Wicket envelope

Abstract

A container unit configured to be held by a wicket may include an envelope having flexible walls fixed to each other and defining pockets for holding articles, and a wicking flap connected to one of the flexible walls and configured to engage with the wicket to suspend the wicket packaging device from the wicket. The wicking flap may be detachable from the envelope in response to the force applied to the envelope and may maintain engagement with the wicket after detachment from the envelope. The wicking flaps of multiple container units may be linked together to form a backbone of the wicking, distributing the tensile force applied to one container unit to at least some of the other container units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Technical Field] The present disclosure generally relates to packaging for holding articles during transport, for example. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to envelopes configured to be held on a ticket and supplied from the ticket.

Background Art

[0002] [Background Art] Plastic bags, such as polyethylene and polystyrene bags, are widely used for mailing small to medium-sized articles because they are able to withstand tearing and other damage that occurs during transport and conform to the shape of the article being packaged. In some applications, multiple plastic bags can be suspended vertically or horizontally on a wire frame or ticket. If desired, individual bags can be removed from the ticket by pulling on the bag so as to tear the bag material with the ticket, thereby releasing the bag from the ticket.

[0003] Delivery envelopes made of paper are becoming more popular because of the recyclability of paper in relation to plastic bags. However, there are problems in configuring a paper envelope in a ticket arrangement. For example, tearing of the envelope that occurs when removing the envelope from the ticket can damage the flap or other part necessary to close and seal the envelope, and as a result, prevent the envelope from properly containing and protecting the article held inside.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] [Summary of the Invention] In one aspect of the disclosed technology, a bundle of envelopes comprises a plurality of container units, each unit having an envelope. This includes a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall covering the first flexible wall and fixed to the first flexible wall with respect to at least a portion of the pocket boundary. The pocket boundary encloses a defined and dimensioned pocket, configured to contain articles. At least one wall defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the envelope for loading articles into the pocket.

[0005] Each container unit also includes a wicking flap that is detachably connected to the envelope. The wicking flaps of multiple container units are fixed to each other, cumulatively defining a wicking spine, which gives the spine higher rigidity and tear resistance compared to a single wicking flap.

[0006] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the spine is configured to distribute at least a portion of the force applied to one of the container units to the wicking flaps of at least a portion of the other container units.

[0007] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the force is a tensile force.

[0008] In another embodiment of the present technology, the spine is configured to be held in place by the wicket, and the wicketing flap is configured to detach from the first flexible wall in response to a tensile force, where the tensile force is applied to either or both of the first and second flexible walls in a direction away from the wicket.

[0009] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicketing flap is configured to engage with the wicket to suspend the container unit from the wicket and to remain engaged with the wicket after separation from the envelope.

[0010] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope is flexible.

[0011] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicketing flap is detachably connected to the first wall.

[0012] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicking flaps of a plurality of container units are configured to be stacked to further cumulatively form a wicking spine.

[0013] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bundle of wicket envelopes further comprises at least five container units.

[0014] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bundle of wicket envelopes further comprises at least 10 container units.

[0015] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the bundle of wicket envelopes further comprises at least 20 container units.

[0016] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the thickness of the spine is approximately equal to the total thickness of the wicking flaps of the multiple container units.

[0017] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a closure flap positioned between a first flexible wall and a wicking flap, adjacent to them. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the closure flap. The closure flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which the closure flap covers the pocket opening and holds an article inside the pocket.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element positioned on at least one of the sealing flap and a second flexible wall. The sealing element is configured to form a closure seal that secures the sealing flap to the second flexible wall when the sealing flap is in a second position.

[0019] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, when the sealing flap is in a first position, the pocket is sealed on a first side, a second side, and a third side, and open on a fourth side. When the sealing flap is secured in a second position by a sealing seal, the pocket is sealed on a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side.

[0020] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element positioned on at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall. The sealing element is configured to form a sealing seal that secures the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

[0021] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, prior to the formation of the sealing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides and open on the fourth side. Once the sealing seal fixes the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides.

[0022] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the wicking flaps of multiple container units are connected by at least one of staples, clamps, and adhesives.

[0023] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the staple, clamp, and adhesive is configured to transmit at least a portion of the force to the wicking flap of the other container unit.

[0024] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first and second flexible walls includes paper.

[0025] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the container units are configured to be stacked within a bundle.

[0026] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the container units are configured to be stacked in a bundle in a substantially flat configuration.

[0027] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one hole is formed in the wicketing flap and is configured to receive a portion of the wick.

[0028] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least two holes are formed in the wicketing flap. These holes are configured to receive the first leg and the second leg of the wick, respectively.

[0029] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the backbone of the wicketing is further configured to resist the reaction force exerted by the wick on the backbone of the wicketing in response to a force.

[0030] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the backbone of the wicketing is further configured to hold each wicketing flap in contact with one or more adjacent wicketing flaps within the bundle of wicketing flaps.

[0031] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a frangible region is defined between the wicketing flap and the envelope. The frangible region is configured to facilitate separation of the wicketing flap from the envelope.

[0032] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the frangible region is defined by perforations.

[0033] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a gusset that connects the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall and is configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to approach and separate from each other.

[0034] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first and second flexible walls includes a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer.

[0035] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first layer includes a ply of first paper.

[0036] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the second layer includes a second paper ply.

[0037] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a first ply is fixed to a second ply by a plurality of interply seals, the interply seals bounding an interply space defined by the first overlap and the second overlap.

[0038] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the interply seal includes a sealing element, while the interply space does not include a sealing element.

[0039] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a bundle of wicket envelopes further comprises at least one of cushioning, padding, and / or insulating materials placed within the interply space.

[0040] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the cushioning material, filler and / or thermal insulation material is an expandable material.

[0041] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a container unit configured to be held in a wicket includes an envelope having a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall covering the first flexible wall and fixed to the first flexible wall with respect to at least a portion of the pocket boundary. The pocket boundary encloses a defined and dimensioned pocket, configured to contain articles. At least one wall defines a pocket opening, allowing access to the pocket from outside the envelope for loading articles into the pocket. The container unit also includes a wicketing flap detachably attached to the envelope.

[0042] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a supply unit of container units configured to be held in a wicket includes a wicket and a plurality of such container units.

[0043] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicketing flap is configured to separate from the first flexible wall in response to a force applied to the container unit.

[0044] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the force is a tensile force.

[0045] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicketing flap is configured to engage with the wicket to suspend the container unit from the wicket and to remain engaged with the wicket after separation from the envelope.

[0046] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope is flexible.

[0047] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicketing flap is detachably connected to the first wall.

[0048] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing flap adjacent to and positioned between a first flexible wall and a wicking flap. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the sealing flap, and the sealing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which the sealing flap covers the pocket opening and holds an article inside the pocket.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element positioned on at least one of the sealing flap and a second flexible wall, the sealing element being configured to form a sealing seal that secures the sealing flap to the second flexible wall when the sealing flap is in a second position.

[0050] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the pocket is sealed on first, second, and third sides and open on a fourth side when the sealing flap is in a first position. When the sealing flap is secured in a second position by a sealing seal, the pocket is sealed on first, second, third, and fourth sides.

[0051] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing element positioned on at least one of a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall, the sealing element being configured to form a sealing seal that secures the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall.

[0052] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, before the formation of the occlusal seal, the first, second, and third sides of the pocket are sealed, and the fourth side is open. Once the occlusal seal fixes the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall, the first, second, third, and fourth sides of the pocket are sealed.

[0053] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall includes paper.

[0054] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a vulnerable area is defined between the wicking flap and the envelope. The vulnerable area is configured to facilitate the separation of the wicking flap from the envelope.

[0055] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the vulnerable area is defined by perforation.

[0056] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a gusset that connects the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, and is configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to move toward and apart from each other.

[0057] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the first and second flexible walls includes a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer.

[0058] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the first layer includes a first layer of paper.

[0059] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the second layer includes a second layer of paper.

[0060] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a first ply is fixed to a second ply by a plurality of interply seals, the interply seals boundary the interply space defined by the first and second layers.

[0061] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the interply seal includes a sealing element, while the interply space does not include a sealing element.

[0062] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the container unit further includes at least one of a cushioning material, a filler, and / or an insulating material placed within the interply space.

[0063] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, at least one of the cushioning material, filler and / or thermal insulation material is an expandable material.

[0064] In another embodiment of the present technology, a method for packaging an article includes providing a container unit configured to be held in a wicket. The container unit has a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall opposite the first flexible wall. The first and second flexible walls define a pocket between them. The container unit further includes a sealing element configured to form a sealing seal that keeps the pocket opening closed, and a wicketing flap connected to the sealing flap.

[0065] This method further includes suspending the container unit from the wicket via the wicketing flap, loading the articles into the pockets, detaching the envelope from the wicketing flap, and forming a sealing envelope.

[0066] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the wicking flap is connected to and adjacent to a first flexible wall, and detaching the envelope from the wicking flap includes detaching the first flexible wall from the wicking flap.

[0067] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, a sealing element is positioned on a first flexible wall, and the sealing element is configured to fix the first flexible wall to a second flexible wall.

