Envelope with a sealing seal formed with reactivatable hot melt adhesive

Abstract

The envelope includes a sealing seal formed with hot-melt adhesive. After the item to be packaged is inserted into the envelope's pocket through an opening defined by the envelope's walls, the hot-melt adhesive is reactivated. The reactivation of the hot-melt adhesive forms a sealing seal, which adheres the walls together and closes the opening, thus holding the item inside the envelope.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to packaging for holding items during transport, for example. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to packaging materials such as envelopes that include a sealing seal formed from a reactivatable hot melt adhesive.

Background Art

[0002] The use of paper shipping envelopes is increasing because they are more recyclable than plastic bags, i.e., bags made of plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene. Plastic bags are usually sealed after being filled by heat sealing, which is formed by heating the opposing wall portions of the bag so that the wall portions fuse together. On the other hand, to seal a paper envelope, a separate adhesive element is required in the form of an adhesive attached to one or both of the opposing walls. The use of a separate adhesive element can pose problems that do not occur when heat-sealing a plastic bag. For example, the tackiness of the adhesive makes it difficult to separate the walls of the envelope to fill it, especially when using an automated device to open and close the envelope. Also, the lower ignition temperature of paper compared to polyethylene and polystyrene makes it difficult to form a proper sealing seal when using a heat-activated material as the adhesive element.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the disclosed technology relates to an envelope for containing an item. The envelope includes a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall that overlays the first flexible wall and is fixed to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of the edge of the pocket. The edge of the pocket is defined between the first and second flexible walls and surrounds a pocket configured and dimensioned to contain the item. At least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall defines a pocket opening for accessing the pocket from outside the envelope to pack the item into the pocket.

[0004] The envelope also includes a sealing element positioned on the body of the envelope to seal the pocket opening. The sealing element is formed of a hot-melt adhesive having sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, can be separated by hand from the second flexible wall, is activatable when heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, and then, upon cooling to a temperature below its activation temperature, adheres to the second flexible wall to hold the items in the pocket and seal the pocket opening.

[0005] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the supply web includes a plurality of the above envelopes connected in series.

[0006] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot-melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, allowing the sealing element to be peeled away from the second flexible wall.

[0007] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature and can separate the sealing element from the second flexible wall without damaging the first flexible wall or the second flexible wall.

[0008] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall are attached to each other around the first portion of the edge of the pocket, but not to each other at the pocket opening.

[0009] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the first and second flexible walls are not attached to the opening side of the pocket, and the opening of the pocket is defined by the opening side of the pocket.

[0010] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the pocket opening is positioned along the edge of the pocket.

[0011] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the pocket opening is defined between a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall.

[0012] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the sealing element is configured to seal the pocket opening by attaching a second flexible wall to a first flexible wall.

[0013] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the sealing element is positioned at the pocket opening.

[0014] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot melt adhesive is offset from the upper end of the first flexible wall by a sufficient distance so that, after the sealing is formed, a user can grasp and pull apart the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall by hand.

[0015] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot-melt adhesive is offset approximately 0.25 inches from the upper edge of the first flexible wall.

[0016] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot melt adhesive is configured to be reactivated by heating through at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall of the envelope, the heating being sufficient to heat the hot melt adhesive to a temperature above its activation temperature.

[0017] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the sealing element is arranged on the body in the form of an elongated band.

[0018] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at temperatures below about 110°F, allowing the sealing element to be separated by hand from the second flexible wall.

[0019] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the body further includes a flap connected to a first flexible wall, and a sealing element is positioned on the flap, and the sealing element is configured to seal the pocket opening by attaching a second flexible wall to the flap.

[0020] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the hot melt adhesive has an activation temperature of less than approximately 140°F.

[0021] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the sealing element and the edge of the pocket define a gap configured to provide ventilation between the pocket and the surrounding environment.

[0022] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall is a padded wall.

[0023] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a method for manufacturing an envelope for containing goods includes preparing an envelope body having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall, and attaching the second flexible wall to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of the edge of the pocket. The edge of the pocket is configured and set to such dimensions as to enclose a pocket defined between the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, for containing goods. At least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the envelope and for stuffing goods into the pocket.

[0024] This method also includes positioning a sealing element on the main body to seal the pocket opening. The sealing element is formed of a hot-melt adhesive having sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, and can be peeled off by hand from the second flexible wall. When heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, it is activated, and then, when cooled to a temperature below its activation temperature, it adheres to the second flexible wall to seal the pocket opening and hold the items in the pocket.

[0025] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, positioning a sealing element on the body to seal a pocket opening includes positioning the sealing element on a first flexible wall.

[0026] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, positioning a sealing seal element on the body to seal the pocket opening includes disposing the sealing seal element on a flap of the body.

[0027] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a method of packaging an item includes providing an envelope having a body that includes a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall that overlaps the first flexible wall and surrounds a plurality of sides of a pocket defined by the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall. The envelope also includes a sealing seal element disposed on the body and arranged to seal the pocket opening. The sealing seal element is formed of a hot melt adhesive having a sufficiently low tack at room temperature that it can be separated by hand from the second flexible wall, is activated when heated to a temperature above an activation temperature, and then adheres to the second flexible wall to seal the pocket opening to hold the item within the pocket when cooled to a temperature below the activation temperature.

[0028] The method further includes placing the item within the pocket and heating the sealing seal element to a temperature above the activation temperature.

[0029] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, heating the sealing seal element to a temperature above the activation temperature includes heating the hot melt adhesive through at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall.

[0030] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the method further includes pressing the sealing seal element while heating the hot melt adhesive to a temperature above the activation temperature.

[0031] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bagging system includes an envelope and a bagging machine configured to receive the envelope. The bagging machine includes a press configured to bias a first flexible wall and a sealing element toward a second flexible wall, and a heat sealer configured to heat the sealing element with enough heat to heat the sealing element to a temperature above its activation temperature.

[0032] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the heat sealer is further configured to heat a sealing element through a first flexible wall.

[0033] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bagging system further includes an opening device configured to open a pocket opening so that an item can be inserted into the pocket.

[0034] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bagging system further includes a supply web comprising a plurality of envelopes connected in series.

[0035] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a bagging machine is configured to package items into a packaging container formed from a web stock, the web stock having at least one layer of paper or plastic material and a sealing element positioned on a first portion of the outer surface of at least one layer, the sealing element being made of a hot melt adhesive. The bagging machine includes a guide configured to fold the web stock along a longitudinally extending fold, so that it takes a folded arrangement in which the sealing element faces a second portion of the outer surface of at least one layer.

[0036] The hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, allowing the sealing element to be separated by hand from at least one second outer surface layer. The hot melt adhesive is activated when heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, and then, when cooled to a temperature below its activation temperature, it adheres at least one second outer surface layer to at least one first outer surface layer.

[0037] The bagging machine further includes a cutting and sealing unit configured to press the sealing element against a second portion of the outer surface of at least one layer while heating the sealing element to a temperature above its activation temperature.

[0038] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bagging machine further comprises a pulling device configured to grasp the lower end of the web stock and pull the web stock, thereby advancing the web stock through the bagging machine.

[0039] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the pulling device includes two opposing arms configured to reciprocate between an inner position and an outer position to grasp and release a web stock, and to move between an upper position and a lower position to advance the web stock through a bagging machine.

[0040] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bagging machine further includes fingers configured to spread the side edges of the web stock after the web stock has been folded, so that items can be placed inside a web stock that has been folded into a C shape.

[0041] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the cutting and sealing unit includes two opposing arms that reciprocate between an inner position and an outer position, and two L-shaped sealing cutters attached to each arm, respectively.

[0042] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the sealer cutter is L-shaped and configured to form a seal extending longitudinally and a seal extending transversely from the sealing element.

[0043] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the cutting and sealing unit includes a rotating longitudinal sealer and a horizontal bar.

[0044] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the cutting and sealing unit includes a horizontal sealer configured to rotate or slide across the web stock.

[0045] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the cutting and sealing unit is further configured to cut a packaging container from a web stock. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the Disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the Disclosure. Embodiments of the Disclosure are described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the same reference numerals indicate the same elements.

[0047] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an envelope having a sealing element formed from hot melt adhesive. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the envelope shown in Figure 1 sealed with a sealing seal formed from a sealing element. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of the envelope shown in Figure 1, with the front wall of the envelope removed for illustrative purposes. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a magnified view of the region indicated as "IV" in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the formation of a continuous web stock of envelopes as shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a bagging machine configured for use with the envelopes shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the envelope. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a portion of the web stock of the envelope shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the envelope. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a web stock perspective view of another embodiment of the envelope. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane "XI-XI" in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane "XII-XII" in Figure 10. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a web stock perspective view of an envelope in another embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a top view showing one of the envelopes shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the unfolded wall web used to form the web stock shown in Figure 13. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a web stock of another embodiment of an envelope including a flap closure. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an envelope having gusseted sidewalls. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the envelope. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a bagging machine configured to manufacture envelopes according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the web stock used in the bagging machine shown in Figure 19. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a web stock perspective view of a side-loading envelope with a sealing seal formed from hot-melt adhesive. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a side view of the envelope shown in Figure 1, showing the process of forming the sealing seal that closes and seals the pocket opening of the envelope. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 501,116, filed on 9 May 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0049] The concept of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals represent similar parts and assemblies. Several aspects of the concept of the present invention are described below with reference to exemplary uses. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are provided to fully understand the concept of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the concept of the present invention can be implemented by omitting one or more of these specific details or by other means. Furthermore, well-known structures and operations are not described in detail so as not to obscure the concept of the present invention.

