Method and apparatus for compressing and holding in compression woven fabric articles and products thereof

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for compressing woven material or other compressible material, such as, but not limited to, a comforter set or bedding set. The bedding set or other woven material is placed into a reclosable storage bag which includes a reclosable zipper and a reclosable air valve. With the zipper open, the bag is compressed by a compression apparatus, typically in the absence of vacuum being applied, and, thereafter, the zipper is closed. Straps are wrapped around the compressed bag and the compressed bag is placed into a tote container or similar device. The result is a package with reduced volume, which reduces shipping and display costs, and is more aesthetically attractive to the consumer.

1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A packaging of compressible material, comprising:
 a package including front and rear walls, a mouth with a reclosable zipper; and an air valve in a closed position, the air valve further including an open position;   compressible material contained within the package, the compressible material being in a compressed state resulting from a compressive force of at least 2.5 pounds per square inch, and the package being at least partially evacuated of air;   straps secured around the package; and   the package being contained in a tote container.   
     
     
         48 . The packaging of  claim 47  wherein the compressible material includes woven material. 
     
     
         49 . The packaging of  claim 47  wherein the compressible material includes textile or cloth. 
     
     
         50 . The packaging of  claim 48  wherein the reclosable zipper includes two interlocking profiles which, when interlocked, form a leak resistant seal. 
     
     
         51 . The packaging of  claim 50  wherein the reclosable zipper includes a slider. 
     
     
         52 . The packaging of  claim 50  further including a forming section around the package, wherein the wrapping straps extend from the forming section. 
     
     
         53 . The packaging of  claim 52  wherein the forming section includes rigid or semi-rigid bottom panel. 
     
     
         54 . The packaging of  claim 53  wherein the forming section further includes first and second rigid or semi-rigid side panels extending from the bottom panel. 
     
     
         55 . The packaging of  claim 54  wherein the tote container includes a rectangular or square bottom wall with four side walls extending therefrom, and a top wall extending from one of the side walls. 
     
     
         56 . The packaging of  claim 55  wherein the tote container includes a cloth zipper formed around three sides of the top wall for attaching to three of the side walls. 
     
     
         57 . The packaging of  claim 56  wherein the top wall includes a transparent panel. 
     
     
         58 . The packaging of  claim 57  wherein one of the side walls of the tote container includes a handle attached thereto. 
     
     
         59 . The packaging of  claim 58  further including placing a sheet of material between the package and the transparent panel of the top wall of the tote container, whereby the sheet of material is visible through the transparent panel. 
     
     
         60 . The packaging of  claim 59  wherein the sheet of material has an appearance which matches that of the woven material. 
     
     
         61 . The packaging of  claim 47  wherein the packaging, including the compressible material therein, is sold in a retail establishment. 
     
     
         62 . The packaging of  claim 47  wherein the compressive force was applied while the package was in a tray with side elements, a configuration of the side elements determining the shape of the package in the compressed state. 
     
     
         63 . The packaging of  claim 62  wherein the compressive force was applied while the package was in a tray with a rear element, a configuration of the rear element determining the shape of the package in the compressed state.