Patent Publication Number: US-7913842-B2

Title: Loosefill package for blowing wool machine

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/581,522, filed Oct. 16, 2006, and entitled PARTIALLY CUT LOOSEFILL PACKAGE, all of which is incorporated in the present application in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to loosefill insulation for insulating buildings. More particularly this invention relates to distributing packaged loosefill insulation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the insulation of buildings, a frequently used insulation product is loosefill insulation. In contrast to the unitary or monolithic structure of insulation baits or blankets, loosefill insulation is a multiplicity of discrete, individual tufts) cubes, flakes or nodules. Loosefill insulation is usually applied to buildings by blowing the insulation into an insulation cavity, such as a wall cavity or an attic of a building. Typically loosefill insulation is made of glass fibers although other mineral fibers, organic fibers, and cellulose fibers can be used. 
     Loosefill insulation, commonly referred to as blowing wool, is typically compressed in packages for transport from an insulation manufacturing site to a building that is to be insulated. Typically the packages include compressed blowing wool encapsulated in a bag. The bags are made of polypropylene or other suitable material. During the packaging of the blowing wool, it is placed under compression for storage and transportation efficiencies. Typically, the blowing wool is packaged with a compression ratio of at least about 10:1. The distribution of blowing wool into an insulation cavity typically uses a blowing wool distribution machine that feeds the blowing wool pneumatically through a distribution hose. Blowing wool distribution machines typically have a large chute or hopper for containing and feeding the blowing wool after the package is opened and the blowing wool is allowed to expand. 
     It would be advantageous if the blowing wool packages could be improved to make them easier to use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to this invention there are provided packages of compressed blowing wool. The packages include at least two partial packages of compressed blowing wool. The partial packages have a body of compressed blowing wool encapsulated by a bag. The partial packages include an open end and a closed end. The open ends of the partial packages are configured to expose the body of compressed blowing wool. A joining mechanism is configured to join the partial packages into the package. The partial packages are joined such that the exposed bodies of compressed blowing wool in the open ends are substantially in contact with each other. The package is configured for separation into the partial packages and the partial packages are configured for loading into a blowing wool machine. 
     According to this invention there is also provided packages of compressed blowing wool. The packages include at least two partial packages of compressed blowing wool. The partial packages have a body of compressed blowing wool encapsulated by a bag. The partial packages include an open end and a closed end. The open ends of the partial packages are configured to expose the body of compressed blowing wool. Protective caps are configured to cover the open ends of the partial packages. A joining mechanism is configured to join the partial packages into the package. The partial packages are joined such that the protective caps are substantially in contact with each other. The package is configured for separation into the partial packages and the partial packages are configured for loading into a blowing wool machine. 
     According to this invention there is also provided methods of forming a package of compressed blowing wool. The methods include compressing a body of blowing wool, encapsulating the body of compressed blowing wool in a bag, dividing the bag of compressed blowing wool into partial packages, the partial packages having an open end and a closed end, the open ends of the partial packages are configured to expose the body of compressed blowing wool and joining the partial packages thereby forming the package of compressed blowing wool. The partial packages are joined such that the exposed bodies of compressed blowing wool in the open ends are substantially in contact with each other. The package is configured for separation into the partial packages and the partial packages are configured for loading into a blowing wool machine. 
     According to this invention there is also provided methods of distributing blowing wool from a package of compressed blowing wool. The methods include providing a package of compressed blowing wool, the package including at least two partial packages of compressed blowing wool, the partial packages having a body of compressed blowing wool encapsulated by a bag, the partial packages including an open end and a closed end, and a joining mechanism configured to join the partial packages into the package, the open ends of the partial packages are configured to expose the body of compressed blowing wool, wherein the partial packages are joined such that the exposed bodies of compressed blowing wool in the open ends are substantially in contact with each other, wherein the package is configured for separation into the partial packages, and wherein the partial packages are configured for loading into a blowing wool machine, cutting the package along a suggested cut line such that the package divides into the partial packages, gripping the closed end of the partial package, feeding the open end of the partial package into a machine for shredding and picking apart the blowing wool; and withdrawing the empty partial package from the machine. 
     Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view in elevation of an insulation blowing wool machine. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view in elevation, partially in cross-section, of the insulation blowing wool machine of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view in elevation of the insulation blowing wool machine of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a package of compressed blowing wool. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of half packages of compressed blowing wool. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a package of blowing wool having a round cross-sectional shape. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an insulation pack. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a package of blowing wool having insulation packs assembled end-to-end and encapsulated by a bag. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate package of blowing wool having insulation packs assembled by stacking and encapsulated by a bag. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a package of compressed blowing wool. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the package of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 10  divided into partial packages. 
         FIG. 12   a  is a perspective view of the partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 11  rejoined to form an assembled package. 
         FIG. 12   b is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the rejoined partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 11  illustrating discontinuous tape segments. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the rejoined partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 11  illustrating a sleeve 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the rejoined partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 11  illustrating a bag having an opening. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the rejoined partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 11  illustrating a hinge joining the partial packages. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view in elevation of the partial packages and hinge of  FIG. 15  illustrated in a rotating position. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 15  illustrated in a stacked position. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 11  illustrating a protective cap positioned over an open end of the partial packages. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a partial package of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 18  illustrating the protective cap and a suggested cut line. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the partial packages of compressed blowing wool of  FIG. 18  rejoined to form an assembled package. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A blowing wool machine  10  for distributing compressed blowing wool is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The blowing wool machine  10  includes a lower unit  12  and a chute  14 . The lower unit  12  is connected to the chute  14  by a plurality of fastening mechanisms  15  configured to readily assemble and disassemble the chute  14  to the lower unit  12 . As further shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the chute  14  has an inlet end  16  and an outlet end  18 . 
     The chute  14  is configured to receive the blowing wool and introduce the blowing wool to the low speed shredders  24  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Optionally, the chute  14  includes a handle segment  21 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to facilitate ready movement of the blowing wool machine  10  from one location to another. However, the handle segment  21  is not necessary to the operation of the machine  10 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the chute  14  includes an optional guide assembly  19  at the inlet end  16  of the chute  14 . The guide assembly  19  is configured to urge a package of compressed blowing wool against a cutting mechanism  20  as the package moves into the chute  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the low speed shredders  24  are mounted in the lower unit  12  at the outlet end  18  of the chute  14 . The low speed shredders  24  are configured to shred and pick apart the blowing wool as the blowing wool is discharged from the outlet end  18  of the chute  14  into the lower unit  12 . Although the disclosed blowing wool machine  10  is shown with a plurality of low speed shredders  24 , any type of separator, such as a clump breaker, beater bar or any other mechanism that shreds and picks apart the blowing wool can be used. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , an agitator  26  is provided for final shredding of the blowing wool and for preparing the blowing wool for distribution into an airstream. A discharge mechanism  28  is positioned downstream from the agitator  26  to distribute the shredded blowing wool into the airstream. The discharge mechanism  28  can be a rotary valve, or any other mechanism including staging hoppers, metering devices, rotary feeders, sufficient to distribute the shredded blowing wool into an airstream. The shredded blowing wool is driven through the discharge mechanism  28  and through a machine outlet  32  by an airstream provided by a blower (not shown) mounted in the lower unit  12 . 
     The shredders  24 , agitator  26  and the discharge mechanism  28  are mounted for rotation. They can be driven by any suitable means, such as by a motor  34 , or any other means sufficient to drive rotary equipment. Alternatively, each of the shredders  24 , agitator  26 , and discharge mechanism  28  can be provided with its own motor. 
