U.S. patent application number 12/445966 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for packaging device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SWISSPAL AG. Invention is credited to Martin Schindler.
Application Number | 20100032335 12/445966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39042932 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100032335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schindler; Martin |
February 11, 2010 |
Packaging Device
Abstract
The invention relates to a packaging device for transporting
and/or storing items that can be disposed in the inside space
thereof, comprising an outer shell (1) with at least one sturdy
bottom wall (2) for arranging the items to be transported and/or
stored. The invention further comprises walls surrounding the items
(20) at least partially, wherein some of the further walls (3, 5,
6) are flexible walls (3, 6) and provided with an additional shell
(10), reinforcing the inside surfaces of the outer shell at least
partially in the state of the packaging device in which it is
prepared for transport and/or storage, and thus substantially
shaping it. The additional shell (10) is inflatable and is used for
securely surrounding the items disposed in the inside space of the
packaging device.
Inventors: |
Schindler; Martin; (Munich,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOOKER & HABIB, P.C.
100 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 304
HARRISBURG
PA
17101
US
|
Assignee: |
SWISSPAL AG
Baar
CH
|
Family ID: |
39042932 |
Appl. No.: |
12/445966 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
October 18, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2007/009059 |
371 Date: |
April 17, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/522 ;
220/732; 53/472 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/0096 20130101;
B65D 81/052 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/522 ;
220/732; 53/472 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/05 20060101
B65D081/05; B65D 25/02 20060101 B65D025/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 048 964.0 |
Claims
1. A packaging device for transport and/or storage of stackable
objects in its interior, wherein said packing device possesses an
outer wall with at least one rigid bottom for the arrangement of
the objects to be transported and/or stored and has, at least in
part, additional wall sections having inner surfaces which
encompass the said objects, as well as an inflatable auxiliary
shell, which serves, by enveloping for the positional affixing of
the arranged objects in the interior of the packaging device,
therein characterized, in that the additional wall sections are, to
a certain extent, predominately flat, flexible wall sections and in
that the auxiliary shell is so constructed, that it reinforces the
inner surface of the outer additional wall sections, at least in
part, in retaining a predetermined condition of the packaging
device as specified for transport and/or for storage and said
auxiliary shell essentially contributes to the shape of the final
packaging device.
2.-20. (canceled)
21. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that an additional top can be solid, which top in
the transport or storage state of the packaging device lies
oppositely remote from the bottom.
22. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that that the additional wall sections consist of
a flexible material.
23. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that at least one of the additional wall sections
of the outer wall is at least partially releasable from the other
additional wall sections whereby the interior of the packaging
device is made accessible.
24. A packaging device in accord with claim 23, therein
characterized, in that the at least partially releasable wall
section possesses quick closing elements which holdingly unite with
complementary receiving elements on an adjacent additional wall
section.
25. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the intersections of the additional wall
sections are reinforced with strengthening elements.
26. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell at the least, is a
separate entity from the outer wall.
27. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell is dimensioned in such a
manner, that in its inflated state, the auxiliary shell represents
the shape of the interior of the outer wall and positionally
affixes the objects which have been placed within the interior for
transport and/or storage.
28. A packaging device in accord with claim 1 therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell in its inflated state is
of a height which is at least equal to that of the outer wall when
the packaging device is in condition for transport and/or
storage.
29. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell in its inflated state
has a length at least equal to the inside perimeter of the outer
wall.
30. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell is a tubular foil
encasement having different wall thicknesses.
31. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell is a tubular foil
chamber having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface of which
is greater in thickness than that of the outer surface.
32. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell consists of individual
air chambers that define an interior for receiving objects for
transport and/or storage.
33. A packaging device in accord with claim 32, therein
characterized in that the air chambers have volumes of different
sizes.
34. A packaging device in accord with claim 33, therein
characterized in that, the air chambers are subdivided by cross
ties.
35. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell comprises fasteners to
enable securement of the auxiliary shell against the outer
wall.
