Packaging And Liquid Stabilizing Material

Abstract

An apparatus and a method are provided for a packaging and liquid stabilizing material suitable for dispensing and drying into a desired shape. In some embodiments, the desired shape may be selected so as to simplify cleanup of the packaging and liquid stabilizing material after having absorbed a liquid spilled from containers during transportation in a larger container. A first portion of the packaging and liquid stabilizing material comprises latex-based waste which is formulated into a recycled latex emulsion. The latex-based waste generally comprises recycled liquid latex paint, as well as recycled semi-liquid latex paint and coatings. A second portion comprises a particulate material which includes a mixture of at least cellulose and lignin, such as sawdust. A third portion comprises additional components including any of various plasticizers, coloring agents, hardeners, drying agents, or solidifiers.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A packaging and liquid stabilizing material suitable for dispensing and drying into a desired shape, comprising:
 a first portion comprising latex;   a second portion comprising a particulate material; and   a third portion comprising additional components.   
     
     
         2 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion comprises latex-based waste formulated into a recycled latex emulsion. 
     
     
         3 . The material of  claim 2 , wherein the latex-based waste is recycled liquid latex paint. 
     
     
         4 . The material of  claim 3 , wherein the latex-based waste comprises recycled semi-liquid latex paint and coatings. 
     
     
         5 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein the particulate material comprises a mixture of cellulose and lignin. 
     
     
         6 . The material of  claim 5 , wherein the particulate material comprises sawdust. 
     
     
         7 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein the additional components comprise any of various plasticizers, coloring agents, or hardeners. 
     
     
         8 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein the desired shape is selected so as to simplify cleanup of the packaging and liquid stabilizing material after having absorbed a liquid. 
     
     
         9 . The material of  claim 1 , wherein the desired shape comprises latex-based packaging peanuts suitable for separating and cushioning forces between containers during transportation in a larger container. 
     
     
         10 . The material of  claim 9 , wherein the latex-based packaging peanuts have a size suitable for absorbing liquid which may spill from the containers during transportation in the larger container. 
     
     
         11 . A method for preparing a packaging and liquid stabilizing material suitable for dispensing and drying into a desired shape, comprising:
 formulating a first portion comprising a recycled latex emulsion;   acquiring a second portion comprising a suitable particulate material which includes at least cellulose and lignin;   mixing and blending the second portion with the first portion so as to form a latex-based pulp; and   including a third portion comprising any of various plasticizers, coloring agents, hardeners, drying agents, or solidifiers.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein formulating further comprises receiving a portion of latex-based waste. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the latex-based waste is recycled liquid latex paint. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the latex-based waste comprises recycled semi-liquid latex paint and coatings. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising regulating a moisture level within the desired shape. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein regulating comprises measuring a moisture level within the desired shape. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein regulating comprises applying additional drying to the desired shape when too much moisture is measured. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein drying further comprises subjecting the desired shape to conventional drying methods, such as hot air, microwave heating, or radiant infrared heating. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising treating the desired shape to limit future moisture absorption.