MULTI ZIPPER COMPRESSIBLE BAG

Abstract

A method for compression packaging of a compressible product within a product packaging for commercial distribution and sale includes compressing a compressible product within the product packaging and zipping a gusset located in a sidewall of the product packaging to thereby maintain the compressible product in a compressed condition during commercial distribution and sale. The product packaging includes a base and peripheral sidewall that define an interior containment space in which the compressible product is received. A zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall and secures a gusset in the sidewall when zipped up with the product packaging in a compressed condition. Another zipper is used to secure a lid of the product packaging. The product may be decompressed without opening the product packaging by unzipping the second zipper.

Description

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to compression packaging and, more particularly, to compression packaging of compressible products in bags that are capable of being compressed.

The desire to compress items for shipping and storage has been known in some industries for many years. In a basic form, the concept involves taking a compressible item such as a product substantially made of foam and compressing that item so that in either shipping or storage it consumes much less volume and is therefore less expensive and more economical to provide to the customer. Such a technique offers advantages throughout the distribution cycle. To the manufacturer, the distributor, and the retailer compressed products take up only a small fraction of the volume of the fully expanded product and thus allow more economical use of both inventory and retailing spaces. To the consumer, not only does the product consume less space in transportation, but it can also provide some degree of entertainment when the package is initially opened and the item becomes uncompressed. At the point of purchase, the consumer is not hindered by the compressed state of the particular item and in fact may be reassured by it since not only can they either see a picture or an actually uncompressed item, but they may also find some comfort in knowing that the item has not been damaged, utilize, or exposed to dirt or germs prior to their purchase. While this basic concept seems quite simple, implementation is not so straightforward. To the contrary, simple compression in a practical manner which is economical for all those involved in the distribution cycle and which provides an untainted product to the consumer is attended by a great variety of challenges and problems.

Perhaps one of the most significant problems that those in some fields have faced is the fact that once compressed the item tends to want to uncompress to its natural state. As a result a variety of efforts have been directed toward techniques which hold the item in the compressed state. Naturally, the greater the degree of compression, the greater the need for a restraining system. Efforts in this regard include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,707 (and subsequent U.S. reissue Pat. 30,893) which includes a design having a small enough opening to allow sufficient time to insert the item into a restraining container. In similar fashion U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,620 provides for simultaneously compressing the item and urging it into a container which might even include a rigid container. Not only do such systems unnecessarily require structurally strong containers, but they also may involve unnecessary expense (for the container which is ultimately disposed of) and may involve unnecessarily complicated steps in the manufacturing process.

As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,620, it has been known to utilize vacuum in order to achieve compression. One of the problems with such a technique, however, is that once compressed it is difficult to economically seal the encasing in which compression occurred. Presumably this is one reason why the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,620 provides simultaneously urging the compressed item into a rigid container. While some designs such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,726 incorporate some type of valve mechanism such solutions have not been entirely acceptable due to the fact that the container itself is typically disposed of as soon as the package is opened. (It also compresses in a flat manner which does not minimize the volume of the item.) A very clear statement of the problem of sealing a compressed encasing is made in U.S. Pat. No. 3,307,319 which states that sealing is difficult since “no practical way of eliminating the rumpling has been found.” Thus, as a solution this particular system utilized an external restraint which structurally held the item in its compressed state.

In case of conventional packaging for packing comforters, bags made from different material are used, including but not limited to such materials as poly vinyl with zipper (non-wired), poly vinyl with zipper (with metallic wire), poly vinyl with zipper (with LID wire), and a combination of poly vinyl with other material like non-woven. Comforters are packed in these bags and zipped while being shipped from factory to the retailer's distribution center to the retail store. Comforters are bulky by their inherent nature since they are filled with either down or down alternative material. Due to their bulkiness it takes a lot of space throughout the supply chain and therefore adds to the cost like freight cost, inventory carrying cost at the warehouse and at the retail store. To address this concern, some of the vendors introduced vacuum packaging wherein after the comforter is packed in the bag, it is vacuumized to dramatically reduce the size of the product. This has also been done with pillows. However, it is believed that sucking all of the air out of the bag during the process affects the loft and resilience of the product.

