Package for compressible products and method for making

Abstract

The present invention comprises a unitary flexible package for enclosing and containing in a sealed condition one or more compressible products in both a compressed and uncompressed condition. The package comprises a first closure member capable of sealing the package in a first closed condition defining a first volume, and a second closure member capable of sealing the package in a second closed condition defining a second volume, the second volume being greater than the first volume. A method for making the package of the present invention is also disclosed.

1 . A unitary flexible package ( 10 ) for enclosing and containing in a sealed condition one or more compressible products ( 100 ) in both a compressed and uncompressed condition, characterized in that said package comprises a first closure member ( 12 ) capable of sealing said package ( 10 ) in a first closed condition defining a first volume, and a second closure member ( 14 ) capable of sealing said package ( 10 ) in a second closed condition defining a second volume, said second volume being greater than said first volume.  
     
     
         2 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein said package ( 10 ) comprises polymeric material, preferably low density polyethylene.  
     
     
         3 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein said first closure member ( 12 ) comprises adhesive.  
     
     
         4 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 3  wherein said adhesive is in the form of adhesive tape ( 18 ).  
     
     
         5 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 4  wherein said adhesive tape ( 18 ) comprises a line of weakness ( 21 ) to permit rupture and opening of said first closure member ( 12 ).  
     
     
         6 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 5  wherein said adhesive tape ( 18 ) comprises a release strip ( 22 ).  
     
     
         7 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein said second closure member ( 14 ) is re-sealable and comprises an air-tight sealing member.  
     
     
         8 . The flexible package ( 10 ) of  claim 1  wherein said first volume is from 10% to 90% of said second volume.  
     
     
         9 . A method for making a flexible package ( 10 ) to contain products ( 100 ) in a compressed condition, the method characterized by the steps of: 
 a. providing a continuous sleeve of material ( 30 ) having a first open end and a second open end;    b. joining to said first open end a second closure member ( 14 );    c. folding said first open end at a fold ( 20 ) to form a flap ( 16 );    d. joining said flap ( 16 ) to said continuous sleeve of material ( 30 ) to form a first closure member ( 12 ) at a first closed end;    e. placing the products ( 100 ) into said continuous sleeve of material;    f. compressing the products ( 100 );    g. closing said second end of sleeve of material ( 30 ) to contain the products ( 100 ) in a compressed condition.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein steps (e) and (f) are reversed.