JP2017538630A - Inflatable packaging with opening - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaged products are disclosed herein. The packaged product includes a flexible cushioning material that includes first and second film layers sealed together by a seal to cooperate to form a wall. The seal defines an expansion chamber configured to expand and contain fluid between the first and second layers. A plurality of openings extend through both layers, thereby providing a vent across the wall. The produce is placed adjacent to the wall, cushioned by the expansion chamber and vented by the opening. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to transport containers, and particularly to flexible transport containers in agriculture.

  The agricultural industry is always faced with certain issues regarding the storage and transport of perishable products. Typically, the product is transported in thin film vented PE plastic bags, cardboard boxes or trays, mesh bags or vented clamshells. Most products, such as fruits, can be handled poorly during transportation when shipped. Handling poorly during this transport will accelerate fruit ripening and damage the fruit, leading to ripening, browning and / or promoting wounding of the surrounding fruit. This wound is the result of oxidation of the compound in the fruit. Chemical barriers are sometimes used to reduce this scar. One example of a chemical barrier is citric acid, which is highly reactive with oxygen, thereby reducing the oxidation of the product itself. In addition to oxidation, product wounds expose intracellular nutrients in the product. This exposure leads to colonization of microorganisms such as E. coli, Salmonella, mold, fungi, and yeast. To reduce this colony formation, sometimes the product is slightly dehydrated. Dehydration is believed to improve the threshold at which a product is damaged. In some cases, the product is cooled to a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in order to slow the aging process and extend the shelf life during storage or transportation.

  Common causes of product damage include impacts between closely packed products and impacts between product and transport containers. Larger and heavier products can be damaged by the weight one product puts on another. Some products' viscoelastic properties can exacerbate the wound. Wounds tend to release certain gases such as ethylene, which increase the rate or aging of some products. For example, climacteric fruit continues to age after picking and is therefore susceptible to ripening by ethylene. Leaves such as lettuce are also susceptible to this ripening process. Ethylene is thought to affect the genes that make up the enzyme. The enzyme then catalyzes a reaction that changes the properties of the product. The action of the enzyme causes a ripening reaction. Chlorophyll is broken down, sometimes new pigments are made, and the skin changes from green to red, yellow, or blue. The acid is destroyed and the fruit changes from a sour taste to a neutral taste. Degradation of starch by amylase produces sugar. This reduces the powdery (powdered) quality and increases the freshness. Thanks to the pectinase between the fruit cells, the pectin is degraded and the cells can be pulled apart and pass through each other. As a result, a softer fruit is obtained. Enzymes also break down large organic molecules into small volatiles (evaporating in the air) that we can perceive as smells. By producing ethylene, more ethylene is produced. During the shipping process, fruit ripening and decay are generally considered bad. For example, grapes are not only wounded, but when the grapes are torn from the stem or twisted, the flesh is exposed to mold spores in the atmosphere and the open wound begins to oxidize and decay. By adding protective material at the time of shipment, the shelf life of the product can be extended up to 60 days. It doesn't always accelerate quickly, but there are berries that go bad, and consumers are not interested in buying products that themselves are worthless.

  A number of solutions have been provided to reduce aging and decay. Among these solutions are partial dehydration, air circulation around the fruit, open storage systems (eg open boxes), chemoprevention (eg citric acid), modifying equipment and handling methods ( handling procedure, ie pre-conditioning fruit (moisture / temperature); cold storage; charcoal scrubbing of air around the product to absorb ethylene, carbon dioxide as a ripening inhibitor And the use of nitrogen; physical separation using cardboard (or similar) partitions; and other processes. These processes tend to be costly, cumbersome or undesirable for product quality. Thus, improved systems and methods are desired in the industry.

  In some embodiments, an inflatable packaging element is provided herein. The inflatable packaging element includes first and second film layers that are sealed together by a seal to cooperate to form a flexible structure. The seal defines an expansion chamber configured to expand and contain fluid between the first layer and the second layer. The seal is formed using an adhesive.

  In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an inflatable packaging element is provided. The method includes adhering the first film and the second film together using a seal to cooperate to form a flexible structure. The seal defines an expansion chamber configured to expand and contain fluid between the first layer and the second layer. The seal is formed using an adhesive.

  In some embodiments, an inflatable packaging element is provided. The inflatable packaging element includes a first wall defined by a first film layer and a second film layer sealed to the first layer by one or more layer seals. The one or more layer seals define an expansion region between the first layer and the second layer, the expansion region being configured to expand with and contain the fluid. The inflatable packaging element includes a second wall and one or more wall seals that seal the first wall and the second wall together to form a container. At least one of the one or more layer seals or the one or more wall seals is formed using an adhesive.

  In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an inflatable packaging element is provided. The method includes the steps of sealing the first film layer and the second film layer together using one or more layer seals, forming an expansion chamber therebetween and forming a first wall. The method includes inflating the expansion chamber with a fluid such that the fluid is contained within the expansion chamber and sealing the first wall with the second wall with one or more wall seals to form a container. Including. At least one or more layer seals or one or more wall seals are formed using an adhesive.

  In some embodiments, a packaged product is disclosed. The packaged product includes a flexible cushion that includes first and second film layers that are sealed together by a seal to cooperate to form a wall. The seal defines an expansion chamber configured to expand and contain fluid between the first layer and the second layer. A plurality of openings extend through both layers, thereby providing a vent across the wall. The packaged product includes produce that is placed adjacent to the wall, cushioned by the expansion chamber, and vented by the opening.

2 shows two flexible structure sheets in one embodiment. Fig. 2 shows one of the flexible structures of Fig. 1 being folded. It is sectional drawing of the flexible structure along the line of 2C-2C in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a seal portion in one embodiment. It is a figure of the flexible structure with an intermediate seal part in one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view of an intermediate seal and an opening under tensile stress and shear stress. 2 shows the flexible structure of FIG. 1 inflated and packaged to accommodate a product. Fig. 5 shows a flexible structure that is inflated and packaged to accommodate a product. Fig. 5 shows a flexible structure that is inflated, packaged and stored in a wooden box to accommodate the product. 1 illustrates an example inflatable packaging sealing device for use in sealing a flexible structure. FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a flexible structure showing a cross-section through a transverse seal and an expansion chamber in various embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a film sheet formed in an embossed or other manner to produce a structural / thermal shape in various embodiments. 2 shows a packaging structure in various embodiments. 2 shows a packaging structure in various embodiments.