36. A packaging device in accord with claim 1, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell possesses a connector
extending outside of the outer wall whereby the auxiliary shell can
be inflated or deflated from the outside of the packaging device
through said connector.
37. A packaging device in accord with claim 23, therein
characterized, in that the auxiliary shell is so arranged within
the outer wall that upon the at least partial release of the at
least one additional wall section, a section of the auxiliary shell
which lies therebehind, is openable for further access into the
interior of the packing device.
38. A packaging device in accord with claim 24, therein
characterized, in that quick closure elements are so located, that
a refolded, collapsed packaging device can be secured thereby.
39. A method of transporting or storing objects in a packaging
device of the type having a rigid bottom, an outer wall defining an
interior of the device and comprising flexible wall portions, and
an auxiliary inflatable shell, the method comprising the steps of:
opening the outer wall of the packing device; placing the shell in
the interior of the device and, if required, attaching the
auxiliary shell against an inner surface of the outer wall, the
shell at least partially surrounding an interior volume of the
packing device; placing objects to be transported through the
opening and placing the objects upon the rigid bottom and within
the said interior volume; loosely draping the flexible wall
portions over the shell and the objects; inflating the auxiliary
shell until the outer wall has assumed a proper shape for transport
and/or storage and the objects on the bottom are affixed in
position in the packaging device by the pressure exerted by the
inflated auxiliary shell against the objects.
Description
[0001] The present invention concerns a packaging device for the
transport and/or the storage of stackable objects within its
interior, in accord with the concept of claim 1. A typical
packaging device has been disclosed by DE 41 23 558 C1.
[0002] Besides the transport and storage of unattached, single
objects, shipping and inventory operations include objects mounted
on skids or pallets. In these instances, important elements are
rigid bottoms, upon which are placed the objects (also to be
understood hereafter as "object") to be positionally affixed and
stacked for transport. Especially in the case of predetermined
standard dimensioning, such bottomed pallets are known as
"Europallets". Objects arranged upon a Europallet generally lack
protection from impinging lateral or downward forces. The result of
this is that the so shipped objects must have separate, individual
packaging. Known protective measures for transport includes cartons
or wood framings, which are provided with rigid side and top
reinforcements to protect the shipped goods. Likewise, it is
possible that a Europallet can have rollers on the bottom and be
made of open, lattice-like wood framing. Such moveable enclosures
can be known as mobile cages, often provided with top openings.
[0003] Frequently objects are shipped from one location to another
and their only protection is that they are first mounted on and
affixed within the Europallet, but are then tightly clamped against
other skidded loads, heavy boxboard cartons and the like, which
serve as sidewalls and so protect the objects during the time of
shipping from external damaging action.
[0004] If, after the insertion of the objects to be shipped and the
sidewalls of the pallet close, voids form within the packaging,
then the so created empty space can be packed with Styropor-fillers
(expandable polystyrene) or equivalent space-occupying substances.
The shipped objects are so protected in a manner disclosed in EP 0
317 130 B1, WO 94/18091, DE 42 00 557 C1 or DE 90 01 604 U1. Many
of these above described packaging devices do not possess a solid
bottom, but can show at least one principle of transport of objects
on pallets through long distances. Packaging devices of this type,
unfortunately, have the disadvantage that the sidewall structure
surrounding the shipped object is rigid.
[0005] The above described packaging devices have, in common, the
disadvantage, that they are built up from a substantial bottom and
the connected side walls surrounding the shipped objects are also
rigid. Following the delivery of the shipped objects, if the
packaging devices made in this manner are to be returned in empty
form, their stiff construction in truck, ship or airplane causes
empty space which serves no useful purpose other than their own
transport. For this reason, handling and manipulation of such
packaging devices in empty return transport brings about a very
expensive cost which has no positive results.
