EP3878767A1

EP3878767A1 - Self-inflating member and protective wrapping material

Info

Publication number: EP3878767A1
Application number: EP20162296.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Godtman Haaland
Original assignee: Tradens Sverige AB
Current assignee: Tradens Sverige AB
Priority date: 2020-03-11
Filing date: 2020-03-11
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: EP4118007A1; US20230103373A1; WO2021180859A1; CA3174763A1

Abstract

A self-inflating member (10) is provided. The self-inflating member comprises a first flexible layer (1), a second flexible layer (2), a contracting element (5), a check valve (3) and a first supporting element (4a). The first and second flexible layers are connected to each other such that a cavity is formed between the first and second flexible layers. At least one of the first and second flexible layer comprises the check valve, such that the check valve creates a fluid connection between the cavity and the ambient environment. The contracting element is connected to the first and second flexible layers in at least a first and a second position (L', L''), such that contraction of the contracting element moves the first and second positions closer to each other. The first supporting element assists in supporting at least one of the first and second flexible layers, such that the cavity is expanded, which causes fluid from the ambient environment to flow through the check valve and into the expanded cavity.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a self-inflating member and a protective wrapping material comprising said self-inflating member.

Background art

With the steep rise in e-commerce, the shipping of goods has increased heavily the past decades. Digitalization and the Internet has also made it much easier for small niche businesses to be set up, marketed and operated without much of the internal infrastructure traditionally required for handling and shipping products. Small niche businesses are very often operating from small facilities and sometimes even from the proprietor's home or garage. The rise in small businesses and the general increase in the number of packages shipped creates a need for smarter and more convenient packaging solutions. It would further be interesting to find packaging solutions that would be suitable for household use, without being bulky and occupying large space.