[0050] Packaging containers include packing materials for shipments and other containers for packaging goods. Packaging containers are configured to contain and hold goods, and typically enclose goods during shipment or storage. Packing materials for shipments are configured to ship and / or store products, such as for storage on shelves or displays in warehouses or retail stores. Examples of packing materials for shipments include flexible shipping containers, such as envelopes, which can have varying degrees of flexibility and are typically used to ship or mail small or relatively flat items, or small items that can be bent along the walls of the envelope. Flexible shipping containers, such as envelopes, can be padded or unpadded, made of materials such as paper or flexible cardboard, and can be constructed with or without side walls or gussets, and may include larger envelopes such as mailing envelopes. Examples of packaging materials for cargo include bags such as paper bags and poly bags that have a self-sealing function and are typically used to ship small to medium-sized items; boxes made from cardboard, corrugated cardboard, wood, or plastic and typically having a rigid or semi-rigid structure suitable for storing medium to large or heavy items; and transport tubes or tube mailers, typically used to ship documents and paper goods.

[0051] This technology relates to an item of parcel packaging material having a sealing seal formed from a reactivatable hot-melt material. Figures 1 to 4 show an item of parcel packaging material having the shape of an envelope 10. This particular application is shown for illustrative purposes only. The disclosed technology is also applicable to other types of parcel packaging materials.

[0052] The envelope 10 is designed to hold and contain items that need to be mailed or shipped, or packed in a sealed container, and typically surrounds the items. In Figure 2, items contained within the envelope 10 are shown by dashed lines and are indicated by reference numeral 11.

[0053] The envelope 10 comprises an envelope body including a wall 12 and an opposing wall 14. The walls 12 and 14 are made of paper and define an internal storage area or envelope pocket 15 for receiving an item 11 to be held or packaged inside the envelope 10. Alternatively, the walls 12 and 14 may be made of plastic film.

[0054] The envelope 10 includes two wall seals 16 and one wall seal 18. The wall seals 16 and 18 are formed from bonding elements in the form of adhesive 34 as shown in Figure 5. The wall seals 16 and 18 bond the walls 12 and 14 together and partially define the edges of the pockets of the envelope pocket 15. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, each wall seal 16 is positioned along the respective side edges 20 of the envelope 10 and extends continuously in the longitudinal direction of the envelope 10 along the entire length of the side edges 20. The longitudinal direction is indicated by the arrow "L" in Figure 2. In an alternative embodiment, the wall seals 16 can be offset from the side edges 20 of the envelope 10. The wall seals 16 can also extend over a length shorter than the entire length of the side edges 20 and / or be discontinuous in an alternative embodiment.

[0055] The interwall seal 18 extends continuously along the bottom edge 22 of the envelope 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, intersecting the interwall seal 16. The transverse direction is indicated by the arrow "T" in Figure 2. In an alternative embodiment, the interwall seal 18 may be offset from the bottom edge 22 of the envelope 10. The interwall seal 18 may also extend over a distance shorter than the distance between the interwall seals 16, and in an alternative embodiment, it may be discontinuous. In an alternative embodiment, the interwall seal 18 can be formed by applying adhesive 34 along the bottom of the inner surface of the wall 12 and folding the bottom of the wall 12 onto the outer surface of the wall 14 to form a fold that reinforces the bottom of the envelope 10.

[0056] In alternative embodiments, the wall seals 16 and 18 may extend in directions other than the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the wall seals 16 and 18 may extend non-linearly.

[0057] The wall seals 16, 18 can have a width of, for example, about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches. In other embodiments, the wall seals 16, 18 can have a width of, for example, about 0.25 inches. In alternative embodiments, the wall seals 16, 18 may have widths greater or smaller than these values.

[0058] In relation to the orientation of the parts shown in Figures 1 and 2, terms indicating direction such as "up," "down," "upper side," and "lower side" are used. These terms are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the attached claims.

[0059] Adhesive 34 can be cold glue. In alternative embodiments, the wall seals 16, 18 may also be formed from other types of adhesives and bonding elements, including the following examples.

[0060] Other adhesives suitable for use as adhesive 34 include liquid adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives. Pressure-sensitive adhesives can be selected from types that bond by applying a small amount of external pressure initially. Examples include water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives similar to those used in packaging tapes, which bond two surfaces by surface contact only and often bond by applying a small amount of external pressure initially. Other examples include dry adhesives that typically do not require activation by water, solvents, or heat and bond firmly to many different surfaces. Specific examples of water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives include RHOPLEX® N-1031 Emulsion, RHOPLEX® N-580 Emulsion, and RHOPLEX® N-619 Emulsion. Other emulsion polymer and acrylic polymer blend adhesives are also known, and other suitable types of adhesives and / or contact adhesives can be used.

[0061] Adhesive materials are another example of suitable adhesives 34. Adhesive materials contain a binder that, upon contact with the same or complementary adhesive substance, adheres one surface to the opposite surface, forming a bond between the two surfaces. The adhesive substance is not sufficiently tacky to adhere to other substances, and in some cases has an adhesive force that is very weak compared to the bond that is formed.

[0062] Heat sealing is another example of a suitable adhesive 34. Heat sealing is typically formed by sealing one thermoplastic resin to the same or similar thermoplastic resin. The heat sealing material is usually applied to two substrates to be bonded together. When the substrates are bonded, sufficient heat and pressure are applied to the heat sealing material on one or both substrates to bond the heat sealing material together, thereby bonding the substrates together.

[0063] In some embodiments, the adhesive 34 may include a polyolefin-based dispersion. The polyolefin dispersion may include polyethylene and / or polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer stabilizer including at least one polar polymer, water, and / or other suitable polyolefin dispersions. Suitable polyolefin dispersions include, for example, Dow Chemical's HYPOD®, or other suitable polyolefin dispersions.

[0064] In some embodiments, the adhesive 34 may be aqueous. The aqueous adhesive 34 may contain an aqueous polymer. Using an aqueous adhesive 34 can improve the recyclability of the envelope 10 because it can be easily dissolved and separated from the paper pulp during the recycling process.

[0065] The above examples of adhesives that can be used as adhesive 34 are shown for illustrative purposes only. Other types of adhesives can also be used.

[0066] After the walls 12 and 14 are attached to each other as described above, they define an opening 26 to the envelope pocket 15. As shown in Figure 1, the opening 26 is located at the top of the envelope 10 and allows the item to be packaged 11v to be inserted into the envelope pocket 15. More specifically, wall 14 overlaps wall 12 and is attached to wall 12 around at least a portion of the pocket edge defined by inter-wall seals 16 and 18, and the pocket edge surrounding the envelope pocket 15 defined between walls 12 and 14, at least one of walls 14 and 16 defines an opening 26 that allows access to the envelope pocket 15 from outside the envelope 10 and the item 11 to be packed into the envelope pocket 15.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5, the sealing element 24 is positioned on the inward-facing surface of the wall 12, i.e., on the surface of the wall 12 facing the wall 14 near the upper end of the wall 12. As will be described later, after the packaged item 11 is packed into the envelope pocket 15, the sealing element 24 is heated and pressurized to form a sealing seal 29 that adheres the wall 14 to the wall 12. The sealing seal 29 thus maintains the opening 26 closed and forms another portion of the pocket edge so that the edge of the pocket completely surrounds the envelope pocket 15 in order to hold the item 11 inside the envelope pocket 15. The sealing seal 29 is shown in Figure 2. Thus, before the sealing seal 29 is formed, the envelope pocket 15 has three sides closed and a fourth side open, and when the sealing seal 29 is formed, the fourth side is closed.

[0068] The sealing element 24 extends laterally between the wall seals 16. Each end of the sealing element 24 is spaced apart from a corresponding wall seal 16 by a distance "d1" as shown in Figure 4, creating a gap 25 between each end of the sealing element 24 and the corresponding wall seal 16. As will be described later, the gap 25 facilitates ventilation in the envelope pocket 15 when the envelope 10 is sealed after the item to be packaged 11 is inserted into the envelope pocket 15, allowing the air pressure inside the envelope pocket 15 to be equal to the ambient air pressure. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 24 may extend so as to contact the wall seal 16 on only one side of the sealing element 24. In another alternative embodiment, ventilation can be provided by creating a gap in one or more of the wall seals 16, 18. In yet another alternative embodiment, the sealing element 24 may extend across the entire width of the wall 12, providing a gap between the sealing element 24 and the wall seal 16, directly below the sealing element 24. In other alternative embodiments that do not require a vent, the sealing element 24 may extend to contact the wall seal 16 on both sides of the sealing element 24, and no vent remains between the sealing element 24 and the wall seal 16.

[0069] The distance d1 can be, for example, approximately 0.1 inches to approximately 0.5 inches. Other suitable values ​​can also be used, and in alternative embodiments, d1 can take values ​​above or below this range. As described above, in some alternative embodiments, d1 may be zero on one or both sides of the sealing element 24, i.e., one or both ends of the sealing element 24 may be in contact with the adjacent interwall seal 16, and one or no ventilation holes may be formed.

[0070] The upper end of the sealing element 24 is located below the upper end of the wall 12 (which coincides with the upper end 27 of the envelope 10) by a distance "d2" as shown in Figure 3. The distance d2 can be, for example, about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches. This value is shown for illustrative purposes only, and in other embodiments, d2 can be a value above or below this range.

[0071] The height, or vertical dimension "h", of the sealing element 24 is shown in Figure 4. The height h can be, for example, about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the height h can be, for example, about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inch. In another embodiment, h can be, for example, 2.0 inches or less. The above values ​​for the height h are shown for illustrative purposes only, and in an alternative embodiment, h may be above or below these ranges.

[0072] The thickness of the sealing element 24 can be, for example, about 0.5 mil to about 1.4 mil. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the sealing element 24 can be, for example, about 0.5 mil to about 0.75 mil. In yet another alternative embodiment, the thickness of the sealing element 24 can be, for example, less than 1.0 mil. The above values ​​are presented for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on factors such as the desired strength of the sealing seal 29 and the specific properties of the sealing element 24. Therefore, the thickness of the sealing element 24 may be a different value in other alternative embodiments.