[0006] DE 20 2005 00885-U1 discloses a self supported, inflatable
textile container, into which are sewed air compartments or air
bags. This textile container is intended to carry bulk material. So
that the container can maintain itself in an upright position,
inflatable air pads or a sealed tubing system of rubber or the like
has been sewn to the fabric of the container. The walls of textile
containers of this description are universally flexible and on this
account are not optimal for the carrying or storage of stackable
objects on plattens.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,794-A made known a collapsible packaging
device, wherein two end walls and possibly an upper wall are
supplied with integrated air cushions. GB 23 11 512 describes air
cushions on a bottom of a packaging device, which made the
enclosure adaptable as a laptop carrier. DE 40 34 038 A1 discloses
a packaging device, wherein the surfaces thereof consist of fabric
and in its corners it possess inflatable looped reinforcement
elements, which strengthen the enclosure structure. EP 11 38 613 A1
discloses a packaging device, in which inner walls can be
inflated.
The Purpose of the Invention
[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to make available a
packaging device for transport and/or storage of stackable objects
contained within its interior space, which device possesses a
rugged bottom to support the arrangement of the objects. This
purpose is further extended to avoid the above stated
disadvantages.
[0009] This purpose is achieved by a generic packaging device
having the characterized features of claim 1.
The Invented Packaging Device
[0010] As a component of the invented packaging device, an
inflatable, auxiliary shell can be either an integral part of an
outside wall or be a separate element of the device. That is to
say, the auxiliary shell is an inflatable encapsulation within the
outer wall. In accord with the invention, this auxiliary shell
performs its inner function by contacting the shipped objects,
which are stacked on the rigid bottom. This auxiliary shell
determines, first, the shape of the outer wall, which provides
protection in transport or storage. Secondly, the auxiliary shell
positionally affixes the shipped objects arranged on the bottom
inside the outer wall. In accord with the invention every technical
possibility is exercised to assure that the inflation is completed
as desired. In other words, an inflation of the auxiliary shell
need not be limited to injecting compressed air or other gases, but
can also include input of a liquid or solid medium.
[0011] The flexible wall sections, which have been attached to the
invented bottom--advantageously attached in Europallet style--take
on their final shape only when they are subjected to the expansion
of the inflating auxiliary shell. That is to say, the shape of the
flexible outer wall can adapt to any internally applied force.
Particularly appropriate for the flexible outer wall sections would
be a fabric material or especially a flexible plastic substance.
Other materials of equivalent characteristics can also be
employed.
[0012] The invented packaging device possesses an upper,
arrangement for opening. This is necessary, since the invented
auxiliary shell, in combination with the outer flexible wall,
defines the final, overall, shape of the packaging device. An upper
opening for the invented packaging device is especially
advantageous. In combination therewith, sections of the outer wall
run along the edge of the solid bottom and are firmly attached
thereto possibly by stapling.
[0013] As a general rule of operation, it is well to avoid
accumulating a residuum of packing materials in the invented
packaging device. Such waste material would reduce the ability of
the packaging device to be recycled through many shipments.
[0014] A gain in advantage can be achieved, if by means of affixing
the objects in the interior of the invented packaging device, the
formerly widely used, individual packaging of the objects to be
shipped can be reduced or completely abandoned.
[0015] Advantageously, one of the wall sections of the outer wall
of the invented packaging device can be made releasable from one or
more of the immediately adjoining wall sections. In this way, the
interior volume of the device is made accessible for loading and/or
unloading shipped objects on or off the substantial bottom. To
improve this advantage, quick closure elements have been attached
to the said releasable wall section. These quick closure elements
lock into complementary receivers, which are secured on the
non-releasable adjoining wall sections. The rapid closure elements
assure quick accessibility.
[0016] The flexible wall sections of the outer wall are
particularly advantageous in their reinforced vertically running
edges and/or in supporting diagonal strips therebetween. Such
reinforcements, when subjected to the inflation of the auxiliary
shell, act to shape the outer wall into a predetermined shape,
which is possibly cubical, so that the auxiliary shell need not
unconditionally regulate, or may only partially determine, the
final shape of the invented packaging device.
[0017] As has already been mentioned above, it is possible that the
invented auxiliary shell can be, first, a component of the inner
surface of the outer wall, and second, may be a separate component.