Summary

It is an object to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art.
According to a first aspect, a self-inflating member is provided. The self-inflating member comprises a first flexible layer, a second flexible layer, a contracting element, a check valve and a first supporting element. The first and second flexible layers are connected to each other such that a cavity is formed between the first and second flexible layers. At least one of the first and second flexible layer comprises the check valve, such that the check valve creates a fluid connection between the cavity and the ambient environment. The contracting element is connected to the first and second flexible layers in at least a first and a second position, such that contraction of the contracting element moves the first and second position closer to each other. The first supporting element assists in supporting at least one of the first and second flexible layers, such that the cavity is expanded, which causes fluid from the ambient environment to flow through the check valve and into the expanded cavity.
In one embodiment of the self-inflating member, the first supporting element is a portion of the at least one of the first and second flexible layers.
The self-inflating member is very flat and easy to store and handle in its non-expanded state. The self-inflating member does not require any external equipment or special circumstances to be inflated and will thus be very reliable. The self-inflating member will be possible to inflate in a large variety of ambient environments.
In one embodiment of the self-inflating member, the first and second flexible layers are made from a sheet material, which may be a polymer based material such as a plastic material. Polymer based materials are durable, possible to weld and the physical properties can easily be altered, such as flexibility, elasticity and opacity.
In one embodiment of the self-inflating member, the first and second flexible layers are connected to each other along a circumferential connection encircling the cavity, which effectively creates and encloses an inflatable cavity. In some embodiments, the first flexible layer, the second flexible layer and the contracting element are connected to each other along a circumferential connection encircling the cavity, which facilitates production as three layers of the self-inflating member can be welded, glued or connected by other means at the same time. In any of the embodiments, the connection may be a weld connection, a glue connection or a combination of a weld and glue connection. A weld connection has one advantage in that no additional material needs to be added, whereas the glue connection has an advantage in that materials with different chemistry may be connected.
In one embodiment, the contracting element may be made from a material capable of being stretched to at least 120% of its relaxed length, and contracting to less than 110% of its relaxed length after having been stretched to 120% of its relaxed length, or the contracting element may be made from a material capable of being stretched to at least 140% of its relaxed length, and contracting to less than 120% of its relaxed length after having been stretched to 140% of its relaxed length. In alternative embodiments, the contracting element may be made from a material capable of being stretched to at least 180% of its relaxed length, and contracting to less than 170%, 160% or 150% of its relaxed length, after having been stretched to 180% of its relaxed length.
The contracting element in any of the embodiments above may be configured to contract such that a distance between the first and second position is reduced with at least 10%. The first and second positions may be positions substantially opposite each other, such that a cavity can be created between the first and second opposite positions.
The difference between the length of the contracting element in its stretched state and the length of the contracting element in its contracted state is what powers the inflation, and a larger difference, i.e. creating a larger contraction between the first and second positions, may mean that more fluid from the ambient environment can be moved into the cavity.
The contracting element may be an elastic intermediate layer made from a sheet material, such as an elastic polymer. The elastic intermediate layer may be permeable, for example by means of perforations in the layer, such that the fluid can flow through the elastic intermediate layer. Having the contracting element be made from a sheet material facilitates the integration in a machine configured to handle sheet materials. Having the contracting element comprising a plastic material which is compatible with the plastic material of the first and/or second layers enables welding between the contracting element and the first and second flexible layer. The elastic intermediate layer being permeable enables the transfer of fluid between the upper and lower portion of the cavity, which means that it is possible to inflate the two portions of the cavity using only one check valve.
The contracting element may be an elastic band or an elastic string with less material than an elastic sheet.
The supporting element in any of the embodiments above may be less flexible than the first and second flexible layers. In one embodiment, the supporting element has a stiffness (k) being at least 1.2 times the stiffness (k) of the first flexible layer. In alternative embodiments, the supporting element may have a stiffness (k) being at least 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 or 2 times the stiffness (k) of the first flexible layer. A stiffer supporting element further assists in the supporting of the first and/or second flexible layers, which creates a more powerful inflation. The stiffness of the supporting element may be realized by the supporting element comprising a material having a modulus of elasticity (young's modulus) being more than 1.5 times as high as the modulus of elasticity of a material of the first and second flexible layer. In alternative embodiments, the supporting element may comprise a material having a modulus of elasticity being more than 1.7, 1.9, 2.2, 2.5, 3, 5 or 7 times as high as the modulus of elasticity of the material of the first and second flexible layer.
In one embodiment, the self-inflating member may further comprise a second supporting element, such that the first supporting element is configured to support the first flexible layer and the second supporting element is configured to support the second flexible layer. Having at least one supporting element for each flexible layer ensures inflation of each cavity being enclosed by the flexible layers, creating a more inflated self-inflating member.
The supporting element may be made from a sheet material, such as a polymer based or cellulose based sheet material. The first supporting element is connected to the first flexible layer by means of for example a weld connection, a glue connection or a combination of a weld and glue connection. Having the supporting element be made from a sheet material facilitates the integration in a machine configured to handle sheet materials. Having the supporting material comprising a plastic material which is compatible with the plastic material of the first and/or second layers enables welding between the supporting element and the first and second flexible layer. The supporting element may have rounded edges, which reduces the risk that the supporting element injures for example the first and/or second flexible layers.
In one embodiment of the self-inflating member, the check valve may be integrated in at least one of the first and second flexible layer. The first and/or second flexible layer may comprise the check valve and the check valve may comprise a collapsible tube which may comprise a portion of the first or second flexible layer. In one embodiment, the collapsible tube may be made from a folded portion of the first and/or second flexible layer. A check valve made as a collapsible tube is a simple and reliable construction that can be made with small material usage.
The self-inflating member may be used in a gaseous or liquid ambient environment, and the check valve may be adapted to the specific ambient environment.
A protective wrapping comprising a plurality of self-inflating members according to any of the embodiments above is further provided. The protective wrapping takes up less space when in its non-inflated state, which makes shipping, handling and storage much more convenient.
The protective wrapping may comprise flanges which may comprise an adhesive such that the protective wrapping can be connected to itself or to another sheet of protective wrapping, such that a pouch can be created. The flanges may also be used for enabling separation of the first and second flexible layers for reducing the space occupied by the protective wrapping, in which case the flanges may comprise a portion without an adhesive such that this portion of the flanges remains non-bonded even when placed tightly together.
A protective pouch made from protective wrapping comprising a plurality of self-inflating members according to any of the embodiments above is further provided. The pouch takes up less space when in its non-inflated state, which makes shipping, handling and storage much more convenient.
It should be noted that elements from the described embodiments can be used in combination as long as this is not clearly contradictory. The description of the elements in connection with different embodiments should be seen as a way of facilitating the understanding and not as limiting to the ways the elements can be combined.

