyl aromatics (A block), such as styrene, and 1,3-dienes (B block), such as butadiene and isoprene or copolymers of the two. Mixtures of different block copolymers may also be used. It is more preferred to use partially or fully hydrogenated products. The block copolymers may have a linear ABA structure. It is likewise possible to use block copolymers of radial architecture, and also star-shaped and linear multiblock copolymers. Instead of polystyrene blocks, it is also possible to use polymer blocks based on other aromatic-containing homopolymers and copolymers (preferably C8-C12 aromatics), with a glass transition temperature, for example, above about 75° C., such as, for example, α-methylstyrene-containing aromatic blocks.

[0039] Likewise usable are polymer blocks based on (meth)acrylate homopolymers and (meth)acrylate copolymers with a glass transition temperature above 75° C. In this context, it is possible to use not only block copolymers that exclusively use hard blocks based on (meth)acrylate polymers, but also those that use not only poly(meth)acrylate blocks, but also polyaromatic blocks or, for example, polystyrene blocks. The glass transition temperature diagrams of non-inorganic and not predominantly inorganic materials (more particularly organic and polymeric materials) refer to the glass transition temperature diagram Tg according to DIN 53765:1994-03 (see chapter 2.2.1), which is incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise indicated in a particular case. Instead of the styrene-butadiene and styrene-isoprene block copolymers and / or their hydrogenated products, such as styrene-ethylene / butylene and styrene-ethylene / propylene block copolymers, it is likewise possible according to the invention to use block copolymers with further polydiene-containing elastomeric blocks, such as copolymers of two or more different 1,3-dienes, and their hydrogenated products. Functionalized block copolymers, such as maleic anhydride- or silane-modified styrene block copolymers, can also be used. Typical use concentrations for block copolymers are in the range of 30 wt.% to 70 wt.%, more particularly in the range of 35 wt.% to 55 wt.%.

[0040] Further polymers which may be included in the tape are, for example, unsaturated polydienes such as natural or synthetically produced polyisoprene or polybutadiene, substantially chemically saturated elastomers such as saturated ethylene-propylene copolymers, α-olefin copolymers, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and also chemically functionalized hydrocarbons such as those based on pure hydrocarbons, such as halogen-containing, acrylate-containing, or vinyl ether-containing polyolefins, which may replace up to half of the vinyl aromatic-containing block copolymers.

[0041] The tape may further comprise a tackifier or tackifying resin. Suitable tackifying resins include partially or fully hydrogenated resins based on rosin or rosin derivatives. It is also possible to use at least partially hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins, examples being hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins obtained by partial or full hydrogenation of aromatic-containing hydrocarbon resins (e.g., ArkonP and ArkonM series from Arakawa, or Regalite series from Eastman), hydrocarbon resins based on hydrogenated dicyclopentadiene polymers (e.g., Escorez5300 series from Exxon), hydrocarbon resins based on hydrogenated C5 / C9 resins (Escorez5600 series from Exxon), or hydrocarbon resins based on hydrogenated C5 resins (Eastotac from Eastman), and / or mixtures thereof. Hydrogenated polyterpene resins based on polyterpenes may also be used. Tackifying resins may be used both alone and in mixtures.

[0042] The tapes may also contain further additives including light stabilizers such as UV absorbers, sterically hindered amines, antiozonants, metal deactivators, processing aids, and endblock reinforcing resins. Plasticizers may include liquid resins, plasticizing oils, or low molecular weight liquid polymers, including low molecular weight polyisobutylenes with molar masses less than 1500 g / mol (numerical average) or liquid EPDM grades.

[0043] The tape may have a liner material by which one or two adhesive layers are supported until use. Suitable liner materials include all of the materials listed generically above. However, it is desirable to use a lint-free material, such as a polymer film or a large enough, long fiber paper.

