Paper Banding For Corrugated Paperboard

Abstract

Systems and methods for applying strips of paper banding to secure a package containing a plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard is disclosed. At least one strip of paper banding which may be folded unto itself may be wrapped around the plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard, after which an end of the strip is secured to the paper banding using a fastener, such as adhesive. As a result, the strip of paper banding holds the plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard together. The strip of paper banding and any associated fasteners may be completely recyclable, and substantially weather resistant. Additionally, each strip of paper banding may have sufficient width to prevent damage of any of the sheets of corrugated paperboard during transportation. Additionally, a shipping label may be printed directly onto one of the strips of paper banding.

Claims

1. A system for packaging a plurality of sheets comprising: a plurality of sheets stacked on top of one another; at least one strip of paper banding wrapped around the plurality of sheets, the at least one strip of paper banding having a first end, a second end and a body located therebetween; and a fastener applied to the first end to secure the first end to the body or the second end; wherein the at least one strip of paper banding holds the plurality of sheets together during transportation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding and the fastener are recyclable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding has a width; and wherein the width prevents damage of the plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding has a width of at least 2 inches.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding has a width of at least 6 inches.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding is folded over relative to a length at least one time to reduce the width and increase the thickness and rigidity of the at least one strip of paper banding.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding has a shipping label affixed thereto.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding further comprises a fiber scrim formed therein; and wherein the scrim provides reinforcement of the at least one strip of paper banding.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding has a thickness of at least 10 thousandths of an inch.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding has a thickness of at least 18 thousandths of an inch.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding further comprises: a first strip of paper banding; and a second strip of paper banding; wherein the first strip is at least 12 inches from the second strip.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first strip of paper banding is at least 24 inches from the second strip of paper banding.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sheets are of corrugated paperboard that weigh less than 5,000 pounds.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strip of paper banding and the fastener are moisture resistant.

15. A method of packaging a plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging comprising the steps of: stacking the plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging; compressing the plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging; wrapping at least one strip of paper banding around the plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging; affixing a first end of the at least one strip of paper banding to a second end of the at least one strip of paper banding to form a package; releasing the compression from the plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging; transporting the package from a first location to a second location; breaking the at least one strip of paper banding; and separating the plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: taking measurements related to the plurality of corrugated sheets, corrugated boxes, or corrugated packaging; determining the number of strips of paper banding to secure the package; and determining the location of the strips of paper banding.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of printing a shipping label onto the at least one strip of paper banding.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: folding the at least one strip of paper banding at least once along a length thereof; applying an adhesive to the first end of the at least one strip of paper banding; and securing the first end to a portion of the at least one strip of paper banding.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of installing a reinforced scrim material into the at least one strip of paper banding.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of applying a weather resistant material to the at least one strip of paper banding.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for packaging a plurality of sheets into a package using paper banding;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the plurality of sheets of FIG. 1 before the banding has been applied;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the plurality of sheets of FIG. 2, where the sheets are put into compression using schematic arrows;

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the plurality of sheets of FIG. 3 where the paper banding is wrapped around the plurality of sheets;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates the system of FIG. 1, where the package has been tipped over but remains intact;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart showing a method of packaging a plurality of sheets;

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a first strip of paper banding that is folded over itself a single time; and

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a second strip of paper banding that is folded over itself two times.

[0025] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0027] A system 10 of securing a plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard 12 by using at least one, and oftentimes multiple strips of paper banding 14 is generally shown in the figures. The strips of paper banding 14 are made of specific materials and have specific dimensions to ensure that the strips 14 secure the sheets of corrugated paperboard 12 into a travel-ready packaging 16. Additionally, the strips of paper banding 14, as well as any other components associated therewith, are made of 100% recyclable materials. As a result, once the package 16 is safely delivered to a desired location, the strips of paper banding 14 can quickly and easily be disengaged from the packaging 16, after which they can be recycled. In turn, this satisfies environmental concerns on behalf of the receiver of the packaging 16, and also provide the benefit of minimizing costly hauling of waste materials that previously were used to band the sheets of corrugated paperboard together. Furthermore, the strips of paper banding 14 may be made of previously-recycled materials to further ensure minimal environmental impact of use.

[0028] Each of the strips of paper banding 14 have a first end 18, a second end 20, a body 21 located between the first end 18 and the second end 20, a top side 22, and an under side 24. As shown, each strip 14 has a substantially consistent width, such that the strip of paper banding 14 forms a substantially elongate rectangle. When the package 16 is formed, the paper banding 14 may be wrapped around the package 16, after which the underside 24 of the first end 18 may be secured to the top side 22. The first end 18 may be secured to the top side 22 using a number of different fasteners (not shown). For instance, a glue or adhesive material, staples, or other fasteners may be used to ensure that the first end 18 is secured to the rest of the paper banding 14. To avoid damage to the underlying sheets of corrugated paperboard 12, preferably the fastener only has contact with portions of the strip of paper banding 14.

