Packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag and method of mixing foam
The present disclosure relates to a packaging system for producing a foam-in bag and method of mixing foam for the packaging of articles for shipment and storage, and in particular, to an improved, flexible, multilayered packaging system with a vented, deformable outer bag and an inner confinement structure made of paperboard box or a plastic bag with reclosable opening for optimal mixing and controlled release of the foam using preferential paths, score lines, weakness points, and/or obstacles to flow. In addition, the precursor fluids are placed in individually sealed pouches with calibrated and aptly positioned frangible seals to facilitate mixing after rupture inside of the inner confinement structure. In another embodiment, one of the precursor fluids is placed directly in the inner confinement structure, and in yet another embodiment, both sealed pouches are adhesively joined to the inner confinement structure. What is also disclosed is a method of mixing foam precursors in the different embodiments of the foam-in-bag packaging system.
1. A packaging system for producing a foam-in bag, comprising:
a first precursor packet having a first sealed pouch and an encapsulated first precursor solution;
a second precursor packet having a second sealed pouch and an encapsulated second precursor solution;
a plastic bag having an outer shell including a releasable seal defining a primary opening for release of a mixture of the first and second precursor solutions and a foam guide formed in the outer shell to define a secondary opening for release of the, wherein the first and second precursor packets are encapsulated in the plastic bag such that the primary opening having a primary size is disposed between the first and second precursor packets and the secondary opening having a secondary size, and the primary size of the primary opening is greater than the secondary size of the secondary opening; and
a deformable outer bag having an outer shell and a gas release valve, wherein the plastic bag is encapsulated in the deformable outer bag,
wherein the first and second precursor packets are joined by a first adhesive at a junction surface between the first and second precursor packets and where one of the first and second precursor packets is further connected to the plastic bag by a second adhesive, and where an external pressure is applied to the first and second packets through the plastic bag and the deformable outer bag, and where the first and second precursor solutions are mixed and the mixture is released into the deformable outer bag, first through the primary opening and second through the secondary opening, for creation of a foam encased within the deformable outer bag by reaction of the mixture.
2. The packaging system for producing a foam-in bag of claim 1 , wherein the first and second precursor packets are sealed using a peelable seal.
3. The packaging system for producing a foam-in bag of claim 1 , wherein the first and second precursor packets are sealed partially using a first section of permanent seal and a second section of peelable seal.
4. The packaging system for producing a foam-in bag of claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second precursor solution is encapsulated in the respective first and second precursor packet by a peelable seal over a periphery of the respective first and second precursor packet.
5. The packaging system for producing a foam-in bag of claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second precursor solution is encapsulated in the respective first and second precursor packet by a peelable seal over a first portion of the periphery of the respective first and second precursor packet and by a permanent seal over a second portion of the periphery of the respective first and second precursor packet.
6. The packaging system for producing a foam-in bag of claim 5 , wherein a third portion of the periphery of the respective first and second precursor packet is not sealed but is closed by a fold in the sealed pouch.
7. The packaging system for producing a foam-in bag of claim 1 , wherein the foam guide is in a shape selected from the group consisting of a side-sealed segment in the plastic bag, a cut-out portion, a seal with two unsealed portions, bent lateral seals, a folded side with cut-out portions, and small perforated sections.