[0044] A release agent may be applied to the top surface of the carrier or film. Suitable release agents include surfactant-based release systems based on long-chain alkyl groups, such as stearyl sulfosuccinate or stearyl sulfosuccinamate, but also polymers that may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinylstearylcarbamate, polyethyleneiminestearylcarbamide, chromium complexes of C14-C28 fatty acids, and stearyl copolymers, as described, for example, in DE-A-2845541A, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Also suitable are release agents based on acrylic polymers with perfluorinated alkyl groups, silicone or fluorosilicone compounds, such as those based on poly(dimethylsiloxane). The release coat may include a silicone-based polymer. Particularly preferred examples of such silicone-based polymers with release effect include polyurethane and / or polyurea modified silicones, preferably organopolysiloxane / polyurea / polyurethane block copolymers, more preferably those described in Example 19 of EP 1 336 683 B1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, such as an anionically stabilized polyurethane and urea modified silicone with a silicone weight fraction of 70% and an acid number of 30 mg KOH / g. In one embodiment, the release layer comprises 10 to 20 wt.%, more preferably 13 to 18 wt.% of a release effect component.

[0045] Before packaging, the tape may be provided in the form of a roll, in other words in the form of an Archimedean spiral wound on itself, or provided with a backing on which on the adhesive side there is a release material, for example a siliconized paper or a siliconized film. The opposite side of the adhesive tape may carry an applied reverse varnish in order to positively influence the unwinding properties of the adhesive tape wound in a roll.

[0046] The tape may contain a reinforcing agent consisting of a bidirectional knitted / woven fabric made from low stretch PET yarns or strings. In particular, in the case of knitted fabrics, a warp knit with weft yarns is preferred, since the absence of a wavy structure in the warp yarns means that no additional stretch is introduced into the material. In another embodiment, the tape is free of reinforcing yarns or fibers.

[0047] The number of tape pieces, tape arrangement and tape width may be selected depending on the tensile strength, shear strength and end use load requirements of the tape. As mentioned above, for cellulose acetate tow applications and tapes in the preferred strength ranges described, the tape width may be selected and the tape thickness may also be selected depending on the application and the required tensile and shear strength of the tape. The tape thickness may vary, but this preferably ranges from 50 to 400 μm, for example 75 to 200 μm or 100 to 150 μm. It is preferred to reduce the amount of tape used while still adequately securing the packaging.

[0048] In some embodiments, the package is secured by straps. The straps may be secured by known means, including crimping or clipping for metal straps and friction welding for plastic straps. Metal straps may be used, but plastic straps are preferred because they are less expensive and less hazardous. As with tapes, the number of straps, strap placement, and strap width may be selected depending on the tensile strength of the straps, the size and dimensions of the bale, and the loading requirements of the final bale. In some embodiments, the number of straps applied vertically is selected so that the number of straps is sufficient to withstand the total vertical expansion force of the fibrous material. In other embodiments, the number and placement of straps is to prevent unacceptable bulging or distortion of the bale. In some embodiments, two straps are secured vertically around the bale. In further embodiments, three straps are secured vertically around the bale. In yet further embodiments, four straps are secured vertically around the bale. In further embodiments, five or more straps are secured vertically around the bale. Due to the method of compressing the fibrous material, the straps that may be secured horizontally around the bale do not need to meet the same tensile strength requirements as the vertically secured straps. In some embodiments, the horizontal straps are temporary straps to hold the package in place for a limited time. In some embodiments, two straps are secured horizontally around the bale. In other embodiments, three straps are secured horizontally around the bale. In further embodiments, four or more straps are secured horizontally around the bale.

[0049] Additionally, depending on the design of the top sheet, bottom sheet, and the number of side sheets, the vertical and horizontal straps may be positioned differently. In some embodiments, the vertical and horizontal straps are evenly positioned along the bale. In other embodiments, such as when a flat platen is used to compress the fibrous material, the vertical straps are not evenly positioned, but instead are concentrated toward the middle of the bale while the horizontal straps may still be evenly positioned.

