BR112019006524B1 - CONNECTIVE PROTECTIVE PACKAGING ELEMENT, FABRIC MATERIAL SUPPLY, INFLATABLE PACKAGING ELEMENT CHAIN AND EXPANDABLE PACKAGING ELEMENT CHAIN - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective connective packaging element is provided. The protective connective packaging element may include a protective body in a high density delivery configuration. The protective body can be configured in a low density configuration to cushion packaged products. The body may include an exposed surface in the low density setting. The connective protective packaging member may also include a bonding member bonded to the exposed surface that operatively connects the exposed surface to an adjacent surface by contacting the binding member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[0001] This patent application claims priority over United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/402,378, filed on September 30, 2016, which is currently pending and the content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to flexible inflatable structures.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Protective packaging elements, such as paper or other type of protection, or inflatable protective packaging, such as inflatable fluid (eg air) packaging or protective foam packaging in the pouch, are used to provide additional protection to objects during the packaging. Protective packaging elements are typically configured to enclose an object that is to be protected. Typically, a product is packaged with protective packaging inserted in close proximity to the product in the container. In transit, container contents often move and reposition themselves in such a way that protective packaging does not effectively protect the product from damage. To avoid this inadequacy, packers in some cases wrap protective packaging around the product and apply adhesive tape to the protective packaging. Applying the tape, however, can be cumbersome, especially when packaging multiple products.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to various embodiments, a protective connective packaging element is provided. The protective connective packaging element may include a protective body in a high density delivery configuration. The protective body can be configured in a low density setting to cushion packaged products. The body may include an exposed surface in the low density setting. The connective protective packaging member may also include a bonding member bonded to the exposed surface that operatively connects the exposed surface to an adjacent surface by contacting the binding member.

[0005] According to various embodiments, the bonding element may be an adhesive element that operatively adheres and maintains the exposed surface to the adjacent surface by contact with the adhesive element. The protective body may include a fabric having superimposed first and second layers that are bonded together to define a fillable chamber therebetween for containing an infill element that separates the wall layers in the low density configuration. The first layer may include the exposed surface with the adherent member. The film layers are connected to trap a fluid between them when sealed, such that the protective packaging element is an inflatable pillow. The fluid can be air. The film layers can be connected by an airtight seal. The adjacent surface is another part of the exposed surface, the adherent element being disposed on the exposed surface to contact the adjacent surface when the fabric is folded back on itself. The protective packaging element may be a foam pad within the pouch. Alternatively, the protective packaging element can be plain paper.

[0006] According to various embodiments, the adjacent surface may be another part of the exposed surface. The adhesive element can be disposed on the exposed surface to contact the adjacent surface when the packaging element is folded back on itself. The adherent member can be disposed on the exposed surface to adhere to an adjacent surface of a product which is packed against it. The adherent element can be disposed on the exposed surface to adhere to an adjacent inner surface of a container in which the protective packaging element is received to retain the protective packaging element in a position against the container while a product to be protected is being packaged. . The adherent element may be adhesive which sticks to other surfaces. The adherent element can be cohesive. The one or more surfaces include a surface proximate an edge of the connective protective packaging element.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a supply of fabric material is provided. The fabric supply of fabric material may include a first layer of film having first and second longitudinal edges. The fabric supply of fabric material may include a second layer of film having first and second longitudinal edges. The second layer of film may be aligned to overlap with the first layer of film such that respective first longitudinal edges are aligned with each other and respective second longitudinal edges are aligned with each other. The fabric supply of fabric material may also include a plurality of seals that seal the first and second layers together to define one or more inflation chambers between the first and second layers that are each inflatable and configured to contain a fluid. . Separating regions may be located between adjacent inflation chambers to allow separation of the layers and provide a plurality of pads. The plurality of seals are arranged in a repeating seal pattern to form pads having a similar shape. A plurality of connecting elements may be disposed on an exposed surface of the first layer of film. The plurality of connecting elements may be arranged in a repeating pattern such that each of the pads has at least one connecting element. Each connecting element may be an adhesive element that operatively adheres and maintains the exposed surface to the adjacent surface by contact with the adhesive element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] Figs. 1-3 show flexible structures that, when inflated, define fluid-filled pads;

[0009] Figs. 4A-4C show exemplary fluid-filled pads having an adhesive member attached to a portion of an exposed surface;

[0010] Fig. 5 shows a bag formed by two pads and two adherent elements;

[0011] Fig. 6 shows a fabric material for forming a pad in which substantially all (e.g., all) of an exposed surface of the pad has an adherent element;

[0012] Fig. 7 shows a protective connective packaging material bonded to a surface of a container;

[0013] Figs. 8A-8L show schematic representations of fabric material having various exemplary patterns of one or more adherent elements disposed over a layer of film in a repeating pattern;

[0014] Figs. 9-11 each show a supply of film material having an adherent element for supplying through a blowing machine; It is

[0015] Fig. 12 shows an inflation machine that can be used to inflate inflatable pillows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A protective connective package is disclosed having an exposed surface that includes a connecting member. Connective protective packaging has a protective body. The body can be supplied in a high-density supply configuration that is reconfigurable in a low-density configuration to cushion packaged goods. In the low density configuration, the protective body includes an exposed surface with a bonding element attached thereto. The linker operatively links the exposed surface to an adjacent surface by contacting the linker to connect those surfaces. In some embodiments described below, the connecting element is an adhesive element that operatively adheres and holds the exposed surface to the adjacent surface by contact with the adhesive element.

[0017] Connective protective packaging has parts that can connect to itself, to other protective packaging or to other objects. As described below, the adherent element can have a sufficient degree of adhesion to keep the surface exposed to one or more other surfaces. The one or more other surfaces may be another surface of the protective packaging itself; a surface of another piece of protective packaging; a surface of a product to be packaged; and/or a surface of a container. Thus, the adhesive element can help maintain the configuration and position of the connective protective package to further improve its ability to protect products during shipping, handling, or similar conditions. The exposed surface can be an exterior surface of the protective packaging element, or another surface that is exposed as it comes into contact with another surface that will adhere therewith (e.g. when folding over the other surface to adhere to her).

[0018] According to various embodiments, the connective protective packaging may include traditional types of packaging, such as paper or other separating material, or inflatable protective packaging, such as inflatable fluid packaging (e.g., air) or protective packaging of foam in the pouch, examples of which are described below. In preferred embodiments, the package is flexible. By applying the adherent element to the outside of the connective wrap and folding the connective wrap over itself, a pocket is formed into which the product is placed. In some embodiments, another portion of the protective connective package can then be folded over the product or formed pocket to further protect the object there.