[0073] The sealing element 24 is formed from a low-tack hot-melt adhesive. More specifically, the hot-melt adhesive is initially in a low-tack state and has low tackiness or no tackiness at all in the low-temperature range, including room temperature. In some embodiments, this low-temperature range is below about 140°F. In other embodiments, this low-temperature range is below about 120°F, below about 125°F, or below about 130°F.

[0074] The hot-melt adhesive forming the sealing element 24 is reactivatable. More specifically, the hot-melt adhesive is applied at a high temperature and cooled and cured in the conversion process. The hot-melt adhesive is not tacky at all, or only minimally tacky, and therefore does not adhere to other surfaces when cold, until it is reactivated, i.e., reheated to a sealable temperature above the lower limit of the temperature range in which the hot-melt adhesive is initially in a low-tack state. As described above, this lower limit of the application temperature range includes room temperature and is less than about 140°F in some embodiments. In other embodiments, this lower limit range is less than about 120°F, less than about 125°F, or less than about 130°F.

[0075] The composition and preparation of the hot melt adhesive provide low tackiness before reactivation. In some embodiments, the tackiness at low temperatures is low enough that the hot melt adhesive is considered non-tacky, the adhesion between walls 12 and 14 is not noticeable to the user, and walls 12 and 14 can be separated by their own weight. Preferably, the tackiness level of the hot melt adhesive is low enough that the adhesion between walls 12 and 14 can be easily overcome by the user peeling walls 12 and 14 apart with light force using their fingers, and in various embodiments, the tackiness is considered very weak. In some embodiments, the tackiness level between walls 12 and 14 is significantly weaker than the adhesive strength of a typical sticky note. Typically, the tackiness of the adhesive is low enough that a user pulling walls 12 and 14 apart will not notice any significant adhesion between them and can pull walls 12 and 14 apart with light force. In applications where envelopes are loaded into an automatic bagging machine and sealed, the adhesive's tackiness must be low enough that the machine can easily separate the walls 12 and 14 using forced air pressure, mechanical fingers, suction devices, or other techniques, and even if tackiness is present, it must not interfere with the normal operation of the bagging machine. Furthermore, the strength of the tackiness holding the walls 12 and 14 together is significantly lower than the strength of the material of the walls 12 and 14 themselves, so that even if there is detectable tackiness, the walls 12 and 14 can be peeled off without delaminating or damaging them. Thus, the walls 12 and 14 remain separated from each other or are separable, the opening 26 to the envelope pocket 15 remains unsealed, and access to the envelope pocket 15 is possible until the sealing element 24 is reactivated.

[0076] The low-tack hot-melt adhesive forming the sealing element 24 is typically applied to the wall 12 in a molten state and then cooled to solidify. Other suitable application methods can also be used, such as applying tape coated with the hot-melt adhesive.

[0077] The hot-melt adhesive selected for the sealing element 24 is typically a thermoplastic polymer adhesive that is solid at room temperature, melts when heated to an activation temperature above its softening point, and re-solidifies when heat is lost at a temperature equal to or below its activation temperature, but below its freezing point, and the strength of the hot-melt adhesive increases with each re-solidification. Some hot-melt adhesives have minimal or no tackiness in their solid state, so that after being initially applied to a substrate and cooled, they do not adhere to other substrates or objects, or to the skin of a user in contact with the hot-melt adhesive. In applications where minimal tackiness is required at room temperature or other temperature ranges, a sufficient amount of tackifier can be added to the hot-melt adhesive to achieve the desired level of tackiness.

[0078] The hot-melt adhesive of the sealing element 24 does not undergo chemical reactions such as crosslinking or carrier removal, or evaporation of moisture, when it melts into a molten state and then re-solidifies. Therefore, the hot-melt adhesive can be heated to reactivate, i.e., re-melt and then re-solidify after being initially applied to the wall 12 or other substrate. As will be described later, once the hot-melt adhesive re-melts and re-solidifies, it becomes embedded in the paper fibers of the wall 14, creating adhesive strength that bonds the wall 14 to the wall 12.

[0079] As the hot melt adhesive used in the sealing element 24, for example, Henkel's TECHNOMELT® 0370 hot melt adhesive can be used. This particular type of hot melt adhesive is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Other types of hot melt adhesives can also be used as alternatives. As non-limited examples, Henkel's TECHNOMELT® 0437 hot melt adhesive, TECHNOMELT® 111PL hot melt adhesive, and LOCTITE® ABELSTIK 8390 hot melt adhesive can also be used as hot melt adhesives. These adhesives are non-tacky at room temperature and do not become tacky below 120°F, thus preventing the wall 14 from sealing against the wall 12 before it is packed into the envelope 10 and ready to be sealed.

[0080] Referring to Figure 5, the envelope 10 can be formed as part of a continuous web stock 30 of multiple packaging containers 10. After the items 11 are placed in the envelope pockets 15 and the openings 26 are closed and sealed, the individual packaging containers 10 can be separated from the web stock 30 by hand or by an automated device.

[0081] Figure 5 shows the manufacturing of web stock 30 using an automated device. More specifically, Figure 5 shows two pieces of paper 32a and 32b, which are joined together in the following manner to form the walls 12 and 14 of each envelope 10.

[0082] The adhesive 34 is applied to the paper piece 32a at positions corresponding to the predetermined locations of the wall seals 16 and 18. More specifically, the adhesive 34 is applied continuously along the side edge of the paper piece 32a. Additional adhesive 34 is applied in strips that extend laterally along the length of the paper piece 32a, spaced apart from each other, at positions corresponding to the wall seals 18 of the envelope 10 within the web stock 30.

[0083] Alternatively, the adhesive 34 is applied to the paper 32a, 32b by flood coating, followed by activation, for example, by applying heat and / or pressure to specific locations on the paper pieces 32a, 32b where the interwall seals 16, 18 are formed.

[0084] The adhesive element, for example, the adhesive 34, can be applied directly to the exposed surfaces of the paper pieces 32a and 32b by a suitable known method. Alternatively, the adhesive element can be applied as a tape, such as double-sided tape, or by other suitable methods.

[0085] The adhesive 34 is heated to a molten state, applied to the paper piece 32a in its molten state, and then left to harden or reach room temperature before coming into contact with the paper piece 32b, as will be described later.

[0086] Furthermore, the hot-melt adhesive that forms the sealing element 24 is applied to the paper piece 32a. The hot-melt adhesive is applied in strips that extend laterally along the length of the paper piece 32a, spaced apart from each other, and positioned in the web stock 30 corresponding to the position of the sealing element 24 on the envelope 10.

[0087] The hot-melt adhesive is applied in a molten state and then cooled and re-solidified before joining the paper pieces 32a and 32b to form the web stock 30. For example, the hot-melt adhesive can be applied at a temperature of approximately 250°F. This temperature is provided for illustrative purposes only. The optimal temperature for applying the hot-melt adhesive will vary depending on the type of hot-melt adhesive used.

[0088] As described above, the hot melt adhesive is a low-tack hot melt adhesive that is low-tack or non-tacky at temperatures including room temperature and below before reactivation. Therefore, after the hot melt adhesive is first applied to the wall 12 and then cooled and re-solidified, the resulting sealing element 24 will remain non-tacky or have minimal tackiness and will not adhere significantly to the wall 14 or the goods 11 packaged in the envelope 10 until the hot melt adhesive is reactivated by the application of heat and pressure to form a sealing seal 29. Thus, before being packed and sealed, the envelope 10 can be in a substantially flat state with the opposite surfaces of the walls 12 and 14 in contact with each other and the sealing element 24 in contact with adjacent surfaces of the wall 14, but will not adhere to the wall 14 to the extent that the walls 12 and 14 can easily separate later to form an opening 26 to the envelope pocket 15. Therefore, the envelope 10 can be shipped and stored in a relatively compact state and does not require a release layer on the sealing element 24.

[0089] For example, in some embodiments, the sealing element 24 before reactivation, i.e., before heating and pressurizing to form the sealing seal 29, may have a maximum peel strength of about 0.5 pounds and a minimum shear strength of about 0.5 pounds to about 2.0 pounds. In other embodiments, the sealing element 24 before reactivation may have a maximum peel strength of about 0.25 pounds and a minimum shear strength of about 0.25 pounds. In other embodiments, the sealing element 24 before reactivation may have a maximum peel strength of about 0.1 pounds and a minimum shear strength of about 0.1 pounds. In other embodiments, the sealing element 24 before reactivation may produce no detectable adhesive force at all. These values ​​are presented for illustrative purposes only. The optimal peel strength and shear strength of the sealing element 24 before reactivation will vary depending on the application and may be altered by factors such as the operating characteristics of the automated equipment that may be used to fill the envelopes 10.

[0090] After the adhesive 34 and sealing element 24 are applied to the paper piece 32a, the paper piece 32b is placed on top of the paper piece 32a and aligned with it. Then, the roller 36 of the automated device presses the paper pieces 32a and 32b against each other, causing the adhesive 34 on the paper piece 32a to come into contact with the paper piece 32b to form interwall seals 16 and 18, fixing the paper pieces 32a and 32b together and producing a continuous web stock 30 of the packaging container 10 as shown in Figure 5. In another embodiment, the adhesive 34 can be deposited at corresponding positions on both the paper pieces 32a and 32b before joining the paper pieces 32a and 32b to form the web stock 30. Once the web stock 30 is formed, the upper end 27 of each envelope 10 is adjacent to the lower end 22 and interwall seal 18 of the adjacent envelope 10.

