Creating virtual pouch using tacking bar in reusable packaging methods and systems

Abstract

Packaging methods include inserting an article into a virtual pouch defined by folding and tacking a first sheet of textile material. The first sheet is then folded about the article such that the first sheet encompasses the article. A second sheet of a textile material is then folded about the first sheet into a configuration such that the second sheet entirely envelops and encloses the first sheet and the textile article. The second folded sheet is then secured in the enveloping configuration. Alternatively, the article is wrapped in and encompassed by a first sheet of textile material by folding and the resulting package is then enclosed within a virtual pouch created in a second sheet of textile material. The resulting outer sheet enclosing the inner sheet with the textile article is then secured in its enclosing configuration with a strap. The packaging materials can be cleaned and decontaminated for reuse.

1 . A packaging method, comprising:
 (a) inserting a textile article into an open end of a virtual pouch, the virtual pouch being created by folding a first sheet of textile material;   (b) subsequently, folding the first sheet about the textile article such that the textile article is entirely encompassed by the first sheet within the virtual pouch;   (c) subsequently, folding a second sheet of a textile material about the first sheet such that the second sheet entirely wraps around and encloses the first sheet and the textile article; and   (d) subsequently, securing the second sheet in its disposition wrapped around and enclosing the first sheet and textile article;   (e) wherein the virtual pouch is secured by tacking one or more folds made in the first sheet in creating the virtual pouch, the tacking being performed using one or more tacking bars.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein stitching used in the one or more tacking bars comprises thread that is dissolvable in a cleaning or decontamination process. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein stitching used in the one or more tacking bars comprises thread that is not dissolvable in a cleaning or decontamination process. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising a preliminary step of decontaminating one or more of the first sheet, the second sheet, and the textile article. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising a subsequent step of decontaminating the package resulting from steps (a)-(d). 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the decontamination is performed by washing the package. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the decontamination is performed by heating the package. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein step (d) is performed using an elongate piece of textile material. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , comprising a preliminary step of decontaminating the elongate piece of textile material. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein one or more folds are made around the textile article. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein one or more folds are made before the textile article is disposed within the virtual pouch. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein before performing steps (a)-(d), the first sheet and the second sheet are interchangeable. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the textile material of any of the textile article, the first sheet and the second sheet comprises at least one of nylon, polyester, cotton, flax, and hemp. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the textile material of any of the textile article, the first sheet and the second sheet is water repellant, semi-impermeable to water, or impermeable to water. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the textile material of any of the textile article, the first sheet and the second sheet is coated with a hydrophobic substance such as, for example, a wax. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the textile material of any of the textile article, the first sheet and the second sheet is coated with a member of the C6 fluorocarbon family or C6 fluorotelomers. 
     
     
         17 . A packaging method, comprising:
 (a) folding a first sheet of a textile material about a textile article such that the first sheet entirely wraps around and encompasses the textile article;   (b) subsequently, inserting the first sheet encompassing the textile article into an open end of a virtual pouch that is defined by folding a second sheet of textile material;   (c) subsequently, folding the second sheet so as to enclose the first sheet and the textile article within the virtual pouch; and   (d) subsequently, securing the second sheet in its disposition wrapped around and enclosing the first sheet and the textile article;   (e) wherein the virtual pouch is secured by tacking one or more folds made in the second sheet in creating the virtual pouch, the tacking being performed using one or more tacking bars.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein stitching used in the one or more tacking bars comprises thread that is dissolvable in a cleaning or decontamination process. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein stitching used in the one or more tacking bars comprises thread that is not dissolvable in a cleaning or decontamination process. 
     
     
         20 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the textile material of any of the textile article, the first sheet and the second sheet is coated with a member of the C6 fluorocarbon family or C6 fluorotelomers. 
     
     
         34 - 37 . (canceled)