[0019] Various types of pads forming the protective connective package are disclosed below, but other suitable types of pads may also be used consistent with the disclosure presented herein.

Fluid Filled Pillows

[0020] According to various embodiments, the connective protective package may include a flexible protective package. An example of flexible protective packaging is a fluid-filled pad. In several examples of fluid-filled cushions, the fluid-filled cushion (e.g., air cushion) is made by sealing layers of plastic together to form a series of flexible plastic inflation chambers that can be connected and joined together in parallel or in parallel. series with each other. An inflation channel can direct air to the tubular portions. This can be done continuously or discretely. In some examples, all of the separate tubular portions may be connected together, in other examples the tubular portions may be separate and accessible (e.g., via one-way check valves, an inflation region, etc.) to inflate the inflation chambers. inflation and keep them in an inflated state. Once inflated, one or more of the cushions are configured to enclose and cushion a product that is to be protected. An example of an air cushion is the AIRSPEED® CHAMBERPAK™ from Pregis Corporation. Descriptions of other examples of inflatable air cushions can be found, for example, in US Patent No. 5,261,466 and US Application Publications Nos. 2003/0108699, 2004/0163991 and 2005/0109656.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 1-3, and in accordance with various embodiments, the connective protective package includes a flexible structure that when inflated defines fluid-filled pads 18. Figs. 1-3 show a protective package that may have one or more adhesive elements as described herein. For example, any suitable embodiment of the described adhesive element can be applied to the protective packaging of Figs. 1-3. For example, the protective packaging shown in Figs. 1-3 may have an adhesive element covering substantially all of the one or more exposed surfaces of the flexible structure (e.g., as shown in Fig. 6); alternatively, the protective packaging shown in Figs. 1-3 may have various exemplary patterns of one or more adherent elements disposed on a film fabric including film layers. These patterns may be repeating (for example, as disclosed herein with reference to Figures 8A-8L) or other suitable patterns. In various embodiments, fluid-filled pad 18 may be composed of film 10, with film 10 being made of layers 27, 29 comprising one or more layers of material. Layers 27, 29 may form walls 17 of air cushion 18. Multiple walls 17 may form air cushion 18. Air cushion 18 may include two or more walls 17. One wall 17 may be a first exterior wall 5 having a first longitudinal edge 2 (see Figs. 3-6) and a second longitudinal edge 4. A second wall 17 may be a second outer wall 7 having a first longitudinal edge 6 (see Figs. 2-3) and a second longitudinal edge 8. The second outer wall 7 can be aligned to overlap and can be generally coextensive with the first outer wall 5, i.e. at least the respective first longitudinal edges 2, 6 are aligned with each other and/or the two edges longitudinals 4, 8 are aligned with each other.

[0022] The first and second walls 5, 7 can be formed from the first and second layers 27, 29. The first and second walls 5, 7 can be formed from a single sheet of material, a flattened tube of material of film with one or more cut edges, or two sheets of film material. For example, the first and second walls 5, 7 may include a single sheet of film material which is folded to define the joined second edges 4, 8 (e.g., "c-fold film"). The c-fold film material 10 may form the first and second layers 27, 29. Alternatively, for example, the first and second walls 5, 7 may include a tube of film material (e.g., a flat tube) which is cut along the aligned first longitudinal edges 2, 6 and/or the second longitudinal edges 4, 8. The flattened tube can form the first and second layers 27, 29. Also, for example, the first and second walls 5, 7 may include two independent sheets of film material bonded, sealed or otherwise connected together along second aligned edges 4, 8. The two independent sheets of film material may be the first and second layers 27, 29

[0023] The layers 27, 29 in some embodiments include a separating region, for example, system of perforations forming a weakening region 26 extending transversely across the layer 27, 29, or in other desired directions. This type of perforation can allow the sheet to be separated into pads or individual sheets with a single continuous blowing process. In some embodiments, regions of weakness extend completely or sufficiently through the layers to facilitate complete separation of portions of the fabric.

[0024] For protective packaging applications, the disclosed film 10 can be converted by sealing two layers 27, 29 (multilayer or monolayer) together to provide the supply material of inflatable cushions that can be inflated to provide a protective cushion packaging inflated. In some embodiments, layers 27, 29 are two sheets of a layer 27, 29. Layers 27, 29 may be heat sealed in a predetermined pattern and then inflated with a fluid, such as air. The layers 27, 29 can be sealed together to form the structures described with a process such as adhesive bonding, rubbing, welding, fusing, heat sealing, laser sealing and ultrasonic welding.

[0025] The converted film 10 can be configured for use in a continuous blow and seal device, as disclosed in the '658 application or U.S. Pat. of USA Nos. 8,454,779 and 8,061,110, for example. Devices that convert, inflate and seal the layers in situ may be used, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. US No. 6,789,376. Alternatively, the film 10 can be provided with check valves between the layers 27, 29 to seal fluid in one or more inflated chambers, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0163991, for inflating a single cushion at a time or for inflating over a continuous inflation machine that does not employ a heat sealer. In other embodiments, the film 10 can be used in a device for inflating the film 10 with foam precursors and sealing the foam protective packaging film 10 in the pouch, such as U.S. Pat. 9,138,921 disclosed.

[0026] As used herein, film 10 may be comprised of layers 27, 29 in any combination of layers, materials, and/or manufacturing processes discussed above. For example, film 10 may comprise at least one bidirectionally oriented film layer 27, 29 comprised of a barrier layer positioned and connected to two sealing layers in accordance with the above disclosure. In another example, the film 10 may comprise a traditional film layer 27, 29 having a single layer with the grain in the longitudinal direction. Film layers 27, 29 can form walls 17, which can be formed from any of the materials, compositions or structures discussed above.

[0027] With reference again to Fig. 1, the film layers 27, 29 may include a series of transverse seals 21 disposed along the longitudinal extent of the film layers 27, 29. The seals 21 may be defined by portions of the walls 17 which have been connected together through such processes such as heat sealing. Walls 17 may be sealed together in predetermined areas to define an inflation channel 14, which may be flexible and normally in a collapsed state, and inflatable tubular portions 19. For example, transverse seals 21 may define one or more inflatable chambers 19. Each The transverse sealing area 21 may extend from the longitudinal edge 2, 6 towards opposite longitudinal edges 4, 8. Each transverse sealing area 21 may include a pair of seals separated by an unsealed portion of the walls. In various examples, the longitudinal seal 23 may define the inflation channel 14. The opposite side of the inflation channel 14 may be defined by a longitudinal seal 30 applied to the longitudinal edges 4, 8 and/or a seal applied adjacent thereto. According to various embodiments, the transverse seals 21 can terminate at the longitudinal seals 23. As such, the transverse length of each of the tubular portions 19 can extend from the longitudinal seal 23 to a longitudinal seal 32 applied to the longitudinal edges 2, 6 and/or a seal applied adjacent thereto.