     In general, the chute  14  guides the blowing wool to the low speed shredders  24  which shred and pick apart the blowing wool. The shredded blowing wool drops from the low speed shredders  24  into the agitator  26 . The agitator  26  prepares the blowing wool for distribution into an airstream by further shredding the blowing wool. The finely shredded blowing wool drops from the agitator  26  into the discharge mechanism  28  for distribution into the airstream caused by the blower. The airstream, with the shredded blowing wool, exits the machine  10  at the machine outlet  32  and flows through a distribution hose  46 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , toward the insulation cavity, not shown. 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 3 , the chute  14  has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape that approximates the substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape of a package  70  of compressed blowing wool. In one embodiment, the package  70  has a height of about 8 inches, a width of about 19 inches and a length of about 38 inches. Such a package  70  might have a weight of about 35 pounds, although the package  70  can weigh more or less than 35 pounds. In this embodiment, the chute  14  has a substantially rectangular cross-section shape of about 9 inches by 20 inches. The substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape of the chute  14  allows the package  70  to be easily received and fed through the chute  14  and to be engaged by the low speed shredders  24 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the package  70  of compressed blowing wool includes a bag  74  that encapsulates a body of compressed blowing wool. The bag  74  is made of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, although any type of material suitable for maintaining the blowing wool in the desired compression can be used. The bag  74  provides a waterproof barrier against water, dirt and other deleterious effects. By using a polymeric material for the bag  74 , the compressed blowing wool will be protected from the elements during transportation and storage of the package  70 . 
     The compressed blowing wool in the package  70  can be any loosefill insulation, such as a multiplicity of discrete, individual tuffs, cubes, flakes, or nodules. The blowing wool can be made of glass fibers or other mineral fibers, and can also be organic fibers or cellulose fibers. The blowing wool can have a binder material applied to it, or it can be binderless. The blowing wool in the package  70  is compressed to a compression ratio of at least 10:1, which means that the unconstrained blowing wool, after the bag  74  is opened, has a volume of 10 times that of the compressed blowing wool in the bag  74 . Other compression ratios higher or lower than 10:1 can be used. 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , the package  70  includes a body of the compressed blowing wool encapsulated by a bag  74 . A slit  76  extends through the body of compressed blowing wool and the bag  74  and partially divides the package  70 . In one embodiment, the slit  76  is disposed along the length of the package  70  such that the slit divides the package  70  into approximately equal size half packages  71  as shown in  FIG. 5 . In another embodiment, the package  70  can include multiple slits positioned along the length of the package  70 . In this embodiment, the slits divide the package  70  into multiple package segments (not shown). For example, a package  70  having three slits would be divided into four package segments. Each package segment includes a body of compressed blowing wool encapsulated by the bag  74 . Each package segment is capable is being fed into the blowing wool machine  10 . 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the slit  76  is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the length of the package  70 . A substantially perpendicular slit  76  enables the machine user to readily cut the un-cut portion of the package  70  along a suggested cut line  79 . Cutting the package  70  along the suggested cut line  79  ensures that the resulting half packages  71  are capable of being readily fed into the machine  10 . However, it should be understood that the slit  76  can be an angled relative to the length of the package  70  and that the angle of the slit  76  relative to the length of the package  70  is not important to the operation of the package  70 . 
     In this embodiment, the package  70  has a length and width which define a major face  80  of the package  70  as shown in  FIGS. 4 . The slit  76  is positioned along the width of the major face  80  and extends approximately one-half of the width of the package  70 . Alternatively, the slit  76  can extend any width of the package  70 , up to a maximum of ⅞ of the width of the package  70 . 
     The slit  76  enables the machine user to divide the package  70  into half packages  71  by cutting the package  70  along a suggested cut line  79  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the suggested cut line  79  is defined as the un-cut portion of the package  70  taken along a Plane P defined by the slit  76 . In one embodiment, the machine user cuts the package  70  along the suggested cut line  79  with a knife. In another embodiment, the machine user cuts the package  70  along the suggested cut line  79  with cutting shears, or any other cutting tool sufficient to divide the package  70  along the suggested cut line  79 . 
