Flexible to rigid packaging article and method of use and manufacture

Abstract

In one embodiment, a flexible packaging system comprises a flexible container and an inflatable hollow scaffolding component; wherein the flexible packaging system may be made rigid or semi-rigid by pressurizing the hollow scaffolding component. In some aspects, the pressurizing is accomplished by filling the hollow scaffolding component with gas or foam.

1 . A flexible packaging system comprising:
 a flexible or semi-flexible container; and   an inflatable hollow scaffolding component;   wherein the flexible packaging system is configured to be rigid or semi-rigid upon inflation of the hollow scaffolding component by air, gas or foam.   
     
     
         2 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component is internally-associated with the flexible container. 
     
     
         3 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component is externally-associated with the flexible container. 
     
     
         4 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component includes a first opening for inflation or deflation, and wherein the first opening can be permanently sealed or releasable sealed. 
     
     
         5 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component is self-inflating. 
     
     
         6 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 5 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component is associated with two or more compartments that contain two or more inflation components, that, when mixed, form the necessary gas or foam to pressurize the hollow scaffolding component. 
     
     
         7 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 5 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component contains pellets, capsules or beads that contain two or more ingredients that, when mixed, form the necessary gas or foam to inflate the hollow scaffolding component. 
     
     
         8 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible packaging system further comprises one or more internal supports. 
     
     
         9 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 8 , wherein the internal supports are comprised of ribbing or webbing. 
     
     
         10 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible packaging system is configured to be in a substantially flat condition upon deflation of the scaffolding. 
     
     
         11 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible packaging system has an opening that allows for filling or pouring products to be held within. 
     
     
         12 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 11 , wherein the opening is comprises with an integrated closure assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 11 , wherein the opening is configured to receive a separate closure assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 13 , wherein the closure assembly is selected from a resealable peel top, a screw top, a snap top, a flip top, or a cork, press top, or plug-type system. 
     
     
         15 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow scaffolding component includes one or more handle-like appendages. 
     
     
         16 . A flexible packaging system comprising:
 a flexible or semi-flexible container;   a hollow scaffolding component; and   one or more internal supports;   wherein the flexible packaging system may be made rigid or semi-rigid by inflation of the hollow scaffolding component.   
     
     
         17 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 16 , wherein the flexible packaging system is made from a plastic component and formed into thin sheets. 
     
     
         18 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 16 , wherein the container comprises a thin shell or film. 
     
     
         19 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 16 , wherein the container comprises an embedded fiber matrix. 
     
     
         20 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 16 , wherein flexible packaging system may be substantially flat or in a roll when in a deflated state. 
     
     
         21 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more internal ribbing supports are selected from the group consisting of string, webbing and membranes. 
     
     
         22 . The flexible packaging system of  claim 16 , wherein the one or more internal supports are inflatable. 
     
     
         23 . A flexible packaging system of  claim 16  further comprising an expansion chamber in fluid connection with the scaffolding that will expand and reduce in size to accommodate changes in temperature after inflation of the scaffolding to maintain the rigidity of the container for use. 
     
     
         24 . A method for providing a flexible packaging system for holding a product, wherein an unfilled flexible packaging system is provided and utilized according to a method comprising:
 providing at least two uninflated flexible packaging containers, wherein the uninflated flexible packaging containers are substantially flat and are provided in a stack or roll;   inflating the one or more flexible packaging containers prior to use; and   wherein the flexible packaging containers comprise a flexible container and a hollow scaffolding component that may be made substantially rigid by inflation of the hollow scaffolding component.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein each of the uninflated flexible packaging containers is not attached to an adjacent flexible packaging container. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein each of the uninflated flexible packaging containers are separably attached to an adjacent flexible packaging container. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the uninflated flexible packaging containers are self-inflating. 
     
     
         28 . The flexible packaging system  claim 16  wherein the scaffolding is configured to be deflated following use. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the stack or roll is comprised of a matrix of individual uninflated containers for providing at least two containers for substantially simultaneous inflation of the at least two containers.