Cushion Packs

Abstract

A cushion pack including a corrugated fibreboard lattice within a flexible polymeric envelope which is vented to allow the air contained within the envelope to escape when the cushion pack is subjected to compression.

1 . A cushion pack comprising a corrugated fibreboard lattice within a flexible polymeric envelope which is vented to allow the air contained within the envelope to escape when the cushion pack is subjected to compression. 
   
   
       2 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which all components are compostable. 
   
   
       3 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which all components are repulpable in hot or cold water. 
   
   
       4 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which the flexible polymeric envelope is vented by such means that no material is removed from the envelope during the formation of the vents. 
   
   
       5 . (canceled) 
   
   
       6 . (canceled) 
   
   
       7 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  wherein the vents are configured so that air contained within the envelope escapes in a controlled manner when the cushion pack is subjected to compression. 
   
   
       8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which an area of the polymeric envelope which, in use, is in direct contact with the packaged goods is free of vents. 
   
   
       10 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  wherein at least the surface of the polymeric envelope is static dissipative. 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which the material of the polymeric envelope absorbs moisture vapour from the atmosphere to which the envelope is exposed and/or from the materials within the envelope until an equilibrium is reached. 
   
   
       14 . A cushion pack according to  claim 13  in which the material of the polymeric envelope includes polyvinyl alcohol. 
   
   
       15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which the corrugated fibreboard lattice is configured to deform resiliently when the cushion pack is subjected to compression. 
   
   
       18 . (canceled) 
   
   
       19 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which the lattice is made from corrugated fibreboard that is partially cut in a transverse direction prior to being converted into the lattice in order to improve its three dimensional flexibility around a packaged item. 
   
   
       20 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  in which the flexible polymeric envelope has elasticity. 
   
   
       21 . (canceled) 
   
   
       22 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  wherein the polymeric envelope is woven from polymeric materials, thereby providing vents formed by the interstices within the weave. 
   
   
       23 . A cushion pack comprising a corrugated fibreboard lattice within a flexible polymeric envelope which is vented to provide pneumatic cushioning by escape of gas within the envelope and/or physical cushioning by deformation of the fibreboard lattice when the cushion pack is subjected to compression. 
   
   
       24 . A cushion pack according to  claim 23  wherein the fibreboard lattice is deformable resiliently so that the cushion pack can at least partially return to its original shape when the compression force is removed. 
   
   
       25 . A cushion pack according to  claim 23  wherein the polymeric envelope is provided with one or more vents configured to allow gas within the envelope to escape in a controlled manner. 
   
   
       26 . (canceled) 
   
   
       27 . A method of making a cushion pack comprising the steps of providing a corrugated fibreboard lattice, and enclosing the corrugated fibreboard lattice within a flexible polymeric envelope which is vented to allow air contained within the envelope to escape when the cushion pack is subjected to compression. 
   
   
       28 . (canceled) 
   
   
       29 . A method according to  claim 27  wherein the fibreboard lattice is resiliently deformable to allow the cushion pack to return at least partially to its original shape when the compression is removed. 
   
   
       30 . (canceled) 
   
   
       31 . (canceled) 
   
   
       32 . (canceled) 
   
   
       34 . (canceled) 
   
   
       35 . (canceled) 
   
   
       36 . A method according to  claim 27  wherein the polymeric envelope is vented to direct air exhausted from within the envelope away from packaged goods protected by the pack. 
   
   
       37 . (canceled) 
   
   
       38 . A cushion pack according to  claim 1  wherein the polymeric envelope comprises a polymeric film having a thickness in the range 15-200 microns.