Brief descriptions of the drawings

The invention will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, on which:

Figure 1 shows a protective wrapping comprising a plurality of self-inflating members in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 2 shows a self-inflating member according to a first embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the self-inflating member according to the first embodiment, in its inflated state.
Figure 4a shows the self-inflating member according to the first embodiment, in a non-inflated state in a cross-sectional view.
Figure 4b shows the self-inflating member according to the first embodiment, in a half-inflated state in a cross-sectional view.
Figure 4c shows the self-inflating member according to the first embodiment, in an inflated state in a cross-sectional view.
Figure 5 shows a self-inflating member according to a second embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 6 shows a self-inflating member according to a third embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 7 shows a self-inflating member according to a fourth embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 8 shows a self-inflating member according to a fifth embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 9 shows a self-inflating member according to a sixth embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 10 shows a self-inflating member according to a seventh embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 11 shows a self-inflating member according to an eight embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 12 shows a protective wrapping comprising a plurality of self-inflating members in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 13 shows a pouch made from protective wrapping comprising a plurality of self-inflating members in a perspective view from the left.
Figure 14 shows a protective wrapping comprising a plurality of self-inflating members in a perspective view from the left, when being disassembled.

Detailed description

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness.
Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
Weld -ed -ing is to be understood in the broadest possible sense as any form of heat bonding. Additional material may be used, or the bonding may be only the result of the heated materials bonding by means of one or more phase changes.
Plastic is to be understood as any polymer based material or a combination of a polymer based material and an additive. The plastic may be a homogenous material or a composite.
Stiffness (k) of a body is a measure of the resistance offered by an elastic body to deformation. Stiffness is calculated as k=F/δ, where F is the force on the body and δ is the displacement.
Experimental stiffness is to be understood as the measured result of an experiment in which a strip being 10mm wide and 50mm long made from a flexible film is fixedly connected horizontally in one end such that 50mm of the flexible film extends freely from the horizontal fixation. The strip is only affected by gravity (-9.81 m/s^2) and thereby not affected by any external factors such as electrostatic charge, temperature, wind, high or low humidity etc.. The measurement is made 15 seconds after fixation, and what is measured is the vertical distance from a plane extending from the horizontal fixation to the end of the loose end of the flexible film. The measurement in mm is defined as the experimental stiffness.
Fig. 1 shows a plurality of self-inflating members 10 being made from the same first and second flexible layers 1, 2 being divided by weld connections 7. The plurality of self-inflating members 10 creates a self-inflating protective wrapping 20 which is wound on a roll 21 in its non-inflated state. The compression and connection between the layers when the protective wrapping 20 is on the roll 21 keeps the protective wrapping 20 in its non-inflated state while on the roll 21. When the protective wrapping 20 is unwound and released, the contracting element 5 contracts and initiates the inflation of the self-inflating members (details of which will be further described with reference to figs. 2 - 9). The self-inflating protective wrapping 20 will be very flat and easy to store and handle in its non-expanded state. The self-inflating protective wrapping 20 does not require any external equipment or special circumstances to be inflated and will thus be very reliable. The self-inflating protective wrapping 20 will be possible to inflate in a large variety of ambient environments, and as the inflation is done in relation to the pressure of the fluid in the ambient environment, the same result will be achieved even if the protective wrapping 20 is inflated on high altitude. This may be an advantage of the self-inflating protective wrapping 20, as the physical properties of pre-inflated wrapping materials will change with the variation of the pressure in the ambient environment. The self-inflating protective wrapping 20 may be used for layering the inside of an envelope or a box, such that the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 inflates when the envelope is prepared or the box is folded to its usable state.
In the use case where self-inflating members 10 are used to create a protective wrapping 20, the ambient environment is air. In an alternative use case, the self-inflating members could be configured to absorb a liquid. The self-inflating members could for example effectively absorb and contain a hazardous liquid. As the self-inflating members are self-sealing when inflated, hazardous liquids may be safely contained within the self-inflating members. It is understood that the materials used in the self-inflating member, such as the materials of the different layers of sheet material may have to be adapted to the particular liquid to be absorbed. The self-inflating members could further be adapted to be used for moving a liquid, such as water. The self-inflating members could in such embodiments for example be used as a part of a bilge pump.
