Description:
Systems, Method, and Apparatus for Making and Using Flex Column Void Based Packaging Materials
Need:
Void packing material has a fixed volume that also consumes large space such as during a bulk shipment of packing material to a user's shipping facility where it will be used. This large space requirement increases the cost of shipment and delivery to the user. Further, most void packing materials are made from virgin materials and are typically used once and disposed of. There is a need for a void packing material that is compact in volume during pre-use shipment and storage and is inexpensive and preferably easily recyclable and reusable.
Solution:
Researchers at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo have developed a system, method and apparatus for forming a flex-column. The flex-column void packing material is a space saving expandable loose fill packaging and cushioning material. Flex-columns can be formed from paperboard made from post industrial or consumer waste paper and cardboard. The flex-column void packing material can be shipped to a user customer in the form of a compact, pre-cut, pre-perforated sheets. The flex-column is three-sided with a triangular cross-sectional shape. The flex-column design allows the void fill material to flex to absorb the impact shocks and other forces sustained during shipment and handling of the shipping container. This flexing ability cushions the product further preventing damage from shock.
Applications:
- Packaging
Advantages:
- The flex-column reduces costs created from shipping, storing, and product damage.
- The unique shapes of the flex-columns allows the flex-columns to interlock and prevent the product from settling to the bottom of the shipping container, where the product is more susceptible to damage and shock from mishandling.
- Improved sustainability
IP Status:
US 9,352,892 issued 05/31/2016
US 10,421,248 B2 issued 09/24/2019
Licensing Status:
Available - please contact us for more information.