[0091] The openings 26 can be formed in each envelope 10 within the web stock 30 by making kiss cuts in the walls 14. Each kiss cut is formed at a position corresponding to the upper end 27 of the corresponding envelope 10. The kiss cuts penetrate the walls 14 and extend continuously along the walls 14, but do not penetrate the lower walls 12, so that adjacent packaging containers 10 remain attached to each other within the web stock 30 via the walls 12. Also, since the kiss cuts do not penetrate the inter-wall seals 16, adjacent packaging containers 10 also remain attached to each other via the inter-wall seals 16. (For example, instead of kiss cuts, cuts can be made in the sheet 32b before or during joining the sheet 32a to form the web 30.)

[0092] After inserting the items 11 to be packaged into the envelope pocket 15 and closing the opening 26 to seal it, a fragile area is formed in the wall 12 so that the individual packaging containers 10 can be easily separated from the web stock 30. This fragile area can be provided by forming a perforation 39 in the wall 12 at a position corresponding to the upper edge 27 of the corresponding envelope 10. Thus, the perforation 39 is positioned in the envelope 10 at approximately the same vertical position as the kiss cut of the wall 14. In an alternative embodiment, the perforation 39 can be formed in both the wall 12 and the wall 14 and can also be slightly offset upward, i.e., upstream, relative to the kiss cut of the wall 14. The perforation 39 is shown in Figures 3 and 6. As shown in Figure 3, the fragile area, e.g., the perforation 39, can be positioned in the web stock 30 as close as possible to the inter-wall seal 18 of the adjacent envelope 10. For example, the perforation 39 can be spaced about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches away from the adjacent inter-wall seal 18.

[0093] The perforations 39 can be configured to break when subjected to a force of approximately 2.0 pounds to approximately 5.0 pounds. For example, configuring the perforations 39 with 0.375-inch cuts and 0.032-inch ties can produce a tear strength of approximately 4.45 pounds per inch. The above values ​​are for illustrative purposes only. The optimal values ​​for the parameters listed will vary depending on the application and may be changed by factors such as the size of the envelope 10 and the maximum load that the envelope 10 can withstand.

[0094] In alternative embodiments, vulnerable areas can be provided by features other than the perforations 39. For example, a vulnerable area can be provided by making cuts in the wall 12. Alternatively, an alternative embodiment can be formed in which no vulnerable areas are provided between adjacent packaging containers 10.

[0095] After the item 11 is inserted into the envelope pocket 15, the sealing element 24 can be reactivated by heating the sealing element 24 to a temperature higher than the activation temperature of the hot melt adhesive that forms the sealing element 24, and by applying pressure to the wall 14 against the sealing element 24 so that the hot melt adhesive softens or activates and begins to adhere to the wall 14.

[0096] When the hot melt adhesive cools and re-solidifies, it forms a sealing seal 29 that joins wall 14 to wall 12. The sealing element 24 needs to be heated for a sufficient amount of time for the molten hot melt adhesive to penetrate the paper fibers of the underlying walls 2 and 14, so that the resulting sealing seal 29 has sufficient strength to firmly bond wall 14 to wall 12. In this way, the sealing seal 29 keeps the currently closed opening 26 closed, and as a result the envelope pocket 15 is sealed and the items 11 inside the envelope pocket 15 are held there.

[0097] The sealing element 24 is heated and pressurized against the wall 14, for example, by a heating platen or sealing bar that concentrates and locally heats and pressurizes the sealing element 24 through the wall 14. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 22, the sealing element 24 can be pressed against the wall 14 by a press 37 configured to move in contact with the wall 14 in the direction indicated by arrow 38. When the press 37 contacts the wall 14, it pressurizes the wall 14 and the adjacent sealing element 24 and wall 12, bringing the wall 12 into contact with a heat sealer 41 located on the envelope 10 side opposite the press 37. The heat sealer 41 heats the wall 12, and the heat is transferred to the sealing element 24 through the wall 12.

[0098] The temperature at which the sealing element 24 is heated must be high enough to cause the hot-melt adhesive of the sealing element 24 to molten; that is, the temperature must be high enough to transfer sufficient heat through the wall 14 and raise the temperature of the sealing element 24 above the activation temperature of the hot-melt adhesive. However, considering that heat is applied directly to the wall 12 and passes through the wall 12 to reach the sealing element 24, the temperature at which the sealing element 24 is heated must be low enough so that the paper forming the walls 12, 14 does not burn or char. For example, the heat sealer 41 (or other heat source) can be heated to a temperature of about 350°F to about 390°F, and the press 37 can be pressed against the wall 14 for about 0.25 seconds to about 0.75 seconds, during which time the press 37 can apply a pressure of about 1.3 psi to about 12 psi to the wall 14. In other embodiments, the heat sealer 41 can be heated to a temperature of approximately 350°F to approximately 390°F, and the press 37 can be pressed against the wall 14 for approximately 0.25 seconds to approximately 0.75 seconds while applying a pressure of approximately 1.3 psi to approximately 2.5 psi to the wall 14. In other embodiments, the heat sealer 41 is heated to a temperature of approximately 250°F to approximately 350°F, and the press 37 is pressed against the wall 14 for approximately 0.25 seconds to approximately 1.0 second while applying a pressure of approximately 1.3 psi to approximately 2.5 psi to the wall 14. In other embodiments, the heat sealer 41 is heated to a temperature of approximately 380°F, and the press 37 is pressed against the wall 14 for approximately 0.3 seconds while applying a pressure of approximately 90 to 120 psi to the wall 14. In other embodiments, the heat sealer 41 is heated to a temperature of approximately 380°F, and the press 37 is pressed against the wall 14 for approximately 0.25 seconds to approximately 1.0 second, while applying a pressure of approximately 1.3 psi to approximately 2.5 psi to the wall 14. The wall 14 is then heated for approximately 0.3 seconds while applying a pressure of approximately 110 psi. These temperature ranges, heating times, and pressure combinations are shown for illustrative purposes only. The optimal temperature range, heating time, and pressure are application-dependent and can be modified by factors such as the softening point of the hot melt adhesive and the type and thickness of the material, such as paper, forming the wall 12.

[0099] Alternatively, the sealing element 24 may be heated by a radiant heat source, by directing heated air towards the sealing element 24, or by other suitable techniques.

[0100] Since the heat applied to the sealing element 24 is transferred through the wall 12, the applied heat should be sufficient to sufficiently soften the sealing element 24 without burning or charring the paper or other material constituting the wall 12. The hot-melt adhesive of the sealing element 24 has a relatively low activation temperature compared to heat-seal adhesives, so the risk of charring or burning the paper or other material is relatively low. For example, the above exemplary temperature range for heating the sealing element 24 is well below 450°F, which is the approximate ignition temperature of many types of paper. Therefore, a sealing seal 29 can be formed from the sealing element 24 without adversely affecting the envelope 10 or its contents.

[0101] The width, or vertical dimension, of the press 37 can be, for example, about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the width of the press 37 can be, for example, about 0.25 inches to about 1.0 inch. These specific values ​​are given for illustrative purposes only. For example, the wider the press 37, the greater the overall force applied, which can cause the molten hot-melt adhesive of the sealing element 24 to be pressed into the wall 14 and embedded in the fibers of the wall 14, creating a tear in the fibers between the sealing seal 29 and the paper beneath it when the envelope 10 is opened.

[0102] The gap 25 between the end of the strip of the sealing element 24 and the wall seal 16 facilitates ventilation of the envelope pocket 15 when the sealing element 24 is heated, preventing heated air from being trapped and expanding within the envelope pocket 15, causing it to burst or damage the wall seals 16, 18, or other parts of the envelope 10. Such air may be excess air trapped when the item 11 is inserted into the envelope pocket 15, and / or air that has expanded within the envelope pocket 15 due to the heat of the sealing process. In alternative embodiments, ventilation of the envelope pocket 15 may be provided by other features, such as gaps within or between the wall seals 16, 18, or notches or holes in the walls 12 and / or walls 14.

[0103] As described above, the upper end of the sealing element 24 is located below the upper end 27 of the envelope 10 by a distance "d2" as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, when the sealing seal 29 is formed, it is offset from the upper end 27 by a similar distance. The upper wall portions 12 and 14 of the sealing seal 29 form the skirt 31 as shown in Figure 2.

[0104] When a user attempts to remove an item 11 from the envelope pocket 15, for example, as shown in Figure 2, they can grasp the top of the skirt 31, i.e., the top of the walls 12 and 14, and pull the walls 12 and 14 in opposite directions to access the envelope pocket 15 and the item 11 inside. This action breaks the sealing seal 29, reopens the opening 26, and allows the user to access the envelope pocket 15 and the item 11 inside. The aforementioned offset, i.e., distance d2, between the top end 27 of the envelope 10 and the top end of the sealing element 24 allows the user to firmly grasp each of the walls 12 and 14 and apply a large pulling force in opposite directions to the walls 12 and 14.

[0105] In some embodiments, the sealing seal 29 formed by the reactivation of the hot melt adhesive can have a minimum peel strength of about 1.0 lb and a minimum shear strength of about 1.0 lb. In other embodiments, the sealing seal 29 can have a minimum peel strength of about 0.5 lb to about 2.0 lb and a minimum shear strength of about 3.0 lb. The above values ​​are for illustrative purposes only. The optimal peel strength and shear strength of the sealing seal 29 are application-dependent and can be changed by factors such as the size of the envelope 1 and the maximum load that the envelope 10 is expected to be subjected to.

[0106] The strength of the sealing seal 29 is determined by factors such as the shape and size of the sealing element 24, the properties of the hot-melt adhesive forming the sealing element 24, and the properties of the paper or other material forming the walls 12, 14. In some embodiments, the adhesion between the sealing element 29 and the paper beneath it becomes a weak point that breaks when the envelope 10 is opened.