[0068] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the envelope further includes a sealing flap connected to and adjacent to a first flexible wall and a wicking flap. The sealing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position.

[0069] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the step of separating the envelope from the wicking flap includes separating the sealing flap from the wicking flap.

[0070] In another embodiment of the disclosed technology, the method further includes moving the sealing flap from a first position to a second position after separating the envelope from the wicking flap. The sealing element is positioned on either the sealing flap or the second flexible wall, and the sealing is configured to secure the sealing flap to the second flexible wall.

[0071] The following drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where the same numbers indicate the same components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a wicket envelope supply unit. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one container unit of the supply unit shown in Figure 1, showing the envelope of the container unit attached to the wicking flap of the container unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a front view of one of the container units shown in the wicket configuration in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view showing the two layers of the web of the container unit shown in Figure 3, before assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the two layers of the container unit wall shown in Figure 3, before assembly. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view showing the web and walls of the container unit shown in Figure 3 in their pre-assembly state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional bottom view along the line "VII-VII" in Figure 3, and is not to actual size for clarity. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view along the line "VIII-VIII" in Figure 3. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the supply unit shown in Figure 1, showing the supply unit mounted on the backboard and separated from the corresponding wicking flap with the envelope opened and loaded. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the separated and loaded envelope from Figure 9, showing it sealed with the sealing flap closed. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the container unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the bundle of supply units in Figure 1, with clamps positioned on the wicking spine of the bundle. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a supply unit in another embodiment of the container unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the container unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container unit in Figure 14, showing a cross-section along the line "XV-XV" in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side-by-side view of the web and walls of the container unit shown in Figures 14 and 15, before the walls are fixed to the web. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a side-by-side view of the first and second plies of the web shown in Figure 16, before the second ply is fixed to the first ply. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0073] [Detailed explanation] The concept of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts and assemblies in multiple drawings. Several aspects of the concept of the present invention will be described below with reference to exemplary applications. In order to fully understand the concept of the present invention, it should be understood that many specific details, relationships, and methods are described. However, a person with ordinary skill in the relevant art will readily recognize that some or all of certain details may be omitted or that the concept of the invention may be put into practice in other ways. In other examples, well-known structures and operations are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the concept of the invention.

[0074] The concept of the invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same parts and assemblies in multiple drawings. Several aspects of the concept of the invention are described below with reference to exemplary applications. To fully understand the concept of the invention, it should be understood that many specific details, relationships, and methods are described. However, a person with ordinary skill in the relevant art will readily recognize that the concept of the invention can be implemented by omitting one or more specific details or by other means. In other examples, well-known structures and operations are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the concept of the invention.

[0075] Envelopes include parcel packaging and other containers for packaging articles. Envelopes are constructed to contain and hold articles, usually enclosing them during transport or storage. Parcel packaging is constructed for the transport and / or storage of products, such as being stored on shelves or display shelves in warehouses or retail stores. Examples of parcel packaging include flexible transport containers such as envelopes, which have varying degrees of flexibility and are typically used for transporting or mailing small or relatively flat articles, or small articles that the walls of the envelope can accommodate. Flexible transport containers such as envelopes are made of materials such as paper and flexible corrugated cardboard, with or without cushioning, and may or may not have side walls or gussets, and may include larger envelopes such as mailers. Examples of parcel packaging include bags such as paper bags and plastic bags, which have a self-sealing function and are usually used for transporting small to medium-sized items; boxes made from cardboard, corrugated cardboard, wood, or plastic, which are usually rigid or semi-rigid in structure and suitable for holding medium to large items or heavy objects; and transport tubes and cylindrical mailers, which are usually used for transporting documents and paper.

[0076] Figures 1, 2, and 9 show multiple wicketed envelopes 10. Each envelope 10 is attached to a wicking flap 18. The envelopes 10 and the wicking flap 18 together form a container unit 11. The container unit 11 is held by a wicket wire or wicket 100.

[0077] The container unit 11 and the wicket 100 constitute a supply unit 116 for the wicketed envelope 10. The envelope 10 is configured to contain and hold the item to be packaged 114, and is typically used to enclose the item 114 when the item 114 is to be mailed or transported, or when packaging in a closed container is required. The item 114 is shown by a dashed line in Figures 9 and 10. As will be described later, after the item 114 is loaded into the envelope 10, the envelope 10 can be separated from the wicketing flap 18 using a manual or automatic device, with the wicketing flap 18 remaining attached to the wicket 100.

[0078] As used herein, the term “envelope” is intended to encompass, but is not limited to, flat transport containers (including mailers) commonly used for transporting or mailing small articles. These containers are flexible enough to expand and bend to enclose the article 114 when the article 114 is inserted into a pocket within the envelope, and the side walls or thickness of the container are substantially small relative to the width and / or height of the container, for example, less than 1 / 100 (1 percent).

[0079] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 9, the wicket 100 includes a rigid cross member 102 and two rigid legs 104. The legs 104 are adjacent to the opposing ends of the cross member 102 and are substantially perpendicular to the cross member 102, giving the wicket 100 a substantially U-shaped configuration. The container units 11 are arranged in interconnected groupings, i.e., bundles 106, as described later. Each bundle 106 contains 10 container units 11. Alternatively, each bundle 106 may contain fewer or more container units 11. For example, in another embodiment, each bundle 106 may contain 5 container units 11. In another embodiment, each bundle 106 may contain, for example, 20 or more container units 11.

[0080] The wicket 100 is configured to hold four bundles 106. Alternatively, the wicket 100 may be configured to hold fewer than four or more bundles 106.

[0081] In one possible application, the wicket 100 is attached to the backboard 108 of a packaging table so that a packaging worker can take individual envelopes 10 from the wicket 100 when envelopes 10 are needed to package articles 114. The backboard 108 is shown in Figure 9. The freestanding ends of the legs 104 can be fitted into holes 107 or other mounting means on the backboard 108, thereby suspending the wicket 100 and extending outward from the backboard 108. This particular application is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Alternatively, the wicket 100 can be installed on other mounting structures, including walls or automatic packaging devices, using other mounting features. Furthermore, the wicket 100 may have configurations other than those disclosed herein. For example, an alternative embodiment of the wicket 100 may consist of a piece of flexible or semi-rigid wire, with its end configured to engage with a mounting structure. Other alternative embodiments may include hooks or other means at the freestanding ends of each leg 104, configured to engage with corresponding mounting means on the mounting structure.

[0082] Each container unit 11 can be formed entirely or partially from paper, such as kraft paper. Examples of papers suitable for use in forming the container unit 11 include, but are not limited to, kraft paper, fiberboard, pulp-based paper, recycled paper, newsprint, and cardboard. In some applications, the paper may be stretchable paper, configured to extend (or stretch) by a certain percentage of its original (pre-stretch) length without tearing. Parameters, including the dimensions and weight of the paper, can be varied depending on the desired application. For example, the container unit 11 can be formed from kraft paper with a basis weight of 40 pounds. In alternative embodiments, the container unit 11 may be formed from a material other than paper, such as a plastic film.

[0083] Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the envelope 10 of each container unit 11 includes a flexible wall 12 and a flexible wall 14 fixed to the flexible wall 12 in a manner described later. The walls 12 and 14 define a receiving area in the form of an envelope pocket 15. The envelope pocket 15 is configured to receive and hold the item to be packaged 114.

[0084] The envelope 10 is further equipped with a sealing flap 16. The lower end of the sealing flap 16 is adjacent to the upper end of the wall 12. The lower end of the wicketing flap 18 of the container unit 11 is adjacent to the upper end of the sealing flap 16.

[0085] The envelope 10 further includes a gusset 19 adjacent to the lower ends of the walls 12 and 14, as shown in Figure 11. The gusset 19 further defines an envelope pocket 15 and facilitates the expansion of the envelope 10 by allowing relative movement between the walls 12 and 14. Alternative embodiments of the envelope 10 can be formed without the gusset 19. Other alternative embodiments of the envelope 10 may include a gusset extending vertically between the walls 12 and 14, in addition to, or instead of, the laterally extending gusset 19.

[0086] Directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "upper," and "down" are used in relation to the orientation of the components shown in Figure 3. These terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0087] Two holes 20 are formed in the wicking flap 18. Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and 9, each hole 20 receives the corresponding leg 104 of the wicket 100, so that the container unit 11 is suspended from the wicket 100 via the wicking flap 18. The holes 20 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the envelope 10, and the distance between the centers can be, for example, about 8 inches. In another embodiment, the distance between the centers of the holes 20 can be about 4 inches. These specific values ​​for the distance between the centers of the holes 20 are presented for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, the holes 20 may be positioned at other intervals.

[0088] The uppermost and lowermost portions of each hole 20 may be offset by a distance approximately equal to the diameter of the hole 20 from the respective upper and lower ends of the wicking flap 18, respectively, to reduce the possibility of the wicking flap 18 tearing and separating from the wicket 100 when the envelope 10 is separated from the wicking flap 18, as will be described later. In other embodiments, the holes 20 may be spaced by other distances from the upper and lower ends of the wicking flap 18.