[0028] Each transverse sealing area 21 may have a first end 22 close to the second longitudinal edge 2, 6 and a second end 24 close to the longitudinal seal 23. Each transverse sealing area 21 may be substantially straight, bent or otherwise shaped curved and extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 2, 6. The one or more chambers 19 may be defined within a boundary formed by the longitudinal seal 23 and adjacent transverse pairs of seals 21. The width of each inflation chamber 19 may be at least about ^ inch to about 3 inches. Or in another example, about 1 inch to about 2 inches.

[0029] The inflatable cushion 18 may include an inflation region, which is a region in fluid connection with the inflatable chambers for feeding fluid from an inflation nozzle into the chambers. In some embodiments, the inflation region may be provided by one or more flaps and may be open laterally to the outside of the pad. For example, two opposing flaps can be used, providing an inflation region that is open along its length, as on its transverse side. Such open inflation regions can be used in inflation and sealing machines, for example, which tighten the flaps around a mouthpiece and sealer.

[0030] In other embodiments, the inflation region is a passage that is closed at its transverse sides to provide an inflation channel 14. The longitudinal inflation channel 14, as shown in Fig. 1, may be continuous or may be closed at a longitudinal end thereof. The channel 14 can be arranged between the second end 24 of the transverse seals 21 and the longitudinal edge 4, 8 or the longitudinal seal 30. The longitudinal inflation channel 14 can extend longitudinally along the longitudinal length of the proximal ends 4, 8 of cushion 18.

[0031] The cushion 18 also includes an inflation opening or inlet 16. The inflation inlet 16 is disposed at at least one end of the longitudinal inflation channel 14. The inlet 16 is defined by the walls 17 (e.g. outer walls 5 , 7) and is configured and dimensioned to receive an insufflation nozzle (for example, nozzle 20). The inflation nozzle can be any nozzle such as, for example, discussed in U.S. Patent Application No. 8,424,552.

[0032] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, located partially within the inlet 16 and inflation channel 14, and extending partially into each of the tubular portions 19, is another set of sheets 12. Sheet 12 can also be sealed along transverse and longitudinal seals 21 and 23, except in the valve areas 15. The valve areas 15 can define one-way check valves 13 between the areas 15, configured to let air into the tubular portions 19 from the inflation channel 14 and seal the air there . The unsealed areas between the sheets 12 that define the check valves 13 can be kept unsealed during the sealing operation that seals the inner sheets 12 to the outer sheets 17 by printing in the areas to be kept unsealed.

[0033] Each of the one-way check valves 13 fluidly connects the inflation channel 14 to a respective tubular portion 19. In the uninflated state, for example during the transport of the cushions 18, the inlet 16 is closed and flat, and check valves 13 are in a closed position. By opening the opening 16 through the insufflation nozzle 20, air can be introduced into the insufflation channel 14. The operating pressure at which air is introduced into the insufflation channel 14 opens the check valves 13 to allow air to pass to inside the tubular portions 19 to inflate the remaining portions of the cushion 18. Once the inflation of the cushion 18 is complete, the air pressure within each tubular portion 19 acts against the check valves 13 to keep the valves in the closed position, thus preventing air from escaping and the cushion from deflating.

[0034] In some embodiments, the inflatable cushion 18 additionally includes sealing segments 28. The sealing segments divide the inflatable chambers 19 into transverse chamber portions 19. The sealing segments 28 can be longitudinally aligned and separated by transverse seals 21. Sealing segments 28 create folding lines that allow for a more flexible film 10 that can be easily bent. Such flexibility allows film 10 to wrap both regular and irregular shaped objects. Chamber portions 19 are in fluid communication with adjacent chamber portions 19a as well as the inflation channel 14. As shown in the example, passages 19b extend between chamber portions 19a on either side of seal segments 28.

[0035] According to various embodiments, regions of separation comprising a series of lines of weakness 26 can be arranged along the longitudinal extent of film 10. Transverse lines of weakness 26 facilitate the separation of adjacent inflatable chambers 19.

Pawning

[0036] According to various embodiments, the connective protective package may include a piece made of paper or other suitable material, which is typically converted into a piece from the supply of a sheet material, whether individual sheets or continuous sheets. The supply material can be converted by kneading, folding, flattening, creasing or other similar methods that convert the high density configuration to a low density configuration. Most commonly, this type of binding is created by running a generally continuous strip of paper through a binding converting machine that converts a compact supply of stock material, such as a roll or stack of paper, into a binding material of high density. lower. The continuous strip of crumpled sheet material can be cut to desired lengths to effectively fill empty space within a container containing a product. Various converter station structures may be used, such as the converter stations described in U.S. Patent No. 8,962,909, in US Patent No. 8,388,508 and US Patent No. 8,016,735. An adhesive element may be provided on an exposed surface of the piece in configurations as described herein, as with reference to Figs. 8A-11. The adherent element may be applied to the bonding material before the material is converted to the low density configuration, and in some embodiments, after this conversion. In cases where the bonding element is applied to the material prior to converting, a release layer can be arranged over the bonding element to prevent unwanted sticking in cases where this is necessary (e.g. to protect the machine and facilitate the process of conversion).

FIB pillows

[0037] According to various embodiments, the connective protective package may also include other types of cushioning materials. For example, connective protective packaging can include foam-in-a-bag (FIB) pads. In the FIB context, foam precursors (e.g., polyurethane foam precursor) can be dispensed into an FIB bag interior and the precursors mix within the bag to form a “hardened” product (e.g., a polymeric product “ hardened”) that has a dampening quality. Examples of pouch foam packaging elements are described in publication US 2013/0047551. The FIB bag may be made of layers of film with exposed surfaces, and one or more portions of an exposed surface have an adhesive element, for example, similarly to that described below with reference to Figs. 4-12.

Adhesive Element

[0038] As discussed above, an adhesive element may be disposed on the exposed surface of the protective package to provide a connective protective package. The sticky element can be provided in the film. With reference to Figs. 412, several examples of connective protective packages are provided which have an exposed surface with an adherent member.

[0039] The connecting element preferably comprises an adhesive element that provides a sufficiently strong connection through adhesion to maintain the intended connection in use. For example, the degree of adhesion of the adhesive element can provide the adhesion with a strong enough connective force to withstand the effects on the protective packaging due to impacts on the container and the product during transportation.