[0107] In other embodiments, the sealing element 29 itself may break before the adhesion between the sealing element 29 and the paper is broken. In other embodiments, the adhesive force between the sealing element 29 and the paper may be stronger than that of the paper, causing the paper to peel or tear when the envelope 10 is opened. For example, the occurrence and extent of paper fiber rupture depends on the width, i.e., the vertical dimension, of the sealing element 29. The wider the sealing element 29, the more paper fibers it can adhere to, resulting in a stronger adhesive force between the sealing element 29 and the paper, which in turn accelerates the peeling or rupture of the paper. In other embodiments, the above combination may occur when the envelope 10 is opened.

[0108] The bagging machine 200 shown in Figure 6 loads, seals, and separates the envelopes 10 into the web stock 16. This bagging machine 200 is described for illustrative purposes only. The envelopes 10 may also be loaded, sealed, and separated from the web stock 30 manually, or other automated means may be used.

[0109] The web stock 30 is supplied to the bagging machine 200 in an unexpanded, high-density state. As shown in Figure 6, the web stock 16 can be held on a shelf 201 installed on the supply side of the bagging machine 200. The web stock 30 can be supplied in a folded, rolled, or other suitable form.

[0110] The bagging machine 200 includes an opening device shaped like fingers 202, which can open the envelope 10 to allow access to the envelope pocket 15, thereby allowing the items to be packaged 11 to be packed into the envelope 10. The fingers 202 are configured to grasp and clamp the top of the wall 14. The fingers 202 are mounted on a press shaped like articulated jaws 203, which can move outward and inward, for example, in the direction away from and towards the web stock 16 from the perspective view in Figure 6.

[0111] When the articulated jaw 203 is in its inward position, the fingers 202 first grasp and pinch the wall 14. As the articulated jaw 203 and the fingers 202 attached to it move outward, the wall 14 is pulled away from the wall 12, forming an opening 26 at the top of the envelope 10. As previously mentioned, the sealing element 24 has low (or zero) tackiness, allowing the wall 14 to be pulled away from the wall 12 without significant resistance from the sealing element 24. As seen in Figure 6, the outward movement of the wall 14 tears a portion of the perforations 39, corresponding to the expansion of the envelope 10.

[0112] The bagging machine 200 may include a blower 214 configured to deliver pressurized air to the top of the envelope 10, as indicated by arrow 216, to help separate the walls 12, 14. Once the opening of the envelope pocket 12 is formed, the items to be packaged 11 can be packed into the envelope pocket 15 manually or by an automated device, as indicated by arrow 220.

[0113] The offset between the upper end 27 of the envelope 10 and the sealing element 24 allows pressurized air generated by the finger 202 and blower 214 to easily enter the space between the walls 12 and 14.

[0114] In alternative embodiments, the opening device may have a configuration other than the finger 202. For example, in an alternative embodiment, an articulated suction cup can be used as the opening device. In another alternative embodiment, the envelope 10 can be opened using pressurized air from the blower 214. In yet another embodiment, the envelope 10 can be opened manually without using an opening device.

[0115] The bagging machine 200 further includes a heat sealer 206. After the items 11 are packed into the envelope pockets 15, the articulated jaws 203 move the wall 14, which remains gripped and held by the fingers 202, inward toward the wall 12.

[0116] The inward movement of the articulated jaw 203 and the wall 14 ultimately sandwiches the walls 12, 14 and the sealing element 24 between the articulated jaw 203 and the heat sealer 206. The heat sealer 206 heats the sealing element 24 while pressing it against the wall 12, and as the molten hot-melt adhesive of the sealing element 24 cools and re-solidifies, it forms a closure seal 29 that seals the envelope pocket 15, preventing the packaged items from falling out of the envelope pocket 15. The sealed envelope 10 is shown in Figure 2.

[0117] The bagging machine 200 may be equipped with, for example, a pad 208 attached to the articulated jaw 203 and moving with the articulated jaw 203, or other mechanisms that compress or press the envelope 10 as the articulated jaw 203 moves inward, helping to expel air from the envelope pocket 12 before the envelope pocket 15 is sealed. In embodiments with internal ventilation, such as the envelope 10, this step may be performed at a later stage of the bagging process or may be omitted entirely. The bagging machine 200 may also include a label printer 210 configured to print labels and affix them to the envelope 10.

[0118] After the envelope 10 is packed and sealed, the envelope 10 is separated from the web stock 30. Specifically, the articulated jaws 203 and the heat sealer 206 continue to grip the envelope 10 as an upstream roller (not shown) pulls back the web stock 300 located upstream of the envelope 10, separating the envelope 10 from the web stock 300 along the fragile area formed by the perforations 39. In alternative embodiments, this separation can be achieved by other means, such as a cutting mechanism or a device that applies concentrated heat along the separation line.

[0119] Once the packed envelopes 10 are separated from the web stock 30, the envelopes 10 can fall onto a conveyor (not shown) or other means for transporting or holding the envelopes 10.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, walls 12 and 14 can be integrally formed from a single webbing folded such that wall 14 overlaps wall 12. One wall seal 16 can be used to bond the overlapping longitudinal edges of the webbing together. Similarly, one wall seal 18 can be used to bond the overlapping transverse edges of the webbing 14 together at the bottom edge of the envelope.

[0121] In alternative embodiments, one or more functional layers may be located on one or both of the walls 12, 14. Examples of functional layers include, but are not limited to, waterproof layers (configured to reduce water permeability), airtight layers (configured to reduce air permeability), other suitable material layers, and / or combinations thereof.

[0122] Examples of paper suitable for forming walls 12 and 14 include, but are not limited to, kraft paper, fiberboard, pulp paper, recycled paper, and newspaper. Depending on the application, the paper may be stretchable paper, which is configured to stretch or shrink from its original (unstretched) length to a predetermined percentage without tearing. Paper parameters such as dimensions and weight can be modified according to the desired application. For example, walls 12 and 14 can each be formed from a single layer of 55-pound basis weight SPX® stretchable kraft paper, available from Canadian Kraft Paper Industries Ltd. in Manitoba, Canada. This particular type of paper is described for illustrative purposes only. Other types of paper may be used in alternative embodiments. For example, walls 12 and 14 can each be formed from a single layer of 30-90 pound basis weight SPX® stretchable kraft paper, depending on the strength of walls 12 and 14 required for the specific application.

[0123] In other alternative embodiments, one or both of the walls 12 and 14 may have a multilayer structure. For example, each of the walls 12 and 14 may be formed by layering two sheets of relatively low-basis-weight paper, for example, two sheets of 30-45 lb paper. For example, two sheets of 30-45 lb paper can be used instead of one sheet of 90 lb paper.

[0124] For example, Figures 7 and 8 show alternative embodiments of the envelope 170. The envelope 170 comprises an envelope body including two flexible walls 172 joined to define an internal storage area, or envelope pocket 174, for accommodating and holding items. Each wall 172 is formed from two layers of paper, i.e., layer 176.

[0125] The layers 176 of each wall 172 are joined to each other by one or more interlayer seals. The interlayer seal includes a joining element, such as the adhesive 34 described above, located on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the layers 176. The interlayer seal may include one or more interlayer seals 178 located on or adjacent to the corresponding longitudinal edge of each layer 176. The interlayer seal may also include one or more interlayer seals 180 extending laterally between the interlayer seals 178 and / or between the longitudinal edges of the layers 176.

[0126] Interlayer seals 178 and 180 help to define and enclose the interlayer region, or interlayer space 186, between two layers 176 of each wall 172. The interlayer space 186 is partially shown in Figure 8.

[0127] The two layers 176 of each wall 172 face each other across an interlayer space 186, but they are not bonded to each other within the interlayer space 186. The interlayer space 186 is also large enough to allow the walls 172 to be adjacent to or in contact with each other within the interlayer space 186, and to slide relative to each other within the interlayer space 186. For example, the interlayer space 186 may be completely empty, that is, it may contain no filler or other materials at all.

[0128] The walls 172 are joined by multiple interwall seals. The interwall seals can be formed from a joining element such as an adhesive applied to one or both of the walls 172. The interwall seals may include an interwall seal 182 that extends substantially longitudinally and an interwall seal 184 that extends substantially transversely. The interwall seals 182, 184 are adjacent to the envelope pocket 174 or storage area defined by the walls 172 and define the edge of the pocket. As shown in Figure 8, the interlayer area or interlayer space 186 overlaps the envelope pocket 174.

[0129] In alternative embodiments, the wall seals 182 and 184 can extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the wall seals can extend non-linearly.

[0130] The wall 172 defines an opening 175 for packing the item to be packaged 11 into the envelope pocket 174. As previously described with respect to the envelope 10, the sealing element 188, formed from hot melt adhesive, is positioned on the inward-facing surface of one wall 172, or in or near the opening 175, as previously described with respect to the envelope 10. After the item to be packaged is packed into the envelope pocket 174, the sealing element 188 is reactivated to form a sealing seal that adheres the walls 172 together. The sealing seal keeps the envelope pocket 174 closed and ensures that the item to be packaged is held inside the envelope pocket 174.

[0131] Figures 6 and 7 show a sealing element 188 positioned directly adjacent to the top of the envelope 170. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 188 may be offset from the top of the envelope 170.

[0132] After the opening 175 is sealed, the sealed envelope 170 can be separated from adjacent envelopes within the web stock 171 of the envelope 170, as described above with respect to the envelope 10. The separation occurs along a separation line C that penetrates the wall 172 and extends between the sealing element 188 in the web stock 171 and the wall seal 184 of the adjacent envelope 170. The separation line and a portion of the web stock 171 are shown in Figure 8.

[0133] In alternative embodiments, cushioning material, stuffing, and / or insulating material, or other types of expandable and non-expandable materials can be placed in the interlayer space 186 of the envelope 170. For example, foam stuffing material can be placed in the interlayer space 186.