[0089] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9, each leg 104 of the wicket 100 is provided with two retainers in the form of grommets or washers 110. The washers 110 on each leg 104 are located behind and in front of the bundle 106 and are held to each leg 104 by friction, contributing to the holding of the bundle 106 to each leg 104.

[0090] Each container unit 11 within each bundle 106 can be held in place by, for example, one or more staples 112 that penetrate the wicking flap 18 of each container unit 11. Staples 112 are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9. Each container unit 11 within each bundle 106 can be held in place by other features in addition to, or instead of, the staples 112. For example, Figure 12 shows how a container unit 11 in one bundle 106 is held in place by a clamp 113 that grips the wicking flap 18 of the container unit 11 via a protective layer 115 formed from paper or other suitable material. In other embodiments, the wicking flap 18 may be held in place by adhesive, fasteners other than staples, etc.

[0091] The wicking flaps 18 of each bundle 106 collectively form the wicking spine 118 of that bundle 106. Since the wicking flaps 18 within the bundle 106 are connected to one another by staples 112, clamps 113, and / or other means, a force acting on one wicking flap 18 is distributed to the other wicking flaps 18 within the bundle 106. Thus, the wicking spine 118 functions as a rigid or semi-rigid structure, through which external forces acting on one or more container units 11 are transmitted to the wicket 100. Conversely, the reaction forces exerted by the wicket 100 are distributed throughout the wicking spine 118.

[0092] In the disclosed embodiment of the container unit 11, the envelope 10 is configured to be separable from the wicking flap 18 by providing a weak area between the sealing flap 16 and the wicking flap 18. This weak area allows, for example, a packaging worker to tear the sealing flap 16 from the wicking flap 18 or otherwise separate it if they wish to remove the envelope 10 from the wicket 100. This weak area may be formed by perforations 22, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 8. The length of each perforation 22 is, for example, about 0.75 inches, and the spacing between adjacent perforations 22 is, for example, about 0.03 inches. These values ​​are presented for illustrative purposes only. The optimal length and spacing of the perforations 22 may depend on the application and may vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the forming material of the envelope 10 and the amount of force required to separate the sealing flap 16 from the wicking flap 18. In another embodiment, the container unit 11 may be equipped with a pull tab or other means to facilitate the separation of the envelope 10 from the wicking flap 18, instead of the perforation 22.

[0093] In another embodiment, the vulnerable area may be provided by features other than the perforations 22. For example, the vulnerable area may be provided by score lines. Other alternative embodiments may be configured without vulnerable lines. In such embodiments, the sealing flap 16 can be separated from the wicking flap 18 by cutting, tearing, localized heating, etc. In other alternative embodiments, the container unit 11 may be provided with pull tabs or other means instead of the perforations 22.

[0094] The wall 12 may be formed integrally with the sealing flap 16, the wicking flap 18, and the gusset 19. The wall 12, the sealing flap 16, the wicking flap 18, and the gusset 19 may be formed from a double-layer web 23 as shown in Figures 6-8. Each layer of the double-layer web 23 consists of a single paper ply 28a. Similarly, the wall 14 also has a double-layer structure, and each layer of the double-layer wall 14 is formed from a single paper ply 28b. The wall 14 is fixed to the web 23 in the manner described later to form the assembled envelope 10.

[0095] The paper forming the prisms 28a and 28b can be, for example, kraft paper with a weight of 40 pounds. In another embodiment, either or both of the web 23 and the wall 14 may have a single-layer structure. In an alternative embodiment, the prisms 28a and 28b may be formed from paper other than kraft paper, paper heavier or lighter than 40 pounds, and non-paper materials such as plastic film.

[0096] Referring to Figures 4, 6-8, the plies 28a of the web 23 are fastened together by two longitudinal interply seals 0b0a and two transverse interply seals 32a. The longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30a, 32a are formed from sealing elements in the form of adhesive 34. The adhesive 34 is applied to a first layer of plies 28a, as shown in Figure 4. The other plies 28a are aligned with the first plies 28a and brought into contact with the adhesive 34, as indicated by arrow 39 in Figure 4, in order to fasten the plies 28a together by forming longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30a, 32a and thus form the web 23. In another embodiment, the web 23 may be formed as part of a continuous webbing comprising multiple webs 23. Each individual ply 28a within the webbing may be formed from two continuous sheets of paper fastened together by an adhesive 34 applied to the paper sheets, such that when the sheets are aligned and brought into contact with each other, they form longitudinal and transverse ply-to-ply seals 30a, 32a. Each individual web 23 may be cut from the web before or after the web 23 is joined to the corresponding wall 14 to form the envelope 10.

[0097] The vertical and horizontal directions are indicated by the arrows "L" and "T" in the diagram, respectively.

[0098] Each longitudinal interply seal 30a is positioned along the corresponding longitudinal direction, i.e., along the side edge of the web 23, and extends along the entire length of the web 23. In an alternative embodiment, each longitudinal interply seal 30a may be offset from the corresponding side edge of the web 23. The longitudinal interply seals 30a are continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal interply seals 30a may be discontinuous.

[0099] The lateral interply seals 32a are positioned along the upper and lower ends of the web 23 and extend substantially laterally between the longitudinal interply seals 30a. In another embodiment, the lateral interply seals 32a may be offset from the upper and lower ends of the web 23.

[0100] The lateral interply seal 32a is continuous. In another embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32a may be discontinuous. In another embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32a may extend across the entire width of the web 23, and the longitudinal interply seal 30a may extend between the lateral interply seals 32a.

[0101] The adhesive 34 may be cold glue. Other types of adhesives and other types of sealing elements may be used in place of cold glue in alternative embodiments. For example, the adhesive 34 may be a self-adhesive material, a heat-sealable material, and / or a hot-melt adhesive in alternative embodiments.

[0102] The sealing element, for example, adhesive 34, may be applied directly to the exposed surface of the first ply 28a by a suitable known method. Alternatively, the sealing element may be applied as a tape, such as double-sided tape, or by any other suitable method.

[0103] The adhesive 34 may be, for example, a liquid adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesives bond when a small initial external pressure is applied to the adhesive. Pressure-sensitive adhesives include water-based acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives. Specific examples of such adhesives include RHOPLEX® N-1031 emulsion, RHOPLEX® N-580 emulsion, and RHOPLEX® N-619 emulsion. Other emulsion polymer or acrylic polymer blend adhesives are also known, and other suitable types of adhesives and / or contact adhesives may be used. Pressure-sensitive adhesives also include dry adhesives, which typically do not require activation with water, solvents, or heat, and bond strongly to many dissimilar surfaces.

[0104] Alternatively, the adhesive 34 can be, for example, a cohesive material. The cohesive material includes a bonding material that, by coming into contact with the same or complementary cohesive material, forms a bond between the two surfaces, causing one surface to adhere to the opposing surface. The cohesive agent does not adhere sufficiently to other materials, and in some cases adheres much more weakly than the bond formed by mutual adhesion.

[0105] In another embodiment, the adhesive 34 may be, for example, a heat-sealable material. The heat seal may be formed by exposing the same or similar types of thermoplastic materials to sufficient heat and pressure to weld the materials together. In the case of paper substrates to be fixed together, a heat-sealable material can be applied to each substrate. When fixing the substrates together, the paper substrates are fixed together by exposing the heat-sealable material on one or both substrates to sufficient heat and pressure to weld them together.

[0106] Alternatively, adhesive 34 can be, for example, a hot-melt adhesive. Hot-melt adhesives are thermoplastic polymers that are solid at room temperature but melt when heated above their softening point, re-solidify as they lose heat, and increase in strength as they re-solidify. Most hot-melt adhesives do not undergo cross-linking reactions or carrier removal, such as evaporation of water, when they melt and re-solidify. Therefore, hot-melt adhesives can usually be reactivated, i.e., re-melted and re-solidified, after being initially applied to a substrate.

[0107] The longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30a and 32a define and contribute to the demarcation of the interlayer region, i.e., the interply space 36a, that exists between the two plies 28a of the web 23. The interply space 36a is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0108] The prisms 28a face each other across the interply space 36a, but they are not bonded to each other within the interply space 36a. Furthermore, the interply space 36a is sufficiently empty, allowing the prisms 28a to contact or maintain contact with each other within the interply space 36a, and to slide relative to each other within the interply space 36a. For example, the interply space 36a may be completely empty, that is, it may not contain any filler or other material at all.

[0109] In another embodiment, cushioning material, padding and / or thermal insulation material, or other types of expandable and non-expandable materials may be placed in the interply space 36a. For example, foamed padding may be placed in the interply space 36a. In another example, an expandable material may be placed in the interply space 36a and adhered to one or both of the prisms 28a. The expandable material is configured to expand when activated by an expansion initiator. The expansion initiator may be, for example, thermal, mechanical, and / or chemical, and / or may contain other suitable initiation properties for activating the expandable material. The expanded material in its expanded state may provide cushioning, thermal insulation, or other properties to the envelope 10.

[0110] One or more plies 28a may include one or more functional layers placed thereon. 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.

[0111] In other alternative embodiments, the prisms 28a may be bonded together as a whole so that there is no interply space 36a between the prisms 28a. In other alternative embodiments, the prisms 28a may be bonded together at locations other than the outer periphery of the prisms 28a or at locations other than the outer periphery.