[0050] Packaging method and packaged textile material bale As described herein, the present invention relates to a packaged fibrous material bale and a method for packaging fibrous material, such as cellulose acetate tow. The package includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet, the bottom sheet including a tab. The tab may be in contact with the fibrous material (or a liner as described herein) and a corner crease may be formed on the tab. The packaging of the fibrous material does not have to occur under vacuum, i.e. no vacuum sealing process is used and the package is not intentionally made airtight. The fibrous material may be compressed before being packaged. The uncompressed fibrous material may be provided in any shape, such as a cube, a rectangular prism, a cylinder, preferably a rectangular prism. The resulting packaged fibrous material may also be any such shape, although a cube or a rectangular prism is most common.

[0051] In further embodiments, the uncompressed fibrous material may be provided in a liner, for example, between the fibrous material and the sheet, to prevent odor or water ingress, or other types of contamination. If used, the liner is preferably not used to contain any degree of compression of the fibrous material, but instead is simply protective. The liner may be any conventional liner known in the art. The liner may be a piece, for example, a bag that is applied to the top or bottom platen and then pulled over the compressed fibrous material so that it is in intimate contact with the compressed fibrous material. In further embodiments, the liner may be two pieces, one piece applied to the top platen and one piece applied to the bottom platen. Optionally, the liner may be secured with adhesive or tape. The same adhesive or tape described herein may also be used to secure the liner. In further embodiments, the liner is not secured and is held in place by the packaging. The liner is not heat sealed or vacuum sealed, and accordingly is not airtight.

[0052] Prior to packaging, the fibrous material may be stored in a large can that serves to contain the fibrous material under atmospheric pressure. The can may be opened to provide a shaped fibrous material. The fibrous material may be compressed in a known manner to form a cubic or rectangular prism-shaped compressed fibrous material. The fibrous material is placed between a bottom sheet and a top sheet before or after compression. The bottom sheet is on a bottom platen and the top sheet is removably attached to the top platen or not. Each sheet may be placed on its respective platen and held in place by gravity and / or attached to its respective platen by known means including magnets, tape, ropes, bungee cords, or other fastening means. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the bottom sheet and / or top sheet is greater than the bottom surface area and / or top surface area of ​​the fibrous material, respectively.

[0053] Once the uncompressed fibrous material is placed between the lower and upper sheets (and optionally a liner), the press may be operated to surround the fibrous material and either raise the lower platen or lower the upper platen to compress the fibrous material. Alternatively, both the upper and lower platens may move to compress the fibers. To compress the fibrous material, a target force is applied for a predetermined dwell time. After compression, a certain percentage of retraction and relaxation is allowed, as described above. The compressed fibrous material includes a residual force that is maintained in the compressed fibrous material after the platens have retracted, but before they have fully opened to release the bale. In an embodiment in which the compressed fibrous material is a cellulose acetate tow bale, the remaining pressure may be, for example, up to about 35 N / cm. 2 It could be.

[0054] Once the bale is pressed, the top and bottom sheets may be wrapped around the bale to enclose substantially 100% of the bale's surface area (or of the liner, if applied). In some embodiments, at least one side sheet may also be used as part of the packaging. In some aspects, one side sheet is used and wrapped horizontally around the bale. In further aspects, two side sheets are used and wrapped horizontally around the bale. In still further aspects, two side sheets are used and each is wrapped vertically around the bale to enclose 100% of the bale's surface area. The side sheets may overlap each other or on themselves. The overlap may occur at the top sheet, at the bottom sheet, or along the sides of the bale, or any combination thereof.