In the following embodiments of the self-inflating member, the first and second flexible layers are made from a polyethylene based transparent plastic sheet material, the supporting element is made from a polyester based translucent plastic sheet material, and the contracting member is made from a thermoplastic elastomer based sheet material. However, in alternative embodiments it is equally conceivable that the materials of the different components may be assisted or replaced by other materials, such as other polymer based materials and/or cellulose based materials.
Fig. 2 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a first embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The self-inflating member 10 comprises a first flexible layer 1 and a second flexible layer 2. In the embodiment of fig. 2, both the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 are made from a transparent polyethylene-based sheet material. The first and second flexible layers 1, 2 are connected to each other by means of a weld connection 7 encircling the central portions of the flexible layers 1, 2 and sealing and enclosing a cavity C (shown as C', C" in the figures) formed between the first and second flexible layers 1, 2. A check valve 3 is integrated in the upper portion of the first flexible layer 1 and creates a fluid connection between the cavity C and the ambient environment. The check valve 3 comprises a collapsible tube which is configured to open when a fluid flow from the ambient environment and into the cavity C and collapse and close when such flow of fluid stops, such that the fluid is trapped in the cavity C keeping the self-inflating member 10 inflated. The check valve 3, in form of the collapsible tube, is in the embodiment of fig. 2 made from a folded portion of the first flexible layer 1 which is welded along the collapsed edges of the collapsible tube 3. The end portion of the tube 3 is cut open such that the tube 3 can create a fluid connection. For the creation of the collapsible tube 3, the first flexible layer 1 is folded along the entire width (in relation to a single self-inflating member 10) of the first flexible layer 1, but after the fold has been welded for the creation of the collapsible tube 3, the folded material is cut leaving only the weld 9 integrating the check valve 3 in the first flexible layer 1. As can be seen in fig. 2, the expansion of the cavity C causes the first flexible layer 1 to bend to an arch along the weld 9, which causes the check valve 3 to collapse and be flattened and closed by the increased pressure in the cavity C. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the first flexible layer 1 comprises the check valve 3, whereas the second flexible layer 2 is flat and does not comprise a check valve 3.
The self-inflating member 10 further comprises a contracting element 5, which in the embodiment in fig. 2 is an elastic intermediate layer made from a polymer based sheet material. The contracting element 5 is connected to the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 by means of the same encircling weld connection 7 connecting the first and second flexible layers 1, 2. The encircling weld connection 7 is thus a weld connection welding together three layers of polymer based sheet material. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the contracting element 5 is an oblong rectangle and the contracting element is by means of the weld connection 7 connected to the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 in a first position, being a first long side L' of the self-inflating member 10, and a second position L", opposite to the first position L', being a second long side L" of the self-inflating member 10. Contraction of the contracting element 5 moves the first and second long sides L', L" closer to each other, enabling the creation of an inflated cavity C sealed by the weld connection 7. In the embodiment described herein, the contracting element 5 is described as an elastic sheet material, however, it is equally conceivable that the contracting element may have a different shape or form, such as for example an elastic band or a spring-like element.
To enable the cavity C to expand as a result of the contraction of the contracting element 5, supporting elements 4a, 4b are needed. The supporting elements 4a, 4b assists in supporting the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 and also assists the opening of the check valve 3, both of which is needed for the cavity C to be expanded by fluid from the ambient environment flowing through the check valve 3. The supporting elements 4a, 4b are less flexible than the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 and typically has a stiffness (k) being at least 1.2 times the stiffness (k) of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2. In alternative embodiments, the supporting elements have a stiffness (k) being at least 1.4 times the stiffness (k) of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2, or a stiffness (k) being at least 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 10 or 15 times the stiffness (k) of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2, depending on for example the size and required inflation of the self-inflatable member. In the first embodiment, the supporting element has an experimental stiffness of more than 1.2 times the stiffness of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2, however, it is also conceivable that the supporting element has an experimental stiffness of more than 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 10 or 15 times the stiffness of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2, depending for example on the size and required inflation of the self-inflatable member. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the supporting elements 4a, 4b are made from a polymer based sheet material and have rounded edges so as not to injure the other layers of the self-inflating member 10. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the supporting elements 4a, 4b are connected to first and second flexible layers 1, 2 by means of welding, however, in other embodiments it is equally conceivable that the supporting elements are connected to the flexible layers by means of for example gluing.
The difference in flexibility between the supporting elements 4a, 4b and the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 can for example be achieved by the supporting elements 4a, 4b comprising a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material in the first and second flexible layers 1, 2. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the supporting elements 4a, 4b comprises a material having a modulus of elasticity being more than 1.5 times as high as the modulus of elasticity of the material of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2, but it is however also equally conceivable that the supporting elements 4a, 4b comprises a material having a modulus of elasticity being more than 1.7, 1.9, 2.2 or 2.5 times as high as the modulus of elasticity of the material of the first and second flexible layers 1, 2.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the cavity C of the self-inflating member 10 is divided by the contracting element 5 into an upper cavity C' and a lower cavity C". If there is only a check valve 3 in the first flexible layer 1, it is only the upper cavity C' which has a fluid connection with the ambient environment. Thus, in order for the lower cavity C" to be inflated as well, the contracting element 5 is permeable to fluid, and in the embodiment of fig. 2 this permeability is achieved by means of perforations 6 in the polymer sheet material forming the contracting element 5. In alternative embodiments it is equally conceivable that the permeability is achieved by means of material properties of the sheet material (such as for example a permeable membrane) or by the contracting element 5 not covering the entire area encircled by the encircling weld connection 7 (such as further described with reference to fig. 9).
The self-inflating member 10 will be very flat and easy to store and handle in its non-expanded state. The self-inflating member 10 does not require any external equipment or special circumstances to be inflated and will thus be very reliable. The self-inflating member will be possible to inflate in a large variety of ambient environments.
Fig. 3 shows a cross-section A-A of the self-inflating member 10 according to the first embodiment, in its inflated state. In the cross-section it is clear how the contracting element 5 divides the cavity into an upper cavity C' and a lower cavity C", each supported by a first, upper, supporting element 4a and second, lower, supporting element 4b. It is also clear from the cross-section how the check valve 3 is closed and thereby seals the first cavity C'.
Fig. 4a shows the self-inflating member 10 according to the first embodiment, in a non-inflated state in a cross-sectional view. In fig. 4a it can be seen how the self-inflating member 10 is connected to additional self-inflating members 10', 10" via the weld connections 7. In the state of fig. 4a the contracting element 5 is in its stretched state.
Fig. 4b shows the self-inflating member 10 according to the first embodiment, in a half-inflated state in a cross-sectional view. In the half inflated state the check valve 3 is in its open state such that fluid can flow from the ambient environment to the cavity C while the supporting elements 4a, 4b are assisting in the formation of the cavity C as the contracting element 5 contracts. In the first embodiment, the contracting element 5 is made from a material capable of being stretched to at least 140% of its relaxed length, and contracting to less than 120% of its relaxed length after having been stretched to 140% of its relaxed length. However, in alternative embodiments, it is equally conceivable that the contracting element is made from a material capable of being stretched to at least to at least 120% of its relaxed length, and contracting to less than 110% of its relaxed length after having been stretched to 120% of its relaxed length. In yet other alternative embodiments, it is equally conceivable that the contracting element is made from a material capable of being stretched to at least to at least 180% of its relaxed length, and contracting to less than 170%, 160% or 150% of its relaxed length, after having been stretched to 180% of its relaxed length.
Fig. 4c shows the self-inflating member 10 according to the first embodiment, in a fully-inflated state in a cross-sectional view. The cavities C', C" are now formed and the check valve 3 is closed such that the fluid is contained within the cavities C', C". The self-inflating member 10 may in some embodiments be deflated by means of the contracting element being stretched again, which may cause the check valve to assume an open state and thereby allow fluid to escape the cavity. In such embodiments, the self-inflating member may be rolled or folded again, such that the self-inflating member can be easily stored and reused. However, in alternative embodiments, the self-inflating member 10 is unidirectional only, such that the self-inflating member 10 can only self-inflate once.