     In this embodiment as further shown in  FIG. 4 , the package  70  incorporating the slit  76  is delivered to the machine user without a protective covering over the slit  76 . Alternatively, the package  70  may include a protective covering  81  to protect the body  72  of blowing wool from dirt, water and other foreign contaminants during the period of time in which the package  70  is in storage or delivery. The protective covering  81  could be a see-through film, or any other covering sufficient to protect the package  70  from foreign contamination. 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , the package  70  includes a plurality of images  78  disposed on the bag  74 . The images  78  are disposed on the bag  74  by various methods including printing on the bag or by stickers disposed on the bag  74  or by any other method sufficient to dispose images on the bag  74 . The images  78  include instructions to the machine user for cutting the package  70  along the suggested cut line  79 , or cutting the package  70  in another package  70  location. In another embodiment, the images  78  include instructions informing the machine user on feeding the half-packages  71  into the machine  10 . In yet another embodiment, the images  78  include instructions to the machine user for disposal of the bag  74  after the body  72  of blowing wool has been fed into the chute  14 . In another embodiment, the plurality of images  78  includes safety messages or warnings to the machine user. 
     As previously discussed and as shown in  FIG. 3 , the chute  14  has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape that approximates the substantially cross-sectional shape of the package  70 . In another embodiment, the chute  14  may have a round cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of a package  70   a  of blowing wool in roll form, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, the slit  76  extends into the package  70   a  to extent of one-half of the diameter of the package  70   a  and is disposed to be substantially perpendicular to the length of the package  70   a  as defined by slit plane P. As discussed previously, the slit  76  enables the machine user to readily cut the package  70   a  along the suggested cut line  79  thereby forming half packages. 
     In general operation, packages  70  of compressed blowing wool are provided to the machine user. The packages  70  include a slit  76  which partially divides the package into pre-cut and un-cut portions. Images  78  provided on the package  70  to instruct the machine user on the location of the final cutting of the package  70  and optionally, the images  78  provide a suggested cut line  79 . The machine user cuts the un-cut portion of the package  70  along the optional suggested cut line  79  which divides the package  70  into approximate half packages  71 . Each half package  71  includes a bag end  75  and an open end  77  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The machine user grips the bag end  75  of the half package  71  and feeds the open end  77  of the half package  71  into the chute  14  of the blowing wool machine  10 . The machine user continues gripping the bag end  75  as the blowing wool  72  is fed into the chute  14 . After the blowing wool  72  has been fed into the chute  14 , the machine user withdraws the empty bag  74  from the machine  10 . 
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 7 , the body  172  of blowing wool is encapsulated in a sleeve  182  to form an insulation pack  184 . The sleeve  182  is made of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, although any type of material suitable for maintaining the blowing wool in the desired compression can be used. While the sleeve  182  shown in  FIG. 7  is a one piece member, the sleeve  182  is defined to be any material or structure, such as bands, film or glue, sufficient to maintain the body  172  of blowing wool in the desired compression. 
     An optional gripping tab  186  is connected to the sleeve  182  and extends past the end of the sleeve  182 . The gripping tab  186  is gripped by the machine user as the insulation pack  184  is fed into the chute  14  and allows the machine user to easily retain the sleeve  182  after the blowing wool has been fed into the machine  10 . While a single gripping tab  186  is shown in  FIG. 7 , it should be understood that more than one gripping tab  186  may be connected to the sleeve  182 . The gripping tab  186  can be any material, such as plastic, sufficient to be gripped by the machine user and retain the sleeve  182  as the insulation pack  184  is fed into the machine  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , at least two insulation packs  184  can be assembled together end-to-end. The end-to-end insulation packs  184  are encapsulated with a bag  174  to form a package  170 . As discussed previously, the bag  174  can be any material, such as a polymeric material, suitable to provide a waterproof barrier against water, dirt and other deleterious effects. By using a polymeric material for the bag  174 , the compressed blowing wool will be protected from the elements during transportation and storage of the package  170 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the insulation packs  184  can be assembled together end-to-end and encapsulated by the bag  174 . In another embodiment, the insulation packs  184  can be stacked as shown in  FIG. 9  and encapsulated by the bag  174  or assembled together in any other manner to provide a convenient package  170 . 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8 , the package  170  can include a plurality of images  178  disposed on the bag  174 . The images  178  can be disposed on the bag  74  in a manner similar to that previously discussed. The images  178  can include suggested cut lines  179  and instructions to the machine user for opening the package  170  or instructions for loading the insulation packs  184  into the machine  10 . 