In view of the foregoing, it is believed that a need exists for a design of a bag which could retain a product comprising one or more compressible articles in a compressed condition without rumpling and without affecting the loft and resilience of the compressible articles. This, and other needs, are believed to be addressed by one or more aspects and features of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, a method for compression packaging of a compressible product within a product packaging for commercial distribution and sale includes providing a product packaging comprising: (i) a body portion comprising a base and peripheral sidewall attached to the base, a top edge of the sidewall defining a mouth of the body portion, the sidewall and the base defining an interior containment space for receiving therein a product through the mouth of the body portion; (ii) a lid connected to the body portion for hinged movement relative thereto between an open position, and a closed position in which the lid extends across the mouth; (iii) a first zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the first zipper is located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall, and wherein the first zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the first zipper securing the lid to the sidewall when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting hinged movement of the lid for access, through the mouth of the body portion, to the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in an unzipped position; and (iv) a second zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the second zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion between the base and the first zipper, and wherein the second zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the second zipper securing a gusset in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion in a stowed position when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting expansion of the gusset, to thereby increase a height of the peripheral sidewall, when the slide of the second zipper is in an unzipped position. Moreover, the interior space defined by the body portion has a first containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the zipped position thereof, and has a second containment volume that is greater than the first containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof.

The method of this aspect further includes placing a compressible product, when in an initial condition, through the mouth of the body portion into the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in the unzipped position thereof, and when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof; closing the lid and sliding the slide of the first zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the second zipper remaining in the unzipped position thereof, thereby enclosing and retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the second, greater containment volume of the interior space; and compressing the compressible product and retaining the compressible product in a compressed condition relative to the initial condition by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the first zipper remaining in the zipped position thereof, thereby retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space. The compressible product may consist of a single compressible article or may comprise a plurality of compressible articles. The articles preferably are textile softgoods.

In a feature, the product packaging further comprises a handle for carrying of the product when retained within the product packaging, the handle comprising a first handle strap having opposite ends thereof attached to the lid and a second handle strap having opposite ends thereof attached to the base. The attachment may be by stitching, bonding, or other ways conventionally known to the Ordinary Artisan.

In a feature, a sidewall of the body portion is sufficiently rigid to be self-standing such that the body portion retains its shape when the interior space is empty.

In a feature, each of the body portion and the lid comprises at least one of the group of: Peva (polyethylene vinyl acetate); PVC (polyvinyl chloride); a nonwoven fabric; a woven fabric; a knitted fabric; and polyethylene.

In a feature, each of the length and height of the product packaging is between eight inches to thirty inches, and the length of the gusset is between two inches and sixteen inches when fully expanded with the second zipper in the unzipped position thereof.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a comforter.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a mattress pad.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a pillow.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a bedding set.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a towel.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a quilt.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a bed spread.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a coverlet.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a rug.

In a feature, the compressible product comprises a bath robe.

In a feature, the product packaging further comprises an additional zipper located along a peripheral sidewall of the lid that extends generally in parallel with the first zipper. This additional zipper may be used to secure a pocket on the front of the product packaging in which product sales media may be inserted. In this respect, the outer wall defining the pocket preferably is transparent for viewing by a customer of the media insert on a front of the product packaging.

In a feature, the product packaging further comprises an additional zipper located along a bottom of the peripheral sidewall of the body portion, which additional zipper extends generally in parallel with the first zipper. This additional zipper may be used to secure a pocket on the back of the product packaging in which product sales media may be inserted. In this respect, the outer wall defining the pocket preferably is transparent for viewing by a customer of the media insert on a back of the product packaging.

In another aspect, a product packaging comprises (i) a body portion comprising a base and peripheral sidewall attached to the base, a top edge of the sidewall defining a mouth of the body portion, the sidewall and the base defining an interior containment space for receiving therein a product through the mouth of the body portion; (ii) a lid connected to the body portion for hinged movement relative thereto between an open position and a closed position in which the lid extends across the mouth; (iii) a first zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the first zipper is located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall, and wherein the first zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the first zipper securing the lid to the sidewall when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting hinged movement of the lid for access, through the mouth of the body portion, to the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in an unzipped position; and (iv) a second zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the second zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion between the base and the first zipper, and wherein the second zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the second zipper securing a gusset in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting expansion of the gusset in the peripheral sidewall when the slide of the second zipper is in an unzipped position. Moreover, the interior space defined by the body portion has a first containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the zipped position thereof, and has a second containment volume that is greater than the first containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof.

