Air package for logistics packaging

Abstract

Provided is a new air package that can simplify complex packing processes from secondary cushioning packaging to tertiary final packaging, and can reduce the amount of generated waste. The air package comprises: an outer film having a first air path; and an inner film having a second air path. The inner film is overlapped on the outer film and then all edges except for an inlet side for putting objects in are sealed.

Description

Air package for logistics packaging

[0001] This article relates to an air package for logistics packaging.

[0002] Recently, with the growth of e-commerce and online direct transactions, various logistics packaging methods have been adopted. The most widely used logistics packaging materials are cardboard boxes and polyethylene bags. These packaging materials are relatively inexpensive and can be used to package a wide range of products. However, conventional logistics packaging, especially courier packaging, requires additional packaging to prevent damage to fragile products or products requiring refrigeration. In particular, products such as eggs, alcoholic beverages like wine, fruit, and glass products are often packaged in secondary packaging, such as air cells or bubble wrap, to prevent damage during delivery. These products are then repackaged in boxes or polybags before being shipped.

[0003] Even with this approach, products can still be damaged during distribution due to residual space within the box, forcing a complex packaging process that encompasses primary packaging, secondary cushioning, and tertiary final packaging. This dramatically increases waste generation and reduces transport efficiency due to the increased space taken up.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to develop a new package that can simplify the complex packaging method from secondary buffer packaging to tertiary final packaging and reduce the amount of waste generated.

[0005] We aim to provide a new air package that can simplify complex packaging methods ranging from secondary cushioning packaging to tertiary final packaging and reduce waste generation.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an air package is provided, which includes an outer layer film having a first air pass formed thereon and an inner layer film having a second air pass formed thereon, wherein the inner layer film is superimposed on the outer layer film and then sealed so that all edges are sealed except for an inlet surface for putting an object into the air package.

[0007] According to one implementation example, the air package integrates the air cell, which serves as a secondary cushioning element, with the tertiary final packaging material (a packaging box or polybag). This means that after sealing and filling with air, the package can be immediately shipped to the logistics company with a waybill sticker attached, providing both product protection and transportation. Simultaneous sealing and air filling can also enhance packaging convenience.

[0008] Air packages can be enhanced with features like perforations to enhance consumer convenience. Furthermore, secondary and tertiary packaging can be prevented, minimizing waste.

[0009] In addition, by forming the air package using a single polyethylene material rather than a composite material composed of polyamide and polyethylene, the air package can be made recyclable.

[0010] Figure 1 is a top view of an air package after sealing and air injection according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an air package after opening along a cut line according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a front side view of an air package after opening along a cut line according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is a side view of an air package after opening along a cut line according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 is a plan view of an air package before air injection according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 is a plan view of an outer layer film of an air package according to one embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 7 is a plan view of an inner layer film of an air package according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 is a plan view of an outer layer film of an air package according to another embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 is a plan view of an inner layer film of an air package according to another embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a re-closure area that prevents air filled in an air path of an air package according to implementation examples from easily escaping.

[0020] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the x-x' axis of a re-closure region that prevents air filled in an air path of an air package according to implementation examples from easily escaping.

[0021] Figure 12 is a laminated diagram of films constituting the outer layer film and the inner layer film of an air package according to implementation examples.

[0022] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a packaging method using an air package according to implementation examples.

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are intended to appropriately express preferred embodiments of the present invention and may vary depending on the intent of the user or operator, or the practices of the field to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be based on the contents throughout this specification. The same reference numerals in each drawing represent the same elements.

[0025] Throughout the specification, when we say that an element is "on" another element, this includes not only cases where the element is in contact with the other element, but also cases where another element exists between the two elements.

[0026] Throughout the specification, when a part is said to “include” a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples and drawings. However, the following examples and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 1 to 5 are a top view of an air package after sealing and air injection, a perspective view after opening along a cut line, a front side view after opening along a cut line, a side view after opening along a cut line, and a plan view before air injection, respectively, according to one embodiment. Figures 6 and 7 are a plan view of an outer film and a plan view of an inner film, respectively, of an air package according to one embodiment.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an air package (1000) according to one embodiment includes an air tube on the front. The air tube has a double air tube structure, with an outer air tube (200) facing the outside and an inner air tube (400) facing the contents contained therein. Due to the double air tube structure, the air cell that served as a secondary buffer and the tertiary final packaging material (packaging box or polybag) can be replaced. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air package (1000) takes on a box shape after sealing and filling with air.