     In general operation of this embodiment packages  170  are provided to the machine user. The packages  170  include images  178  provided on the package  170  instructing the machine user on opening of the package  170 . Optionally, the images  178  provide a suggested cut line  179  for opening the package  170 . As an additional option, the package  170  may include perforations  188  enabling the machine user to readily open the package  170 . The machine user opens the package  170  at the prescribed opening locations by cutting the package  170  or by the opening method provided by the images  178 . The machine user grips an insulation pack  184  by the optional gripping tabs  186  and feeds the insulation pack  184  into the chute  14  of the blowing wool machine  10 . The machine user continues gripping the gripping tabs  186  as the blowing wool  172  is fed into the chute  14 . After the blowing wool  172  has been fed into the chute  14 , the machine user withdraws the empty sleeve  182  from the machine  10 . 
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 10 , a package  270  of compressed blowing wool includes a bag  274  that encapsulates a body of compressed blowing wool. The package  270 , bag  274  and compressed blowing wool are the same as or similar to the package  70 , bag  74  and compressed blowing wool illustrated in  FIG. 4  and discussed above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the package  270  is divided into partial packages  271 . The package  270  can be divided into the partial packages  271  in any desired manner. The partial packages  271  can be the same as or similar to the partial packages  71  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The partial packages  271  include a body of compressed blowing wool  272  encapsulated by a portion of the bag  274 . The partial packages  271  are capable is being fed into the blowing wool machine  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the partial packages  271  include a bag end  275 , an open end  277 , a top  278 , a bottom  279  and opposing sides  280  and  281 . The open end  277  of the partial packages  271  exposes the body of compressed blowing wool  272 . Optionally, the exposed body of compressed blowing wool  272  in the open end  277  of the partial packages  271  can be covered with a covering, such as for example a suitable transparent film, configured to provide protection to the exposed body of compressed blowing wool. As will be explained in more detail below, the partial packages  271  can be rejoined in various manners to form an assembled package  290 . 
     Referring to a first embodiment of an assembled package  290  shown in  FIG. 12   a , the partial packages  271  have been rejoined such that the exposed bodies of compressed blowing wool  272  in the open ends  272  of the partial packages  271  are substantially in contact with each other and the tops  278 , bottoms  279  and opposing sides  280  and  281  of the respective partial packages  271  substantially align. The term “substantially in contact” as used herein, is defined to mean the exposed bodies can be in actual physical contact with each other or may have a slight separation from each other. The aligned partial packages  271  are joined together by a joining mechanism  291  configured to span the open ends  272  of the partial packages  271 . In the illustrated embodiment, the joining mechanism  291  can be any desired structure, device or mechanism, such as for example adhesive or heat sealed tape, sufficient to join the partial packages  271  into the assembled package  290 . In the illustrated embodiment, the joining mechanism  291  extends continuously around the partial packages  271 . However, it should be appreciated that discontinuous joining mechanisms  291  a can be used as shown in  FIG. 12   b.    
     Referring again to  FIG. 12   a , the joining mechanism  291  includes a suggested cut line  279   a . The suggested cut line  279   a  extends circumferentially around the assembled package  290  and is configured as the location in which a machine user opens the assembled package  290 , thereby exposing the partial packages  271 . The suggested cut line  279   a  can be the same as or similar to the suggested cut line  79  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Optionally, the joining mechanism  291  can include any desired visual characteristic, such as for example colors, patterns or allows or combinations thereof, configured to draw the attention of the machine user to the suggested cut line  279   a.    