[0055] In embodiments where the surface area of ​​the bottom sheet is greater than that of the bottom surface and / or the surface area of ​​the top sheet is greater than that of the top surface, the bottom sheet and / or the top sheet are folded to overlap at least one side of the veil. The top sheet and / or the bottom sheet may have corners that are scored to facilitate both application to the platen and folding of the sheet. In some embodiments, the bottom sheet is not cut, slit or altered to remove material other than to form tabs. As described herein and shown in FIG. 4, scoring allows flexibility in the sheet to allow it to fold without bending, although it is not a completely slit sheet. The top sheet may be cored, slit, and / or corners may be cut to allow more flexibility in the material without removing material while maintaining integrity. Similarly, cutting slits into each of the top sheet corners to remove material allows some resilience in the sheet without sacrificing strength. The slits may be Y-, V-, or U-shaped, although other shapes are possible. Additionally, the top sheet may have a different slit shape than the bottom sheet. The bottom sheet does not include slits or cuts because such slits or cuts are believed to contribute to exposed corners on the underside of the veil. Additionally, the longitudinal (perimeter flap) edges of the sheet may be scored, as shown in FIG. 4. The scoring may include at least one score line, such as one, two, three, or more parallel score lines, to allow the sheet to fold around the platen and then fold again around the veil after compression and side expansion.

[0056] The tabs may be configured to have a length and width based on the size of the bale. The tabs may be square, rectangular, triangular, tongue-like, tapered, or any combination thereof, so long as the tabs can meet the length and width configuration and achieve fiber material surface area coverage. The tabs may have a length of 30-99% of the corner fold height along a portion of one of the sides, such as 40-90%, 50-70%, or 55-65%. If the tab length is less than 30%, it may be insufficient to prevent exposed corners, resulting in an unacceptable amount of fiber material being exposed after 48 hours of storage. If the tab length is greater than 99%, there may be too much material, resulting in buckling and an inability to fold the material sufficiently. In some embodiments, the tabs may have a length of 40-131 mm, such as 50-120 mm, 60-110 mm, 70-100 mm, or 80-90 mm.

[0057] In embodiments where the longitudinal flaps of the bottom sheet include multiple score lines, the tabs may have a width measured from the innermost and outermost score lines that is 60-100% relative to the innermost and outermost score lines, e.g., 65-95%, 70-90%, or 75-85%. Logically, the value cannot exceed 100%, and if the value is less than 60%, there is insufficient material to cover the corners.

[0058] The wrapped textile veil is typically a cube or a rectangular prism. When the wrapped textile veil is in the shape of a rectangular prism, the tabs, for example one, two, three, or four tabs, can be oriented to form a corner fold on the longer side of the rectangular prism rather than on the shorter side, as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the tabs are folded first so that they contact the textile material (or the liner, if used). This allows the tabs to be folded and secured by folding the remaining material of the bottom sheet over the tabs to form the corner fold.

[0059] In some embodiments, the top sheet and / or bottom sheet are folded prior to wrapping at least one side sheet around the bale, in other embodiments, at least one side sheet may be wrapped around the bale and then the top sheet and / or bottom sheet may be folded around the side sheet.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one side sheet may also have a slit or cut as described herein to allow wrapping around the veil, hi other embodiments, at least one side sheet does not have a slit or cut.

[0061] Once the top sheet, bottom sheet, and at least one side sheet are in place, they are secured as described herein to form a wrapped bale. The wrapping (e.g., top sheet, bottom sheet, and at least one side sheet) surrounds 100% of the surface area of ​​the compressed fibrous material (bale) or of the liner if the compressed fibrous material is encased in a liner. Typically, the wrapping step is performed within an hour of pressing, e.g., within 30 minutes, within 15 minutes, or within 10 minutes.

[0062] When the packaging is secured and the press is opened to release the wrapped bale, the packaging is allowed to expand vertically and laterally as the fibrous material fills the package, stretching the packaging material. As the packaging material stretches, the vertical compressive force on the fibrous material decreases, but is still up to about 5 N / cm 2 The compressive force may remain in this range for about 48 hours. It may gradually decrease during this time. After 48 hours, the forces are generally understood to be substantially equilibrated, and for this reason, a 48 hour storage period is used to check for package defects.

[0063] In some embodiments (not shown), the fibrous material is compressed before being placed between the lower and upper sheets. In these embodiments, the lower and upper platens are not required and the sheets can be manually placed onto the fibrous material.

[0064] Once the fibrous material has been compressed, either before or after it has been placed between the bottom and top sheets, wrapping is preferably carried out at ambient temperature and pressure.