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application claims the benefit of priority with respect to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 077,815 entitled “Inflatable Production Packaging” and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 103,504 entitled “Inflatable Production Packaging”. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  The present disclosure relates to protective packaging, systems and methods for converting unexpanded material into expanded cushioning material that can be used as cushioning or protective material for packaging and transport of goods, particularly products and other agricultural products. . Specific embodiments are described to provide a general understanding of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can adapt and modify the disclosed embodiments to provide alternative embodiments for other applications, and make other additions and modifications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. You will understand what you can do. For example, the features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined, separated, replaced, and / or reconfigured to produce other embodiments. Such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the subject matter discussed herein may be incorporated into various systems disclosed in the incorporated references. The embodiments are not independent, and may be combined with other referenced application embodiments and various other embodiments disclosed herein.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a flexible structure 100 according to various embodiments. The flexible structure can be formed by various methods. For example, a plurality of interconnected flexible structures (eg, 100a, 100b) may form a continuous sheet.

  The continuous sheets may be separated by perforations or other fragile areas to facilitate separation of the individual protective packaging units 100a, 100b from each other. The fragile lines 149 may extend transversally to separate units that are arranged in series longitudinally from each other. When separated, the broken line dashed lines define the longitudinal ends of the units 100a, 100b. These fragile lines are formed as perforations or similar structures so that the user can easily separate the units by tearing the units by hand. As used herein, a perforation may be a small mark in the material that produces a tear that is directed to the next tick in the material. This mark and mark tear propagates along the perforation length, allowing easy separation. The fragile lines are directed to structures that cause continuous propagation of separable features, and unless specifically stated otherwise, openings do not do so, so fragile lines and specific perforations are A distinction can be made from the openings discussed herein.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of separate flexible structures (eg, 100a or 100b), each of which can form a container 50, as shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates an example of forming flexible structures 100a, 100b in a container 50 according to one embodiment. The container may be operable to surround, hold, separate, and / or protect the contents stored in the container. Alternatively, the flexible structure 100 may be used in a flat form as shown in FIG. In this form, the flexible structure 100 may be used as a partition. Partitions may be placed between layers of goods, thereby separating different amounts of goods. For example, the divider may be placed in a box having a product layer thereon. With more product on top, another divider may be placed on the first layer. In this way, one layer of product is separated from another product layer, protecting the various layers from each other and from external conditions. Regardless of whether the flexible layer is formed on the container 50, used in its flat form, or used in another form, each of the various features discussed herein apply. Also good.

  According to various embodiments, the flexible structure 100 may include multiple layers 105, 107 of film. The first film layer 105 has a first longitudinal edge 102 and a second longitudinal edge 104, and the second film layer 107 has a first longitudinal edge 106 and a second longitudinal edge. 108. The second film layer 107 overlaps the first film layer 105 and is generally coextensive, i.e., at least the first longitudinal edges 102, 106 are aligned with each other, and / Or may be aligned such that the second longitudinal edges 104, 108 are aligned with each other. In some embodiments, the layers 105, 107 partially overlap with an inflatable area in a region of overlap. Layers 105, 107 may be joined to define a first longitudinal edge 110 and a second longitudinal edge 112 of film 100. The first and second layers 105, 107 are formed from a single sheet of web material, a flat tube of web material with one edge slit, or two sheets of web material. Can be. For example, the first and second layers 105, 107 include a single sheet of web material (eg, “c-fold film”) that is folded to define the joined second edges 104, 108. be able to. As another example, the first and second layers 105, 107 may comprise a tube (eg, a flat tube) of web material that is scored along the aligned first longitudinal edges 102, 106. Can be included. In an embodiment, the first and second layers 105, 107 are composed of a web material that is joined, sealed, or affixed together along the aligned second edges 104, 108. Includes two separate sheets.

  According to various embodiments, the structure 100 may be flexible. For example, the structure 100 may be sufficiently flexible to bend easily under its own weight. The structure 100 may be sufficiently flexible so that the user can bend it into different shapes without permanently distorting, cracking or breaking it. Thermoformed plastic packages are not flexible and are semi-rigid materials that do not absorb shocks or vibrations.

  The disclosed film layers 105, 107 may include single or multilayer films. One or more layers may comprise a polymer. When the film layers 105, 107 include a multilayer film, the plurality of layers can include polymers of different compositions. In some embodiments, the disclosed layers may be selected from ethylene, amide, or vinyl polymers, copolymers, and combinations thereof. The disclosed polymers can be polar or nonpolar. The disclosed ethylene polymer may be a substantially non-polar polyethylene. In many cases, the ethylene polymer may be a polyolefin made from the copolymerization of ethylene with other olefin monomers, such as α-olefins. The ethylene polymer may be selected from low, medium, or high density polyethylene, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the density of various polyethylenes varies, but in many cases the density of the low density polyethylene can be, for example, from about 0.905 g / cm 3 or less to about 0.930 g / cm 3, The density of the density polyethylene can be, for example, from about 0.930 g / cm 3 to about 0.940 g / cm 3, and the high density polyethylene can be, for example, from about 0.940 g / cm 3 to about 0.965 g / cm 3 or more. May be. The ethylene polymer may be selected from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE). Good.

  In some embodiments, the polar polymer may be non-polar polyethylene that is modified to impart polarity. In other embodiments, the polar polymer is an ionomer (eg, a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid, E / MAA), a high vinyl acetate EVA copolymer, or other polymer with polarity. In some embodiments, the modified polyethylene may be an anhydride modified polyethylene. In some embodiments, maleic anhydride is grafted to an olefin polymer or copolymer. The modified polyethylene polymer may react rapidly during coextrusion with polyamide and other ethylene-containing polymers (eg, EVOH). In some cases, a layer or sublayer comprising a modified polyethylene can be covalently bonded, hydrogen bonded, and / or dipolar interconnected with another layer or sublayer, eg, a layer or sublayer that includes a barrier layer. An action may be formed. In many embodiments, the polyethylene polymer may be modified to increase the number of bondable atoms on the polyethylene. For example, polyethylene may be modified with maleic anhydride, an acetyl group may be added to the polyethylene, and bonded to a polar group in the barrier layer, for example, a hydrogen atom on a nylon backbone. The modified polyethylene may also form bonds with other groups on the nylon backbone as well as polar groups on other barrier layers, such as alcohol groups on EVOH. In some embodiments, the modified polyethylene may form chain entanglements and / or van der Waals interactions with unmodified polyethylene.

  Also, a mixture of ethylene and other molecules may be used. For example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol. EVOH has polarity and helps to create a gas barrier. EVOH may be prepared by polymerizing ethylene and vinyl acetate and hydrolyzing the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. EVOH can be obtained by saponification of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer can be produced by known polymerization such as solution polymerization, suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization and the like, and saponification of the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer can also be carried out by a known method. . EVA resins are usually produced via high pressure autoclaves and tubular processes.