In another aspect, a method for efficient product packaging, distribution and sale of a compressible textile product comprises placing a compressible product within a product packaging. The product packaging comprises: (i) a body portion comprising a base and peripheral sidewall attached to the base, a top edge of the sidewall defining a mouth of the body portion, the sidewall and the base defining an interior containment space for receiving therein a product through the mouth of the body portion; (ii) a lid connected to the body portion for hinged movement relative thereto between an open position and a closed position in which the lid extends across the mouth; (iii) a first zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, the first zipper being located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall and wherein the first zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the first zipper securing the lid to the sidewall when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting hinged movement of the lid for access, through the mouth of the body portion, to the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in a unzipped position; and (iv) a second zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the second zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion between the base and the first zipper, and wherein the second zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the second zipper securing a gusset in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting expansion of the gusset in the peripheral sidewall when the slide of the second zipper is in an unzipped position. Moreover, the interior space defined by the body portion has a first containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the zipped position thereof, and has a second containment volume that is greater than the first containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof. Furthermore, the slide of the first zipper is in the unzipped position thereof and the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof when the product is placed in the product packaging.

The method further includes the steps of: closing the lid and sliding the slide of the first zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the second zipper being in the unzipped position thereof, thereby enclosing and retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the second, greater containment volume of the interior space in a first condition; compressing the compressible product and retaining the compressible product in a compressed condition relative to the first condition by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the first zipper remaining in the zipped position thereof, thereby retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space; distributing, to a retail store, the product packaging while the compressible product is retained therein within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space of the product packaging; and presenting, at the retail store, the product packaging with the compressible product retained therein to consumers for retail sale.

In accordance with a feature of this aspect, the compressible product retained within the product packaging may be uncompressed, for example at the retail store, back to the first condition without opening the product packaging by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the unzipped position thereof, with the slide of the first zipper remaining in the zipped position thereof.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred compressible bag in a compressed configuration according to one or more aspects and features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compressible bag of FIG. 1 in an expanded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes of methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶16, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, product packaging comprising a compressible bag 100 is providing for compression packaging of a compressible product therein for commercial distribution and sale. The compressible bag comprises a body portion 101 and a lid 102.

The body portion 101 comprises a base and a peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall is attached to the base and extends around and defines a periphery of the compressible bag 100. A top edge of the sidewall defines a mouth of the body portion 101, and the sidewall and the base define an interior containment space for receiving therein the compressible product through the mouth of the body portion 101.

The lid 102 is connected to the body portion 101 and is configured to undergo hinged movement relative to the body portion 101 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the lid 102 extends across and covers the mouth, thereby blocking access to the interior space of the body portion 101 so as to retain a product placed therein.

The compressible product packaging further comprises a first zipper 103. The first zipper 103 comprises two strips with interlocking projections and a slide. The first zipper 103 is located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall of the body portion 101 and transverses three sides of the product packaging, from a first back corner to a second back corner of the product packaging.

The first zipper 103 is closed or opened by pulling the slide along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion 101. The first zipper 103 secures the lid to the sidewall when the slide is in a zipped position. When the slide of the first zipper 103 is in an unzipped position, the first zipper 103 permits hinged movement of the lid 102 for access, through the mouth of the body portion 101, to the interior space defined by the body portion 101. The slide of the first zipper 103 is shown in FIG. 1 in a position that is approximately halfway in-between the zipped position and the unzipped position.

The compressible product packaging further comprises a second zipper 104. The second zipper 104 comprises two strips with interlocking projections and a slide. The second zipper 104 is located between the base and the first zipper 103 and extends the length of the peripheral sidewall (all four sides of the body portion 101, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), traversing all sides and encircling the containment space of the body portion 101.