If the auxiliary shell is a separate entity, then it would be
advantageous if it is sized to be greater in extent than the inner
dimensions of the outer wall. If it is so dimensioned, then the
inner volume of the outer wall would be necessarily completely
occupied by an inflated auxiliary shell and would then assume a
proper outward shape. Simultaneously, the inflated auxiliary shell
takes over the positional securement of the objects within the
packaging device. Obviously, additionally added, known securement
means are allowable on the bottom or on other immovable wall
sections, by means of which further positional securement of the
objects to be shipped or stored becomes available.
[0018] The auxiliary shell can advantageously be a conventional
film tube, shaped in accord with need. Such a film tube can easily
be made, so that it would be adaptable to one-time applications. In
the case of a particularly favorable version the film tube, which
comprises the auxiliary shell, can have a varied wall thickness
[0019] The pressure generated in the film tube during inflation
distributes itself equally toward the outer wall. However, if a
film tube is provided with different wall thicknesses, then,
inventively, a first force can be brought against the inner surface
of the outer wall and a different force can be applied against the
loaded objects and both forces can be optionally predetermined. The
meaning of this is that, because of an installation of the film
tube having a thicker wall directed against the inner surface of
the outer wall, and a thinner wall directed against the objects
being transported, the movement by the film tube toward the said
objects is relatively large. Nevertheless, in this placement, the
positional fixation of the objects in transport is still carried
out. The reason for this is, that the walls of the film tube expand
more in the direction of the shipped objects than in the direction
of the inside surface of the outer wall.
[0020] In the case of another favorable version of the auxiliary
shell, a film tube is provided, wherein the inner wall of said tube
which is proximal to the shipped objects is greater in thickness
than is its wall which confronts the inner surface of the outer
wall. Accordingly, upon inflation, the film tube expands in greater
measure toward the objects than it expands outward and thus the
objects to be shipped are more strongly affixed in place.
[0021] An advantageous version of an auxiliary shell, wherein it is
equipped with a multiplicity of air cells, is that upon inflation
thereof, the expanding shape of the outer wall of the packaging
device can be regulated. Particularly well designed air cells,
wherein successive cells have greater and lesser predetermined
volumes and/or are provided with cross-ties therebetween, which
additionally improve the working space of the final packaging
device.
[0022] If, as has been mentioned above, the auxiliary shell is not
an integral part of the outer wall, but alternately, is separate
therefrom, then the auxiliary shell advantageously possesses quick
fasteners, preferably on its wall facing the outer wall of the
packaging device. These fasteners allow the auxiliary shell to be
secured to the inner surface of the outer wall. After inflation,
this fastening contributes to the fact that the internal shape of
the auxiliary shell influences the shape of the outer wall, which
accordingly leads to the final shaping of the entire packaging
device.
[0023] In detail, the arrangement of this said fastening means for
securing the auxiliary shell to the inside surface of the outer
wall simplifies the handling of the invented packaging device for
the respective operator. The operator is no longer required to be
concerned about a problem of achieving an optimized arrangement of
the auxiliary shell in relation to the outer wall.
[0024] In regard to the inflation of the auxiliary shell within the
outer wall, in accord with the invention, the said shell possesses
an inlet/outlet connection. This connection is so provided as a
part of the auxiliary shell, that when the packaging is in its
final stages, it is readily accessible from the outside. That is,
the connector extends itself to the outside of the now enclosed
packaging device. Accordingly, to inflate the auxiliary shell, an
operator can easily join the said connector to a source of the
desired inflating medium, for example, air.
[0025] As has already been indicated, it is possible to open one
wall section of the loaded packaging device. The auxiliary shell in
the interior of the outer wall, then contacts only the non-openable
outer wall sections. This arrangement allows the openable wall
section of the packaging device to have improved accessibility in
reaching the therein placed objects to be shipped. The outer wall,
however, can be so designed, that it--in the case of a separate
auxiliary shell--can have its opening coinciding with the opening
in the auxiliary shell. The auxiliary shell, for the purpose of the
removal of the loaded objects from the interior of the packaging
device, can be deactivated by release of air by penetration.