[0030] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the air package (1000) is formed by overlapping an outer film (100) having a first air path (110) formed thereon and an inner film (300) having a second air path (310) formed thereon, and then sealing the outer film so that all edges are sealed except for an inlet surface for inserting objects. A sealing sticker (370) for sealing is formed on the inlet surface. Unexplained reference numerals 112 and 312 represent air inlets.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 6, the outer layer film (100) includes a first air pass (110) for filling air injected through the first air inlet (120) to form an outer air tube (200). The first air pass (110) is formed by sealing two layers of substrates to form an unsealed portion. The first air pass (110) is arranged in a shape for forming an outer air tube (200) that forms the outer skeleton of the air package (1000). The outer layer film (100) includes a planar structure (140) on the upper and lower portions after being formed into a box, and an invoice can be attached to either of the planar structures (140). In addition, a cutting line (150) for opening the box is further included. The cutting line (150) can be made by inserting a cutting line using a laser cutting method or by inserting a tear tape made of oriented polyethylene (OPE), polypropylene film, etc., so that the consumer can easily tear and open the package.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 7, the inner film (300) includes a second air pass (310) for filling air injected through the second air inlet (312) to form an inner air tube (400). The inner air tube (400) is formed to protect a product mounted inside the air package (1000). The second air pass (310) includes an additional sealing portion (315) so that the air package (1000) can maintain a box shape. That is, the shape of the air package (1000) can be folded into a box shape by changing the area or shape of the sealing portion defining the first air pass (110) illustrated in FIG. 6 and the second air pass (310) illustrated in FIG. 7. In addition, a sealing sticker (370) for sealing the product after packaging the product inside the air package (1000) is attached to one end of the inner film (300).

[0033] After the inner layer film (300) is laminated and placed on the outer layer film (100), when folded along the back fold line (a) and the front fold line (b) in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sides of the box (s1 and s2 in FIG. 3) are defined in the folded area. Then, at the same time as folding, the upper A area (120, 320) and B area (125, 325) are sealed to form the sides of the box (s3 in FIG. 3), and the lower A area (130, 330) and B area (135, 335) are sealed to form the sides of the box (s4 in FIG. 3).

[0034] Figures 8 and 9 are plan views of an outer layer film (2100) and an inner layer film (2300) according to another embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate that the first air pass (110) of the outer layer film (2100) and the second air pass (310) of the inner layer film (2300) can be modified into various forms.

[0035] Compared to the outer layer film (100) and inner layer film (300) illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer layer film (2100) and inner layer film (2300) illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 have more first air passes (110) and second air passes (310) arranged across the entire surface.

[0036] The first air pass (110) and the second air pass (310) are independently filled with air to form an outer air tube (200) and an inner air tube (400), respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. Therefore, even if one side is damaged, the shape can be maintained.

[0037] And, Figs. 8 and 9 can be implemented through heat sealing. The hot plate is made into the shape of Figs. 8 and 9 and sealed at a sealing temperature of 130 to 180 degrees.

[0038] Figures 10 and 11 are a plan view and an x-x' cross-sectional view of a re-closure area (2310) that prevents air filled in the second air pass (310) from easily escaping.

[0039] The re-closure area (2310) is formed by additionally forming two films (2322, 2324) for the re-closure area, each 20 to 30 ㎛ thick, between the two outer films (2312, 2314) that constitute the air path, as an air passage, thereby forming a double sealing structure. The upper outer film (2312) and the film (2322) for the re-closure area are formed in a structure in which it is difficult for air to enter through the sealing, and the lower outer film (2314) and the film (2324) for the re-closure area are partially sealed only at the ends (Fig. 11 (a)). Subsequently, air injected through the air injection portion flows into the space between the lower outer film (2314) and the film (2324) for the re-closure area (Fig. 11 (b)). At this time, the film (2322, 2324) for the re-closure area is pressed against the outer film surface at the top by the pressure of the air generated, forming a sealed space so that the filled air does not easily escape (Fig. 11 (c)).