The second zipper 104 is closed or opened by pulling the slide along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion 101. The second zipper 104 secures a gusset 106 in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion 101 when the slide thereof is in a zipped position. When the slide of the second zipper 104 is in an unzipped position, the second zipper 104 permits expansion of the gusset 106 for increasing the height of the sidewall. It will further be appreciated that the interior space defined by the body portion 101 has a first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper 104 is in the zipped position thereof, and has a second, greater containment volume greater than the first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper 104 is in the unzipped position thereof.

As seen in the figures, the body portion 101 has a generally rectangular profile, including a pair of opposed generally parallel first sides having a first length, and a pair of opposed generally parallel second sides having a second length that is less than the first length. As further seen, the lid 102 is integrally connected with one of the longer side walls for hinged movement.

Additionally, the product packaging further comprises a handle for carrying of the product when retained within the product packaging. The handle preferably comprises a first handle strap 105 having opposite ends thereof attached to the base and a second handle strap 155 having opposite ends thereof attached to the lid 102.

Optionally, and as shown, the lid 102 includes an additional zipper 153, which may be used to open and close a front, transparent pocket 154 of the product packaging in which a media piece may be inserted, e.g., a card with photograph and product information—including barcode—contained in the product packaging.

With respect to exemplary dimensions that are contemplated, the length and height of the compressible bag 100 may be between eight inches to thirty inches, and the height of the gusset may be between two inches to sixteen inches (thus adding between two and sixteen inches to the height of the bag as between the compressed configuration of the bag represented in FIG. 1, and the uncompressed configuration of the bag represented in FIG. 2). Other dimensions are further within the scope of the present invention.

The compressible bag 100 may be made from any suitable material as will be known to the Ordinary Artisan. The compressible bag 100 may be made of materials such as Peva (polyethylene vinyl acetate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, and polyethylene. This compressible bag 100 may be made of a material which is substantially impervious to air.

It is believed that the utilization of a material to form the body portion 101 and the lid 102 that retain their body shape while being capable of being stitched to zipper arrangements enables the elimination of so-called hard cases as well as the need for relatively heavy mechanical case locking arrangements including heavy tongue and groove features, which are conventionally used with so-called hard cases.

Optionally, the compressible hag may include a rigid skeleton or frame, including for example, a wire frame that serves to maintain the overall general shape of the compressible bag. For instance, the compressible bag shown in the figures may include a generally rectangular wire frame both in the lid and in the base, each wire frame defining the rectangular form of the lid and the base. Furthermore, the sides of each generally rectangular, wire frame may be somewhat curved inwardly between corners thereof, as also shown in the figures.

In use of product packaging in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the invention, a compressible product is placed—when in an initial condition—through the mouth of the body portion of the product packaging and into the interior space that is defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in the unzipped position thereof, and when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof. The initial condition may be an uncompressed condition of the product or an initial compressed, condition of the product.

In subsequent steps, the lid is closed and the slide of the first zipper is slid to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the second zipper being in the zipped position thereof. This thereby encloses and retains the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion, with the compressible product being retained within the second, greater containment volume of the interior space.

In subsequent steps, or concurrently with the aforesaid subsequent steps, the compressible product is compressed and retained in a compressed condition relative to the initial condition by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the first zipper remaining in the zipped position thereof. The compressible product thereby is retained within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space of the body portion.

The compression may be accomplished by mechanical means, in which case opposing compressive forces are mechanically applied acting inwardly on the lid and base of the bag 100. Alternatively, other means of compression may be used that are known to the Ordinary Artisan. It is furthermore contemplated that compression of the compressible product within the bag from the initial condition to the compressed condition may represent a decrease in a dimension of the compressible product (such as height or thickness) from 20% up to 80%.

During the compression, air is expelled from the bag 100. The air is expelled through the mouth of the body portion and, if the bag is not air impermeable, air may be expelled through the material of the bag 100 itself, but at a lesser rate.

With further regard to the foregoing description of use, the description equally describes the scenario in which just a single compressible article is compression packaged as the product, and the scenario in which a plurality of compressible products as the product are compression packaged together in a single product packaging.