[0040] In cases where the protective packaging material is an inflatable cushion, for example, the adhesion force of the connection may be sufficient to withstand effects that stretch and bend the layers due to the pressurization of fluid-filled chambers that may be caused, for example, by sharp edges from localized forces of the packaged product. In cases where connective protective packaging is secured to an inner surface of a container, the strength of the secured connection may be sufficient to resist impact and friction from the product as the container is pushed.

[0041] In some embodiments, the adherent material provides a high degree of adhesion and retention, to provide an aggressive bond, which in some cases is stronger than the protective packaging material in which it is employed, so that the protective packaging be destroyed before the bonding element is connected. In other embodiments, the degree of adhesive strength is less, providing a poor bond so that the adhesive bond is used to facilitate assembly of the package around the product and then to facilitate subsequent disassembly and release, such as by receiver who unpacks the product.

[0042] The adherent element properly bonds and holds the exposed surface of the protective body to an adjacent surface by contact with the adherent element. The adherent preferably adheres by contact and, in some cases, by application of pressure. Preferably, the adhesive element is selected to provide the adhesion-based bond without requiring heat or other materials to be applied, although in some embodiments other steps may be followed to produce the adhesive.

[0043] The adherent element may include an adhesive or cohesive material to provide an adhesive or cohesive surface, respectively. A combination of adhesive and cohesive surfaces can be used. The adhesive element can be applied directly to the exposed surface of the material by suitable known methods, or it can be applied on a tape, such as double-sided tape, or other suitable methods.

[0044] As used herein, a sticky adhesive element is made of a material that adheres to other types of surfaces, preferably such as those that would typically be found in the vicinity of protective packaging, such as plastic, paper, or metals. The adhesive can adhere to an opposing surface without relying on the opposing surface having the same material or a complementary material for the adhesive to happen to form a connection between the two surfaces. Examples of suitable adhesives include liquid adhesives and pressure sensitive adhesives. Pressure sensitive adhesives can be selected after applying slight initial external pressure to create the bond. Examples of these include water-based, acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives, similar to what is applied to packaging tape, which material holds two surfaces together solely by surface contact, often after slight initial external pressure. These are examples of dry adhesives, which typically do not require water, solvent or heat activation, and adhere firmly to many different surfaces. Pressure sensitive adhesives that are aggressive and permanently tacky at room temperature can be selected. The application and use of pressure sensitive adhesives can be automated. When used in assembly, pressure sensitive adhesives that require no set-up or long cure times can be used to save time compared to using typical liquid adhesives. Adhesion is preferably immediate with pressure-sensitive adhesives, allowing manufacturing procedures to continue uninterrupted, which can result in significant time and labor savings. Examples of acrylic water-based pressure sensitive adhesives include those known as RHOPLEX Emulsion N-1031, RHOPLEX Emulsion N-580, and RHOPLEX Emulsion N-619. Other emulsion polymer or acrylic polymer blend adhesives are also known, and other suitable types of adhesives and contact adhesives can be used.

[0045] A cohesive material of the adherent element causes a surface to adhere to an opposite surface by contacting the same or a complementary cohesive substance to form the bond between the two surfaces. Cohesives, in which opposite cohesives adhere to each other, do not stick to other substances sufficiently to adhere to those other substances (e.g., other surfaces of protective packaging material that do not have a cohesive element, container surfaces, product surfaces to be be transported), or in some cases would be very weak compared to the bond they form by sticking together. A cohesive can be a pressure sensitive cohesive, where pressure is required to activate the bond. Examples of a suitable cohesive material from which cohesive adherent elements can be made include natural and synthetic latex-based cohesives. The cohesive material in some embodiments is applied as a liquid to the appropriate portion of the protective packaging material and in others it is applied in other known ways. Some types of cohesives, such as those made with latex, are mixed with water without additional adhesives to bond to the respective non-cohesive portion of the protective packaging material and, after drying, are attached to the exposed surface of the protective packaging material to which it was bonded. applied. In some embodiments, the cohesive material can be mixed with an adhesive, often applied as a liquid, to the protective packaging material. The adhesive may be selected so that after application of the cohesive and adhesive mixture over the protective packaging material (e.g. over a layer of film) the adhesive evaporates, leaving the cohesive bonded to the non-cohesive protective packaging material (e.g. example, on a layer of film or paper). One method of liquid application is spraying, although brushing or other suitable methods can be used. Furthermore, other suitable methods of applying the cohesive to the non-cohesive material surface may alternatively be used.

[0046] According to the various embodiments provided herein, when one or more surfaces of a connective protective packaging material has an adhesive element applied thereto, the adhesive element facilitates configuration and/or use of the connective protective packaging material (e.g. example, the pillow) with items that must be protected. For example, the adherent element may allow one or more surfaces to adhere to another surface portion or to another surface of the connective protective packaging element to either form a pocket or to better contain the article to be protected. By allowing the protective packaging to bond to itself or to another surface, the one or more surfaces having an adherent element allow the connective protective packaging to better cover the product forming a pouch, bag or other similar barrier. Furthermore, pad chains can be elongated by attaching the pads to each other via the adhesive elements.

[0047] While Figs. 4-12 show examples of an adherent element on one or more surfaces of the fabric material to form fluid-filled pads, the disclosure also applies to adherent elements on surfaces of other suitable types of connective protective packaging elements, some of which are discussed above.

[0048] Figs. 4A-4C show an example of a fluid-filled pad 100 having an adherent member 104 attached to a portion of an exposed surface 107 (first exposed surface portion 108) of the pad 100. The first exposed surface portion 108 with the adherent member 104 may be near an edge 109 of protective packaging element 100. Pad 100 may be folded back on itself at fold 106 to provide a bottom wall 112 and a top wall 114 that enclose a product 102 for packaging. As shown in Fig. 4B, when bent, the adhesive element 104 on the first exposed surface portion 108 contacts another portion of the same exposed surface 107 (second exposed surface portion 110), which in other embodiments is provided with adhesive element 104 in a corresponding position, and in another embodiment it is free of the adhesive element so that the adhesive element 104 on the surface portion 108 adheres directly to the surface portion 110. As shown in Fig. 4C, the pad 100 can be folded so that the adhesive element 104 on the first exposed surface portion 108 contacts a portion 116 of another exposed surface 118 of the pad 110 (such as on the opposite side of the fabric forming the pad 100 from the surface exposed 107). The adhesive element 104 provides sufficient connection to hold the first and second exposed surface portions 108, 110 (or 108, 116) together (e.g., by contact with the adhesive element 104), to form a pocket enclosing the product 102 .