Alternately, the auxiliary shell can be provided with a means by
which it can be deflated after the transport has been
completed.
[0026] As another advantage, a particularly favorable design of the
packaging device places on the outer wall quick closure elements
with their complementary receivers. Proximal to these said quick
closure elements/receivers, the advantageous design offers a
duplicate set of such closures. These duplicate closure
elements/receivers serve such a purpose, that in a case of an
individual transport of an empty packaging device, these duplicate
closures, are so provided with interlocks, that the packaging
device cannot unfold itself. Space is thereby saved for the return
shipment of empty packaging devices.
[0027] The invention also concerns the use of a packaging device
for both the transport or the storage of objects.
AMPLIFIED DESCRIPTION WITH AID OF DRAWINGS
[0028] Examples of versions of the invention are described in
greater detail in the following with the aid of drawings. There is
shown in:
[0029] FIG. 1 a perspective view of the invented packaging device
in its open state,
[0030] FIG. 2 a perspective view of an invented, separate auxiliary
shell,
[0031] FIG. 3 in perspective, an alternate version of the invented
auxiliary shell,
[0032] FIG. 4 in perspective, another version of the invented
auxiliary shell,
[0033] FIG. 5 in perspective view, a totally opened, outer walled,
packaging device with packed objects arranged for transport and/or
storage,
[0034] FIG. 6 a perspective view of an invented packaging device in
the open state,
[0035] FIG. 7 a perspective view of an invented packaging device in
the closed state, and in
[0036] FIG. 8 a perspective view of a collapsed, invented packaging
device prepared for empty shipment.
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the invented outer wall
1. This outer wall is comprised of a solid bottom 2, for which a
pallet serves, with specified dimensions. At each of the three
edges of the solid bottom 2 are firmly attached three flexible wall
sections 3, running in a vertical direction. These wall sections 3
advantageously consist, for example, of a plastic or a fabric
material. The three flexible wall sections 3 possess mutually, two
vertical edges 4, which, in the final packaging device, assume a
cubic shape of predetermined dimensions. The vertical edges 4 can
be reinforced by wire cables and/or fabric bands. Such
reinforcement enables the invented packaging device to retain its
required shape under shipping conditions. Alternatively, or
additionally, it is possible that the edges 4, or the corners of
the outer wall 1 be diagonally reinforced and interconnectedly
strengthened with wire cables and/or fabric bands.
[0038] In the version shown in FIG. 1, a solid top 5, described as
upper wall 5, is attached to the upper edges of the flexible wall
sections 3. This top 5, serves as an upper space limit for an
invented packaging device. In a manner similar to the bottom 2,
this top 5 is securely bound to the top edges of three, flexible
wall sections 3. Such a bonding between a solid top and a flexible
wall section can be carried out in many ways. Some of these ways
could be, for example, stitching, adhering, stapling or the like.
Further discussion of this connection need not be made here.
[0039] In the packaging device version shown in FIG. 1, an
additional flexible wall section 6 is firmly secured on an edge of
the described solid top 5. This flexible wall possesses on its
edges, three quick closures 7. These are respectively matched with
three complementary receivers 8 on the outside of the adjacent
flexible walls, whereby the closures can be brought into, and
released from, fully lock-in connections. Additionally it is
possible that on the edges of the wall sections overlapping flaps
are present in order to bind the walls or to reinforce an already
installed corner connection. By means of this combination of quick
closures 7 and receivers 8 the additional flexible wall section 6
can be opened or closed and thereby interior space is made easily
accessible within the outer wall 1. As already mentioned, in the
case of this special version of the invention a solid top 5 is
provided. This top 5, in the case of additional (not shown)
versions of the invention, can be eliminated to allow the interior
of the outer wall 1 to become directly accessible from above. In
this not shown version, the front flap type opening 6 obviously
becomes unnecessary. Similarly, an invented packaging device can be
made, which is open at the top and has four side wall sections, one
of which, however, remains closable/releasable.