When the product consists of a single compressible article, the product preferably consumes substantially all of the containment volume of the interior space when the second zipper is in both the zipped and unzipped positions. Similarly, when the product comprises a plurality of compressible articles packaged together as the product, the product substantially consumes all of the containment volume of the interior space when the second zipper is in both the zipped and unzipped positions.

It is further contemplated that upon purchase by a consumer, the second zipper 404 may be moved hack to the open position, whereby the bag will expand from a compressed configuration, as represented in FIG. 1, to an uncompressed configuration, as represented in FIG. 2. The bag may be expanded in this manner by a consumer prior to opening the bag and removing the compressible product. The bag also may be expanded in this manner by a retailer prior to sale to a consumer for better presentation to—and visual perception by—consumers when shopping. Furthermore, as will be recognized from the above disclosure, expansion of the bag and product contained therein may be achieved without actually opening the bag; this is achieved by sliding the second zipper to the unzipped position.

Finally, it is contemplated that the product packaging comprising the compressible bag is reusable by a consumer, thereby avoiding waste that otherwise would be generated by the product packaging.

Preferred methods of the invention are used to compression package compressible textile products, including comforters, mattress pads, bedspreads, pillows, decorative pillows, quilts, coverlets, multi piece bedding sets, bath towels, bath towel ensembles, bath rugs, and bath robes.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that a compressible bag for compression packaging has been described that is capable of compressing a compressible product without affecting loft and resilience of the compressible product, and that is capable of storing a compressible product in both compressed and expanded conditions of the product, including accommodating transitions therebetween.

One or more objects achieved by a compressible hag in accordance with one or more aspects and features of the present invention include: providing compression packaging for a compressible product without affecting loft and resilience of the compressible product; providing compression packaging for compressible product such as comforters, mattress pads, bedspreads, pillows, decorative pillows, quilts, coverlets, multi piece bedding sets, bath towels, bath towel ensembles, bath rugs, bath robes, and the like, which compressible packaging provides reliable storage and easy removal of the compressible product therefrom; providing compression packaging in which the compressible product is compressed and stored inside the bag; and providing compression packaging capable of storing a compressible product in both compressed and expanded condition, including accommodating transitions between the compressed and expanded conditions.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for compression packaging of a compressible product within a product packaging for commercial distribution and sale, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a product packaging comprising, (i) a body portion comprising a base and peripheral sidewall attached to the base, a top edge of the sidewall defining a mouth of the body portion, the sidewall and the base defining an interior containment space for receiving therein a product through the mouth of the body portion; (ii) a lid connected to the body portion for hinged movement relative thereto between an open position, and a closed position in which the lid extends across the mouth; (iii) a first zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the first zipper is located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall, and wherein the first zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the first zipper securing the lid to the sidewall when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting hinged movement of the lid for access, through the mouth of the body portion, to the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in an unzipped position; and (iv) a second zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the second zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion between the base and the first zipper, and wherein the second zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the second zipper securing a gusset in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion when the slide thereof is in a zipped position and permitting expansion of the gusset in the peripheral sidewall when the slide of the second zipper is in an unzipped position, the interior space defined by the body portion having a first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the zipped position thereof, and having a second, greater containment volume greater than the first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in unzipped position thereof;

(b) placing a compressible product, when in an initial condition, through the mouth of the body portion into the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in the unzipped position thereof, and when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof;

(c) closing the lid and sliding the slide of the first zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the second zipper remaining in the unzipped position thereof, thereby enclosing and retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the second, greater containment volume of the interior space; and