[0049] For embodiments in which the adherent element is an adhesive or has adhesive properties, the adherent element 104 can adhere to any appropriate portion of the exposed surface 107. Thus, a user can wrap the pad 100 around the product and adhere the element adherent 104 to another surface portion 107 to provide a suitably shaped pocket for enclosing product 102. Thus, pad 100 can be used to effectively enclose and protect products of various sizes 102. For embodiments in which the adhesive element 104 at first exposed surface portion 108 has a cohesive applied or has a cohesive property, the second exposed surface portion 110 may have a corresponding cohesive adherent element 104 causing the second exposed surface portion 110 to connect to the first exposed surface portion 108 in response to come into contact with each other. Multiple adhesive elements 104 may be placed on the exposed surface 107 to provide multiple pocket sizes to accommodate products of various sizes 102.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows a pouch formed by two pads 100, 101 and two adhesive elements 104a, 104b. Adhesive elements 104 may suitably be located anywhere on the surface of the film. In an example, as shown in Fig. 5, one of the adhesive elements 104a is disposed at the location of the pads 100, 101 which is between adjacent seals which form an air chamber. In this position, the adherent member 104a is lifted or moved relative to the plane of the uninflated film when the pad 100 is filled with fluid. An adhesive element 104b is disposed at a location on the pad that does not inflate and, as such, is not affected in the same way as location 104a when the pad 100 is inflated.

[0051] In other embodiments, the adherent element may be distributed in different ways across multiple pads. For example, in situations where the adhesive element 104a, 104b is an adhesive, one of the pads 100, 101 has both adhesive elements 104a, 104b and the other of the two pads 100, 101 has no adhesive element. In another example, one of the pads 100, 101 has the adhesive element 104a and the other of the pads 100, 101 has the adhesive element 104b. In another example, both pads 100, 101 both have adhesive elements 104a, 104b.

[0052] In other embodiments, both pads may have corresponding adherent elements. For example, in situations where the adhesive element 104a, 104b is a cohesive one, the pads 100, 101 can each have corresponding adhesive elements 104a, 104b that stick together when the surfaces abut one another. In some embodiments, the adherent elements 104a, 104b are positioned substantially equidistant from a natural hinge, such as an elongated seal line or a group of aligned seal lines, so that when the protective package is folded at the natural hinge, the elements adherents 104a, 104b line up. The natural hinge (eg sealing line) may be straight, bent or otherwise curved. For example, the natural hinge can be non-linear to accommodate unusually shaped products, so that the gripping elements line up when the package is wrapped around the product.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments substantially all or all of one or more exposed surfaces 120, 122 of the pad 100 have an adhesive element 104 to facilitate setup and use of the pad 100. In some embodiments, when the adhesive element 104 covers substantially all of the one or more exposed surfaces 120, 122, the adhesive element 104 is not disposed adjacent and/or within the inflation region 120, in order to prevent the adhesive element 104 from interfering with the inflation of the pillow 100 by an inflation machine. The adhesive element 104 can be applied in strips or lines that cover substantially all of the exposed surface. Adherent 104 can be sprayed onto the exposed surface to cover substantially all of the exposed surface. For example, the pad can typically be quickly folded (e.g., rolled) onto itself. In cases where the adhesive 104 is a cohesive that only adheres to itself, the pad 100 can be folded over without the cohesive inadvertently sticking to the product or other surfaces.

[0054] The ability of the adhesive element 104 to connect surfaces can be controlled, which can be particularly advantageous in cases where the adhesive element 104 is an adhesive. For example, a release layer can be placed over the adherent member 104 and removed when the pad is used to package a product. Additionally or alternatively, the adherence of the adhesive element 104 can be controlled. For example, the sticky member 104 may have sticky properties only when exposed to certain substances. For example, the sticky member 104 can be activated by water, and water can be applied to the sticky member 104 (e.g., by a user or by a machine) to cause the sticky member 104 to adhere to other surfaces. The adherent material may be able to adhere to some materials and not others (eg, unable to adhere to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (eg, Teflon®)); one or more portions of exposed surfaces of the protective connective package may have these materials in order to prevent unwanted adhesion.

[0055] With reference now to Fig. 7, in some cases, the protective packaging unit 100 having an adhesive element 104 can adhere to one surface of a container 200. The protective packaging unit 100 can have the adhesive element 104 on substantially all of one surface (see, for example, Fig. 6) or on one or more portions of a surface (see, for example, Fig. 4A). For those cases where the adherent 104 is an adhesive, the protective packaging unit 100 can be adhered to a surface of any suitable container (e.g., a cardboard box). For cases where the adhesive element 104 is cohesive, the protective packaging unit 100 can be adhered to a surface of the container with a corresponding cohesive element. For example, Fig. 7 shows a surface 202 having a strip of a cohesive element 204 that adheres to a surface of a protective packaging element having a corresponding cohesive element 204.

[0056] While the above description refers to a sticky element having a sticky property, it should be understood that the sticky element can have any suitable type of connective property while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. The adherent element forms a connective, adhesive or cohesive force that is sufficient to prevent or limit the separation of the two surfaces during transport and handling of the product. In some embodiments, the connective, adhesive or cohesive strength exceeds the strength of the material to which the adhesive or cohesive is applied. For example, an adhesive element is provided that connects the surfaces together with a connection (eg, a bond) that is stronger than the material to permanently bond the surfaces. In some cases, an adherent element is provided which connects the surfaces with a connection (eg a bond) which is substantially weaker than the material, for example to allow the connected surfaces to separate. For example, when a pad is folded and surface portions of the pad are connected via an adhesive element to enclose a product, then a user can separate the surfaces to open the pouch and access the product. Furthermore, when a pad is attached to a surface of a container, a user can pull the pad off the surface of the container to more easily dispose of (e.g., recycle) the container and pad.

[0057] Figs. 8A-8L show schematic representations of fabric material 601 having various exemplary patterns of one or more adherent elements disposed over a layer of film in a repeating pattern. Similar to the various inflatable cushions discussed above, the concepts can be applied to other types of protective packaging material (eg, FIB bags, pawls, etc.). The one or more adherent elements disposed on a film layer can include adhesives and/or cohesives.