[0134] As another example, Figure 9 shows an envelope 170a that is substantially identical to envelope 170, except that it includes an expandable material 190 placed in the interlayer space 186 and bonded to the adjacent layer 176. The expandable material 190 is configured to take on an expanded shape when activated by an expansion initiator. The expansion initiator may be, for example, thermal, mechanical, and / or chemical, and / or may include other suitable initiation properties for activating the expandable material. As shown in Figure 9, the expanded material 190 in its expanded state can impart cushioning, thermal insulation, or other properties to the envelope 170a. To avoid overheating of the expandable material and / or underheating of the hot melt adhesive, the expandable material (or other) material should not be placed on top of the hot melt adhesive (described later) that bonds the walls 172 together.

[0135] Figures 10-12 show alternative embodiments of the envelope 40. Figure 10 shows the web stock 42 of adjacent envelopes 40. Envelopes 40 have a similar structure to envelope 170 and can be formed in a similar manner, except that each envelope 40 has a slit 44 that crosses one wall 46 of the envelope 40 to provide access to an internal storage area in the form of an envelope pocket 47. More specifically, envelope 40 includes two walls 46. Each wall 46 comprises two layers 48 of paper material. The slit 44 is formed in both layers 48 of the first wall 46, as shown in Figure 11.

[0136] The layers 48 of each wall 46 are joined by interlayer seals 50 located on or near the side of the wall 46, as shown in Figure 11, and interlayer seals 52 located on the top and bottom of each wall 46, as shown in Figure 12. The interlayer seals 50 and 52 can be formed in the same manner as the interlayer seals 18 and 20 of the envelope 10. In an alternative embodiment, one of the walls 46 may be formed from a single layer 48. As shown in Figure 12, the layer 48 of each wall 46 defines an interlayer region in the form of an interlayer space 49.

[0137] The walls 46 are joined by inter-wall seals 54 located on the side of the envelope 40, as shown in Figure 11, and by inter-wall seals 56 located on the top and bottom of each wall 46, as shown in Figure 12. The inter-wall seals 54 and 56 can be formed in the same manner as the inter-wall seals 14 and 16 of the envelope 10.

[0138] The opposing wall 46 defines the envelope pocket 47. As shown in Figure 12, a slit 44 formed in the first wall 46 provides access to the envelope pocket 47. The slit 44 is located directly below the interlayer seal 54 of the wall 46, i.e., just to the left of the interlayer seal 54 in the perspective view of Figure 12. In an alternative embodiment, the slit 44 may be offset longitudinally from the interlayer seal 54. The slit 44 extends continuously over substantially the entire width of the wall 46 but stops before the interlayer seal 50 and the interwall seal 54. In an alternative embodiment, the slit 44 may be discontinuous and / or extend over a shorter area than substantially the entirety of the associated wall 46. In another alternative embodiment, the slit 44 may be formed in each wall 46.

[0139] As described above in relation to the envelope 10, the sealing element 58 in the form of a hot melt adhesive is positioned on the upper part of the wall 46 or in its vicinity, on the inward-facing surface of the inner layer 48 of the second wall 46. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 58 may be positioned on the inward-facing surface of the inner layer 48 of the first wall 46, i.e., the wall 46 in which the slit 44 is formed.

[0140] As described above, the envelope pocket 47 can accommodate items to be packaged in the envelope 40. Due to the flexibility of the paper wall 46, the envelope 40 can be stored and transported in a substantially flat and compact configuration, with the volume of the envelope pocket 47 being minimal or virtually zero. When a user wishes to pack items into the envelope 40, the envelope pocket 47 can be expanded by separating or pulling away the wall 46 at or near the top of the envelope pocket 47, and the items to be packaged can be inserted through the opening defined by the slit 44. After the items have been packed into the envelope 40, the sealing element 58 can be heated and pressurized to press the sealing element 58 against the first wall 46, forming a sealing seal that adheres the walls 46 together. The sealing seal keeps the envelope pocket 47 closed, ensuring that the packaged items are held inside the envelope pocket 47.

[0141] Envelope 40 can be separated from web stock 42, as described above with respect to envelope 10. Separation occurs along the separation line indicated by line "C1" in Figures 10 and 12. Separation line C1 extends through wall 46, interlayer seal 52, and interwall seal 56. As can be seen from Figure 10, separation line C1 is longitudinally offset from slit 44.

[0142] When the envelope 40 is separated from the web 42, the portion of wall 46, interlayer seal 52, and interwall seal 56 on the lower side of the separation line C1, i.e., to the left of the separation line C1 in the perspective view of Figure 12, forms the upper end of the envelope 40. The portion of wall 46, interlayer seal 52, and interwall seal 56 on the upper side of the separation line C1, i.e., to the right of the separation line C1 in the perspective view of Figure 12, forms the lower end of the adjacent envelope 10, which is still attached to the web stock 42.

[0143] Figures 13-15 show an alternative form of the envelope 80. The envelope 80 is shown as part of the web stock 82 of the envelope 80. The web stock 82 is formed from a two-layer web 84 shown in Figure 15. The web 84 comprises two layers of material joined by an interlayer seal (not shown) and forms an unfilled interlayer region or space between the layers, as described above with respect to the envelope 170. In an alternative embodiment, the web 84 may also be formed from a single layer of material. In another alternative embodiment, the two-layer web 84 may have expandable or non-expandable pads, cushions, and / or insulation placed between the layers.

[0144] The web stock 82 is formed from the web 84 by folding the web 84 along the fold lines 86a and 86b shown in Figure 15. The fold lines 86a and 86b define the first segment 92a of the web 84 located to the left of fold line 86a, the second segment 92b located between fold lines 86a and 86b, and the third segment 92c located to the right of fold line 86b.

[0145] As shown in Figure 15, adhesive 88a is placed on the outer surface of the web 84 along the longitudinally extending edge of the third segment 92c. Additional adhesive 88b is placed on the outer surface of the web 84 between folds 86a and 86b. Adhesive 88b extends laterally and is positioned at multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the webbing 82.

[0146] The web stock 82 is formed by folding the first segment 92a of the web 84 around the fold line 86a and overlapping it on the second segment 92b. The folding of the first segment 92a causes the first segment 92a to come into contact with the adhesive 88b on the second segment 92b, forming a wall seal 102 between the first segment 92a and the second segment 92b.

[0147] Next, the third segment 92c of the web 84 is folded around the fold 86b. The folding of the third segment 92c causes it to contact the adhesive 88b on the second segment 92b, forming a wall seal 103 between the second segment 92b and the third segment 92c. The folding of the third segment 92c also causes the adhesive 88a on the third segment 92c to contact the longitudinally extending edge of the first segment 92a, forming a wall seal 104 between the first segment 92a and the third segment 92b.

[0148] The interwall seals 102, 103, and 104 bond the first, second, and third segments 92a, 92b, and 92c to each other so that each packaging container 80 within the web stock 82 maintains the double-fold structure shown in Figure 13. The first and third segments 92a and 92c, when joined, form the first wall 94 of the packaging container 80. The second segment 92b forms the opposite wall 96 of the packaging container 80, as shown in Figure 13. The walls 94 and 96 define the internal storage area of ​​the packaging container 80, or envelope pocket 98. The envelope pocket 98 is partially shown in Figure 13.

[0149] As shown in Figure 15, with respect to the envelope 10, the sealing element 90 formed of the hot melt adhesive described above is positioned on the second segment 92b of the web 84. The sealing element 90 extends across the second segment 92b, with a portion located directly beneath the adhesive 88b. The ends of the sealing element 90 are spaced apart from the respective folds 86a, 86b, allowing for ventilation of the envelope pocket 98 during the activation of the hot melt adhesive forming the sealing element 90. In an alternative embodiment, the envelope pocket 98 is ventilated by other means. In another alternative embodiment, the envelope pocket 98 is not ventilated. In another alternative embodiment, the sealing element 90 can be positioned on the first and third segments 92a, 92c of the web 84 instead of the second segment 92b.

[0150] As shown in Figure 13, a slit 100 is formed in the first wall 94. The slit 100 is located directly above the sealing element 90, that is, the slit 100 is located between the sealing element 90 and the adjacent interwall seals 102 and 103.

[0151] Each envelope 80 can be separated from the web stock 82, as described above with respect to the envelope 10. A separation line can be placed between the sealing element 90 and the interwall seals 102, 103 adjacent to the sealing element 90. The separation line is indicated by line "C2" in Figure 13.

[0152] To pack items into the envelope 80, the user can expand the envelope pocket 98 by separating or pulling apart the walls 94 and 96 located at or near the top of the envelope pocket 98 and inserting the items to be packaged between the walls 94 and 96. When items are packed into the packaging container 80, the sealing element 90 is activated, i.e., heated and pressurized, so that the hot-melt adhesive of the sealing element 90 forms a sealing seal as it cools, sticking the walls 94 and 96 together. This sealing seal keeps the envelope pocket 98 closed and holds the packaged items inside the envelope pocket 98.

[0153] An alternative embodiment of the envelope 80 can be formed by folding the web 84 along a single fold that divides the web 84 into two segments, the longitudinal edges of each of the two segments joined by a longitudinally extending interwall seal, with one segment forming the entirety of the first wall of the packaging container and the second segment forming the entirety of the second wall on the opposite side of the packaging container.

[0154] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of the envelope 110, which includes a flap 130 and a sealing element 112 formed from the hot-melt adhesive described above in relation to the envelope 10. The envelope 110 is shown as part of the web stock 111 of an adjacent envelope 110. The envelope 110 may be formed to have any of the envelope features described above.

[0155] The envelope 110 includes a front wall 120 and a rear wall 126 that is fixed to the front wall 120 opposite to it. The front wall 120 and the rear wall 126 define an opening 122 that provides access to the internal storage area or envelope pocket of the envelope 110.