  Polyamide is a high molecular weight polymer having an amide bond along the molecular chain structure. Polyamide is a polar polymer. Nylon polyamide is a synthetic polyamide and has favorable physical properties such as high strength, rigidity, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance, and low permeability to gases such as oxygen.

  Other materials and structures can be used. The disclosed flexible structure 100 can be wound around a hollow tube, a solid core, or in a fan-folded box, or another form desired for storage and transport Can be folded at.

According to various embodiments, the layers, walls, structures, etc. discussed herein can be adhesively bonded, rubbed, welded, fused, heat sealed, laser sealed, ultrasonic welded, etc. to form the described structure. They may be sealed together by any process. For example, layers 105, 107 may be sealed together to form an internal expansion chamber according to any known method. Further, the flexible structure 100 already formed with layers 105, 107 may be sealed to itself or to another flexible structure 100, for example to form other structures such as the container 50. For example, the layers or structures may be heat sealed together or adhesively sealed together. An adhesive that is operable to seal the expansion chamber sufficiently to contain the gas under transport pressure may be appropriate. These pressures may be generated by stacking the flexible structure 100 under multiple layers of shipped products. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be cured by exposing the adhesive to electromagnetic radiation. The adhesive may be responsive to electromagnetic radiation in a particular region of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum. For example, the adhesive may be an ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive. For example, the adhesive may be heat sealed to one or both of the film layers 105, 107, and then sealed together by overlaying the layers together and applying an ultraviolet light seal. Good. An adhesive and method similar to this adhesive and method is described in more detail in US Pat. No. 8,404,071, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The adhesive may be pressure sensitive or any other adhesive. As discussed herein, any seal may be performed by a heat seal, an adhesive seal, both types of seals, or any other type of seal. The adhesive may be a UV curable laminating adhesive that may be used in connection with some implementations of wet lamination. For example, the adhesive may be a UV curable flexo type low odor laminate adhesive for films for UV wet lamination applications. The adhesive may have a Brookfield Viscosity of about 700-1000 cps at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The adhesive can have a density equal to or approximately equal to 8.6 pounds / gallon. The adhesive can have a low odor and / or appearance as a clear liquid. The adhesive can have a solid content of 100%. The adhesive can have a cure rate of about 150-220 ft / min (FT / MIN) under a 1 × 300 watt / inch lamp (1 × 300 watts / in lamps). The adhesive can have a coverage equal to or approximately equal to 5300 feet / gallon (FT / GAL) at a thickness of 0.3 mil. The adhesive may have a substantially equal curing absorbance irradiance or equal to 1.3Wcm ² (cure absorbance irradiance). These adhesives cure well at high speed to provide durable high quality bonds with certain films such as treated LLDPE, LDPE, and metallocene catalyzed LLDPE and polypropylene. These adhesives have strong adhesion to films and some papers. They are also cationic and do not cure well in harmony with aqueous or solvent amine-containing inks. In some embodiments, the adhesive can have a coating thickness of about 0.2 to 0.5 mil. A typical anilox in the range of 150-200Q can provide a suitable coat weight. Best results are obtained with smooth film and some papers. Excellent results have been obtained with polyethylene and polypropylene films. A film surface treatment of 40-45 dynes / cm can be used to improve adhesion with low surface energy films.

  According to various embodiments, the layers 105, 107 may be sealed with the seal 118. The seal 118 may be sufficiently continuous to hold the gas injected into the flexible structure 100. In this way, each of the flexible structures (eg, 100a, 100b) may be expanded to form a cushioning material or pillow. The cushioning material or pillow may take the form of an assembled container 50 (see, eg, FIGS. 2A-B) or a flat sheet as shown in FIG. Either form may be utilized to separate the amount of the first product from the amount of the second product. For example, an expanded flexible structure may be placed between the product layers as a flat sheet. As an assembled container 50, the product may be protected by placing the product in an expanded structure.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the web 100 can include a series of lateral seals 118 disposed along the longitudinal extent of the web 100. Each transverse seal 118 extends from the longitudinal seal 112 toward a longitudinal inflation region, which is, for example, a longitudinal inflation nozzle about a longitudinal axis. It may be an expansion channel 114 having a substantially or completely closed periphery except where it directs gas between layers 105, 107 for receiving. The transverse seal 118 may be straight as shown, may be curved, zigzag, or may have a structure or shape suitable for the application. Alternatively, the expansion region may be provided by an open lateral edge such as a flap held on a lateral nozzle for blowing gas between the film layers. In the illustrated embodiment, the expansion channel 114 is closed on the opposite side of the expansion chamber 120 by a first longitudinal seal 110. Each lateral seal 118 has a first end 122 proximate to the second longitudinal seal 112 and a second distance d from the first longitudinal seal 110 of the film 100 by a lateral length d. End 124. The expansion chamber 120 is defined within a boundary formed by various seals operable to enclose gas therein. For example, the expansion chamber 120 may be defined by a longitudinal seal 112 or a longitudinal seal 140 and a pair of adjacent lateral seals 118. The chamber may be closed by a longitudinal seal 140. The flexible structure 100 may expand in a flat form or after being formed into a container structure, such as the container 50. In one example, the flexible structure is formed by sealing layers 105, 107 together. The structure is then expanded and the structure is formed in the container 50 after being expanded. In another example, the flexible structure is formed by sealing layers 105, 107 together. The structure is then molded into a container 50 and sealed in this form. After forming into container 50, the structure is expanded and the expansion is sealed.

  Each transverse seal 118 embodied in FIG. 1 may extend substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal seal 112. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements of the lateral seal 118 are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the transverse seal 118 has a wavy or zigzag pattern. The transverse seal 118 may be continuous and / or discontinuous. The transverse seal 118 as well as the sealed longitudinal edges 110, 112 can be formed from any of a variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as the sealing techniques described above.

  An inflation region such as a closed passageway can be provided that can be a longitudinal inflation channel 114. As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal inflation channel 114 is disposed between the second end 124 of the transverse seal 118 and the first longitudinal edge 110 of the film. The longitudinal inflation channel 114 may extend longitudinally along a longitudinal side 110 and the inflation opening 116 is at least one end of the longitudinal inflation channel 114. Placed in. The longitudinal inflation channel 114 has a transverse width D. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lateral width D is substantially the same distance as the lateral length d between the longitudinal edge 110 and the second end 124. However, it is understood that other suitable lateral width D sizes can be used in other configurations. In other embodiments, the longitudinal inflation channel may extend from either side of the longitudinal inflation channel to the center of the flexible structure 100 having an opening that extends into the inflation chamber. In such an example, the longitudinal inflation channel may form a boundary between the two walls of the container 50. Alternatively, the central longitudinal inflation channel may be formed in a single wall by different walls of the container 50 having different longitudinal inflation channels. In various embodiments, each separate flexible structure, such as 100a, may expand without expanding other structures, such as 100b. Furthermore, this is independent of whether the structure is formed in the container. The structure may be inflated with a nozzle, as described below, and the structure may include one way valves that allow for expansion. In various embodiments, flexible structures such as 100a and 100b may be continuously expanded. This may be done through entire rolls, stacks, or other quantities of the structure, and this is independent of whether the structure is molded into a container.