[0040] In FIG. 2, a version of an invented auxiliary shell 10 is
shown. In the case of this auxiliary shell 10, the construction
concerns a type of tubular foil encasement, which as shown in FIG.
2, consists of four wall sections 11, which are hinged together.
The outside dimensions of these wall sections are of such a nature,
that they at least correspond to the inner dimensioning of the
outside wall 1. Advantageously, the wall sections 11 of the
auxiliary shell 10 are bound together by means of cross-ties 12.
This binding is such that it brings the auxiliary shell 10 into
dimensioning which corresponds to the predetermined size of the
interior of the outer wall 1. At one end of the auxiliary shell 10
is a connection 13, which carries out the functions of a
feed/release tube. By means of this connection 13, for example, the
auxiliary shell 10 can be inflated with, for instance, compressed
air. Obviously, an inflated auxiliary shell 10 can be deflated by
the same device.
[0041] The auxiliary shell 10 additionally possesses fasteners 14.
These fasteners 14 are located on those sides of the enclosing
auxiliary shell wall 11 which, after the placement of the auxiliary
shell 10 therein, are to be secured onto the inside surface of the
surrounding outer wall 1. From FIG. 2 one can infer, that the most
forward shell wall 11 has no fastening means 14. Accordingly, this
said forward wall 11 can be swung away (or back) so that the
interior of the auxiliary shell is accessible for loading or
unloading. This last mentioned wall 11, which is free of fasteners
14, is equipped on its front vertical edge with quick closure
elements 17. These quick closing elements 17 correspond, for
example, to the quick closing elements 7 already described and
explained as quick closing elements 7 in the description relative
to FIG. 1. Obviously, these closure means lock into complementary
receivers when the above described outwardly swingable wall 11
closes. Likewise, it is possible that the quick closure elements 17
can also consist of adhesively coated flaps.
[0042] At this point of the description, the reader should be
aware, that the vertical length in the drawn presentation of the
auxiliary shell 10 in FIG. 2 can be greater in extent than the
vertical length of the corresponding outer wall 1. The inflation of
the auxiliary shell 10, following its insertion in the outer wall
1, can lead to a situation, wherein the entire auxiliary shell 10
in its upper area, presses against the upper wall 1. When this
occurs, the flexible sections 3 of the outer wall 1 stiffen and are
drawn into a desired external shape. Additionally, because of the
obstruction furnished by the top 5, the auxiliary shell 10 in the
interior of the outer wall 1 is forced downward, which displacement
reinforces the positioning of the loaded objects to be shipped.
[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 demonstrate another version of corresponding
auxiliary shells 10' and 10''. These figures indicate that the
auxiliary shells 10', 10'', in the illustrated case, consist of a
multiplicity of air compartments, namely 18' and 18'' and
18'''.
[0044] In FIG. 3 these air compartments are presented in two
different sizes, whereby the smaller air compartments 18'' would
form corner areas as well as edge zones after they were installed
against the outer wall 1. Especially to be noted in FIG. 3, are the
larger volume air compartments 18', wherein their expansion upon
inflation is such that it extends itself toward the inner surface
of the outer wall 1 while simultaneously, a different expansion
thereof (i.e., not the same) takes place in a direction away from
this inner surface and toward the interior. This said expansion
difference is caused when the large compartment 18' is installed,
in that the surface area of the air compartment 18', which is to
contact the inner surface of the outer wall 1 is provided with an
increased wall thickness. Correspondingly, the oppositely directed
surface area of the air compartment 18', which is oriented toward
the interior, would have a thinner wall thickness. Upon the
inflation of the air compartment 18', as seen in FIG. 3, then, due
to the said thinner wall thickness, that surface area of the air
compartment 18' expands to the extent, that it clamps the shipped
objects in the interior and affixes them in a desired position.
Likewise, a surface of a respective air compartment facing the
interior can be greater in area (hence thinner) than its surface
facing the outer wall 1. In this case the inflating air compartment
bulges away from the outer wall 1.