[0112] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may have multiple interply spaces 36a defined within it. For example, an alternative embodiment of the web 23 may have two interply spaces 36a defined by three longitudinal interply seals 30a. Two of the longitudinal interply seals 30a may be positioned along the longitudinal edges of the web 23. A third longitudinal interply seal 30a is positioned approximately midway between the walls, i.e., approximately midway between the longitudinal edges of the walls, thereby dividing the space between the prisms 28a into two interply spaces 36a.

[0113] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may have three or more longitudinal interply seals 30a, thereby defining two or more interply spaces 36a within the web 23. In other alternative embodiments of the web 23, it may have two or more transverse interply seals 32a, similarly dividing the space between the prisms 28a into one or more interply spaces 36a. In other alternative embodiments, one or more interply seals may be configured to extend in directions other than longitudinal and transverse. In other alternative embodiments, small strips or dots of adhesive located between the prisms 28a and positioned inside the longitudinal lower and upper ends of the web 23 may be used to further bond the prisms 28a together while allowing relative movement between the prisms 28a.

[0114] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may be formed by folding a single piece of paper over itself to form two plies 28a, which are then sealed along its three exposed edges.

[0115] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 may be formed from a single ply 28a.

[0116] Referring to Figures 6-8, the plies 28b of the wall 14 are fastened to each other by two longitudinal ply seals 30b and two transverse ply seals 32b. The longitudinal and transverse ply seals 30b and 32b are formed from adhesive 34. The adhesive 34 is applied to the first ply 28b as shown in Figure 5. The other plies 28b are aligned with the first ply 28b and brought into contact with the adhesive 34 to form the longitudinal and transverse ply seals 30b and 32b, as indicated by arrow 41 in Figure 5, thereby fastening the plies 28b to each other and forming the wall 14.

[0117] Each longitudinal interply seal 30b is positioned along the corresponding longitudinal direction, i.e., along the side edge of the wall 14. In another embodiment, the longitudinal interply seals 30b may be offset from the side edge of the wall 14. The upper end of each longitudinal interply seal 30b may be offset from the upper end of the wall 14. The offset distance may be, for example, about 1 / 8 inch to about 1 / 2 inch. The longitudinal interply seals 30b are continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal interply seals 30b may be discontinuous.

[0118] One of the lateral interply seals 32b is positioned along the lower end of the wall 14 and extends between the longitudinal interply seals 30b. In other embodiments, the lateral interply seal 32b may be offset from the lower end of the wall 14. The other lateral interply seal 32b may be offset from the upper end of the wall 14 and extend between the longitudinal interply seals 30b. The offset distance is approximately equal to the offset distance of the longitudinal interply seal 30b away from the upper end of the wall 14, for example, about 1 / 8 inch to about 1 / 2 inch. The distances at which the lateral interply seal 32b and the longitudinal interply seal 30b are offset from the upper end of the wall 14 are indicated by reference numeral 33 in Figure 5. The offset of the longitudinal and lateral interply seals 30b, 32b from the upper end of the wall 14 allows the upper part of the wall 14 to be folded downward, as shown in Figure 8.

[0119] The lateral interply seal 32b is continuous. In another embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32b may be discontinuous. In an alternative embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32b may extend across the entire width of the wall 14, and the longitudinal interply seal 30b may extend between the lateral interply seals 32b.

[0120] The longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30b and 32b define and contribute to the demarcation of the interlayer region, i.e., the interply space 36b, located between the two plies 28b of the wall 14. The interply space 36b is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0121] The plies 28b face each other across the interply space 36b, but they are not bonded to each other within the interply space 36b. Furthermore, the interply space 36b is sufficiently empty, and the plies 28b are in contact with each other within the interply space 36b, facing each other within the interply space 36b, and are slidable relative to each other. For example, the interply space 36b may be completely empty, that is, it may contain no filler or other material at all.

[0122] The above description of possible alternative embodiments of web 23 also applies to wall 14.

[0123] In alternative embodiments, the interlayer seal between the web 23 and the wall 14 may extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the interlayer seal may extend non-linearly.

[0124] The multilayer structure of the web 23 and wall 14, and the absence of fixed mechanical connections between the prices 28a and 28b within the inter-ply spaces 36a and 36b, enhances the envelope 10's resistance to tearing and perforation. More specifically, even if a tear or perforation occurs in either of the prices 28a or 28b, the presence of intact, i.e., undamaged prices 28a and 28b within the same wall 12 and 14 ensures that the pockets 15 of the envelope 10 below and the articles 114 contained within them remain sealed.

[0125] Furthermore, the longitudinal interply seals 30a, 30b and / or transverse interply seals 32a, 32b act as stoppers, preventing tears or perforations from propagating beyond or through the longitudinal interply seals 30a, 30b or the transverse interply seals 32a, 32b, thus preventing the tears or perforations from expanding further. Therefore, although tears or perforations may expand along the damaged prisms 28a, 28b, they will not necessarily expand to the intact prisms 28a, 28b. Consequently, even if a tear or perforation spreads to a large portion or all of the damaged prisms 28a, 28b, the envelope pocket 15 remains intact, and the articles 114 held within it remain contained within the envelope pocket 15.

[0126] Furthermore, the multi-ply structure of the web 23 and wall 14 provides greater flexibility to the web 23 and wall 14 than usual, while maintaining the strength and tear resistance required for specific applications, and allows the use of paper with a lower weight than usual. For example, each ply 28a and 28b of the web 23 and wall 14 can be formed from relatively low-weight paper, such as two layers of 40-pound paper instead of one layer of 90-pound paper.

[0127] The web 23 and wall 14 may be fastened to each other as follows to form an assembled container unit 11. As shown in Figure 5, a sealing element in the form of adhesive 35 is applied to one outer surface of the ply 28a of the web 23, along its side edge. The adhesive 35 extends between the lower end of the web 23 and a position corresponding to the lower end of the sealing flap 16 on the assembled envelope 10. The adhesive 35 is similarly applied along the lower end of the ply 28a.

[0128] The adhesive 35 can be a cold glue, similar to the adhesive 34 described above. Other types of adhesives or other types of sealing elements can also be used as alternatives to the cold glue. For example, as described above, cohesive materials, heat-sealable materials, and / or hot-melt adhesives can be used as sealing elements in alternative embodiments.

[0129] After applying adhesive 35 to define the first fold 37a and the second fold 37b, the lower part of the web 23 is folded along lines F1 and F2 shown in Figure 6. The first fold 37a and the second fold 37b form a gusset 19. The first fold 37a is folded upward and overlapped with the adjacent portion of the web 23. The adjacent portion of the web 23 forms part of the wall 12 of the fully formed envelope 10. The folding of the first fold 37a causes the adhesive 35 provided on the side of the first fold 37a to come into contact with the adhesive 35 provided on each side of the adjacent portion of the web 23, forming a longitudinal seal (not shown) that fixes the first fold 37a to the adjacent portion of the web 23.

[0130] When the first fold 37a is folded upward, the second fold 37b is folded downward, so that the side of the second fold 37b, to which the adhesive 35 is applied, faces outward. Next, the wall 14 is positioned so that the lower end of the wall 14 is aligned with the lower end of the second flap 37b, and each longitudinal end of the wall 14 is aligned with the corresponding longitudinal end of the web 23.

[0131] Next, the wall 14 comes into contact with the web 23. The adhesive 35 extending along the lower edge of the second fold 37b comes into contact with the portion of the wall 14 adjacent to the lower edge of the second side wall 14, forming a transverse seal 40 between the second fold 37b and the wall 14. The transverse seal 40 is shown in Figure 8. The adhesive 35 positioned along the side of the second fold 37b comes into contact with the longitudinal edge of the wall 14, forming a longitudinal seal (not shown) between the second fold 37b and the adjacent portion of the web 23.

[0132] Furthermore, the adhesive 35, which extends along the side of the web 23 and is located above the first fold 37a and the second fold 37b, contacts the side edge of the wall 14, forming a vertical inter-wall seal 42 between wall 12 and wall 14. The vertical inter-wall seal 40 is shown in Figure 7.

[0133] At this point, wall 14 is fixed to the web 23. The second wall 14 faces wall 12 and is fixed to wall 12 by a longitudinal wall seal 42. The gusset 19 is fixed to wall 12 by a longitudinal seal between wall 12 and the first fold 37a. The gusset 19 is fixed to wall 14 by a longitudinal seal between wall 14 and the second fold 37b, and by a transverse seal 40. The longitudinal wall seal 42 and the transverse seal 40 surround the pocket 15 defined by walls 12, 14 and gusset 19, thereby defining the containment boundary.

[0134] Afterward, a hole 20 can be formed in the wicking flap 18. Alternatively, the hole 20 may be formed before assembling the envelope 10.