[0040] Although not shown in the drawing, the same structure can also be applied to the first air pass (110).

[0041] The outer film (100, 2100) can be formed by low-temperature sealing except for the air pass (110) area, with a first substrate layer composed of biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) or uniaxially oriented polyethylene (MDOPE) made through a stretching technique, and a second substrate layer made of polyethylene for low-temperature sealing (Fig. 12 (a)). Low-temperature sealing refers to sealing performed at 130 to 160°C, and sealing at such a low temperature has the advantage of requiring less heat energy than conventional films. That is, an air pass (110) is defined in which air is injected into an area other than the sealing area to form an air tube (200). If necessary, a barrier layer may be further included between the first and second substrate layers to improve durability, for example, to supplement cushioning and oxygen blocking ability (Fig. 12 (b)).

[0042] In order to improve heat resistance during sealing of the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer, or to improve adhesion performance with the adhesive of the waybill attached to the flat structure (140 in FIG. 6, 140 in FIG. 8), the surface of the first substrate layer may be coated with a heat-resistant, water-repellent coating agent composed of a hybrid of a water-soluble polyacrylic resin and a water-soluble polyurethane resin to form a heat-resistant, water-repellent coating layer. The heat-resistant or adhesion-enhancing coating layer may be a basic aqueous coating layer having a pH of 8.5 to 10.5. The coating layer may be formed by coating at a concentration of 1.0 g / ㎡ to 3.0 g / ㎡. The coating agent may have a water-repellent function based on water resistance. The uncoated first substrate layer (BOPE or MDOPE) has a melting point (Tm) of 125 to 135°C, so the film may be damaged when sealed at 135°C or higher. However, when treated with a coating agent, it exhibits heat resistance even at 145 to 160°C, allowing for better sealing.

[0043] The second substrate layer may be formed of a material having a sealing adhesive strength of 2,000 to 4,000 gf / 15 mm and a dart drop strength of 600 to 1,800 gf to withstand the pressure when air is injected and to prevent damage from impact. Preferably, the second substrate layer may be formed of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The second substrate layer may also be produced in multiple layers, and the last layer among the multiple layers (3 to 7 layers) may include POP or POE.

[0044] Meanwhile, the second substrate layer may include ultra-high density polyethylene (density 0.960 to 0.970 g / cm3) (UHDPE, Ultra High Density Poly Ethylene) in addition to LLDPE. Table 1 shows the oxygen gas transmission rate (cc / ㎡·day) that changes depending on the thickness and the content of UHDPE relative to the total polyethylene.

[0045] Oxygen permeability (cc / ㎡·day) by thickness UHDPE content 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 50 ㎛ 500↑ 480 400 370 360 60 ㎛ 480 400 370 340 320 70 ㎛ 460 380 360 310 290 80 ㎛ 440 360 310 290 270 90 ㎛ 410 330 300 270 230 100 ㎛ 370 310 290 235 200

[0046] In addition, the existing composite material air cell cushioning packaging composed of nylon and polyethylene had an oxygen permeability of 50-70 cc / ㎡ day, which can be considered excessive specifications for e-commerce packaging that is shipped and disassembled by customers within 2-3 days. Therefore, the air package according to the implementation examples uses a high-barrier ultra-high-density polyethylene (density 0.960-0.970 g / ㎤) material and forms it into a single polyethylene film with a thickness of 50-100 micrometers. At this time, since the content of ultra-high-density polyethylene is selected within the range of 30% to 70% to ensure an oxygen permeability of 200-300 cc / ㎡ day, cushioning can be maintained within the 2-3 day time required for logistics. In addition, since it is composed of a single material, it has the advantage of being recyclable.

[0047] The barrier layer, which is intended to enhance durability, for example, to supplement cushioning and oxygen barrier properties, may also be composed of polyethylene, such that the outer film or the inner film may be composed of a single material. In this case, the barrier layer may include a sealing layer containing POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) or a sealing layer containing POP (Polyolefin Plastomer) on both sides in areas where sealing between the first and second substrate layers is required.

[0048] The inner layer film (300, 2300), like the outer layer film (100, 2100), can be formed by a first substrate layer made of biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) or uniaxially oriented polyethylene (MDOPE) made through a stretching technique, and a second substrate layer made of polyethylene for low-temperature sealing, sealing the second layer except for the second air pass (310) area. If necessary, a barrier layer may be further included between the first and second substrate layers to supplement durability, for example, buffering properties and oxygen barrier properties.

