Dunnage bag arrangement

Abstract

The invention discloses a dunnage bag arrangement for securing loads, includes an inflatable dunnage bag having a gastight inflatable bladder; and a hanger member connected to the dunnage bag and adapted to being supported on top of loads and adapted to support the dunnage bag in a void between loads. The dunnage bag includes a reinforcing sleeve made of at least one material ply, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening, and the sleeve being folded and sealed and/or stitched to close off at least one of the openings.

Claims

1. A dunnage bag arrangement for securing a first load and a second load, the dunnage bag arrangement comprising: a dunnage bag comprising an inflatable bladder; and first and second wing members connected to the dunnage bag, wherein the first and second wing members include respective first portions configured to contact respective upper surfaces of the first and second loads to suspend the dunnage bag at least partially within a void between the first and second loads, wherein the first and second wing members are sized to collectively, but not individually, extend across the void when suspending the dunnage bag, and wherein the first and second wing members are not parallel to one another when suspending the dunnage bag such that a second portion of the first wing member is positioned within the void and below the upper surface of the first load and such that a second portion of the second wing member is positioned within the void and below the upper surface of the second load.

2. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 1, wherein the dunnage bag has a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, a first side extending between the top end and the bottom end, and a second side opposite the first side and extending between the top end and the bottom end, wherein the first and second wing members are connected to the top end of the dunnage bag.

3. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 1, wherein the dunnage bag further comprises a sleeve that contains the inflatable bladder.

4. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 3, wherein the sleeve is formed from a paper or a plastic material.

5. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 4, wherein the sleeve is formed from a woven plastic material.

6. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first and second wing members are each formed from a rigid material.

7. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 6, wherein the first and second wing members are straight.

8. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first and second wing members are removably connected to the dunnage bag.

9. The dunnage bag arrangement of claim 1, wherein the dunnage bag further comprises a valve in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder to enable inflation of the inflatable bladder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

(2) In the drawings there is shown in:

(3) FIG. 1: a sectional side view of the dunnage bag arrangement according to the invention in position hanging between four pallets before being inflated; and

(4) FIG. 2: a sectional side of the dunnage bag arrangement shown in FIG. 1 after being inflated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(5) Referring, to the drawings, there is shown a dunnage bag arrangement in accordance with the invention. The dunnage bag arrangement 10 for securing loads, includes an inflatable dunnage bag 12 having a gastight inflatable bladder; and a hanger member 14 connected to the dunnage bag 12 and adapted to being supported on top of loads 16 and adapted to support the dunnage bag 12 in a void 18 between loads 16. The dunnage bag 12 includes a reinforcing sleeve made of at least one material ply, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening, and the sleeve being folded and sealed and/or stitched to close off at least one of the openings 20. The size of the hanger member 14 can be adjustable. The size of the hanger member 14 depends on the size of the load application and the size of the void 18.

(6) The hanger member 14 includes two wing members 22 and 24. The hanger member 14 and the wing members 22 and 24 consist of a rigid material. The hanger member 14 and the wing members 22 and 24 consist of a plastics material or metal. The hanger member 14 is removably connected to the dunnage bag 12 and is thus re-usable. The hanger member 14 is a hanger type extension to the dunnage bag 12 so that it operates like wings and that these wings then rest on top of the load 16. The sleeve is made of at least one material ply selected from the material group consisting of paper, plastics material, woven PP (polypropylene) HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PVC (polyvinylchloride). The sleeve ends consist of flaps formed by cutting the sleeve at the opening being closed. The flaps at one end are folded towards each other to close off the respective opening. The flaps at one end are glued to each other to permanently close off the respective opening.

(7) The dunnage bag arrangement 10 can be provided with one to six plies of paper sleeves. The inflatable bladder is made of polyethylene. The inflatable bladder is provided with an inflation valve. The inflation valve protrudes to the exterior at one of the openings. The dunnage bag arrangement 10 can be used in voids larger than 12 inches. The void can also be smaller than 40 inches. The dunnage bag arrangement 10 can be substantially rectangular in shape. The dunnage bag arrangement 10 can be disposable. The dunnage bag arrangement 10 is applicable in conjunction with void fillers. The dunnage bag arrangement 10 is applicable in conjunction with friction panels. At least 50% of the exterior surface area of the dunnage bag 12 can be adapted to be in contact with a load to be secured. The contact can be direct or indirect.

(8) Hence the dunnage bag arrangement 10 according to the invention, provides a method of securing load, which includes the steps of providing in a void 18 between loads 16 to be secured, an inflatable dunnage bag 12 having a gastight inflatable bladder; of supporting the inflatable dunnage bag 12 in the void 18 between the loads 16 by means of a hanger member 14 connected to the dunnage bag 12, the hanger member 14 being adapted to being supported on top of the load 16; and of inflating the inflatable dunnage bag 12 to secure the loads 16. This ensures the following correct positioning of the bag 12 therefore less chances of damage; is less time consuming; and requires only one operator.