[0029] Additionally, each strip of paper banding 14 may be folded onto itself at least one time to change the paper banding 14 from one ply to multiple ply. For instance, a strip 14 may be folded over itself one time, resulting in a band that is half as wide, but twice as thick as shown in FIG. 7. For instance, a four inch strip 14 can be folded over once into a two inch strip. Furthermore, a strip 14 may be folded over itself two times, resulting in a band that is one-third as wide, but three times as thick as shown in FIG. 8. For instance, a six-inch strip 14 may be folded over itself three times, resulting in a band that is a two inch strip having three times the thickness. As such, the strips of paper banding 14 may initially come in sheets that are two times the thickness as the desired banding for the package, or the strips of paper banding 14 may initially come in sheets that are three times the thickness as the desired banding for the package, or the strips of paper banding 14 may initially come in sheets that are even larger to enable multiple folds. Once the strip of paper banding 14 is folded as desired, it can be glued, stapled, or otherwise secured in place. For instance, hot glue may be used to increase speed of assembly, otherwise, cold glue could be used in hot summer assembly locations. Further still, a perforation may be formed along the strip of paper banding 14 to allow the different plies of paperwork to intertwine and be bonded together. Not only does this folding increase the thickness of the strip of paper banding 14, it also increases the tensile strength and rigidity of the banding to prevent tearing. Further still, the folded strip of paper banding 14 and associated adhesive may result in a moisture barrier, making the paper banding 14 less susceptible to failure due to moisture. The folded strip of paper banding 14 can also be adhered to a dust cover top sheet.

[0030] The strips of paper banding 14 are configured to secure a plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard 12 into a large number of different package sizes. For instance, the strips of paper banding 14 may be configured to secure packages 16 together having at least 250 pounds or material inclusive of multiple stacks that may weigh even more than 5,000 pounds of corrugated paperboard 12. Additionally, the strips of paper banding 14 may be configured to secure packages 16 having a wide range of dimensions. For instance, the strips of paper banding 14 may be used to secure packages 16 having a width of at least 110 inches, and oftentimes even larger. Additionally, the strips of paper banding 14 may be used to secure packages 16 having a length of between 20 and 240 inches. Further still, the strips of paper banding 14 may be used to secure packages 16 together having a height of 12-60 inches, and in some instances even taller packages. As shown in FIG. 5, the strips of paper banding 14 can ensure that the package 16 remains intact even when it is moved around, and potentially tipped over.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the package 16 includes two vertical strips of paper banding 14a, 14b. In some embodiments of the present invention, the width of the strips of paper banding 14 may be uniform, which may be helpful in that it allows a packager to only have one width of strapping on hand to minimize the amount of storage space. When this occurs, the paper banding 14 may be housed onto a roll (not shown). When a stack of corrugated paperboard sheets 12 is ready, the desired length of paper banding 14 may be rolled off of the roll, and then cut prior to installation. Otherwise, the paper banding 14 may come in pre-cut strips, where each have the same width, and a variety of predetermined lengths may be provided. Depending on the size of the package 16, a user can then select the appropriate length of paper banding 14 depending on the size and the shape of the package 16. Preferably, the strips of paper banding 14 will be at least 4% inches in width. In other embodiments, the strips of paper banding 14 may be at least 5 inches, 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, or more in width. In yet other embodiments, the width of the strips may be between 3 inches and 12 inches.

[0032] Alternatively, the specific width of these strips of paper banding 14 may be varied based on a number of factors. For instance, different widths of strips 14 may be provided depending on the shape of the desired package 16, the weight of the sheets of corrugated paperboard 12, and the number of strips of paper banding 14 that will be applied. Again, the strips of paper banding 14 may be folded over one or more times to result in an appropriately wide strip 14 having an increased thickness. When this is desired, the band may come in double, triple, or more times the width of the ultimately desired strip.

[0033] Similarly, the thickness of the strips of paper banding 14 may be consistently used, or different thicknesses may be employed depending on factors mentioned above. Of course, in situations where a larger or heavier package 16 is being wrapped, thicker strips of paper banding 14 may be desired. To the contrary, where smaller packages 16 are being wrapped, thinner strips of paper banding 14 may be desired. By way of example and not limitation, the strips of paper banding 14 may be at least 10 thousandths of an inch in thickness. The strips of paper banding 14 may be thicker, for instance, at least 0.012 inches, 0.014 inches, 0.016 inches, 0.018 inches, or even thicker. In yet other embodiments, the thickness of the strips may be between 0.006-0.24 inches in width. Again, a user may solely stock a single thickness of paper banding 14 based on average package loads, or the user may stock multiple thicknesses such that they are equipped to secure a variety of different packages 16 while maintaining efficiency of the paper banding 14. As described above, the thickness can also be changed by folding over the strip onto itself one or more times.

