Packaging module

Abstract

A packaging module is provided that is comprised of a porous deformable membrane, such as a net bag, and a mass of loose fill elements. The mesh openings in the bag are smaller than a loose fill element to retain the elements in place. The bag is deformable in three dimensions to allow the bag to be manipulated to accommodate the shape of an item to be packaged. A single module may be used to envelop an item to be packaged, for example, in a shipping container. A pair of modules may be used to sandwich an item therebetween for packaging in a shipping container. A shipping unit may also be formed by a pair of modules that are self-adherent to each other. Also, the module may be fabricated into a pre-form with a pocket.

1 . A packaging module for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising 
 a porous deformable membrane defining an enclosed space and characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to envelop the item of three-dimensional shape therein; and    a mass of loose fill elements disposed within said membrane and occupying an amount of said space sufficient to permit said membrane to be shaped about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit said elements to move within said membrane to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item and to envelop the item therein.    
   
   
       2 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said membrane is a net bag.  
   
   
       3 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 2  wherein bag is made of plastic.  
   
   
       4 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said elements are made of starch.  
   
   
       5 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said elements are made of a foamed plastic selected from the group consisting of expanded polystyrene, expanded polyethylene and expanded polypropylene.  
   
   
       6 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said membrane is of elongated cylindrical shape with closed ends.  
   
   
       7 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said membrane is of cubic shape.  
   
   
       8 . A packaging module for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a deformable net bag defining an enclosed space and characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to envelop the item of three-dimensional shape therein; and 
 a mass of loose fill elements disposed within said bag and occupying an amount of said space sufficient to permit said bag to be shaped about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit said elements to move within said bag to accommodate the deformed shape of said bag and to envelop the item therein.    
   
   
       9 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said elements occupy up to 90% of said space within said bag.  
   
   
       10 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said bag has a plurality of openings therein, each said opening being of a size smaller than any one of said elements to retain said elements therein.  
   
   
       11 . A packaging module as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said net bag is made of a material having self-adherent characteristics.