(d) compressing the compressible product and retaining the compressible product in a compressed condition relative to the initial condition by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the zipped position thereof; with the slide of the first zipper remaining in the zipped position thereof, thereby retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the product packaging further comprises a handle for carrying of the product when retained within the product packaging, the handle comprising a first handle strap having opposite ends thereof attached to the lid, and a second handle strap having opposite ends thereof attached to the base.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a sidewall of the body portion is sufficiently rigid to be self standing such that the body portion retains its shape when the interior space is empty.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the body portion and the lid comprises at least one of Peva (polyethylene vinyl acetate); PVC (polyvinyl chloride); a nonwoven fabric; a woven fabric; a knitted fabric; and polyethylene.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the length and height of the product packaging is between eight inches to thirty inches, and wherein the length of the gusset is between two inches and sixteen inches when the gusset is fully expanded with the second zipper in the unzipped position thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product consists of a single compressible article.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a plurality of compressible articles.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a comforter.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a mattress pad.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a pillow.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a bedding set.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a towel.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a quilt.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a bed spread.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a coverlet.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a rug.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the compressible product comprises a bath robe.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the product packaging further comprises a third zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the third zipper is located along a peripheral sidewall of the lid and extends generally in parallel with the first zipper.

19. A product packaging comprising:

(a) a body portion comprising a base and peripheral sidewall attached to the base, a top edge of the sidewall defining a mouth of the body portion, the sidewall and the base defining an interior containment space for receiving therein a product through the mouth of the body portion;

(b) a lid connected to the body portion for hinged movement relative thereto between an open position, and a closed position in which the lid extends across the mouth;

(c) a first zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the first zipper is located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall, and wherein the first zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the first zipper securing the lid to the sidewall when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting hinged movement of the lid for access, through the mouth of the body portion, to the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in an unzipped position; and

(d) a second zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the second zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion between the base and the first zipper, and wherein the second zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the second zipper securing a gusset in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion when the slide thereof is in a zipped position and permitting expansion of the gusset in the peripheral sidewall when the slide of the second zipper is in an unzipped position, the interior space defined by the body portion having a first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the zipped position thereof, and having a second, greater containment volume greater than the first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof.

20. A method for efficient product packaging, distribution and sale of a compressible textile product, comprising the steps of:

(a) placing a compressible product within a product packaging, the product packaging comprising, (i) a body portion comprising a base and peripheral sidewall attached to the base, a top edge of the sidewall defining a mouth of the body portion, the sidewall and the base defining an interior containment space for receiving therein a product through the mouth of the body portion; (ii) a lid connected to the body portion for hinged movement relative thereto between an open position, and a closed position in which the lid extends across the mouth; (iii) a first zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, the first zipper being located along the top edge of the peripheral sidewall and wherein the first zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the first zipper securing the lid to the sidewall when the slide thereof is in a zipped position, and permitting hinged movement of the lid for access, through the mouth of the body portion, to the interior space defined by the body portion when the slide of the first zipper is in an unzipped position; and (iv) a second zipper comprising two strips with interlocking projections and a slide, wherein the second zipper is located along the peripheral sidewall of the body portion between the base and the first zipper, and wherein the second zipper is closed or opened by pulling the slide there along, the second zipper securing a gusset in the peripheral sidewall of the body portion when the slide thereof is in a zipped position and permitting expansion of the gusset in the peripheral sidewall when the slide of the second zipper is in an unzipped position, the interior space defined by the body portion having a first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the zipped position thereof, and having a second, greater containment volume greater than the first, lesser containment volume for containing a compressible product therein when the slide of the second zipper is in the unzipped position thereof,

the slide of the first zipper being in the unzipped position thereof and the slide of the second zipper being in the unzipped position thereof when the product is placed in the product packaging;

(b) closing the lid and sliding the slide of the first zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the second zipper being in the unzipped position thereof, thereby enclosing and retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the second, greater containment volume of the interior space in a first condition;

(c) compressing the compressible product and retaining the compressible product in a compressed condition relative to the first condition by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the zipped position thereof, with the slide of the first zipper being in the zipped position thereof, thereby retaining the compressible product within the interior space of the body portion with the compressible product being retained within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space;

(d) distributing, to a retail store, the product packaging while the compressible product is retained therein within the first, lesser containment volume of the interior space of the product packaging; and

(e) presenting, at the retail store, the product packaging with the compressible product retained therein to consumers for retail sale;

(f) wherein the compressible product retained within the product packaging may be uncompressed back to the first condition without opening the product packaging by sliding the slide of the second zipper to the unzipped position thereof, with the slide of the first zipper remaining in the zipped position thereof.