[0135] As shown in Figure 8, the scoreline 29 may be positioned on the web 23 between the upper end of the wall 12 and the lower end of the sealing flap 16. This scoreline allows the lower portion of the web 23 to function as a movable hinge, allowing the sealing flap 16 to rotate from the open position shown in Figure 9 to the closed position shown in Figure 10. In the closed position, the sealing flap 16 lies on the outer surface of the wall 14, thereby closing the envelope pocket 15 and holding the article 114 inside the envelope pocket 15. Alternatively, the scoreline may be formed before the assembly of the envelope 10.

[0136] A sealing element, in the form of a strip of adhesive 48, is placed on the surface of the sealing flap 16 that is folded into the wall 14. The adhesive 48 may be a pressure-sensitive (cold) adhesive. The adhesive 48 may be covered by a release strip 49, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, until the envelope 10 is ready to be closed. In other embodiments, a sealing element other than the cold adhesive 48 may be used. For example, a self-adhesive material, a heat-sealable material, or a hot-melt adhesive may be used instead of the cold adhesive.

[0137] The container units 11 assembled as described above may be grouped into bundles 106, and the wicketing flaps 18 of each container unit 11 within the bundle 106 may be secured to each other by staples 112 or other devices as described above. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9, because the container units 11 have a flat configuration, the bundles 106 have a relatively compact footprint, which allows the bundles 106 to be efficiently transported to the packaging facility.

[0138] Upon arrival at the packaging facility, the bundles 106 can be combined with other bundles 106 and placed on the wicket 100 as needed by the packaging worker. The envelopes 10 of each container unit 11 may be manually loaded while the container unit 11 is on the wicket 100. To load the envelopes 10, the packaging worker can expand the envelopes 10 from a flat state by pulling the top of the wall 14 away from the wall 12, as shown in Figure 9. The flexibility of the walls 12, 14 and the gusset 19 facilitates the expansion of the envelopes 10. The expansion of the envelopes 10 forms an envelope pocket 15 between the walls 12, 14, with the upper end of the wall 14 and the adjacent portion of the wall 12 defining an opening 46 to the envelope pocket 15.

[0139] The packaging worker can insert the item to be packaged 114 into the envelope pocket 15 through the opening 46. As shown in Figure 9, the packaging worker then separates the envelope 10 from the wicking flap 18 (and bundle 106) by pulling the envelope 10 to break the material between the perforations 22.

[0140] As described above, the wicking flaps 18 of the container units 11 within each bundle 106 collectively form a wicking spine 118, which distributes the external forces acting on the individual envelopes within the bundle 106 and transmits them to the wicket 100. Similarly, the reaction force exerted by the wicket 100 also acts and is transmitted through the wicking spine 118. Therefore, the tensile force applied by the user to separate the wicking flap 18 from the rest of the envelope 10, and the reaction force exerted by the wicket 100, are not concentrated only on the wicking flap 18 of a particular envelope 10 being separated from the bundle 106, but are distributed across the multiple wicking flaps 18 of the wicking spine 118, which collectively form a relatively large surface area. This force distribution reduces the likelihood that the wicking flap 18, which corresponds to the envelope 10 being removed from the bundle 106, will break properly along the vulnerable area created by the perforation 22, instead of breaking and separating from the wicket 100 (and remaining on the envelope 10).

[0141] Once the wicking flap 18 is separated from the rest of the envelope 10, the packager can close and seal the envelope 10 (with the wicking flap 18 no longer on the envelope but remaining on the wicket 100). In particular, as shown in Figure 9, the packager may remove the release strip 49 from the adhesive strip 48 on the sealing flap 16. The packager can then rotate the sealing flap 16 around the score line 29 between the sealing flap 16 and the wall 12 so that the sealing flap 16 and the adhesive strip 48 on it rotate and move on the outward-facing surface of the wall 14, as shown in Figure 11. The folding of the sealing flap 16 closes the opening 46 to the pocket 15. The adhesive strip 48 secures the sealing flap 16 to the wall 14, so that the envelope pocket 15 remains closed and the packaged item 114 is held inside. The height of the sealing flap 16 should be sufficient to cover the opening 46 of the expanded envelope 10 and for the adhesive strip 48 to adhere to the outer surface of the wall 14.

[0142] Once all the bundles 106 of envelopes 10 on the wicket 100 are gone, the packaging worker can remove the wicket 100 from the backboard 108 or other mounting device. The packaging worker can then remove the wicking flaps 18 that remain on the wicket 100 as part of the wicking spine 118. One or more additional bundles 106 can then be loaded into the wicket 100, and the wicket 100 can be reinstalled on the backboard 108. Alternatively, another supply unit 116 consisting of the wicket 100 and another set of bundles 106 may be mounted on the backboard 108.

[0143] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23 and the wall 14 may be integrally formed from a single web material, with the wall 14 folded so that it covers the web 23. One wall seal may be used to secure the overlapping longitudinal edges of the web to each other. Similarly, another wall seal may be used at the bottom of the envelope to secure the overlapping transverse edges of the web 14 to each other.

[0144] Figure 13 shows a supply unit 116b of container units 11a, each consisting of a wicketed envelope 10a and an adjacent wicking flap 18. The container units 11a are arranged as a bundle 106a on the wicket 100. The envelopes 10a are substantially the same as the envelope 10, except that they do not have a sealing flap. Instead, the walls 12 of each envelope 10a are directly adjacent to the wicking flap 18. A sealing element, i.e., a strip of adhesive 48, may be located on the inward-facing surface of the wall 12, near the upper end of the wall 12. After the article 113 is loaded into the envelope 10a, a release strip 49 (not shown) is peeled from the adhesive 48, and the wall 14 is pressed against the adhesive strip 48 to fix the wall 14 to the wall 12, thereby sealing the article 114 inside the envelope 10a. In another embodiment, the strip of adhesive 48 may be located on the wall 14 in addition to, or instead of, the wall 12.

[0145] Figures 14 to 17 show container unit 11b, which is another embodiment of container unit 11. Container unit 11b is substantially similar to container unit 11, and unless otherwise noted, the above description relating to container unit 11 also applies to container unit 11b.

[0146] The container unit 11b includes an envelope 10b and a wicking flap 18b. Referring to Figure 14, the container unit 11b can be arranged in a bundle 106b and held on the wicket 100, as described above with respect to the container unit 11.

[0147] The container unit 11b and the wicket 100 together form a supply unit 116b for the wicketed envelope 10b. The envelope 10b is configured to contain and hold the item to be packaged 114. As will be described later, after the item to be packaged 114 is loaded into the envelope 10b, the wicketing flap 18b can be detached from the wicketing flap 18b using a manual or automatic device, leaving the wicketing flap 18b on the wicket 100.

[0148] The envelope 10b of each container unit 11b includes a flexible wall 12b and a flexible wall 14b fixed to the flexible wall 12b in a manner described later. The walls 12b and 14b define a receiving area in the form of an envelope pocket 15b, partially shown in Figure 14. The envelope pocket 15b is configured to receive and hold the item to be packaged 114.

[0149] The envelope 10b further comprises a sealing flap 16b. The lower end of the sealing flap 16b is adjacent to the upper end of the wall 12b, as shown in Figures 14 to 16. The lower end of the wicking flap 18b of the container unit 11b is adjacent to the upper end of the sealing flap 16.

[0150] Directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "upper," and "down" are used in relation to the orientation of the components shown in Figure 14. These terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0151] The wicking flap 18b has two holes 20a formed in it, similar to the wicking flap 18 of the container unit 11 described above. The above description of the holes 20 of the wicking flap 18 also applies to the holes 20a of the wicking flap 18.

[0152] The container units 11b within each bundle 106b may be held together by one or more staples 112b, for example, as described above with respect to the container unit 11.

[0153] The wicketing flaps 18b of each bundle 106b collectively form the wicketing spine 118b of bundle 106b. As described above with respect to the container unit 11, the wicketing spine 118b functions as a rigid or semi-rigid structure, and external forces acting on one or more container units 11b are transmitted to the wicket 100, and the reaction force exerted by the wicket 100 is distributed throughout the wicketing spine 118b.

[0154] The envelope 10b can be configured to be separable from the wicking flap 18b by providing a vulnerable area between the sealing flap 16b and the wicking flap 18b. The vulnerable area may be provided, for example, by a perforation 22a similar to or identical to the perforation 22 of the container unit 11. In another embodiment, the container unit 11b may be provided with a pull tab or other means instead of the perforation 22a to facilitate the separation of the envelope 10b from the wicking flap 18b.

[0155] In another embodiment, the vulnerable area may be provided by features other than the perforations 22a. For example, the vulnerable area may be provided by score lines. In another alternative embodiment, the configuration may be without vulnerable lines. In such an embodiment, the sealing flap 16b is separated from the wicking flap 18 by cutting, tearing, localized heating, etc. In another alternative embodiment, the container unit 11b may be provided with a pull tab or other means instead of the perforations 22a.

[0156] The wall 12b may be formed integrally with the sealing flap 16b and the wicking flap 18b. The wall 12b, the sealing flap 16b, and the wicking flap 18b may be formed as a web 23a. Referring to Figures 15 and 17, the web 23a includes two layers. Each layer consists of paper pies 28a1 and 28a2, respectively. As will be described later, the pies 28a1 and 28a2 are of different sizes. Specifically, ply 28a2 is shorter than ply 28a1, so that the wicking flap 18b is a single-layer structure, while most of the wall 12b and sealing flap 16b are a double-layer structure.