[0058] With reference to Figs. 8A-8L, in various embodiments, a fabric material 601 comprises a first film layer 702 having first and second longitudinal edges 706, 710 and a second film layer 704 having first and second longitudinal edges 708, 712. . 8A-8L may have any sealing pattern suitable for forming one or more inflatable chambers, for example those explained above with reference to Figs. 1-3 or other sealing patterns as known in the prior art. The second film layer 704 is aligned to overlap the first film layer 702 such that the respective first longitudinal edges 706, 708 are aligned with each other and the respective second longitudinal edges 710, 712 are aligned with each other . A plurality of seals seal the first and second layers together to define a plurality of filling chambers 600(a), 600(b) between the first and second layers which are each inflatable and configured to contain a fluid (e.g. , air). Separating regions 602(a), 602(b) are located between adjacent inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b) to allow separation of the layers and provide a plurality of pads. The seals are arranged in a repeating seal pattern to form pads having a similar shape. A plurality of adherent elements 604(a), 604(b), 604(c) are disposed on the first layer of film 702 in a repeating pattern, such that each of the pads has at least one adherent element. For all patterns described, the adherent element can be an adhesive or a cohesive.

[0059] Fig. 8A shows an embodiment in which adhesive elements 604(a), 604(b) extend in proximity to an edge of each filling chamber 600(a), 600(b). Fig. 8A shows the sticky elements 604(a), 604(b) extending close to a transverse edge (e.g., close to the parting regions 602(a), 602(b) and transverse seal), but the sticky elements 604 (a), 604(b) could extend across a longitudinal edge of the filling chambers 600(a), 600(b) (e.g. in the vicinity of the longitudinal seal). In cases where the adherent element has an adhesive property, a user can fold the inflatable cushion over itself to enclose a product (eg Fig. 4A). In cases where the adherent element has a cohesive property, a user can align the adherent element 604 with a corresponding cohesive on another surface to bond the surfaces. In embodiments where the adherent elements 605, 606 are adhesive or have an adhesive property, a user can fold the pad back on itself at any point to form the desired structure.

[0060] Fig. 8B shows an embodiment where two adherent elements 605, 606 extend close to the edges of the filling chamber 600(a), 600(b). Fig. 8B shows the adherent elements 605, 606 extending in the vicinity of the transverse edges (e.g., in the vicinity of the separation regions 602(a), 602(b) and transverse seal), but the adherent element 606, 605 could extend to the along the longitudinal edges of the filling chambers 600(a), 600(b) (e.g. in the vicinity of the longitudinal seals). In embodiments in which the adhesive elements 605, 606 have a cohesive property, a user can fold the pad back on itself so that the adhesive elements 605, 606 align and the pad wraps around the product.

[0061] Fig. 8C shows an embodiment in which two adherent elements 607, 608 extend close to the edges of the filling chambers 600(a), 600(b). Fig. 8C shows the adherent elements 607, 608 extending in close proximity to the transverse edges (e.g., near the separation regions 602(a), 602(b), and transverse seal), but the adherent element 607, 608 could extend between the longitudinal edges of the filling chambers 600(a), 600(b) (e.g. in the vicinity of the longitudinal seals). In embodiments in which the adhesive elements 607, 608 have a cohesive property, a user can fold the pad back on itself so that the adhesive elements 607, 608 align and the pad wraps around the product. Since one adhesive element 608 is wider in the transverse direction than the other adhesive element 607, various sized shells can be formed when the pad is folded back on itself.

[0062] Fig. 8D shows an embodiment in which the sealing element 609 extends around the periphery of the filling chambers 600(a), 600(b). An area 610 that does not have an adherent member 609 is provided to contain a product. Thus, a user can fold the pad back on itself to align the adherent elements 609 of an individual pad, or the user can place a pad on top of another pad so that the adherent elements 609 align.

[0063] Fig. 8E shows an embodiment in which the adhesive element 611 extends close to a transverse edge and close to a longitudinal edge of the inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b). In cases where the adhesive element 611 is a cohesive one, the pad can be folded over on itself so that the two surfaces with the adhesive element 611 align, providing a pocket that has an opening. In cases where the adhesive element 611 has an adhesive property, a pad can be placed on top of another pad, so that the edges that have the adhesive elements 611 line up with edges that do not have an adhesive element 611, and the two pads may together surround a product placed within the product containment area 612. Also, a pad may comprise two inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b), for example, separating separation regions 602(a) and 602(c) and not separating 602(b). Thus, pad 600(b) can be folded over pad 600(a) to form product containment areas.

[0064] Fig. 8F shows an embodiment where an adhesive element 613 extends in proximity to an edge (e.g. transverse edge) and another adhesive element 612 extends further from the edge. Thus, the pads can be folded back on themselves to provide different sized product holding areas to encapsulate different shaped products. Furthermore, a pad may comprise two inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b), for example, separating separation regions 602(a) and 602(c) and not separating 602(b). Thus, pad 600(b) can be folded over pad 600(a) to form product containment areas.

[0065] Fig. 8G shows an embodiment in which an adhesive element 614 extends close to an edge transversely and longitudinally of the inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b). When the pad is folded back on itself so that the transverse edges are next to each other, two containment areas 612(a), 612(b) are formed. Furthermore, a pad may comprise two inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b), for example, separating separation regions 602(a) and 602(c) and not separating 602(b). Thus, pad 600(b) can be folded over pad 600(a) to form product containment areas.

[0066] Fig. 8H shows an embodiment having an adhesive element 615 near three edges of the inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b). In some embodiments, the two transversely extending adhesive elements are cohesive, and the longitudinally extending adhesive element is adhesive. In some embodiments, the entire adherent element is an adhesive or a cohesive. A pad may comprise two inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b), for example, separating separation regions 602(a) and 602(c) and not separating 602(b). Thus, pad 600(b) can be folded over pad 600(a) to form product containment areas.

[0067] Fig. 8I shows an embodiment having adherent elements 616, 617 in patterns such that the pads can be folded back on themselves to provide product containment areas of different sizes to encapsulate products of varying shapes. For example, the pad may comprise two inflation chambers 600(a), 600(b) separating the separation regions 602(a) and 602(c) and not separating 602(b). Thus, the adhesive element 616 can cooperate with the adhesive element 617 to form product containment areas.

[0068] 8J and 8L show embodiments in which the adherent element 614; 615; 616, 617; 618, 619 are patterned such that the pads can be folded back on themselves to provide different sized product holding areas to encapsulate different shaped products. Fig. 8L shows an embodiment in which the adhesive elements 621, 623 are disposed between the inner seals 622 that define the inflatable chambers. The adherent elements 621, 623 may be substantially equidistant (e.g., equidistant) from the seals 622 such that the adherent elements 621, 623 are located in a higher location of the inflatable chamber when inflated, thus facilitating the adherent elements 621 to 623 to adhere to another surface.

[0069] Fig. 8K shows an embodiment where an adhesive member 620 is disposed in an interior portion of the inflation chamber. For example, the sticky member can stick to a surface of a container.