In the embodiments shown in the figures, the contracting element 5 is configured to contract such that a distance between the first and second positions (L', L" in fig. 2) is reduced with at least 10%. However, in alternative embodiments, it is equally conceivable that the contracting element is configured to contract such that a distance between the first and second positions (L', L" in fig. 2) is reduced with at least 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%.
Fig. 5 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a second embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The second embodiment of the self-inflating member 10 differ from the first embodiment of the self-inflating member 10 in that the lower portion of the self-inflating member comprises two supporting elements 4b', 4b", other than that, the elements of the second embodiment is the same as the elements of the first embodiment. Having two supporting elements 4b', 4b" in the same portion of the cavity further assists in the inflation of the self-inflating member 10, due both to the additional supporting force created by the second supporting member 4b" and due to the supporting force created on the portion of the second flexible layer 2 placed between the first and second supporting elements 4b', 4b", as this portion is suspended between the first and second supporting elements 4b', 4b".
Fig. 6 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a third embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The third embodiment of the self-inflating member 10 differ from the first and second embodiments of the self-inflating member 10 in that the both the upper and lower portions of the self-inflating member comprises three supporting elements 4a', 4a", 4a"', 4b', 4b", 4b"'. Other than that, the elements of the third embodiment are the same as the elements of the first and second embodiments. Having three supporting elements 4a', 4a", 4a'" in the same portion of the cavity C' further assists in the inflation of the self-inflating member 10, as the supporting force is increased.
Fig. 7 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a fourth embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The fourth embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that the second flexible layer 2 also comprises an integrated check valve 3b, such that both the upper cavity C' and the lower cavity C" has a fluid connection, via the check valves 3a, 3b, to the ambient environment. Consequently, the contracting element 5 does not need to be permeable. The upper and lower cavities C', C" are thus not in direct fluid connection with each other, but rather only via their respective fluid connections with the ambient environment.
Fig. 8 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a fifth embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The fifth embodiment differ from the fourth embodiment in that the contracting element 5 is permeable by means of perforations 6. Having the contracting element 5 perforated even though both the first and second flexible layers 1, 2 have check valves creates redundancy such that the self-inflating member 10 may be inflated even if one of the check valves 3a, 3b is malfunctioning and fails to provide adequate flow of fluid.
Fig. 9 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a sixth embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The sixth embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that the contracting element 5' does not cover the entire area encircled by the encircling weld connection 7. As such, passages P', P", are created on each side of the centrally placed contracting element 5', which enables fluid to freely flow from the upper cavity C' to the lower cavity C" in the passages P', P". Consequently, the contracting element 5' does not need to be permeable. In the embodiment described with reference to fig. 9, the self-inflating member 10 comprises a single, centrally placed contracting element. However, in alternative embodiments, it is equally conceivable that the self-inflating member 10 comprises for example 2, 3, 4 or 5 contracting elements placed parallel to each other.
Fig. 10 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to a seventh embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The seventh embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that the contracting element (5 in figs. 4a - 4c) is replaced by three contracting elements 5" in the form of elastic strings or cords. The elastic strings could be made from a material possible to weld together with the material of the first and second flexible layers and through that bonded to the first and second flexible layers. In the alternative, the strings or cords may be made from a material which is not possible to bond to the first and second flexible layers by welding, in which case the strings or cords may be fixated by the pinching force created by the tight welding of the first and second flexible layers around the strings or cords, or by means of an adhesive. One advantage with replacing the sheet contracting element with the strings or cords is that less material is consumed, which may reduce the cost of the finished material. In alternative embodiments the strings or cords may have a flatter band-like design which may have the advantage of having more of a flat surface to weld against.