[0034] Like the width and thickness of the strips 14 that are being used, a user can determine the number of strips 14 that are required in light of a variety of different factors. Among others, these factors may include the height of the package 16, the width of the package 16, the weight of the package 16, and any number of other factors. Additionally, a user can determine whether solely vertical strips of paper banding 14 are needed, or if a combination of vertical and horizontal strips of paper banding 14 should be employed.

[0035] In addition to specifically selecting a paper banding 14 based on the width and thickness, the strips of paper banding 14 may be selected based on additional characteristics or additives. For instance, the strips of paper banding 14 may come with embedded scrim reinforcement 26. For instance, the paper banding 14 may come with layers of scrim reinforcement 26, which in turn makes for a more durable paper banding 14 product. By way of example, some or all of the strips of paper banding 14 may include fiber scrim reinforcement. Additionally, the strips of paper banding 14 may be made of materials that are weather resistant. For instance, 26#-90# containerboard may be used, whether it be with or without scrim enforcement. Similarly, the fastener, such as glue or adhesive, may similarly be selected to be weather resistant. Otherwise, a weather resistant spray may be applied after the strips 14 have been applied. This helps to ensure that the strips of banding 14 will remain intact despite various elements, including rain, snow, slush, ice, hail, humidity, and the like. Not only may these conditions be present when the packages 16 are moved in an outdoor environment, oftentimes transportation vessels may be contaminated by water or moisture in light of workers who are moving into and out of the vessel from an area where water may be present. Furthermore, other sprays or coatings may be used to enhance the characteristics of the strips of paper banding 14. For instance, a poly coating may be added that helps to assist in the strength and welding of the paper. Preferably this poly coating is recyclable and repulpable to minimize environmental impact.

[0036] In addition to providing structural support to the package 16, the strips of paper banding 14 may serve additional functions. For instance, at least one of the strips 14 may have a shipping label 28 printed thereon. Preferably, the strip 14 is at least 4% inches or more to ensure there is sufficient space for the label 28. The label 28 may contain a variety of important information, including shipping information, the delivery address, identifying information relating to the package, and the like. This is preferable over previous packages of sheets of corrugated paperboard, where the label would need to be separately created and then applied to either the dunnage or a side portion of the package.

[0037] Also, the present invention is also directed to a method of packaging the plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard. The method is shown schematically in FIG. 6, with the various steps identified in a flow chart. The method may include some, but not necessarily all of the following steps, and the steps need not occur in the listed order. Initially, measurements may be taken of the plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard 30. These measurements may, for instance, include the height, length, width, and weight of the sheets. Additionally, these measurements may be taken automatically using various sensors and computers, or they may be taken by a user and then input into a computer. Once the measurements have been taken, the appropriate number of straps and location thereof may be generated to ensure sufficient securement of the packaging 32. As mentioned above, the straps may come in a desired width and thickness, or they may be folded over during this step or before this step. After the number and location of the straps have been identified, the plurality of sheets can be stacked and aligned appropriately, and then moved to a wrapping area 34. Thereafter, the strips of paper banding can be prepared 36. As previously discussed, the paper banding may be housed on a roll, such that the desired length of rolled off of the roll and then cut. Otherwise, if the strips of paper banding are precut, the appropriately sized strips of paper banding are prepared for installation. A shipping or otherwise identifying label may be printed onto at least one of the strips of paper banding 38. Once the strips are ready, they are wrapped around the plurality of sheets 40. When this occurs, the plurality of sheets of corrugated paperboard may be compressed to ensure a tight-fitting package 42. For instance, FIG. 3 shows schematic arrows where the package is compressed at four corners of the package. While illustrative of possible compression, it should also be noted that the compression may occur elsewhere, including at the middle of the package, or anywhere else to ensure that the sheets are compressed when the banding is added. As also previously discussed, these strips may be oriented solely vertically, or they may be oriented both vertically and horizontally. Once the wrapping is complete, as shown in FIG. 4, a fastener is applied to the first end of the strips 44. For instance, a weather resistant glue or adhesive may be applied to an underside of the first end, which is then secured to an outside of the respective strip. In the event that the package is initially compressed, the compression can thereafter be removed, such that the strips are put into tension. At this point, the package is complete, and it is ready for transportation to another location, which may include repeated lifting and moving of the packaging using fork trucks and the like 46. Upon arrival, the strips may be removed 48. This can occur by simply ripping the strips off, breaking them at a seam where the first end is secured to the strip, or cut using a knife. Thereafter, the strips can be removed and the sheets can be unstacked and used 50. The strips can be recycled.

[0038] While the above description relates to paper banding used specifically with sheets of corrugated paperboard, it should be noted that the paper banding of the present invention could be used to create packages of any other materials, as desired, all of which need not be detailed here. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

[0039] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials.

[0040] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0041] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.