[0070] Figs. 9-11 show a supply of film material 1002 for delivery through an inflating machine (eg, as shown in Fig. 12) to form a protective package with an adherent element 1004 on an exposed surface. In some embodiments, the adherent element is applied to an exposed surface of one or more layers before the layers are converted by two-layer sealing. For example, the adhesive element can be applied to an exposed surface of overlapping layers before they are sealed. In some embodiments, the adherent element is applied to the supply material after converting the layers with seals, but before inflating the inflation chambers. In some embodiments, the adhesive element is applied to the protective package after the inflation chambers are inflated. In the case of fastening, the adherent element can be applied to the material before or after the material is converted to fastening.

[0071] Fig. 11 has a release material 1005 on an outer surface of each bend of fabric material 1002 on a roll, and an adherent member 1004 on the inner surfaces of the bends of fabric. The areas of adherent 1004 and release material 1005 may be continuous or positioned to overlap each other to allow the fabric bends 1002 to be unwound from the roll to prevent adherent 1004 from adhering the fabric bends to the bends below on the roll.

[0072] Figs. 9 and 10 show a supply of film material 1002 in which the material 1002 has alternating regions of the adherent element 1004 and a release material 1005. As shown in Fig. 10, the supply material 1002 can be folded into an accordion configuration. Fig. 11 shows a roll 1000 of the fabric supply material. In these figures, the fabric material 1002 has an adhesive element 1004 and another surface of the fabric material 1002 has a release material 1005 that prevents the adhesive element 1004 from sticking to the other surface. For example, the exterior surface of a first filling chamber 600(a) in fabric 1002 may have an adherent element 1004, and the exterior surface of an adjacent second filling chamber 600(b) may have a release material 1005.

[0073] In embodiments in which the adherent element 1004 is cohesive, the release material 1005 can be a portion of the tissue that is free of cohesive. In embodiments where the adherent 1004 is an adhesive, the release material 1005 may have a release layer that the adhesive does not adhere to. In embodiments where the adherent 1004 is an adhesive that adheres to some materials and not others, then the release area 1005 may have that other material (e.g., Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)).

[0074] According to several embodiments and as illustrated in Fig. 12, the connective protective packaging can be fed in bulk to an inflating and sealing machine. The machine processes the material by inflating, sealing, and in some cases cutting it. The inflated material can then be folded and connected to itself or another structure as discussed here.

[0075] Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed embodiments can be adapted and modified to provide alternative embodiments for other applications, and such other additions and modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features of the illustrative embodiments can be combined, separated, interchanged and/or rearranged to generate other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, the subject matter discussed herein may also be incorporated into the various systems disclosed in the incorporated references. The embodiments are not intended to be independent, but may be combined with other embodiments from other referenced applications or various other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (32)