Fig. 11 shows a self-inflating member 10 according to an eight embodiment, in its inflated state in a perspective view from the left. The eight embodiment differ from the first embodiment in that the lower supporting element (4b in figs. 4a - 4c) has been omitted and replaced by the second flexible layer 2' being more stiff and thus capable of supporting itself for inflating the self-inflating member 10. As such, the supporting element is integrated in the second flexible layer 2' which may facilitate and/or increase the speed of production and/or reduce the cost of the finished product. It may also provide a more durable product as the second flexible layer 2' may resist outer forces to a higher degree without puncturing the self-inflating member 10 compared to a flexible layer that is less stiff. The stiffer flexible layer 2' may be stiffer by means of the layer being made from a stiffer polymer material and/or being thicker and/or by means of additives or the absence of additives affecting the stiffness of the material. The stiffer flexible layer 2' typically has a stiffness (k) being at least 1.2 times the stiffness (k) of the first flexible layers 1. In alternative embodiments, the stiffer layer 2' has a stiffness (k) being at least 1.4 times the stiffness (k) of the first flexible layer 1, or a stiffness (k) being at least 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 10 or 15 times the stiffness (k) of the first flexible layer 1, depending on for example the size and required inflation of the self-inflatable member. The stiffer flexible layer 2' may have an experimental stiffness of more than 1.2 times the stiffness of the first flexible layer 1, however, it is also conceivable that the stiffer flexible layer has an experimental stiffness of more than 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 10 or 15 times the stiffness of the first flexible layer 1, depending for example on the size and required inflation of the self-inflatable member.
Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of a self-inflating protective wrapping 20 similar to the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 shown in fig. 1. The difference is that the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 in the embodiment in fig. 12 comprises a flange 11 extending in the plane of the contracting element 5. The flange may be an extension of the first and second flexible layers 1,2 welded together for creating a somewhat more rigid flange. In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the flange comprises an adhesive which in turn may be covered by a protective layer 13 (such as a PTFE-covered paper-based sheet). The adhesive flange may be used to connect the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 to itself, e.g. for encircling the wrapping around something which is to be packaged, or to connect multiple self-inflating protective wrapping 20 sheets to each other (such as for example shown in fig. 13).
Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of a self-inflating protective wrapping when an upper and a lower self-inflating protective wrapping 20',20" has been used for creating a pouch for transportation of fragile items. The self-inflating protective wrapping 20 shown in fig. 13 have flanges 11 similar to those described with reference to fig. 12, and the flanges of the upper and lower self-inflating protective wrapping 20',20" may for example be connected to each other by means of adhesive surfaces on the flanges, or the flanges could be welded to each other. The flanges 11 o extending to the left in fig. 13 are not connected to each other in the embodiment shown in fig, 13, instead, the flanges 11o defines an opening leading into the pouch. The fragile item is placed in the pouch, the flanges 11o of the upper and lower self-inflating protective wrapping 20',20" may be connected to each other for closing the pouch, e.g. by means of the connecting surfaces of at least one of the connecting flanges 11o comprising an adhesive. Preferably, the pouch is kept in its non-inflated state until it is to be used, at which time the pouch is inflated, an item to be packaged is placed inside, and the pouch is sealed. A series of pouches may be connected to each other and stored in its non-inflated state on a roll in a similar way as in fig 1. The pouches may be separated from each other by means of tearing the pouches apart from each other at a perforated area between the pouches.
Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a self-inflating protective wrapping 20 similar to the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 shown in fig. 12, when the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 is being disassembled by the first flexible layer 1 being separated from the second flexible layer 2. In the embodiment shown in fig. 14, the flanges 11 comprises an outermost portion 14 in which the first and second flexible layers 1,2 are not bonded to each other, such that the first and second flexible layers 1,2 can be gripped for separation of the first and second flexible layers 1,2. The separation of the first and second flexible layers 1,2 is an efficient way of puncturing the self-inflating members 10 for recycling, as the self-inflating protective wrapping 20 takes up less space when the self-inflating members 10 are punctured.
Alternative uses of the self-inflating member of any of the embodiments above includes the use of single self-inflating members as bulking material in for example packaging. It is also conceivable that the self-inflating member can be used as an inflatable toy (ball/balloon), a flotation device or that a plurality of self-inflating member may be combined and used as an inflatable matrass.