[0065] After 48 hours of storage, generally at ambient temperature and pressure, the wrapped bale is inspected. When packaging is performed according to the present invention, less than 1% of the surface area of ​​the bale (or liner) is visible, such as less than 0.5%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01%. For a 1 meter by 1 meter rectangular bale, less than 600 square centimeters, such as less than 60 square centimeters, less than 30 square centimeters, less than 15 square centimeters, less than 10 square centimeters, less than 6 square centimeters, less than 3 square centimeters, less than 0.6 square centimeters, or less than 0.06 square centimeters, is visible. Thus, the packaging covers 99% or more of the surface area (or liner) of the bale, such as 99.5% or more, 99.9% or more, or 99.99% or more, after the wrapped bale has been stored for at least 48 hours. In some embodiments, a minimal amount of surface area is exposed, such as 0.001 to 1 wt.%. With respect to the lower limit, at least 0.001 square centimeters of the veil may be exposed, such as at least 0.01 square centimeters, or at least 0.05 square centimeters. Thus, the exposed surface area of ​​the veil of fibrous material may range from 0.001 to 600 square centimeters, such as 0.001 to 60 square centimeters, 0.001 to 6 square centimeters, 0.01 to 6 square centimeters, 0.001 to 3 square centimeters, 0.001 to 0.6 square centimeters, 0.001 to 0.06 square centimeters, 0.01 to 6 square centimeters, 0.05 to 6 square centimeters, and all ranges therebetween.

[0066] In addition to reducing the percentage of visible surface area of ​​the bale (or liner), the present invention also provides a reduction in the ratio of the percentage of visible surface area to the percentage of vertical expansion of the bale. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1:1 or less, such as 0.9:1 or less, 0.8:1 or less, or 0.7:1 or less. Such a reduction in the ratio reflects elasticity in the packaging, since it indicates that even as vertical expansion increases, the visible surface area increases, for example, at a lower rate, if at all. EXAMPLES

[0067] Example 1 Wrapped cellulose acetate tow bales were prepared using the bottom sheet as shown in Figure 4. The total surface of the wrapped tow bales, the total exposed surface of the fibrous material, and the total covered surface area of ​​the wrapped tow bales were measured immediately after exiting the press. The results are shown in Table 1. Figure 5 provides a diagram of a wrapped fibrous material bale formed according to Example 1.

[0068] [Table 1]

[0069] Comparative example A Wrapped cellulose acetate tow bales were prepared as in Example 1, except that the bottom sheet did not have tabs, but instead had slits at each corner to allow for folding. The total surface of the wrapped tow bales, the total exposed surface of the fibrous material, and the total covered surface area of ​​the wrapped tow bales were measured immediately after exiting the press. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0070] [Table 2]

[0071] As can be seen, the average and median exposed fiber material increased significantly for the comparative example prepared without a tab compared to Example 1. The above examples therefore demonstrate a surprising and unexpected benefit to including a tab as described in Example 1 and shown in FIG.

[0072] Example 2 Packaged cellulose acetate tow bales were prepared as in Example 1 and the bottom gap was measured immediately after exiting the press and then again after two weeks. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0073] [Table 3]

[0074] Comparative example B Packaged cellulose acetate tow bales were prepared as in Example 2 and the bottom gap was measured immediately after exiting the press and then again after two weeks. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0075] [Table 4]

[0076] As can be seen by comparing Example 2 and Comparative Example B, there is an 83% improvement in the bottom gap size right off the press and an 86% improvement in the bottom gap size after two weeks of storage. These results also show the improvement due to the inclusion of the tab in the bottom sheet.

[0077] The following embodiments are envisioned: Embodiment 1: A wrapped textile veil comprising: a) a textile veil having a top surface, a bottom surface, and sides; and b) a wrapping enclosing at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the textile veil, the wrapping including: i) a top sheet enclosing the top surface; and ii) a bottom sheet enclosing a portion of the bottom surface and sides of the textile veil, the bottom sheet including: a) a corner fold enclosing at least a portion of one of the sides; and b) a bottom sheet including a tab located at or adjacent to the corner fold.

