Importance

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Abstract

A packaging system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume packaging of compressible items. The system may involve initially compressing the item through folding and the like and wrapping the item for insertion into a bag or other flexible impermeable encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation and sealed so that the flexible impermeable encasing acts in conjunction the ambient pressure environment to hold the item in a fully compressed state. For ease of sealing the bag the entire package may be subjected to lower pressures and then sealed. In this manner the item is sealed prior to compression. In order to achieve full recovery of the item the compressible item may be constructed of an open-cell foam having a density at least greater than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot. Alternatively for particularly immediate recovery and for full recovery even after long storage periods the density of such open-cell foam may be about 2.0 pounds per cubic foot. Upon exposure to the ambient pressure environment the item becomes fully compressed and may be packaged for distribution. Convenient opening means may be included on a preestablished seal on a pre-sized bag which just fits the initially compressed item. One or more foam pet products might be packaged in a single package in a manner which greatly reduces the volume necessary for inventory or shipping.

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First Claim