Claims

A self-inflating member (10) comprising:
a first flexible layer (1),

a second flexible layer (2),

a contracting element (5),

a check valve (3),

and

a first supporting element (4a), wherein:
the first and second flexible layers (1, 2) are connected to each other such that a cavity (C) is formed between the first and second flexible layers (1, 2),

at least one of the first and second flexible layer (1, 2) comprises the check valve (3), such that the check valve (3) creates a fluid connection between the cavity (C) and the ambient environment,

the contracting element (5) is connected to the first and second flexible layers (1, 2) in at least a first and a second position (L', L"), such that contraction of the contracting element (5) moves the first and second position (L', L") closer to each other, and wherein

the first supporting element (4a) assists in supporting at least one of the first and second flexible layers (1, 2), such that the cavity (C) is expanded, which causes fluid from the ambient environment to flow through the check valve (3) and into the expanded cavity (C).
The self-inflating member (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first supporting element is a portion of the at least one of the first and second flexible layers (1, 2).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first and second flexible layers (1, 2) are connected to each other along a circumferential connection (7) encircling the cavity (C).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flexible layer (1), the second flexible layer (2) and the contracting element (5) are connected to each other along a circumferential connection (7) encircling the cavity (C).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contracting element (5) is configured to contract such that a distance between the first and second position (L', L") is reduced with at least 10%.
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contracting element (5) comprises at least one of an elastic band, an elastic string and an elastic intermediate layer made from a sheet material.
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting element (4a) is less flexible than the first layer (1).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting element (4a, 4b) has a stiffness (k) being at least 1.2 times the stiffness (k) of the first layer.
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second supporting element (4b), wherein the first supporting element (4a) is configured to support the first flexible layer (1) and the second supporting element (4b) is configured to support the second flexible layer (2).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting element (4a, 4b) is made from a sheet material.
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the check valve (3) is integrated in at least one of the first and second flexible layer (1, 2).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the check valve (3) comprises a collapsible tube.
The self-inflating member (10) according to claim 12, wherein the collapsible tube comprises a portion of the first or second flexible layer (2).
The self-inflating member (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and a second position (L', L") are positions on opposite sides of the cavity (C).
Protective wrapping (20) comprising a plurality of self-inflating members (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.