[0078] Embodiment 2: The wrapped textile material bale of embodiment 1, wherein the length of the tab is 30-99% of the bend height along a portion of one of the sides.

[0079] Embodiment 3: The wrapped textile veil of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the bottom sheet comprises two tabs, preferably three tabs, more preferably four tabs.

[0080] Embodiment 4: The wrapped textile veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the wrap further comprises a side sheet, the side sheet overlying the top sheet and the bottom sheet.

[0081] Embodiment 5: The wrapped textile bale of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the textile bale comprises cellulose acetate tow.

[0082] Embodiment 6: The wrapped textile material veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bottom sheet consists of a continuous sheet with slits located at the tabs.

[0083] Embodiment 7: The wrapped fiber material veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bottom sheet has at least one set of score lines along the longitudinal length of the bottom surface, preferably along the longitudinal length of at least two sides of the bottom surface, more preferably along the longitudinal length of at least three sides of the bottom surface, and most preferably along the longitudinal length of at least four sides of the bottom surface.

[0084] Embodiment 8: The wrapped textile material veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one set of score lines includes three sets of parallel score lines along the longitudinal length of the lower surface.

[0085] Embodiment 9: The wrapped textile material veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the textile material veil includes two short sides and two long sides, and the tab extends into one of the two long sides.

[0086] Embodiment 10: The wrapped textile veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bottom sheet includes tabs located at or adjacent to at least two corner folds.

[0087] Embodiment 11: d) The wrapped textile material veil of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the width of the tab is between 60% and less than 100% of the width between the set of innermost score lines and the set of outermost score lines.

[0088] Embodiment 12: The wrapped textile material bale of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein greater than 99.5%, preferably greater than 99.9%, more preferably greater than 99.99% of the surface area of ​​the tow bale is enclosed by the wrapping, when measured after the wrapped textile material bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.

[0089] Embodiment 13: A method for packaging a tow bale, the method comprising: a) placing a textile material between a top sheet and a bottom sheet, the bottom sheet including at least one tab along a longitudinal length of the bottom sheet; b) compressing the textile material in a press to form a textile material veil; c) encasing a surface area of ​​the textile material veil with a packaging including the top sheet and the bottom sheet, wherein i) at least a portion of the bottom sheet including the tab is folded around at least one side of the textile material veil to form a corner fold; and d) securing the packaging around the textile material veil to form a packaged textile material veil, wherein at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the textile material veil is encased by the packaging after the packaged textile material veil is stored for at least 48 hours.

[0090] Embodiment 14: The method of embodiment 13, wherein the bottom sheet has a longitudinal score line.

[0091] Embodiment 15: The method of embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the bottom sheet has at least two parallel longitudinal score lines.

[0092] Embodiment 16: The method of any of embodiments 13-15, wherein the bottom sheet is scored at each corner.

[0093] Embodiment 17: The method of any of claims 13-16, wherein the packaging further comprises at least one side sheet.

[0094] Embodiment 18: The method of any of embodiments 13-17, wherein the textile veil comprises cellulose acetate.

[0095] Embodiment 19: The method of any of embodiments 13-18, wherein step a) further comprises encasing the fibrous material in a non-sealing liner before placing the tow between the upper and lower sheets, and further wherein at least 99%, preferably at least 99.5%, more preferably at least 99.9%, and most preferably at least 99.99% of the surface area of ​​the non-sealing liner is encased in packaging after the bale is stored for at least 48 hours.

[0096] Embodiment 20: The method of any of embodiments 13-19, wherein the packaging comprises a cardboard material.

[0097] Embodiment 21: The method of any of embodiments 13-20, wherein step d) comprises applying a strap, preferably a plastic strap, around the packaging.

[0098] Embodiment 22: The method of any of embodiments 13-21, wherein step d) includes applying straps horizontally and / or vertically around the packaging.