[0156] As shown in Figure 16, the sealing element 112 is positioned at the top of the rear wall 126. The sealing element 112 is shown offset longitudinally from the opening 122. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 112 may be adjacent to the opening 122.

[0157] The portion of the rear wall 126 shown in Figure 16 forms the flap 130. Envelope 110 can be separated from adjacent envelopes 110 within the web stock 111 along the separation line C3 shown in Figure 16. After an item such as item 11 is inserted into the envelope pocket of the separated envelope 110 through the opening 122, the flap 130 can be folded and overlapped with the front wall 120 so that the flap 130 covers the opening 122 and the sealing element 112 contacts the front wall 120. The sealing element 112 can be activated to form a sealing seal that adheres the flap 130 to the front wall 120. This sealing seal keeps the envelope pocket closed and holds the packaged item inside the envelope pocket.

[0158] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 112 may be located on the front wall 120 instead of the flap 130. In this embodiment, the sealing element 112 is located along or near the upper end of the front wall 120, and when the flap 130 is folded, the flap 130 descends onto the sealing element 112 and onto the front wall 120 to cover the opening 122.

[0159] Figure 17 shows an envelope 130 with a gusset 132 located between opposing walls 134 of the envelope 130. The walls 134 define an internal storage area or envelope pocket 135 configured to accommodate items to be sent or stored inside the envelope 130. The envelope 130 and alternative embodiments thereof may be formed with any of the above-described envelope features, such as single-layer or multi-layer walls, interlayer seals, and inter-wall seals. The gusset 132 has a folded configuration so that the envelope 130 can substantially expand, for example, when an item is inserted into the internal pocket 135 of the envelope 130.

[0160] Each gusset 132 can be formed integrally with one wall 134 of the envelope 130 and joined to the other wall 134 by one or more inter-wall seals, as disclosed in relation to the embodiments described above. In other embodiments, the gusset 132 can be formed separately from the walls 134 and joined to each of the opposing walls 134 by inter-wall seals.

[0161] As described above in relation to the envelope 10, the sealing element 138 formed from hot melt adhesive is positioned on one inward-facing surface of the wall 134, at or near the upper end of the wall 134, and forms a sealing seal that adheres the upper ends of the walls 124 together.

[0162] Figure 18 shows an envelope 140 including a multilayer wall 144 configured as follows. The envelope 140 may include one or more of the envelope features described above. The wall 144 comprises a first layer 148, a second layer 150, and a third layer 152. The region between the first layer 148 and the second layer 150 is substantially empty except for an interlayer seal 153 that joins the first layer 148 and the second layer 150. Thus, the second layer can slide relative to the first layer 148.

[0163] The region between the second layer 150 and the third layer 152 includes material 154 such as cushioning material, padding material, thermal insulation material, and other expandable and non-expandable materials. For example, material 154 can be foam padding material.

[0164] As another example, material 154 may be an expandable material bonded to one or both of the second layer 150 and the third layer 152. The expandable material is configured to take on an expanded shape when activated by an expansion initiator. The expansion initiator may be, for example, thermal, mechanical, and / or chemical, and / or may include other suitable initiation properties for activating the expandable material. In its expanded state, the expandable material can impart cushioning, thermal insulation, or other properties to the envelope 140.

[0165] The second layer 150, the third layer 152, and the material 154 form another layer that can slide relative to the first layer 148.

[0166] In an alternative embodiment, material 154 is located in the region between the first layer 148 and the second layer 150, and the region between the second layer 150 and the third layer 152 may be substantially empty except for the interlayer seal 153. In yet another alternative embodiment, material 154 may be located in both the region between the first layer 148 and the second layer 150 and the region between the second layer 150 and the third layer 152.

[0167] The envelope 140 further includes a single-layer wall 156 opposite the wall 144, which is joined to the wall 144 by an inter-wall seal 158. The walls 144, 156 define an internal storage area or envelope pocket 160 configured to accommodate items to be held within the envelope 140. In an alternative embodiment, the wall 156 may be a multi-layer wall and may be made of padding, cushioning, or insulation 154, similar to the wall 144.

[0168] As described above with respect to the envelope 10, the sealing element 162, formed from hot-melt adhesive, is positioned on the inward-facing surface of the wall 156, at or near the upper end of the wall 156. The sealing element 162 is activated after the item is inserted into the envelope pocket 135, forming a sealing seal that adheres the upper ends of the walls 144 and 156 together. This seal keeps the envelope pocket 160 closed and holds the packaged item inside the envelope pocket 160. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 162 may be positioned on the inward-facing surface of the wall 148, at or near the upper end of the wall 144.

[0169] Figure 19 shows a bagging machine 302 that folds the web stock 300 into a C-shape and seals the product around it to form a sealed envelope. An example of the web stock 300 is shown alone in Figure 20. The web stock 300 comprises a single layer in the form of a paper layer 307. In an alternative embodiment, the web stock 300 may also have a multilayer structure.

[0170] As described above in relation to the envelope 21, the sealing element 306 formed from the hot melt adhesive is positioned on one lateral side of the web stock 300 on the outer surface of layer 307, for example, as shown in Figure 20. The sealing element 306 is positioned to engage with the opposite lateral side of the web when the web stock 300 is folded into a C shape, so that the sealing element 306 extends over all or most of the width of the C-shaped folded envelope, forming a seal between the opposite C-shaped folded sides. In this embodiment, the sealing element 306 is also positioned on one longitudinally extending band located at one side end of the web stock 300 and on a laterally extending band extending over about half the width of the web stock 300. In an alternative embodiment, the laterally extending sealing element 306 may extend over most or all of the width of the web stock 300. In another alternative embodiment, the hot melt adhesive forming the sealing element 306 can be applied to the outer surface of layer 307.

[0171] The web stock 300 can be supplied, for example, attached to the supply side of the bagging machine 302 in a roll or foldable stack configuration, as shown in Figure 19. The web stock 300 can also be supplied in other forms as an alternative.

[0172] The web stock 300 is pulled out through opposing guides 308 of the bagging machine 302, and the web stock 300 is folded along the longitudinally extending fold lines, resulting in a C-shaped folded form. As shown in Figure 19, when the web stock 300 is folded in this way, the longitudinally extending sealing elements 306 provided on the side ends of the web stock 300 are aligned in a line with the other side end of the web stock 300 where the hot melt adhesive is not applied, and similarly, the transversely extending sealing elements 306 are aligned with the portion of the web stock 300 where the hot melt adhesive is not applied.

[0173] As the C-shaped folded webstock 300 moves downward as indicated by arrow 310, opposing fingers 309 positioned in the loading area of ​​the bagging machine 302 spread the side edges of the webstock 300. This allows the items to be packaged to be inserted into the partially formed envelope 304, as indicated by arrow 311. As will be described later, a laterally extending sealing element 306 at the lower end of the webstock 300 is activated during the formation of the previous envelope 304, thereby forming a lower lateral seal that prevents the items packed into the partially formed envelope 304 from falling downward.

[0174] The bagging machine 302 includes a tensioning device consisting of two opposing arms 310 that reciprocate between an inner position and an outer position (not shown) as shown in Figure 19. The arms 310 also move between a lower position and an upper position (not shown) as shown in Figure 19. When the arms 310 are in the inner and upper position, they can grasp the lower end of the webstock 300, which coincides with the lower end of the partially formed envelope 304. Then, when the arms 310 are moved downward, the lower end of the webstock 300 and the partially formed envelope 304 are pulled downward to the position shown in Figure 19. The movement of the lower end of the webstock 300 causes the webstock 300 to advance within the bagging machine 302. In alternative embodiments, the tensioning device may have components other than the arms 310.

[0175] The bagging machine 302 further includes a cutting and sealing unit in the form of two opposing arms 314 that reciprocate between an inner position and an outer position (not shown) as shown in Figure 19, and two L-shaped sealing cutters 316 attached to each end of the arms 314.

[0176] After the tensioning device, for example, arm 310, has pulled the lower end of the web stock 300 and the partially formed envelope 304 downward to the position shown in Figure 19, arm 314 moves to an inward position and the sealer cutter 316 makes contact with the partially formed envelope 304.

[0177] Due to the L-shaped configuration of the sealer cutter 316, it is aligned with the longitudinally extending sealing element 306, which, as described above, is aligned with the opposite side edge of the webstock 300 where there is no hot-melt adhesive due to the C-fold configuration of the webstock 300, and faces the side edge. Similarly, due to the L-shaped configuration of the sealer cutter 316, it is aligned with the upper laterally extending sealing element 306, which also faces the portion of the webstock 300 where there is no hot-melt adhesive. The sealer cutter 316 heats and pressurizes the sealing element 306 to form a seal that extends longitudinally along one side of the envelope 304 and a seal that extends laterally along the top of the newly formed envelope 304. As described above, the seal that extends laterally along the bottom of the envelope 304 is already formed during the previous manufacturing of the envelope 304.

[0178] In an alternative embodiment, the cutting and sealing unit may include, for example, a rotating longitudinal sealer and a horizontal bar instead of the arm 314 and sealer cutter 316. In an alternative embodiment, the cutting and sealing unit 312 may include, for example, a horizontal sealer that rotates or slides on the web stock 300.

[0179] An alternative embodiment of the bagging machine 302 may include a roller that helps to pull the opposite side of the web stock 300 and bring the longitudinally extending strip of hot melt adhesive 306 at the side edge of the web stock 300 into contact with the other side edge of the web stock 300.

[0180] Once the vertical and horizontal seals are formed, the sealer cutter 316 can separate the newly formed envelope 304 from the web stock 300 by appropriate means such as cutting, applying concentrated heat along the separation line, or pulling the envelope 304 away from the web stock 300. Since the separation line passes through the sealing element 306, the portion of this band remaining on the web stock 300 after the cutting process forms the lower horizontal seal of the next envelope 304 formed from the web stock 300.