  The second longitudinal edge 112 and the lateral seal 118 cooperate to define the boundary of the expansion chamber 120. In various embodiments, the expansion chamber 120 may further include an intermediate seal 128. Intermediate seal 128 may seal layers 105 and 107 together in an intermediate area within chamber 120. As shown in FIG. 1A, the intermediate seal 128 may be aligned laterally across the chamber 120 or may be aligned longitudinally across the chamber 120. The intermediate seal may prevent gas from passing through the seal and blocking the chamber, thereby allowing the entire chamber to expand. The intermediate seal may provide various functions. In various embodiments, the intermediate seal 128 may create bendable lines that allow a more flexible web 100 that can be easily bent or folded. This flexibility allows the film 100 to wrap around regular and irregular shaped objects. In various embodiments, the intermediate seal 128 can provide a plurality of openings from the inflation channel 114 to the chamber 120. See, for example, the intermediate seal 128 oriented laterally between the transverse seals, close to the inflation channel 114 along the left side of FIG. In various embodiments, the intermediate seal 128 can provide a folding line to fold the layers 105, 107 over each other. See, for example, an intermediate seal 128 oriented longitudinally between transverse seals along the center of the film 100 of FIG.

  According to various embodiments, the lateral seal 118 may include an intermediate seal portion 129. The intermediate seal portion 129 may have a larger area with respect to the region of the seal 118. The intermediate seal 129 may be another seal configuration along the length of the lateral seal 118 that serves the additional function of the lateral seal 118. For example, the intermediate seal 129 may seal a sufficient area of the layers 105, 107 to place an opening therein without puncturing the expansion chamber 120. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate seal 129 may provide a bendable line for additional flexibility or bendable points to change the shape of the film 100.

  The intermediate seal portion 129 may be a seal in which the layers 105 and 107 are attached to each other. The intermediate seal portion 129 may be a portion where a narrow seal such as a continuation of the seal 118 defines the intermediate seal portion 129. The intermediate seal portion 129 may be a region where a wider solid seal is formed along the seal 118 (that is, the region where the layers 105 and 107 are attached is an intermediate region). (It may be a continuous strong seal without an unattached area) in which the layers 105 and 107 are not attached to the center of the seal portion 129. This strong seal may form a harder portion of the web 100. The intermediate seal portion 129 may be a region where a seal such as a partial seal 118 surrounds a portion where the layers 105 and 107 are not attached. This non-solid seal configuration (ie, the portion where the layers 105, 107 are not affixed) of the intermediate seal 129 can be a more flexible web 100.

  According to various embodiments, seal 118 may include a narrow portion (eg, seal 118) and a wide portion (eg, seal 129). The seal 118 may branch to form two seal brushes that define the intermediate seal portion 129. The point of expansion from the seal 118 to the seal portion 129 may be a change point 127 (transition 127). The changing point may have a width wider than the seal portion 129. For example, the seal portion 129 may have a width of J. The change point 127 may extend beyond the width J. The width J may have a width between 1/2 and 10 times that of the seal 118. For example, the change point 127 may be five times as wide. Thereafter, the change point may be narrowed down to the width K again above and below the change area. Alternatively, the change point 127 may extend to the entire width of the change region and then decrease to the width J as the seal 118 continues. The change point 127 may be recessed when viewed from the chamber 120. Thereby, a change point can be made loose, or it can be made not to become sharp. In some embodiments, sharp change points can be used. According to various embodiments, the intermediate seal 129 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, trapezoidal, polygonal, or any other shape. As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, the intermediate seal portion 129 may be a circle. The intermediate seal portion 129 may be a seal between the first layer and the second layer. Alternatively, the intermediate treatment seal portion 129 may include a first layer and a second layer, such as a first layer and a second layer bounded on all sides by a seal that seals the seal 118 and / or the transition point 127. It may be a portion where the layer is not attached.

  According to various embodiments, a gradual change point may be used to reduce stress at the intermediate seal portion 129. The change point 127 may reduce the separation tendency of the intermediate seal portion 129 due to the stress applied to the film 100. In various embodiments, even when formed as a container (eg, container 50) or utilized as an inflatable sheet, the film 100 may have an area of increased pressure. Good. The pressure may be generated by jagged items in contact with the film 100, bending of the film 100, or crushing the film 100 to increase the pressure. Under this increase in pressure, the sharp transition may be a stress riser that causes a tear or delamination of the seal or film 100. If the intermediate seal portion 129 and the seal 118 are arranged at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other, there may be an example of an abrupt change point. In another example, the transition point may be gradual along a curve extending from the seal 118 to the seal 129 through a transition point 127 having a dull curved surface at the interior portion of the seal 129. In some examples, the inner portion of seal 129 may not be present. The widened portion may be a strong seal throughout. In another example, the seal 129 may have an unattached interior, and the boundary may be determined by each side of the seal portion 129.

  According to various embodiments, the inner portion of the seal 129 may include an opening 131. The opening 131 can reduce or eliminate stress on the seal. The opening allows the material within the seal 129 (whether this material includes an affixed layer or an affixed layer) to bend and distort, thereby tearing the seal. Alternatively, the tendency to separate may be reduced.

  According to various embodiments, the opening 131 may be located in a seal portion that is independent of the lateral seal. These seals may be completely surrounded by an air chamber. The seal located in the panel 183 is an example. The seal portion may be located between the lateral seals along the air chamber. The opening may be surrounded by a seal. The seal may surround a region where the first and second layers are not attached to each other, and the opening may be located in a region that is not attached. The seal may surround a region where the first and second layers are adjacent to each other, and the opening may be located within the sealed region. The opening may extend through both the first and second layers. The opening may include a first opening that extends through the first layer and a second opening that extends through the second layer and is aligned with the first opening. The opening may be proximate to the region of the layer that receives the elevated stress. The seal may be fully contained within the expansion chamber. The seal may have first and second opposing sides, the first side of the seal being disposed within the first expansion chamber, and the second side of the seal being the second expansion chamber. Placed inside. The seal may be formed by heat sealing techniques. The seal may be formed using an adhesive. The opening may be bounded by a part of a seal pattern. The opening may be configured to reduce stress in the seal. The opening may be large enough to allow gas to flow from one side of the packaging element to the other. The opening may include a plurality of openings, and the seal pattern surrounds each opening of the plurality of openings.