[0157] The wall 14b also has a two-layer structure, with each layer formed by a single paper ply 28b1. The paper plies 28b1 are substantially identical. The wall 14b may be fixed to the web 23a in the manner described later in order to form the assembled envelope 10b.

[0158] The paper forming the plices 28a1, 28a2, and 28b1 may be, for example, kraft paper with a basis weight of 40 pounds. In another embodiment of the packaging unit 11b, the wall 14b may be a single-layer structure. In another embodiment, the plices 28a1, 28a2, and 28b1 may be formed from paper other than kraft paper, paper with a basis weight greater or less than 40 pounds, and non-paper materials such as plastic film.

[0159] As shown in Figure 17, the ply 28a1 of the web 23b has a greater height, i.e., a greater vertical dimension, than the height of the ply 28a2. As will be described later, the difference in height between the plies 28a1 and 28a2 results in a single-layer configuration of the wicking flap 18b.

[0160] The priks 28a1 and 28a2 of the web 23b are secured to each other by two longitudinal interply seals 30a1 and two transverse interply seals 32a1, as shown in Figure 15. The longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30a1 and 32a1 may be formed from sealing elements in the form of the adhesive 34 described above with respect to the web 23. As shown in Figure 17 (showing the adhesive 34 applied to the lamination 28a1), the adhesive 34 is applied to the first layer of the priks 28a1 and 28a2. The other priks 28a1 and 28a2 are aligned with the first priks 28a1 and 28a2 and brought into contact with the adhesive 34 to form the longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30a1 and 32a1, thereby securing the priks 28a1 and 28a2 to each other and forming the web 23a.

[0161] In another embodiment, the web 23a may be formed as part of a continuous web comprising multiple webs 23a. Individual plies 28a1, 28a2 within the web may be formed from two continuous paper sheets fastened together by an adhesive 34 applied to the paper sheets, such that they form longitudinal and transverse ply-to-ply seals 30a1, 32a1 when the sheets are aligned and brought into contact with each other. Each individual web 23a may be cut from the web before or after the web 23a is joined to the corresponding wall 14b to form the envelope 10b.

[0162] The vertical and horizontal directions are indicated by arrows "L" and "T" in Figure 14, respectively.

[0163] As described above, ply 28a2 is shorter than ply 28a1. As shown in Figures 15 and 17, the upper end of ply 28a2 is offset from the upper end of ply 28a1, and the upper end of ply 28a2 is located below the perforation 22a that defines the boundary between the wicking flap 18b and the sealing flap 16b. For example, from the viewpoint of Figures 14 and 17, the upper end of ply 28a2 may be positioned approximately 3 / 8 inch below the perforation 22a. In other embodiments of the container unit 11b, the upper end of ply 28a2 may substantially coincide with the perforation 22a. Thus, the wicking flap 18b is formed as a single layer structure by ply 28a1 alone, while at least a portion of the wall 12b and the sealing flap 16b has a double layer structure formed by plies 28a1 and 28a2.

[0164] The single-layer construction of the wicking flap 18b reduces the force required to separate the corresponding envelope 10b from the wicking flap 18b compared to the force required to separate the envelope 10 from the double-ply wicking flap 18 described above. This reduces the possibility of the wicking flap 18b tearing and separating from the wicket 100 without completely separating it from the envelope 10b.

[0165] Each longitudinal interply seal 30a1 is positioned longitudinally, i.e., along the corresponding side edge of the web 23b. In an alternative embodiment, each longitudinal interply seal 30a1 may be offset from the corresponding side edge of the web 23b. The longitudinal interply seal 30a1 extends from the lower edges of the respective plies 28a1 and 28a2, and may be offset downward from the upper edge of the shorter ply 28a2, for example, by about 1 / 4 inch. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal interply seal 30a1 may extend to the upper end of the second ply 28a2. The longitudinal interply seal 30a1 is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal interply seal 30a1 may be discontinuous.

[0166] One of the lateral interply seals 32a1 of the web 23b extends along the lower ends of the respective prisms 28a1 and 28a2. The other, i.e., the upper lateral interply seal 32a2, is offset, for example, about 1 / 4 inch from the upper end of ply 28a2. In another embodiment, the upper lateral interply seal 32a2 may extend along the upper end of the second ply 28a2.

[0167] The lateral interply seal 32a1 extends substantially laterally and is adjacent to the longitudinal interply seal 30a1. In another embodiment, each end of the lateral interply seal 32a1 may be spaced apart from the adjacent longitudinal interply seal 30a1. In another alternative embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32a1 may extend across the entire width of the web 23a, and the longitudinal interply seal 30a1 may extend between the upper and lower lateral interply seals 32a1. The lateral interply seals 32a1 are continuous. In another embodiment, the lateral interply seals 32a1 may be discontinuous.

[0168] The adhesive 34 may be a cold glue. In place of the cold glue in the alternative embodiment, other types of adhesives or other types of sealing elements may be used. For example, in the alternative embodiment, the adhesive 34 may be a self-adhesive material, a heat-sealable material, and / or a hot-melt adhesive.

[0169] The sealing element, for example, adhesive 34, may be applied directly to the exposed surface of ply 28a1 (or ply 28a2) by a suitable known method. Alternatively, the sealing element may be applied as a tape, such as double-sided tape, or by another suitable method.

[0170] The longitudinal and transverse interply seals 30a1, 32a1 of the web 23b define the edges of the web 23b and contribute to defining the interlayer region or interply space (not shown) between the prisms 28a1, 28a2 of the web 23a, as described above in relation to the envelope 10.

[0171] Plies 28a1 and 28a2 face each other across the interply space, but are not bonded to each other within that space. Furthermore, the interply space is sufficiently empty, and prives 28a1 and 28a2 are in contact with each other, can touch each other, and can slide relative to each other within that space. For example, the interply space may be completely empty, that is, it may not contain any filler or other material at all.

[0172] In another embodiment, as described in relation to the envelope 10 above, cushioning material, padding and / or insulation material, or other types of expandable and non-expandable materials may be placed in the interply space within the web 23b.

[0173] Either or both of the plies 28a1 and 28a2 may include one or more functional layers placed on them, as described above in relation to the envelope 10.

[0174] In other alternative embodiments, prisms 28a1 and 28a2 may be bonded to each other as a whole, such that there is no interply space between prisms 28a1 and 28a2. In other alternative embodiments, prisms 28a1 and 28a2 may be bonded to each other at locations other than the outer periphery of prisms 28a1 and 28a2, or at locations other than the outer periphery.

[0175] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23a may have multiple interply spaces defined within it. For example, in an alternative embodiment of the web 23a, there may be two interply spaces defined by three longitudinal interply seals 30a1. Two of the longitudinal interply seals 30a1 may be positioned along the longitudinal ends of the web 23a. A third longitudinal interply seal 30a1 may be located near the midpoint of the wall, i.e., approximately midway between the longitudinal ends of the wall body, thereby dividing the space between prisms 28a1 and 28a2 into two interply spaces.

[0176] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23a may have three or more longitudinal interply seals 30a1, thereby defining three or more interply spaces 36a1 within the web 23a. In other alternative embodiments of the web 23a, it may have two or more transverse interply seals 32a1, thereby similarly dividing the space between prisms 28a1, 28a2 into multiple interply spaces. In other alternative embodiments, one or more interply seals may extend in directions other than longitudinal and transverse. In other alternative embodiments, small strips or dots of adhesive located between prisms 28a1, 28a2 and positioned inside the longitudinal, lower, and upper ends of the web 23a may be used to allow relative movement between prisms 28a1, 28a2 while further bonding them together.

[0177] In other alternative embodiments, the web 23a may be formed by folding a single piece of paper over itself to form two plies 28a1, 28a2 and may be sealed along three exposed edges.

[0178] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the plies 28b1 of the wall 14b are fastened together by two longitudinal ply seals 30b1 and two transverse ply seals 32b1 (the longitudinal and transverse ply seals 30b1 and 32b1 are shown as dashed lines in Figure 16). The longitudinal and transverse ply seals 30b1 and 32b1 are formed from adhesive 34. The adhesive 34 is applied to the first ply 28b1. The other plies 28b1 are aligned with the first ply 28b1 and brought into contact with the adhesive 34 to form the longitudinal and transverse ply seals 30b1 and 32b1, thereby fastening the plies 28b1 together and forming the wall 14.

[0179] Each longitudinal ply seal 30b1 of the wall 14b is positioned longitudinally, i.e., along the corresponding side edge of the wall 14b. In other embodiments, the longitudinal ply seals 30b1 may be offset from the side edge of the wall 14b. The upper end of each longitudinal ply seal 30b1 may be positioned along the upper edge of the wall 14b. In another embodiment, the upper end of each longitudinal ply seal 30b1 may be offset from the upper edge of the wall 14b. The longitudinal ply seals 30b1 are continuous. In other embodiments, the longitudinal ply seals 30b1 may be discontinuous.