[0049] Of course, if necessary, the inner and outer layer films (100, 300, 2100, 2300) can be formed of composite materials as disclosed in Figs. 12(c) to 12(f). The composite material can be formed by laminating a first substrate layer made of biaxially oriented polyamide and a second substrate layer made of polyethylene (LLDPE) with an adhesive (Fig. 12(c)), or by coating with LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) instead of an adhesive to form a packaging structure (Fig. 12(d)), or by co-extruding biaxially oriented polyamide and polyethylene (LLDPE) to form a packaging structure (Fig. 12(e)).

[0050] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining a packaging method using an air package (1000).

[0051] First, the product is placed in an air package (1000). Next, the sealing sticker (370) attached to one end of the inner film (300) is removed and then sealed. At this time, it may be advantageous in terms of adhesion to make the entire length of the inner film (300) shorter than the entire length of the outer film (100) so that the outer film (100) can be attached to the area where the sealing sticker (370) was removed.

[0052] Next, air is injected into the second air inlet (360) first to form the inner air tube (400), and then air is injected into the first air inlet (160) to form the outer air tube (200), thereby completing the air package (1000). Next, an invoice sticker is attached to the flat area (140). After receiving the product, the air package (1000) is opened by tearing the perforation line (150) and the product is taken out. As described above, since the air package (1000) is made of a single material with polyethylene as the entire layer, the used package can be recycled.

[0053] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An outer layer film having a first air pass formed thereon; and Including an inner layer film in which a second air pass is formed, An air package in which the inner layer film is superimposed on the outer layer film and then sealed, with all edges sealed except for the entrance face for putting in objects.

2. In paragraph 1, An air package having a double air tube structure in which an outer air tube facing the outside is formed in the first air pass and an inner air tube facing the object is formed in the second air pass when an object is placed in the above air package, the inlet surface is sealed, and air is injected through the air inlet.

3. In paragraph 1, An air package in which the package has a box shape after the air injection by changing the sealing area or shape defining the first air pass and the second air pass.

4. In paragraph 1, The above air inlet is an air package in which two films for closed areas are additionally formed as air passages between the two outer layers of films constituting the above air pass, thereby forming a double sealing structure to prevent the injected air from leaking out.

5. In paragraph 1, The above outer layer film and the above inner layer film are each A first substrate layer formed of stretched polyethylene; and An air package comprising a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer made of polyethylene for low-temperature sealing.

6. In paragraph 5, An air package comprising a coating layer on the surface of the first substrate layer to improve heat resistance when sealing the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer, or to improve adhesive performance with an adhesive of a shipping label.

7. In paragraph 6, The above coating layer is an air package which is a basic aqueous coating layer having a pH of 8.5 to 10.

5.

8. In paragraph 6, An air package in which the first substrate layer exhibits heat resistance at 145 to 160°C due to the coating layer.

9. In paragraph 6, The above coating layer is an air package comprising a material composed of a hybrid of a water-soluble polyacrylic resin and a water-soluble polyurethane resin.

10. In paragraph 6, An air package formed by coating the above coating layer with a coating amount of 1.0 g / ㎡ to 3.0 g / ㎡.

11. In paragraph 5, The above second substrate layer is an air package formed of polyethylene having an adhesive strength of 400 to 1,100 gf / 15 mm.

12. In paragraph 5, The above second substrate layer is an air package formed of polyethylene having a dart drop strength of 600 to 1800 gf.

13. In paragraph 5, The above second substrate layer is an air package containing ultra-high-density polyethylene having an oxygen permeability of 200 to 300 cc / ㎡·day.

14. In paragraph 13, An air package having a content of the above ultra-high-density polyethylene of 30 to 70%.

15. In paragraph 5, An air package further comprising a polyethylene barrier layer for improved durability between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer.

16. In paragraph 15, An air package wherein the barrier layer further comprises a sealing layer comprising a polyolefin elastomer or a sealing layer comprising a polyolefin plastomer in an area requiring sealing with the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer.

17. In paragraph 1, An air package comprising a perforation line on one side for opening the air package.

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