  According to various embodiments, the film 100 may have a plurality of openings 131 scattered throughout the film 100. The opening 131 may provide one or more of stress relief (as described above) or venting. The opening 131 may be a through hole that extends through the walls. Each opening 131 may be a single hole, e.g., extending through a single surface of a single layer or two layers merged at a seal line, or opening 131. Each may be a plurality of holes. For example, the opening 131 may be a first hole that penetrates the first layer 105 that is substantially aligned with a second hole that penetrates the second layer 107. In some embodiments, the openings may not be aligned with sufficient air between the layers to allow ventilation through the openings.

  The openings may be configured so as not to promote continuous tearing between each other or over a significant portion of the flexible structure. For example, this means that a tear in one opening is less likely to propagate to the next opening. This structure may be achieved by the mutual position of the openings, the position of each opening relative to another feature, or the shape of the opening. For example, the openings may be arranged such that the space between the openings is operable to prevent or limit continuous tearing between the openings. For example, the spacing between the openings may be greater than twice the opening width, three times the opening width, or four times the opening width. Obvious shapes are openings that are formed to allow air passage and venting and that facilitate separation of the chambers and are not designed to break apart. In addition, the opening can be designed to expand into an open state during inflation, and the width can be varied depending on the desired ventilation. In another example, the openings may be circular that are operable to prevent or limit continuous tearing between the openings so that the shape of the openings does not form perforations. In another example, the openings are separated from each other by the seal boundary so that the seal boundaries prevent or limit continuous tearing between the openings.

  According to various embodiments, the opening 131 may function as a vent that allows gas to circulate through the film 100. For example, in embodiments where the film 100 forms a bag or other sealed container, the opening 131 may form a vent. For example, the opening 131 may allow ethylene generated by the organic material contained therein to exit and allow fresh air to enter. These openings 131 may take the form of any shape. They may be elongated slits as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 3E-3F. The slit may have a zero or slight width, such as a width made with a razor cut with a sharp end shape. The slit may be an elongated hole having an obvious width. They may be polygonal. They may have rounded ends, as shown in FIG. 3A, or the openings may be free of sharp edges. The opening may have a blunt edge. The opening may be “X” or cruciform as shown in FIG. 3B.

  According to various embodiments, the intermediate seal 129 may be configured to reinforce the opening 131 that penetrates the layers 105 and 107. As described above, the intermediate seal portion 129 may be a strong seal over the region (for example, see FIGS. 3C to 3H), and the intermediate seal portion 129 may be an unattached region (for example, FIG. 3A). It may be a separate seal portion indicating the contour of (see FIG. 3B). The opening 131 may pass through the central portion of the intermediate seal portion 129. In this way, the intermediate seal 129 prevents or restricts the opening 131 from penetrating through any of the adjacent expansion chambers 120. Accordingly, the film 100 is operable to provide ventilation through the opening 131 and the cushioning material through the adjacent expansion chamber 120.

  As shown in FIGS. 3C-3D, the intermediate seal portion 129 is inflated, transported, shipped, packaged, stored, bent, folded, expanded (eg, filled or loaded as a transport container), or product. May be subjected to a force F that causes stress on the structure 100 under other conditions encountered. These forces may have a tendency to separate the permanent or non-permanent seal that holds the first and second layers of the flexible structure 100 together. These forces may also have a tendency to tear in the expansion chambers of the various seals. The opening may relieve stress resulting from these longitudinal forces. These forces F may distort the flexible structure around the opening and allow the structure to shear, compress, or stretch in tension. The openings may allow for localized increased distortion in areas that relieve these stress increases in the seal. This deformation may relieve various seals or stress risers in the vicinity thereof. These distortions may reduce the likelihood of seal or wall failure. This can prevent or limit seal separation and / or tearing into the expansion chamber. The local deformation may increase the stress applied to the opening 131 accommodated in the surrounding intermediate seal portion 129. FIG. 3E shows the intermediate seal and the opening under the tensile stress. FIG. 3F shows the intermediate seal and the opening under shear stress.

  According to various embodiments, the opening may be any shape including a die cut hole. For example, the opening may be a slit. A slit (especially a long cut that forms an opening within a negligible width compared to the length and the edge of the slit at the sharp change points on both sides) has a stress point at either end of the slit. ), Which may have a tendency to cause the slit to tear. The intermediate seal 129 may limit this tendency and prevent or limit the propagation of tears between adjacent openings and / or air chambers. The opening may be circular and may be circular, generally round, oblong, elliptical, oval, or generally curved boundary and / or between the sides. May have limited sharp transitions. The circular opening 131 may provide a reduced tearing stress to the opening, but the intermediate seal 129 is still isolated from the expansion chamber 120 and the opening 132 tears to the expansion chamber 120. Increased strength may be provided to prevent air from escaping.

  According to various embodiments, the flexible structure 100 can include an intermediate feature. The intermediate feature may be part of the flexible structure 100 without a chamber and / or with a blocked chamber to form a functional element on the flexible structure. These functional elements include movable panels, openings, windows, flat panels, printable panels, handles, and attachment features. ) Or the like. In one example, the intermediate feature may be an access panel 183. The access panel may include a separable boundary 185 that is operable to separate from the remaining flexible structure 100. This separable boundary 185 may define an opening through the flexible structure 100 covered by the access panel 183. The separable boundary 185 may be any separable structure. For example, the separable boundary 185 may be a perforated boundary or a mixture of perforated and resealable boundaries. The perforated boundary may be operable to be easily torn from the flexible structure 100 at the separable boundary 185. In another example, the separable boundary 185 may be a resealable end, for example, by utilizing a zipper seal (eg, a ziplock seal). In another example, the separable boundary 185 may be an adhesive seal often referred to as a pressure sensitive seal. In each of these examples, the access panel 183 may be opened by separating the separable boundary 185 from the rest of the flexible structure 100. The separable boundary may take any form or shape. The separable boundary may be enclosed or open to have a free end. For example, the separable boundaries may be rectangular, circular, triangular, linear, etc. The separable boundary may open on the panel 183 like a door and allow the contents to be removed from the interior of the container 50. For example, it may be possible to remove the grapes.

  The separable boundary 185 may be isolated from the chamber 120. For example, the seal 184 may be substantially parallel to the separable boundary 185 at an offset distance, or may generally follow the separable boundary 185. This offset allows the seal 184 to separate from the chamber 120. In various embodiments, the seal 184 may be continuous with the seal 112. In other embodiments, the seal may be separate from the seal 112 and within the seal 112. The separable boundary 185 may be offset from the outside of the first wall or the second wall (eg, edges 102, 106, 104, 108 or seals 141, 142). The separable boundary 185 may begin and end at an inner portion of the film 100. According to this method, the perforation is not torn to the edge of the film 100 and the separable boundary 185 does not completely separate different parts of the structure. However, other weakened areas as described above may do this.