[0181] Once the newly formed and filled envelopes 304 are separated from the web stock 300, they can be dropped onto a conveyor (not shown) or other means for transporting or holding the envelopes 304.

[0182] The above description of the bagging machine 302 is for illustrative purposes only. C-fold envelopes 304 and their alternative embodiments can also be formed using other types of bagging machines.

[0183] Figure 21 shows the web stock 330 of a side-loading envelope 332. The web stock 330 is formed from two webs 334. Each web 334 has a two-layer structure with two layers joined by interlayer seals. The webs 334 are joined by one interwall seal 336 that extends continuously along one side of the web stock 330 and multiple interwall seals 338 that extend across the web stock 330 to form the web stock 330. Individual envelopes 332 are separated from the web stock 330 by separation lines that penetrate each interwall seal 338.

[0184] Each envelope 332 within the web stock 330 includes two opposing walls 340 that define the envelope pocket 342 of the envelope 332. The end of the envelope pocket 342 on the unenclosed side of the web stock 330 is open, and as indicated by arrow 344, the item to be packaged can be inserted into the envelope pocket 342 manually or by an automated device. Once the item is inserted, a sealing element 346, which has the form of a hot melt adhesive and is positioned on one inward surface of the wall 340, is activated, as described above with respect to the envelope 10, to form a sealing seal that adheres the ends of the wall 340 together. This sealing seal keeps the envelope pocket 342 closed and holds the item to be packaged inside the envelope pocket 342.

[0185] The sealing element 346 is positioned close to the upper end of the associated wall 340. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing element 346 may be longitudinally offset from the upper end of the wall 340.

[0186] Once the envelope pocket 342 is closed, the packed envelope 332 can be separated from the web stock 330 by appropriate means such as heating, application of concentrated heat, or pulling.

[0187] In an alternative embodiment of the envelope 332, a sealing flap may be included on the open side of the envelope 332. The sealing element 346 may be positioned on the sealing flap or on the outer surface of the envelope 332 on which the sealing flap rotates.

[0188] Although the present solution is illustrated and described in relation to one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of equivalent changes and modifications by reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, certain features of the present solution may be disclosed in relation to only one of the multiple embodiments, but such features can be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, insofar as they are desired and advantageous in any particular application. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present solution should not be limited by any of the above embodiments. Rather, the scope of the present solution should be defined according to the following claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. The first flexible wall, A second flexible wall overlapping a first flexible wall and attached to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of the edge of the pocket, wherein the edge of the pocket is defined between the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall and surrounds a pocket configured and sized to accommodate items, and at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the envelope and allows items to be placed into the pocket, The main unit, including, A sealing element positioned on the main body to seal the pocket opening, The tackiness at room temperature is sufficiently low, and the sealing element can be separated from the second flexible wall by hand. When heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, it becomes activated, and then when cooled to a temperature below its activation temperature, it adheres to the second flexible wall, sealing the pocket opening to hold the item inside the pocket. An envelope for containing goods, comprising a sealing element formed of hot melt adhesive.

2. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, allowing the sealing element to be peeled off the second flexible wall.

3. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature and can separate the sealing element from the second flexible wall without damaging the first or second flexible wall.

4. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall are attached to each other around the first portion of the edge of the pocket, but are not attached to each other at the pocket opening.

5. The envelope according to claim 4, wherein the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall are not attached to the opening side of the pocket, and the pocket opening is defined by the opening side of the pocket.

6. The envelope according to claim 5, wherein the pocket opening is positioned along the edge of the pocket.

7. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the pocket opening is defined between the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall.

8. The envelope according to claim 7, wherein the sealing element is configured to seal the pocket opening by attaching the second flexible wall to the first flexible wall.

9. The envelope according to claim 8, wherein the sealing element is positioned in the pocket opening.

10. The envelope according to claim 8, wherein the hot melt adhesive is offset from the upper end of the first flexible wall by a sufficient distance so that a user can grasp and pull apart the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall by hand after the sealing element has been formed.

11. The envelope according to claim 10, wherein the hot melt adhesive is offset by about 0.25 inches from the upper end of the first flexible wall.

12. The envelope according to claim 8, wherein the hot melt adhesive is configured to be reactivated by applying heat through at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall of the envelope, and the application of heat is sufficient to heat the hot melt adhesive to a temperature above the activation temperature.

13. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is arranged on the main body in the shape of an elongated strip.

14. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at temperatures below approximately 110°F, allowing the sealing element to be separated from the second flexible wall by hand.

15. The main body further comprises a flap connected to the first flexible wall, The sealing element is positioned on the flap. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element is configured to seal the pocket opening by attaching the second flexible wall to the flap.

16. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the hot melt adhesive has an activation temperature of less than approximately 140°F.

17. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element and the edge of the pocket define a gap configured to provide ventilation between the pocket of the envelope and the surrounding environment.

18. The envelope according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall is a padded wall.

19. A supply web comprising a plurality of envelopes according to claim 1 connected in series.

20. Prepare an envelope body having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall. The second flexible wall is attached to the first flexible wall around at least a portion of the edge of the pocket, the edge of the pocket is defined between the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, enclosing a pocket configured and set to such dimensions as to accommodate an item, and at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the envelope and the item to be placed in the pocket. To seal the pocket opening, a sealing element is positioned on the main body, and the sealing element is It has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature and can be separated from the second flexible wall by hand. A method for manufacturing an envelope for containing an item, wherein the envelope is formed of a hot-melt adhesive that is activated when heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, and then, when cooled to a temperature below its element activation temperature, adheres to the second flexible wall to hold the item in the pocket and seal the pocket opening.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein positioning a sealing element on the main body to seal the pocket opening includes arranging the sealing element on the first flexible wall.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein positioning the sealing element on the body to seal the pocket opening includes arranging the sealing element on the flap of the body.

23. A first flexible wall, and a second flexible wall that overlaps the first flexible wall and is attached to the first flexible wall around a containment boundary that surrounds multiple sides of a pocket defined by the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, A sealing element disposed on the main body and positioned to seal the opening of the pocket, wherein the sealing element is It has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, and the sealing element can be separated from the second flexible wall by hand. A sealing element formed of a hot-melt adhesive, which is activated when heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, and then, when cooled to a temperature below its activation temperature, adheres to the second flexible wall to hold an item in the pocket and seal the opening of the pocket, Prepare an envelope containing the following: Place the aforementioned item in the aforementioned pocket, The sealing element is heated to a temperature exceeding the activation temperature. A method of packaging goods that includes the necessary features.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein heating the sealing element to a temperature exceeding the activation temperature comprises heating the hot melt adhesive through at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall.

25. The method according to claim 23, further comprising heating the hot melt adhesive to a temperature exceeding the activation temperature while applying pressure to the sealing element.

26. The envelope described in claim 8, It is configured to accept the aforementioned envelope, A press configured to bias the first flexible wall and the sealing element toward the second flexible wall, A bagging system comprising a bagging machine including a heat sealer configured to heat the sealing element with enough heat to heat the sealing element to a temperature exceeding the activation temperature.

27. The bagging system according to claim 26, wherein the heat sealer is further configured to heat the sealing element through the first flexible wall.

28. The bagging system according to claim 26, further comprising an opening device configured to open the pocket opening so that the item can be inserted into the pocket.

29. The bagging system according to claim 26, further comprising a supply web containing a plurality of envelopes connected in series.

30. A bagging machine configured to package goods into packaging containers formed from a web stock, wherein the web stock comprises at least one layer of paper or plastic material and a sealing element positioned on a first portion of the outer surface of the at least one layer, the sealing element being formed of a hot melt adhesive, and the bagging machine is configured to package goods into packaging containers formed from a web stock, The web stock is folded along a longitudinal crease, and a guide is provided which is configured to fold the web stock so that the sealing element faces a second portion of the outer surface of at least one layer. The hot melt adhesive has sufficiently low tackiness at room temperature, and the sealing element can be separated by hand from the second portion of the outer surface of the at least one layer. The hot melt adhesive is activated when heated to a temperature above its activation temperature, and thereafter, when cooled to a temperature below its activation temperature, it adheres the second portion of the outer surface of the at least one layer to the first portion of the outer surface of the at least one layer. The cutting and sealing unit is configured to press the sealing element against the second portion of the outer surface of at least one layer while heating the sealing element to a temperature exceeding the activation temperature. Bagging machine.

31. The bagging machine according to claim 30, further comprising a pulling device configured to grasp the lower end of the web stock and pull the web stock to advance the web stock through the bagging machine.

32. The bagging machine according to claim 31, wherein the pulling device comprises two opposing arms configured to reciprocate between an inner position and an outer position to grasp and release the web stock, and to move between an upper position and a lower position to advance the web stock through the bagging machine.

33. The bagging machine according to claim 30, further comprising fingers configured to spread the side edges of the web stock after the web stock has been folded, so that the items can be placed inside the web stock which has been folded into a C shape.

34. The bagging machine according to claim 30, wherein the cutting and sealing unit comprises two opposing arms that reciprocate between an inner position and an outer position, and two L-shaped sealing cutters attached to each arm.

35. The bagging machine according to claim 34, wherein the sealer cutter is configured to form a seal extending vertically and a seal extending horizontally from the sealing element.

36. The bagging machine according to claim 30, wherein the cutting and sealing unit comprises a rotating vertical sealer and a horizontal bar.

37. The bagging machine according to claim 30, wherein the cutting and sealing unit comprises a horizontal sealer configured to rotate or slide across the web stock.

38. The bagging machine according to claim 30, wherein the cutting and sealing unit is further configured to cut the packaging container from the web stock.

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