[0045] In any case, inflated individual air compartments 18', 18'',
18''', define the shape of the outer wall 1 as seen in the examples
of FIGS. 3 and 4. Consequently, the outer wall 1 assumes for
itself, such outer shapes as may be dictated by the inflated
auxiliary shell 10' and 10''.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows the outer wall 1 in its fully opened state.
Schematically, with wavy lines, the auxiliary shell 10 is indicated
as being placed within the inner surface of the outer wall 1.
Similarly, the flexible wall section 3 is shown. As has already
been mentioned it is possible that the auxiliary shell 10 can, in
some instances, be an integral component of the corresponding outer
wall 1. Additionally, the bottom 2 is made evident and the top 5,
or possibly another firm topping could be shown, padded in accord
with need. In FIG. 5, the objects 20 to be transported or to be
stored, are shown arranged on the pallet type bottom 2. In accord
with the shape of the assembled objects, first, the flexible wall
section 3 which is attached to the bottom 2, second, the solid top
5, and third, the flexible wall section 6, which is attached to the
top 5, are wrapped about the said arrangement of objects 20. If the
auxiliary shell 10, in this opened condition of FIG. 5 is not yet
already integrally attached to the inner surface of the outer wall
1, the possibility exists, with this opened layout of FIG. 5, that
the auxiliary shell 10, corresponding to the shapes as seen in
FIGS. 2 to 4, is caused to encapsulate the stacked objects 20.
Thereafter, the wall sections 3, and top 5 encase the auxiliary
shell 10 and the objects 20.
[0047] In accord with the above, the appearance of the objects 20,
which are now inside the packaging, is shown in perspective in FIG.
6. To assure clarity of the presentation, however, the flexible
front wall 6, hinged at its top, is thrown back over the top 5. The
now exposed front section 11 of the auxiliary shell 10 is swung out
to the side. This arrangement of the drawing is to clarify the
accessibility of the invented packaging device. The so opened front
section 11 of the auxiliary shell 10 can then be closed and made
secure by locking-in the quick closure elements 17. Subsequently,
the flexible wall section 6, as seen in FIG. 6, is brought down and
likewise made tight. The packaging device, with these closures, is
now ready to take on the appearance as is shown in FIG. 7.
[0048] In this now closed state of the packaging device, the
auxiliary shell 10 therewithin is inflated by means of the
externally protruding air connection 13. The outer wall 1, which up
to now has been draped over the objects 20 to be shipped, forms
itself into the desired cubical shape as seen in FIG. 7 by means of
the force of the inflation of the interior auxiliary shell 10, 10',
10''.
[0049] If the objects 20 are to be removed at the point of
destination, the first operation of the receiver would be to open
the packaging device by unlatching and throwing back the top hinged
outer section 6 of the outer wall 1. If the design is such, that
the auxiliary shell is integrally a component of the outer wall 1,
then the inflating medium can simply be released through its
connection. If, conversely, in the case of a separate auxiliary
shell 10, 10', 10'', which has been inflated to a size to match the
contours of the objects 20, then, instead of a releasing of the
inflating medium, the release can be effected by simply making
penetrating openings in the auxiliary shell unit 10. 10', 10''
whereby the therein contained medium finds an easy outlet. If this
be done, then for future use of the auxiliary shell, a new
auxiliary shell 10, 10', 10'' must be provided and installed in the
above described manner.
[0050] After the auxiliary shell 10 has been deflated, the outer
wall 1, including the deflated shell 10, and following a outlay of
the packaging device in accord with FIG. 5, the spread-out wall
sections can be folded together. This fold-up, which may be termed
a "ready to return condition" is shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows that
the quick fastening elements can serve the purpose of holding
together the non-hinged wall sections. It is obvious, that the
optimal, space saving arrangement of the outer wall 1, as shown in
FIG. 8, offer an essential advantage of the invented packaging
device for empty shipment. The packaging device in the folded state
as seen in FIG. 8 is hardly greater in extent than the solid bottom
2 with the thereupon secured upper walls 5. The economic,
environmentally technological, and manipulative advantages,
indicate an enormous improvement over the present state of the
technology.
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