Envelope-type flexible pouch for shipping items with inflatable protection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an envelope-type flexible shipping pouch having an inner pouch defining a compartment for receiving an item, an outer pouch incorporating the inner pouch, an opening for accessing the compartment, and a system for closing the opening. The system for closing the opening includes first adhesive means that ensure said opening is kept closed. The inner pouch and the outer pouch are secured together so as to define an inflatable chamber around said inner pouch. The pouch includes a channel extending into the chamber, the channel including an outlet opening into the chamber and an inlet opening onto the pouch, where the placement of the system for closing the opening simultaneously leads to the sealing of said channel.

1 . An envelope-type flexible shipping pouch, comprising:
 an inner pocket defining a compartment for receiving an item;   an outer pocket integrating the inner pocket;   an opening arranged on the inner and outer pockets to access the compartment;   a system for closing the opening comprising first adhesive means ensuring that said opening is kept closed, the inner pocket and the outer pocket being secured together so as to define an inflatable chamber around said inner pocket; and   a channel extending into the chamber and including having an outlet opening into the chamber and an inlet opening onto the pouch, said channel being arranged such that the placement of the system for closing the opening simultaneously leads to the obturation of said channel.   
     
     
         2 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the system for closing comprises a flap arranged to close the opening in a folded position, the first adhesive means being arranged to maintain the flap in the folded position, the channel being arranged so as to be closed when the flap is in the folded position and when the first adhesive means are in place. 
     
     
         3 . The pouch according to  claim 2 , wherein the inlet of the channel opens onto the flap so that in its folded position, said flap folds the channel back on itself to obturate it. 
     
     
         4 . The pouch according to  claim 2 , wherein the inlet of the channel opens into an area on said pouch where the first adhesive means are located when the flap is in the folded position. 
     
     
         5 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the inlet of the channel opens onto an inner wall of said pouch, the first adhesive means being arranged opposite said inner wall so as to press against the latter and to obturate both said inlet and the opening. 
     
     
         6 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel extends over a length of the pouch so that the outlet of said channel is positioned in a last third of the chamber starting from its end located at the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the channel comprises a flat width between five and thirty millimeters, preferably between eleven and twenty-three millimeters, preferably equal to twenty millimeters. 
     
     
         8 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner pocket comprises a first face and the outer pocket includes a first face, the channel being implemented between side edges of the inner and outer pockets and a partial weld arranged between the two first faces along said side edges and with a slight spacing from said side edges. 
     
     
         9 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the outer pocket is made of a material selected from poly-olefins and the inner pocket is also made from a material selected from poly-olefins. 
     
     
         10 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , which comprises anti-fraud detection means which cooperate with the first adhesive means when the system for closing the opening is placed. 
     
     
         11 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner pocket comprises a lower edge which is floating relative to the outer pocket. 
     
     
         12 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner pocket comprises a lower edge which is secured to an inner wall of the outer pocket. 
     
     
         13 . The pouch according to  claim 1 , further comprising a rigid blowing tube partially incorporated into the channel for inflating the chamber, said tube being removable. 
     
     
         14 . The pouch according to  claim 13 , wherein the system for closing comprises a flap arranged to close the opening in a folded position, the first adhesive means being arranged to maintain the flap in the folded position, the channel being arranged so as to be closed when the flap is in the folded position and when the first adhesive means are in place, the flap comprising an upper part and a lower part wherein the inlet opening of the channel is located, second temporary adhesive means being arranged on the upper part, the flap being configured to temporarily maintain the upper part folded over the lower part before use, the rigid blowing tube being pre-positioned in the channel. 
     
     
         15 . The pouch according to  claim 13 , wherein the channel comprises a flat width comprised between five and thirty millimeters, preferably between eleven and twenty-three millimeters, preferably equal to twenty millimeters, the diameter of the rigid blowing tube being comprised between three and fifteen millimeters, preferably comprised between eight and eleven millimeters, preferably equal to nine millimeters. 
     
     
         16 . The pouch according to  claim 13 , wherein a length of the rigid blowing tube is between half and two-thirds of a length of the pouch.