[0180] One of the lateral interply seals 32b1 of the wall 14b is positioned along each lower edge of the wall 14b and extends between the longitudinal interply seals 30b1. The lower lateral interply seal 32b1 may be offset from the lower end of the wall 14b in an alternative embodiment. The upper lateral interply seal 32b1 may be offset from the upper end of the wall 14b by, for example, about 1 / 16 inch. In an alternative embodiment of the envelope 10b, the upper lateral interply seal 32b1 may extend along the upper edge of the wall 14b.

[0181] The lateral interply seal 32b1 is continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32b1 may be discontinuous.

[0182] The lateral interply seal 32b1 extends substantially laterally and is adjacent to the longitudinal interply seal 30b1. In another embodiment, each end of the lateral interply seal 32b1 may be spaced apart from the adjacent longitudinal interply seal 30a1. In another alternative embodiment, the lateral interply seal 32b1 may extend across the entire width of the web 23a, and the longitudinal interply seal 30b1 may extend between the upper and lower lateral interply seals 32b1. The lateral interply seals 32b1 are continuous. In another embodiment, the lateral interply seals 32b1 may be discontinuous.

[0183] The vertical and horizontal interply seals 30b1 and 32b1 define the interlayer region between the plies 28b1 of the wall 14b, i.e., the interply space, and contribute to its demarcation.

[0184] The prismatics 28b1 face each other across the interply space, but are not bonded to each other within the interply space. Furthermore, the interply space is sufficiently empty, and the prismatics 28b1 are adjacent to or in contact with each other within the interply space and can slide relative to each other within the interply space. For example, the interply space may be completely empty, that is, it may not contain any filler or other material at all.

[0185] The description of possible alternative embodiments of web 23b above also applies to wall 14b.

[0186] In alternative embodiments, the interply seal between the web 23b and the wall 14b may extend in directions other than the longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, the interply seal may extend non-linearly in alternative embodiments.

[0187] The web 23b and wall 14b may be fastened to each other to form an assembled container unit 11b, as shown in Figure 16. A sealing element in the form of the adhesive 35 is applied to the outer surface of the ply 28a2 of the web 23a, along its side edge portion. The adhesive 35 extends from the lower end of the ply 28a2 to a position offset approximately 1 / 4 inch downward from the lower end of the sealing flap 16. The adhesive 35 is also applied along the entire length of the lower end portion of the ply 28a2.

[0188] The adhesive 35 may be the cold adhesive described above with respect to the adhesive 34. Other types of adhesives or other types of sealing elements may be used as alternatives to the cold adhesive. For example, in alternative embodiments, self-adhesive materials, heat-weldable materials, and / or hot-melt adhesives may be used as sealing elements.

[0189] After applying the adhesive 35, the lower end of the wall 14b is offset upward, for example, by about 1 / 2 inch from the lower end of the web 23b, and the wall 14b is aligned with the web 23b such that the ply 28a2 of the web 23a faces the ply 28b1 facing inward on the wall 14b. Next, the wall 14b is brought into contact with the web 23b. The adhesive 35 extending along the side edge of the ply 28a2 contacts the corresponding side edge of the ply 28b1 facing inward on the wall 14b, forming a longitudinal inter-wall seal 42a between the web 23a and the wall 14b.

[0190] At this point, due to the aforementioned offset between the lower ends of wall 14b and web 23b, wall 14b does not overlap the lowest portion of web 23a. The lowest part of web 23b is folded onto the outward-facing surface of the outer ply 28b1 of wall 14b, thereby causing the adhesive 35 along the lower end of ply 28a2 of web 23a to contact the outer ply 28b1. The adhesive 35 along the lower end of ply 28a2 forms a lateral inter-wall seal 40b between web 23b and wall 14b. The lateral inter-wall seal 40b secures the folded portion of web 23b to the outer ply 28b1, which is the outer surface of wall 14b, thereby keeping the bottom of envelope 10b closed.

[0191] At this point, wall 14b is secured to web 23b. The second wall 14b faces wall 12b and is secured to wall 12b by a longitudinal interwall seal 42b extending along the side of packaging unit 11b and a transverse interwall seal 40b extending along the bottom of packaging unit 11b. Wall 12b is defined by the area of ​​web 23b between the bottom fold of web 23a and the sealing flap 16b. The boundary between the upper end of sealing flap 16b and the lower end of wicking flap 18b is defined by a perforation 22a. The upper end of wall 14b faces the upper end of wall 12b and the lower end of sealing flap 16b. The longitudinal interwall seal 42b and the transverse seal 40b surround the pocket 15b defined by walls 12b and 14b, thereby defining the encapsulation boundary. As will be described later, before sealing the envelope 10b, the envelope pocket 15b is accessible through the opening 46b defined between the wall 12b and the wall 14b.

[0192] In another embodiment, the packaging unit 11b may be formed without bottom folding of the web 23b. In yet another embodiment, the packaging unit 11b may be formed with side and / or bottom gussets between the walls 12b, 14b. In yet another alternative embodiment, the upper end of the longitudinal wall seal 42b is offset by a distance sufficient to fold downward from the upper end of wall 14b and inward from the upper end of wall 14b, towards the envelope pocket 15b.

[0193] Subsequently, a hole 20b may be formed in the wicking flap 18b. Alternatively, the hole 20b may be formed before the assembly of the packaging unit 11b.

[0194] The sealing flap 16b may be folded over onto the outer surface of the wall 14b after the article 114 is loaded into the envelope pocket 15b, closing the opening 46b to hold the article 114 inside the envelope pocket 15b. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a strip of adhesive 48 sealing element is placed on the surface of the sealing flap 16b that is folded into the wall 14b. The adhesive 48 may be a pressure-sensitive (cold) adhesive. The adhesive 48 may be covered with a release strip 49b until the envelope 10b is ready to be closed. In other embodiments, a sealing element other than the cold adhesive 48 may be used. For example, a heat-adhesive material or a hot-melt adhesive may be used instead of a cold adhesive. Also, in alternative embodiments, the strip of adhesive 48 may be placed on the outer surface of the wall 14b instead of the sealing flap 16b.

[0195] In another embodiment, score lines may be placed on the web 23b between the upper end of the wall 12b and the lower end of the sealing flap 16b. This allows the lower portion of the web 23b to function as a movable hinge, facilitating the rotation of the sealing flap 16b from the open position shown in Figure 9 to the closed position shown in Figure 10.

[0196] The container units 11b assembled as described above may be grouped into a bundle 106b, and the wicketing flaps 18b of each container unit 11b within the bundle 106b may be fastened to each other by staples 112b or other devices as described above.

[0197] Upon arrival at the packaging facility, the bundles 106b are placed on the wicket 100, the envelopes 10b of the packaging unit 11b are filled with articles 114, and the respective wicking flaps 18b are separated as previously described with respect to the packaging unit 11b. As previously described, the single-layer structure of the wicking flaps 18b reduces the force required to separate the sealing flap 16b from the wicking flap 18b along the perforation 22a, thereby reducing the possibility that the wicking flap 18b will be torn off the wicket 100 instead of being completely separated from the sealing flap 16b.

[0198] Once the wicking flap 18b is separated from the rest of the packaging unit 11b, the packaging worker can close and seal the envelope 10b as described above.

[0199] Although this 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, even if a particular feature of this solution is disclosed in relation to only one of the multiple embodiments, that feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments if it is desirable and advantageous in any particular or specific application. Thus, the breadth and scope of this solution should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above. Rather, the scope of this solution should be defined according to the following claims and their equivalents.

[0200] Although this solution is illustrated and described in relation to one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to devise equivalent changes and modifications by reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, even if a particular feature of this solution is disclosed in relation to only one of the multiple embodiments, that feature can be used in combination with one or more other features of the other embodiments if it is desirable and advantageous in any particular or particular application. Thus, the breadth and scope of this solution should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above. Rather, the scope of this solution should be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0201] [Cross-references to related applications] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 506,280, filed on 5 June 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 610,342, filed on 14 December 2023, the contents of which these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A bundle of envelopes with wickets, The aforementioned bundle includes a plurality of container units, Each of the container units is an envelope, The first flexible wall, An envelope comprising: a second flexible wall overlapping the first flexible wall and fixed to the first flexible wall with respect to at least a portion of the pocket boundary, wherein the pocket boundary encloses a pocket defined between the walls and configured and sized to accommodate an article, and at least one of the walls defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the envelope in order to place the article into the pocket; The envelope includes a wicking flap that is detachably attached to the envelope, The wicking flaps of the multiple container units are fixed to each other and cumulatively define the wicking spine so that the wicking spine has higher rigidity and tear resistance compared to a single wicking flap. A stack of envelopes with wickets.

2. The spine is configured to distribute at least a portion of the force applied to one of the container units to at least some of the wicking flaps of the other container units. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

3. The aforementioned force is a tensile force. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 2.

4. The aforementioned spine is configured to be held in place by the wicket, The wicking flap is configured to separate from the first flexible wall in response to the tensile force, The tensile force acts on either or both of the first and second flexible walls in a direction away from the wicket. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 3.