[0099] Although the present invention has been described in detail, modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. It is understood that some of the aspects of the present invention and the various embodiments and various features recited herein and / or in the appended claims can be combined or substituted in whole or in part. In the above description of various embodiments, those embodiments that refer to different embodiments can be appropriately combined with other embodiments as recognized by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present invention.

Claims

1. A wrapped textile bale comprising: a) a veil of fibrous material having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface; b) a package enclosing at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the fibrous material bale, said package comprising: i) an upper sheet that encases the upper surface; ii) a lower sheet that encases a portion of the side surface and the lower surface of the fiber material veil; Including, a) the bottom sheet includes a corner fold that wraps around at least a portion of one of the side surfaces; b) the bottom sheet includes a tab located at or adjacent to the corner fold. Packaging and 1. A wrapped textile material bale comprising:

2. 2. The wrapped textile bale of claim 1, wherein the length of the tab is 30 to 99% of the height of the corner fold along the portion of one of the sides.

3. A wrapped textile veil according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom sheet comprises two tabs, preferably three tabs, more preferably four tabs.

4. 3. The wrapped veil of textile material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wrap further comprises side sheets, the side sheets overlying the top and bottom sheets.

5. 3. The wrapped textile bale of claim 1, wherein the textile bale comprises cellulose acetate tow.

6. 3. A wrapped textile bale according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom sheet comprises a continuous sheet with slits located at the tabs.

7. 3. A wrapped veil of textile material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower sheet has at least one set of score lines along the longitudinal length of the lower surface, preferably along the longitudinal length of at least two sides of the lower surface, more preferably along the longitudinal length of at least three sides of the lower surface, and most preferably along the longitudinal length of at least four sides of the lower surface.

8. 8. The wrapped fibrous material bale of claim 7, wherein the at least one set of score lines comprises three sets of parallel score lines along the longitudinal length of the lower surface.

9. 3. A wrapped textile bale according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the textile bale comprises two short sides and two long sides, and the tab extends into one of the two long sides.

10. 3. A wrapped veil of textile material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bottom sheet includes tabs located at or adjacent to at least two corner folds.

11. 3. A wrapped textile bale according to claim 1 or 2, wherein d) the width of the tab is from 60% to less than 100% of the width between the innermost set of score lines and the outermost set of score lines.

12. 3. A packaged textile bale according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when measured after the packaged textile bale has been stored for at least 48 hours, more than 99.5%, preferably more than 99.9%, more preferably more than 99.99% of the surface area of ​​the tow bale is enclosed by the package.

13. 1. A method for packaging tow bales, said method comprising: a) placing a fibrous material between an upper sheet and a lower sheet, the lower sheet including at least one tab along a longitudinal length of the lower sheet; b) compressing the fibrous material in a press to form a fibrous material bale; c) enclosing a surface area of ​​the fibrous material veil with a package comprising the top sheet and the bottom sheet; wherein i) at least a portion of the bottom sheet including the tab is folded around at least one side of the veil of fiber material to form a corner fold; d) securing the wrap around the textile bale to form a wrapped textile bale; Including, The method wherein at least 99% of the surface area of ​​the wrapped textile bale is enclosed by the wrapping after the wrapped textile bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the bottom sheet has longitudinal scores.

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the bottom sheet has at least two parallel longitudinal score lines.

16. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the bottom sheet is scored at each corner.

17. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the package further comprises at least one side sheet.

18. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the fibrous material veil comprises cellulose acetate.

19. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein step a) further comprises encasing the fibrous material in a non-sealing liner before placing the tow between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, and wherein at least 99%, preferably at least 99.5%, more preferably at least 99.9%, and most preferably at least 99.99% of the surface area of ​​the non-sealing liner is encased by the packaging after the bale has been stored for at least 48 hours.

20. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the packaging comprises a cardboard material.

21. 15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein step d) comprises applying a strap, preferably a plastic strap, around the packaging.

22. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein step d) comprises applying straps horizontally and / or vertically around the packaging.

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