  According to various embodiments, a gripping portion may extend from the panel 183. The gripping portion may be an independent flap that protrudes from the surface of the flexible structure 100 at the panel 183. Alternatively, the gripping portion may be defined by a pre-separated portion of the separable boundary 185. Alternatively, the gripping portion may be defined by the portion of the perforation that is easily separated. The gripping portion may be operable to receive a force and transmit the force through the panel 183 to the separable boundary 185 so that the panel 183 is at least partially separated from the flexible structure 100.

  According to various embodiments, the panel 183 may include a hinge section. The hinge portion may be defined by at least one edge of the panel 183 that is continuous with the rest of the flexible structure 100. For example, at least one edge of panel 183 does not have a separable boundary or any separating feature.

  The separable boundary 185 may extend over two parts of the same chamber or may be separated. In some embodiments, the door chamber has a passageway to allow the door to expand. In some embodiments, the door does not have an expansion chamber, but has a flat window for viewing and a panel for printing labels. According to various embodiments, the seal 187a or 187b shown in FIG. 1 may interrupt one or more chambers 120d, or may interrupt one or more chambers 120n, 120p. Or a substantially longitudinal seal (e.g., it may have a longitudinal component and a transverse component relative to that direction). The disconnection may prevent one or more chambers 120d from extending the lateral width of the flexible structure 100. Extension allows picking up a new chamber 120n, 120p after the first chamber 120d has been disconnected, extending the expanded cushion over the remaining lateral distance across the flexible material. Enable. A small gap 187c may exist between the disconnected chamber and the continuous chamber. In this way, some chambers 120 can extend the width of the flexible structure from end 124 to end 122. Some chambers 120n, 120p may only extend from or to seal 187a, and some chambers 120d may only extend to 187b.

  According to various embodiments, the seal 187b may terminate the chamber 120d laterally at an intermittent seal 128. The seal 187 may intersect the lateral seal 118c. The intermittent seal 128 may be a folding feature between separate walls of the container 50. Intermittent seal 128 may be discontinuous up to seal 187b which may be continuous. Thus, the intermittent seal 128 can expand the chamber 120 on both lateral sides of the intermittent seal 128, while the seal 187b can prevent or limit the chamber 120d from extending beyond the seal 187b. it can. Intermittent seal 128 and seal 187 may be disposed along any lateral location of flexible structure 100. For example, they may be placed along the centerline so that half of the flexible structure 100 can be folded over itself. In another example, they are placed at quarter positions along the lateral distance, allowing the flexible structure to have two folds to form the container 50.

  According to various embodiments, the seal 187a may be a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seal 118c. In various embodiments, the lateral seal 118c may be discontinuous beyond the point where it intersects the seal 187a. There may be only a wide portion 131 of the seal 118c beyond the intersection of the seals 187a and 118c. This discontinuous structure of the lateral seal 118c may provide a channel 119 to extend between the chamber 120 and the chambers 120n, 120p. Similar channels may extend longitudinally between successive chambers 120n, 120p. The seal 187a may be a longitudinal seal that defines a chamber 120n between the panel 183 and the intermittent seal 128. In this embodiment, the second seal may terminate the chamber 120n. Alternatively, the seal 187a may be a seal that defines the edge of the panel 183 near the intermittent seal 128. In any embodiment, the seal 187a may be continuous with only the panel or with the seal 184 defining the chamber 120n and the panel. In one embodiment, the panel 183 may extend the full width of one wall of the container 50. In other embodiments, the panel 183 may extend only a portion of the lateral distance across one wall of the container 50 bounded on one or more sides by an air chamber (eg, chamber 120n). In various embodiments, the channel 119 may expand the chamber 120p in the panel 183. In this embodiment, the interior of the panel is in fluid communication with the expansion region, thereby providing the panel with the expansion region and the resulting protective function.

  The process of tearing the panel 183 from the opening of the perforation 185 by rupturing the chambers 120d and / or 120n with intermediate seals 187a, b and / or other seals shrinks the adjacent expansion chamber 120, 120n or 120p I won't let you.

  As illustrated by these exemplary embodiments, the flexible structure may include any of a variety of intermediate features, taking panel 183 as an example. Channels 119 and intermediate seals (eg, 187a, b) can stop and continue channel 120 on either side of the intermediate feature. If the intermediate feature is not bounded on all sides like the panel 183, the channel 119 may also provide expansion to the intermediate feature. Another example of an intermediate feature is shown in FIGS. 10-12 as an unflatted flat surface 509. This flat surface 509 may be incorporated into any of the embodiments contemplated herein. For example, it may replace panel 183 by removing chamber 120p from the panel and forming a lateral seal under the panel as a continuous panel (eg, 118c). In various embodiments, the chamber boundary may be formed around an enlarged non-expanded portion. This non-expanded portion may be large enough to form a viewing window or provide product information. This non-inflatable portion may be larger than 1/2 inch × 2 inches, for example. In various examples, this non-expanded portion may be larger than other breaks between chambers, such as the expanded seal portion described above. However, the unexpanded portion may be an interlayer seal that is large enough to serve a larger purpose than a simple seal. According to this method, the flat surface 509 is not inflatable, but can receive prints, labels, or other instructional information. The flat surface 509 may alternatively be transparent, providing a window through the flexible film 100. This information presentation surface or window can be applied to the flexible film 100 in a flat state as a partition, or a formation state of a container or the like described in this specification.

  According to various embodiments, the flexible structure 100 may include a handle 150. The handle may be any area or opening operable to pass the user's finger to hold the product. The handle may be provided by forming a weakened region or by cutting an opening through the flexible structure 100 in either a flat form or a structural form such as the container 50. The handle 150 may be located near the lateral edge 149 of the flexible structure 100. Handle 150 may be defined by one or more sealed portions of flexible structure 100 operable to be utilized as a handle. In one example, the outer handle seal 151 may be located near the lateral edge / seal 149 or at another desired location. In various embodiments, the separate outer handle seal 151 may be located approximately symmetrically about the longitudinal centerline 128 or in another useful configuration. The handle 150 may include an internal handle seal 153 located within one or more handle seals 151. The space between the outer handle seal 151 and the inner handle seal 153 may define a separable part of the handle. In various embodiments, the separable portion may be a frangible line 155 that extends at least partially around the space between the outer handle seal 151 and the inner handle seal 153. The fragile line 155 may be broken and an opening through the film may appear. When the symmetrical handles 150 overlap, the openings may be aligned to create a portion of the container 50 that can be gripped as a handle.