5. The wicketing flap is configured to engage with the wicket to suspend the container unit from the wicket and to maintain engagement with the wicket even after separation from the envelope. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

6. The aforementioned envelope is flexible. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

7. The wicketing flap is detachably connected to the first wall. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

8. The wicking flaps of the plurality of container units are configured to be stacked to further cumulatively define the wicking spine. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

9. Further comprising at least five of the container units, A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

10. Further comprising at least 10 of the container units, A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

11. Further comprising at least 20 of the container units, A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

12. The thickness of the spine is approximately equal to the total thickness of the wicketing flaps of the plurality of container units. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

13. The envelope is further provided with a closure flap positioned between the first flexible wall and the wicking flap, and adjacent to the first flexible wall and the wicking flap. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the sealing flap, The sealing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which the sealing flap covers the pocket opening and holds the article inside the pocket. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

14. The envelope further comprises a sealing element disposed on at least one of the sealing flap and the second flexible wall, The sealing element is configured to form a closure seal that fixes the sealing flap to the second flexible wall when the sealing flap is in the second position. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 13.

15. When the sealing flap is in the first position, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides and open on the fourth side. When the sealing flap is secured to the second position by the sealing seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 14.

16. The envelope further comprises a sealing element located on at least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall. The sealing element is configured to form a tight seal that fixes the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

17. Before the formation of the aforementioned sealing, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides and open on the fourth side. When the first flexible wall is fixed to the second flexible wall by the sealing mechanism, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 16.

18. The wicketing flaps of the plurality of container units are connected by one or more of the following: staples, clamps, and adhesives. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 2.

19. At least one of the staples, clamps, and adhesives is configured to transmit at least a portion of the force to the wicketing flap of the other container unit. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 18.

20. At least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall includes paper. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

21. The container units are configured to be stacked within the bundle. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

22. The container units are configured to be stacked in a substantially flat configuration within the bundle. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 21.

23. The wiking flap has at least one hole formed therein and is configured to receive a portion of the wicket. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

24. The wicketing flap has at least two holes, which are configured to receive a first leg and a second leg of the wicket, respectively. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 23.

25. The spine of the wicketing is further configured to resist the reaction force that the wicket exerts on the spine of the wicketing in response to the force. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 2.

26. The wicking spine is further configured to hold each wicking flap in contact with one or more adjacent wicking flaps within the bundle of wicking flaps. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

27. A vulnerable area is defined between the wicking flap and the envelope, and the vulnerable area is configured to facilitate the separation of the wicking flap from the envelope. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

28. The aforementioned vulnerable region is defined by perforation. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 27.

29. The envelope further comprises gussets configured to connect the edges of the first and second flexible walls and to allow the first and second flexible walls to move closer to and further apart from each other. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

30. At least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall includes a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 1.

31. The first layer includes a first paper ply, A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 30.

32. The aforementioned second layer includes a second paper ply. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 31.

33. The first ply is fixed to the second ply by a plurality of inter-ply seals. The interply seal defines the interply space defined by the first ply and the second ply. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 32.

34. The interply seal includes a sealing element, and the interply space does not include the sealing element. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 33.

35. The space between the plies further includes at least one of the following: cushioning material, cushioning material, filling and / or insulating material, A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 33.

36. At least one of the cushioning material, filling material and / or insulating material is an expandable material. A bundle of wicket envelopes as described in claim 35.

37. A container unit configured to be held in a wicket, It is an envelope, The first flexible wall, A second flexible wall, which overlaps the first flexible wall and is fixed to the first flexible wall with respect to at least a portion of the pocket boundary, the second flexible wall encloses a pocket, the pocket boundary being defined between the walls and configured and sized to accommodate an article, and at least one of the walls defines a pocket opening that allows access to the pocket from outside the envelope in order to place the article into the pocket. An envelope and, The envelope includes a wicking flap that is detachably attached to the envelope, Container unit.

38. The wicking flap is configured to separate from the first flexible wall in response to the force applied to the container unit. The container unit according to claim 37.

39. The aforementioned force is a tensile force. The container unit according to claim 38.

40. The wicketing flap is configured to engage with the wicket to suspend the container unit from the wicket and to maintain engagement with the wicket even after it has been separated from the envelope. The container unit according to claim 37.

41. The aforementioned envelope is flexible. The container unit according to claim 37.

42. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the first wall. The container unit according to claim 37.

43. The envelope is further provided with a closure flap positioned between the first flexible wall and the wicking flap, and adjacent to the first flexible wall and the wicking flap. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the sealing flap, The sealing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which the sealing flap covers the pocket opening and holds the article inside the pocket. The container unit according to claim 37.

44. The envelope further comprises a sealing element disposed on at least one of the sealing flap and the second flexible wall, The sealing element is configured to form a closure seal that fixes the sealing flap to the second flexible wall when the sealing flap is in the second position. The container unit according to claim 43.

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

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

47. Before forming the aforementioned airtight seal, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, and third sides of the pocket and opened on the fourth side. When the first flexible wall is fixed to the second flexible wall by the aforementioned sealing, the pocket is sealed on the first, second, third, and fourth sides. The container unit according to claim 46.

48. At least one of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall includes paper. The container unit according to claim 37.

49. A vulnerable area is defined between the wicking flap and the envelope, and the vulnerable area is configured to facilitate the separation of the wicking flap from the envelope. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 37.

50. The vulnerable region is defined by a plurality of holes. A bundle of wicket envelopes according to claim 49.

51. The envelope further includes a gusset that connects the edges of the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall, and is configured to allow the first flexible wall and the second flexible wall to move toward and apart from each other. The container unit according to claim 37.

52. At least one of the first and second flexible walls includes a first layer and a second layer fixed to the first layer. The container unit according to claim 37.

53. The first layer includes a first paper ply, The container unit according to claim 52.

54. The second layer includes a second paper ply. The container unit according to claim 53.

55. The first ply is fixed to the second ply by a plurality of inter-ply seals. The interply seal defines the interply space defined by the first ply and the second ply. The container unit according to claim 54.

56. The aforementioned interply seal includes a sealing element, The space between the plies does not include the sealing element. The container unit according to claim 55.

57. Further comprising at least one of a cushioning material, filler and / or insulating material placed in the space between the plies, The container unit according to claim 55.

58. At least one of the cushioning material, filling material and / or insulating material is an expandable material. The container unit according to claim 57.

59. A supply unit for a container unit configured to be held in a wicket, A wicket and a plurality of container units as described in claim 37, Supply unit.

60. To provide a container unit configured to be held in a wicket, the container unit is An envelope comprising a first flexible wall and a second flexible wall facing the first flexible wall, the first and second flexible walls defining a pocket between the first and second flexible walls, and a sealing element configured to form a closure seal that maintains the pocket opening in a closed state. A wicking flap connected to a closure flap, To provide a container unit configured to be held in a wicket, The container unit is suspended from the wicket via the aforementioned wicketing flap, Putting items into pockets, Separating the envelope from the wicking flap, This includes forming the aforementioned airtight seal, A method of packaging goods.

61. The wicking flap is connected to and adjacent to the first flexible wall, Separating the envelope from the wicking flap includes separating the first flexible wall from the wicking flap. The method according to claim 60.

62. The sealing element is placed on the first flexible wall, The sealing device is configured to fix the first flexible wall to the second flexible wall. The method according to claim 60.

63. The envelope further includes a sealing flap connected to the first flexible wall and the wicking flap, and adjacent to the first flexible wall and the wicking flap, wherein the sealing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position. The method according to claim 60.

64. Separating the envelope from the wicking flap includes separating the sealing flap from the wicking flap. The method according to claim 63.

65. The method further includes separating the envelope from the wicking flap, and then moving the sealing flap from a first position to a second position. The sealing element is disposed on either the sealing flap or the second flexible wall. The sealing seal is configured to fix the sealing flap to the second flexible wall. The method according to claim 63.

66. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the first flexible wall, The first flexible wall and the wicking flap collectively constitute a first layer. The first flexible wall further includes a second layer fixed to the first layer. The container unit according to claim 37.

67. The second layer is offset from the wicking flap in the longitudinal direction of the first wall. The container unit according to claim 66.

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

69. The first layer comprises a first paper ply, and the second layer comprises a second paper ply. The container unit according to claim 66.

70. The second layer does not overlap beyond a portion of the first layer. The container unit according to claim 66.

71. The second layer does not overlap with the wicking flap. The container unit according to claim 70.

72. The second layer and the first portion of the first layer define the first wall, The second portion of the first layer defines the wicketing flap, The second layer does not overlap beyond the first portion of the first layer. The container unit according to claim 66.

73. The envelope is positioned between the first flexible wall and the wicking flap, and further comprises a closure flap adjacent to the first flexible wall and the wicking flap. The wicking flap is detachably connected to the sealing flap, The sealing flap is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in which the sealing flap covers the pocket opening and holds the article inside the pocket. The first flexible wall, the wicking flap, and the sealing flap collectively constitute the first layer. The container unit according to claim 66.

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

75. The first wall includes a first layer and a second layer, The wicking flap is detachably connected to the first wall, The wicking flap is composed of one or fewer first and second layers. The container unit according to claim 52.

76. The bottom of the first wall is bent and glued to the bottom of the second wall. The container unit according to claim 52.

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