     Optionally, the suggested cut line  279   a  can be provided with a tear-away mechanism  292  configured to separate the assembled package  290  into the partial packages  271 . One non-limiting example of a tear-away mechanism  292  is a ripcord. However other desired tear-away mechanisms can also be used. 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 12   a , the partial packages  271  and/or the joining mechanism  291  can include a plurality of images  293 . The images  293  can be the same as or similar to the images  78  described above and shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In general operation, the assembled packages  290  of compressed blowing wool are provided to the machine user. Images  293  provided on the partial packages  271  and/or the joining mechanism  291  instruct the machine user on the location of the suggested cut line  279   a . The machine user cuts the assembled package  290  along the suggested cut line  279   a  which divides the assembled package  290  into the partial packages  271 . The partial packages  271  are loaded into the blowing wool machine  10  in the same manner as described above for the half packages  71 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , another embodiment of an assembled package  390  is illustrated. In this embodiment, partial packages  371  are joined together within a sleeve  382  such that the bag ends  375  of the partial packages  371  extend beyond the sleeve. The partial packages  371  can be the same as or similar to the partial packages  71  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Similarly, the sleeve  382  can be the same as or similar to the sleeve  182  described above and as shown in  FIG. 7 . While the sleeve  382  shown in  FIG. 13  is a one piece member, the sleeve  382  can be any desired material or structure, such as bands or netting sufficient to join the partial packages  371  and form the assembled package  390 . Optionally, the assembled package  390  can include a suggested cut line  379 , tear-away mechanism  392  and indicia  393 . The suggested cut line  379 , tear-away mechanism  392  and indicia  393  can be the same as or similar to the suggested cut line  279   a , tear-away mechanism  292  and indicia  293  described above and shown in  FIG. 12   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a third embodiment of an assembled package  490  is illustrated. In this embodiment, partial packages  471  are joined together in a bag  474 . The partial packages  471  can be the same as or similar to the partial packages  71  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Similarly, the bag  474  can be the same as or similar to the bag  174  described above and as shown in  FIG. 9 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bag  474  includes an opening  475  configured to expose a scam  476  formed by the open ends  477  of the partial packages  471 . Optionally, the assembled package  490  can include a suggested cut line  479 , tear-away mechanism  492  and indicia (not shown). The suggested cut line  479 , tear-away mechanism  492  and indicia can be the same as or similar to the suggested cut line  279   a , tear-away mechanism  292  and indicia  293  described above and shown in  FIG. 12   a . Optionally, the open ends  477  of the partial packages  471  can be covered with a covering, such as for example a suitable transparent film, configured to provide protection to the exposed body of compressed blowing wool. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , another embodiment of an assembled package  590  is illustrated. In this embodiment, partial packages  571   a  and  571   b  are joined together by a hinge  502 . The partial packages  571   a  and  571   b  can be the same as or similar to the partial packages  71  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The partial packages  571   a  and  571   b  include a top  578 , a bottom  579 , opposing sides  580  and  581 , an open end  572  and a closed end  575 . Optionally, the open end  572  of the partial packages  571  a and  571  b can be covered with a covering, such as for example a suitable transparent film, configured to provide protection to the exposed body of compressed blowing wool. The hinge  502  is positioned to connect the tops  578  of the partial packages  571  and is configured for flexing. The hinge  502  can be made out of any desired material, such as for example a polymeric material, sufficient for flexing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the partial package  571   a  is folded about the hinge  502  in the direction indicated by arrow A, such that the bottom  579  of partial package  571   a  rests on the top  578  of partial package  571   b , thereby forming stacked package  594 . The stacked package  594  includes the aligned open ends  572  of the partial packages  571   a  and  571   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the stacked package  594  is bound by a binding mechanism  591 . The binding mechanism  591  is configured to maintain the partial packages  571   a  and  571   b  in the folded position during shipment and handling at the installation site. The binding mechanism  591  can be any desired material or combination of materials, including the non-limiting examples of tape and heat shrink wrap. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the binding mechanism is less than the width of the partial packages  571   a  and  571   b . Alternatively, the width of the binding mechanism can be substantially the same as the width of the partial packages  571   a  and  571   b , thereby providing protection of the open ends  572  of the partial packages  571   a  and  571   b  against weathering elements. 