  As mentioned above, the flexible structure may be used in a flat configuration or it may be formed in the container 50 (see, eg, FIG. 4). Container 50 may be formed from two separate sheets of flexible structure 100 that are sealed together, or container 50 may be folded and sealed together as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It may be formed from a single sheet of flexible structure 100. Container 50 may also be composed of any number of sheets of flexible structure 100 that form two or more walls as required by various applications. FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of a flexible structure that is folded according to various embodiments. As described above, the flexible structure 100 may be folded along the intermittent seal 128. This intermittent seal may be in any number and at any location, so that the flexible structure 100 may be folded by any number of folds. In various embodiments, the flexible structure 100 may be folded along a centerline, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 2A. In this way, the flexible structure 100 can be folded to align the edges 102, 106 and 104, 108. When the flexible structure 100 is folded, the first wall and the second wall may be sealed along a plurality of seals. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, these seals may include one or more of a top seal 145, an external vertical seal 142, an internal vertical seal 141, and a bottom seal 159. A second lateral seal similar to the seal 145 may additionally be formed along the lateral edge 149. The second transfer seal may be a seal that replaces the seal 145. In some embodiments, the handles may be sealed together at 150. These seals may be made after the product or other contents are placed in the container 50. The seal may be made by mechanical attachment (eg, zip), by heat, by adhesive, or other methods known in the art. The first wall and the second wall of the container 50 may be sealed along the adhesive seal shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the seal on the first wall 50a may include one or more of the seals 141a, 142a, 159a, 150a, and 145a. The seal on second wall 50b may include one or more of seals 141b, 142b, 159b, 150b, and 145b. The seal may form a boundary around an unattached portion that defines the interior 147 of the container 50. Interior 147 may receive a product or other content. The seals 141a, 142a, 159a, 150a, 145a, 141b, 142b, 159b, 150b, and 145b are operable to connect walls composed of a plurality of film layers. Thus, these seals need not necessarily extend between layers 105, 107, but may do so. These seals only extend from layer 105 to layer 105 or from layer 107 to layer 107, thus forming the walls of the container. It should be noted that in situations where an adhesive is used, the adhesive may be placed in each of the “a” and “b” positions, eg 141a and 141b. The adhesive may be any type of adhesive such as, but not limited to, an ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive. However, it may be placed only in one of these positions, such as 141a, and 141a may be aligned with 141b so that when the structure 100 is folded, a seal is formed in both positions. Good. This also applies to 142a, b, 159a, b, 145a, b.

  FIG. 4 illustrates a packaged product contained within an inflated flexible structure according to various embodiments. As illustrated, the amount of product 300 packaged may be separated from each other by a flexible structure, shown here as container 50. The chamber 120 protects the product 300. The opening 131 provides ventilation to the product 300. Tab 187 provides access to product 300 as described above. The handle 150 allows the product 300 to be transported.

  According to various embodiments, any product may be packaged with the flexible structure 100. However, packaging certain products with flexible structure 100 can significantly extend the life of the product. For example, a product with viscoelasticity can be protected by the flexible structure 100, reducing the damage often caused to the product due to its structural properties. Since damage also tends to release certain gases such as ethylene, venting in the flexible structure 100 can further benefit the product by circulating the gas. This is desirable in climacteric fruits that continue to age after picking and are therefore susceptible to ripening promotion by ethylene. Leaves such as lettuce are also susceptible to this ripening process. By reducing product bleed / damage and draining ethylene, the impact on the genes that make up the enzymes in the product is reduced. This reduces the action of the enzyme that causes the ripening reaction. Products that may fall into these categories are grapes, apples, lettuce, potatoes, onions, bananas, and others known in the art. Each container 50 may contain 1/2 to 5 pounds of fruit. For example, each container may contain about 1/2 to 2 pounds of fruit.

  FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a group packaged product housed in a plurality of inflated flexible structures according to various embodiments. As shown, the flexible structure 100 may be formed in the containers 50a, b, c. These containers may be packaged together in one bundle. FIG. 5A shows two containers 50a, b combined with a single structural handle 51 that adds a support to the handle. The structural handle 51 may be cardboard, plastic or any other known transport material that can hold a plurality of containers together and add support to the handle. The structural handle 51 may serve as a label surface for identification and information purposes. FIG. 5B shows a chain of combined tree containers 50a, b, c. In various embodiments, the flexible structures can be filled and sealed without separating them from each other. FIG. 1 shows two connected flexible structures 100a, 100b. A chain of connected containers 50a, b, c may be formed by filling and sealing the connected flexible structures. This can simplify the shipping and purchasing aspects of the industry. Alternatively, the structure may be separated and reconnected via structural handles 51a, b, c.

  Packaged products may be transported, contained, or displayed in bulk containers. 6A-B illustrate a packaged product housed in a plurality of inflated flexible structures and stored in a crates, according to various embodiments. By protecting the product with the container 50, as shown in FIG. 6B, the product can be stacked deeper in the wooden box. In this way, the product can be shipped, accommodated and displayed in larger containers, allowing further efficiency in the industry.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of an inflatable packaging sealing device 101 used for sealing an inflatable flexible structure. Inflation and sealing device 101 may be operated to convert the unexpanded material, flexible structure 100, into a series of expanded pillows or cushions by expanding chamber 120. As shown in FIG. 7, the unexpanded web 100 may be an unexpanded material that is supplied in bulk quantity (bulk quantity of supply). For example, unexpanded flexible structure 100 may be provided in bulk form on a roll and expanded and sealed by device 101. For example, the bulk amount of unexpanded material may be a roll of material 134. The flexible structure 100 may be wound around an inner support tube 133.

  The inflation sealing device 101 may include a bulk material support 136. A bulk amount of unexpanded material may be supported by the bulk material support 136. For example, the bulk material support may be a tray that is operable to hold a non-expanded material that may be provided by a fixed surface or a plurality of rollers. To hold a roll of material, the tray may be concave around the roll, or convex when the roll is suspended on the tray. The bulk material support may include a plurality of rollers that suspend the web. The bulk material support may include a single roller that houses the center of the roll of web material 134. A roll of material 134 may be suspended on the bulk material support 136, such as a spindle that passes through the core 133 of the roll of material 134. Typically, the core of the roll is made of cardboard or other suitable material.

  According to various embodiments, the nozzle not only expands the web 100 at the lateral ends, but also engages an expansion channel located at any lateral distance between the longitudinal ends. Also good. That is, the inflation sealing device 101 fills the central channel with chambers in both lateral directions of the inflation channel. The web 100 may roll over the material support 136 and overguide 138 to align the central inflation channel 114 of the flexible structure 100 with the nozzle in the inflation region 142.