1. Connective protective packaging element (100), CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a protective body in a high density supply configuration, the protective body being configurable in a low density configuration to cushion packaged products, the protective body including a surface (107, 108, 110, 118) that is exposed when the protective body is in the low density setting; and a plurality of cohesive connectors made from a cohesive substance bonded to the surface (107, 108, 110, 118) which is exposed in the high-density supply configuration in a repeating pattern, so that each connector cohesive bonding element is spaced from an adjacent cohesive bonding element, the plurality of cohesive bonding elements configured to selectively bond to a complementary cohesive substance bonded to an adjacent surface. 2. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that: the protective body comprises a fabric (601) having a first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) and a second layer (27, 29, 702, 704) overlapping the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704), the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second layer (27, 29, 702, 704) are connected together to define therebetween a fillable chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)) for containing a filling element separating the first layer and the second layer in the low density configuration; and the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) including the exposed surface (107, 108, 110, 118) with the plurality of cohesive connectors. 3. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second layer (27, 29, 702, 704) are connected gaskets for trapping a fluid therebetween when sealed, such that the connective protective packaging element (100) is an inflatable cushion. 4. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the fluid is air, and in which the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second layer (27, 29, 702, 704) are connected together by a hermetic seal (21, 23, 28, 30, 32, 622). 5. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the adjacent surface (107, 108, 110, 118) is another part of the surface (107, 108, 110, 118) that is exposed, the cohesive bonding element being disposed on the surface (107, 108, 110, 118) that is exposed to align with the complementary cohesive substance on the adjacent surface (107, 108, 110, 118) when the protective packaging element (100) is folded back on itself. 6. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connective protective packaging element (100) is a foam pad in the bag. 7. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the connective protective packaging element (100) is paper binding. 8. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the adjacent surface (107, 108, 110, 118) is a surface of a product. 9. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the adjacent surface (107, 108, 110, 118) is an inner surface of a container in which the protective packaging element ( 100) is received, wherein each of the cohesive connecting elements selectively bonds to the complementary cohesive substance with sufficient strength to retain the protective connecting packaging element (100) in position against the container while a product to be protected is being packaged. 10. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cohesive connecting element is positioned close to an edge (109) of the connective protective packaging element (100). 11. Supply of fabric material (601), the fabric material (601) being CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a first layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704) having first and second longitudinal edges (706, 708 , 710, 712); a second film layer (27, 29, 702, 704) having first and second longitudinal edges (706, 708, 710, 712), the second film layer (27, 29, 702, 704) aligned to overlap with the first layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704) such that the first respective longitudinal edges (706, 708, 710, 712) are aligned with each other and the second respective longitudinal edges (706, 708, 710, 712 ) are aligned with each other; a plurality of seals (21, 23, 28, 30, 32, 622) that seal the first film layer (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second film layer (27, 29, 702, 704) to one another another to define one or more inflation chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)) between the first layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704) which are each inflatable and configured to contain a fluid; and a plurality of connectors disposed on an exposed surface (107, 108, 110, 118) of the first layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704), the plurality of connectors arranged in a repeating pattern so that each connecting element of the plurality of connecting elements is spaced from an adjacent connecting element forming a gap between each connecting element, wherein each connecting element is configured to operatively adhere and maintain the exposed surface (107, 108, 110 , 118) of the first film layer (27, 29, 702, 704) to an adjacent surface by contact therewith. 12. Provision of fabric material (601), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that each connecting element is an adherent element that operatively adheres and maintains the exposed surface (107, 108, 110, 118) to the surface adjacent by contact with the adherent element. 13. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a seal (21, 23, 28, 30, 32, 622) that seals the first and second layers (27, 29, 702, 704) to one another to define an inflation channel (14). 14. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the insufflation channel (14) is fluidly connected to the fillable chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b) ) by one or more valves (13) that selectively allow fluid to pass from the insufflation channel (14) to the fillable chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)). 15. Connective protective packaging element (100), according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that each cohesive connecting element is positioned on an inflatable portion of the inflatable cushion so that each cohesive connecting element is elevated when the cushion inflatable cushion is filled with the fluid compared to when the inflatable cushion is not filled with the fluid. 16. Supply of fabric material (601), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a plurality of separation regions (26, 602(a), 602(b)) arranged along a length longitudinally of the first film layer (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second film layer (27, 29, 702, 704), wherein the plurality of separation regions (26, 602(a), 602(b) )) forms a plurality of pads and allows separation between adjacent pads, wherein at least one connecting element of the plurality of connecting elements is spaced apart from the adjacent connecting element by a separating region (26, 602(a), 602 (b)) of the plurality of separation regions (26, 602(a), 602(b)) positioned therebetween. 17. Supply of fabric material (601), according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the plurality of separation regions (26, 602(a), 602(b)) aligns with the plurality of seals ( 21, 23, 28, 30, 32, 622) allowing the separation of adjacent inflation chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)). 18. Supply of fabric material (601), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the adherent element is an adhesive that adheres to other surfaces. 19. Supply of fabric material (601), according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the adherent element is cohesive. 20. Supply of fabric material (601), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that it further comprises: a first inflation chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)) arranged between the first layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704); a second inflation chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)) arranged between the first layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704) and the second layer of film (27, 29, 702, 704), wherein a separation region (26, 602(a), 602(b)) is located between the first and second inflation chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)) to allow separation of the first and second inflation chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)); a first connecting element disposed on an exposed surface (107, 108, 110, 118) of the first inflation chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)); and a second connecting element disposed on an exposed surface (107, 108, 110, 118) of the second inflation chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)), wherein the first and second inflation chambers (19 , 600(a), 600(b)) are of the same shape, and the first connecting member has a size, position and orientation in the first inflation chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)) corresponding to a size, position and orientation of the second connecting element in the second inflation chamber (19, 600(a), 600(b)). 21. Supply of fabric material (601), according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the fabric material (601) is in an accordion configuration. 22. Chain of inflatable packaging elements (100) in a high-density supply configuration that is configurable in a low-density configuration for protective packaging padding, characterized by the fact that it comprises two or more packaging elements (100) connected inflatables with a separation region (26, 602(a), 602(b)) extending therebetween to allow separation of the two or more connected inflatable packaging elements; wherein each connected inflatable packaging element (100) of the two or more connected inflatable packaging elements (100) has a connecting element on a surface (107, 108, 110, 118) that is exposed when the chain is in the configuration low density; wherein the connecting member is configured to bond the exposed surface (107, 108, 110, 118) to an adjacent surface (107, 108, 110, 118) by contacting the adjacent surface (107, 108, 110, 118) with the connecting element when the respective inflatable packaging element is in the low density configuration; and wherein the two or more connected inflatable packaging elements (100) are disposed in the high-density delivery configuration, in which successive layers of the two or more connected inflatable packaging elements (100) are placed on top of each other in a configuration accordion. 23. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100) characterized by the fact that it comprises: a fabric (601) including first and second superimposed layers (27, 29, 702, 704), each having a first surface, in which the first surface of each layer (27, 29, 702, 704) is attached to the first surface of the other layer (27, 29, 702, 704) to define a plurality of expandable chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b) ) between the layers (27, 29, 702, 704) configured to contain an expanding material to separate the layers (27, 29, 702, 704) in the chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)) from one another one another to cause the chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)) to assume a low density expanded configuration, the tissue (601) including a plurality of weakening regions (26, 602(a), 602 (b)) extending across the layers (27, 29, 702, 704), transversely across the fabric (601) to define the expandable packaging elements (100), the regions of weakness (26, 602(a), 602(b)) being configured to facilitate separation of the expandable packaging elements (100), wherein the first and second layers (27, 29, 702, 704) each have a second surface on an opposite side of the first surface of the respective layer (27, 29, 702, 704); and a binding member (1004) disposed on the second surface of one or both layers (27, 29, 702, 704) and configured to operatively adhere and retain the second surface to the other surface which is placed against the binding member (1004 ); wherein one or both of the second surfaces include release areas (1005) adapted to release any of the connecting elements (1004) in contact therewith, so that the connecting element (1004) can subsequently adhere to the other surface; wherein the fabric (601) is in a high density supply configuration in which successive layers of fabric (601) are placed on top of one another, with the binding element (1004) in contact with release areas (1005), so that the fabric (601) can be taken out of the high density supply configuration so that the released binding elements (1004) can secure the fabric (601) to the other surface. 24. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the fabric (601), in the high density supply configuration, is configured as a roll having successive layers, in which the second surface of the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) of each layer is disposed on the second surface of a subsequent layer. 25. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that: the connecting element (1004) is arranged on the second surface of the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704); and the release area (1005) is disposed on the second surface of the second layer (27, 29, 702, 704). 26. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that the fabric (601), in the high density supply configuration, is folded into an accordion configuration having the successive layers, in that the second surface of the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) of each layer is disposed on the second surface of the first layer (27, 29, 702, 704) of a subsequent layer, and the second surface of the second layer (27 , 29, 702, 704) of each layer is disposed on the second surface of the second layer (27, 29, 702, 704) of a subsequent layer. 27. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 26, characterized by the fact that the fabric (601) is folded in the weakened regions (26, 602(a), 602(b)). 28. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 26, characterized by the fact that the second surface of one or both of the first and second layers (27, 29, 702, 704) has a pattern of areas of release (1005) and connecting elements (1004) arranged to contact each other in accordion configuration. 29. Expandable chain of packaging elements (100), according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that: the material is air, and the first surface of each layer (27, 29, 702, 704) is fixed by a seal (21, 23, 28, 30, 32, 622) to the first surface of the other layer (27, 29, 702, 704) to define a plurality of expandable chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)) that are sealed from each other to contain air, so that the expandable chambers (19, 600(a), 600(b)) are inflatable with air. 30. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that: the connecting element (1004) is a cohesive that adheres selectively to a complementary cohesive; and the release area (1005) is not the cohesive. 31. Chain of packaging elements (100)_ expandable, according to claim 23, characterized by the fact that: the connecting element (1004) is an adhesive that adheres non-selectively to other surfaces; and the release area (1005) includes a release material selected to prevent adhesion with the adhesive. 32. Chain of expandable packaging elements (100), according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that the plurality of expandable packaging elements (100) have alternating regions of connecting element (1004) and releasing element (1005) ).