     Optionally, the open ends  572  of the partial packages  571   a  and  571   b  can be covered with a desired protective material (not shown) prior to the stacked package  594  being bound with the binding mechanism  591 . Any desired protective material can be used. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 17 , optionally, the stacked package  594  can include a suggested cut line  550 , tear-away mechanism  592  and indicia  593 . The suggested cut line  550 , tear-away mechanism  592  and indicia  593  can be the same as or similar to the suggested cut line  279   a , tear-away mechanism  292  and indicia  293  described above and shown in  FIG. 12   a.    
     In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 18 , partial packages  671  have been formed as previously described for the partial packages  71  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The partial packages  671  includes a body of compressed blowing wool  672  encapsulated by a portion of the bag  674  and an open end  677 . Generally, in this embodiment, the open ends  677  of the partial packages  671  are covered by a protective cap  660  thereby forming covered partial packages  662  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The covered partial packages  662  can either be shipped to an installation site, or two or more covered partial packages  662  can be combined to form an assembled package  690  as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 18 , the caps  660  are configured to encapsulate the open ends  677  of the partial packages  671  thereby providing a substantially waterproof barrier against water, dirt and other deleterious effects. In the illustrated embodiment, the caps  660  are made of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, although any type of material suitable for encapsulating the open ends  677  of the partial packages  671  can be used. The caps  660  can be attached to the bags  674  in any desired manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a covered partial package  662  is illustrated. While the cap  660  is illustrated as being transparent, it should be appreciated that the cap  660  can be opaque or translucent. Optionally, the cap  660  can include a suggested cut line  679 , a tear-away mechanism  692  and indicia  693 . The suggested cut line  679 , tear-away mechanism  692  and indicia  693  can be the same as or similar to the suggested cut line  279   a , tear-away mechanism  292  and indicia  293  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 12   a . As another option, the covered partial package  662  can include a handle  665  configured for lifting and transporting the covered partial package  662 . The handle  665  can have any desired structure and can be positioned on the package covered partial package  662  in a desired location. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a quantity of two covered partial packages  662  have been joined such that the caps  660  of the covered partial packages  671  are substantially in contact with each other. The joined covered partial packages  662  form assembled package  690 . The covered partial packages  662  are joined together by a joining mechanism  691  configured to span the caps  660  of the covered partial packages  662 . The joining mechanism  691  can be the same as or similar to the tape  291  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 12   a.    
     Optionally, the assembled package  690  can include a suggested cut line  679 , a tear-away mechanism  692  and indicia  693 . The suggested cut line  679 , tear-away mechanism  692  and indicia  693  can be the same as or similar to the suggested cut line  279   a , tear-away mechanism  292  and indicia  293  described above and illustrated in  FIG. 12   a.    
     In general operation, the assembled packages  690  are provided to the machine user. Optional indicia  693  provided on the assembled package  690  and/or the tape  691  can instruct the machine user on the location of the suggested cut line  679 . The machine user cuts the assembled package  690  along the suggested cut line  679  which divides the assembled package  690  into the covered partial packages  662 . The machine user removes the cap  660  as instructed by indicia  693  positioned on the covered partial packages  662 . Finally, the partial packages  671  are loaded into the blowing wool machine  10  in the same manner as described above for the half packages  71 . 
     The principle and mode of operation of this loosefill package have been described in its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the loosefill package blowing wool machine may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.