  The inflation sealing device 101 may be configured such that when the web 134 is unwound from the roll 134, the web 100 continuously expands. The roll 134 may include a plurality of expansion chambers 120 arranged in series. To begin production of expanded pillows from web material 100, the expansion opening 116 of the web 100 is inserted around an expansion assembly, such as an expansion nozzle, in the expansion region 142. The web 100 advances over an expansion nozzle having a chamber 120 extending transversely to the expansion nozzle and an outlet on the expansion nozzle. An outlet that may be located at the radial side of the nozzle and / or the upstream tip of the nozzle, for example, causes the chamber 100 to expand, thus causing the web 100 to extend the material path. As the direction progresses, fluid from the nozzle body is directed to the chamber 120. The expanded web 100 is then sealed by a sealing mechanism within the seal area 174 to form an expanded pillow or cushion chain.

  The expansion nozzles allow fluids such as pressurized air to enter the unexpanded web material through nozzle outlets along the fluid path and expand the material into expanded pillows or chambers 120. The expansion nozzle may include a nozzle expansion channel that fluidly connects a fluid source to the nozzle outlet. In other configurations, it is understood that the fluid may be other suitable pressurized gas, foam, or liquid. The web 100 is fed onto an inflation nozzle that directs the web to an inflation and sealing assembly 103. The web 100 is advanced or driven through the expansion sealing device 101 in a downstream direction along the material path by a drive mechanism, such as a drive device or a sealing drum or drive roller.

  After being fed through the web feed region 164, the first and second layers 105, 107 are sealed together by the sealing assembly and exit the sealing drum. The sealing drum may include a heating element such as a thermocouple that melts, fuses, bonds, bonds, or integrates the two layers 105, 107, or other types of welding or sealing elements. The web 100 is continuously advanced along the material path through the sealing assembly to form a continuous longitudinal seal along the web by sealing the first and second layers 105, 107 together. In order to do so, it passes through the sealing drum in the sealing area 174 and exits the sealing area. In various embodiments, the expansion sealing device 101 further includes a cutting assembly for cutting the web from the expansion nozzle if an expansion channel is used that receives and closes around the longitudinal expansion nozzle. Including.

  According to various embodiments, the inflation sealing device can have more than one belt. For example, one belt may drive various rollers and a second belt may sandwich the web between sealing drums. In various embodiments, the inflation sealing device may not have a belt. For example, the sealing drum may sandwich the web between a stationary platform and simultaneously feed the web through an inflatable sealing device.

  According to various embodiments, in the expansion sealing device 101, including, but not limited to, nozzles, blower sealing assemblies, and drive mechanisms, and various components or associated systems thereof. These and other components that may be utilized in US Pat. No. 8,061,110, US Pat. No. 8,128,770, US Pat. Publication No. 2014/0261752, each incorporated by reference, for example. And is configured, located and operable as disclosed in various embodiments described in incorporated references such as US Pat. No. 2011/0172072. Each of the embodiments discussed herein may be incorporated and used in various sealing devices and / or other inflation sealing devices in the incorporated references. For example, any mechanism discussed herein or in the incorporated references may be used to expand and seal the flexible structure 100, which is a web or film material described in the incorporated references.

  As described above, the flexible structure may be heat sealed or adhesively sealed. Further, the flexible structure can be folded to form the first and second walls of the container, and these walls may be sealed together by a heat seal or adhesive seal. Alternatively, the first wall and the second wall may be formed as separate flexible structures that can be sealed together by heat sealing or adhesive sealing. Thus, the above mechanisms and processes for heat sealing are not intended to limit the scope, but only provide an explanation of exemplary processes and devices for performing tasks. Adhesive sealing of the walls forming the flexible structure or container may be performed by any method known in the art.

  According to one embodiment, a portion of the inflatable container 501 may include an expansion chamber 501, as shown in FIG. 8, which is a cross-sectional view through the expansion chamber. The expansion chamber 501 may vary in length to support various shapes. The expansion chamber 501 may be of a length 502 suitable for forming any side of the container, such as a product container. The length 502 may be increased or decreased depending on the shape. For example, the length 502 may be long enough to wrap around a set amount of product. The outer surface 503 may contact the product and separate each package from another package. The internal volume 504 of the structure may hold inflation gas. The gas may add rigidity to the chamber 501 and thereby replace the structural member. The expansion chamber 501 may also serve as a thermal barrier to extend the shelf life of the product. The seal 505 may be welded together using a heated element. A series of openings 506 may be provided through the seal 505 to allow gas to be exhausted from the product, or the product may be tempered during shipping and sales through the openings. The openings may be close to each other but may have rounded ends to limit or prevent tear propagation between each other.

  FIG. 9 shows a film sheet embossed to form a structural shape in various embodiments. The two layers may be sealed and contain air between the two. This assembly can be used as a container or partition wall to protect contents such as product. A container can be formed by combining a plurality of sheets. A chamber end 503 may be provided to seal the end of the chamber. As shown in FIG. 9, the halves of the two sheets may be formed separately and then heat sealed together.

  According to various embodiments, the chamber 501 is formed as a circular ring that defines an interior storage area of the container, as shown in FIGS. 10A-B illustrating a packaging structure formed as a container. Also good. In various embodiments, the flat flexible structure may be bent into the circular shape of FIGS. 10A-B. The inflation channel 514 may extend close to the handle 507. An end cap 506 may be applied to accommodate the side of the container. The intermediate feature 509 may be formed on one side of the container by separating the chamber 501. This feature may be a flat label, a window, an access point, etc. The feature 509 may be flat so as to reduce label distortion or light transmission through the window. A handle 507 may be included as the end point of the chamber 501. The chamber end 503 may be located at the bottom of the container. The side panel 505 may be sealed to a flexible structure that forms the chamber 503. Another side panel may provide a cylindrical shape for the flexible structure forming the chamber 503.

  Referring to FIGS. 10A-B and 11, which show alternative packaging structures, according to various embodiments, the chamber can be configured to provide various transport structures. FIG. 10B shows the chamber being vertical or perpendicular to the handle 507. The crease lines shown on the side walls are formed by changing the structure from a flat shape to a three-dimensional shape. FIG. 11 shows a chamber that is horizontal or parallel to the handle 507.

  Any and all references specifically identified in the specification of this application are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As used herein, the term “about” is generally understood to refer to both the corresponding number and a range of numbers. Further, all numerical ranges herein are understood to include each whole integer within the range.

  The various embodiments discussed herein provide a costly superstructure that can replace cardboard. Various embodiments discussed herein can drain water and improve the final product when cleaning and packaging the product. Moreover, the various embodiments discussed herein improve manufacturing efficiency. For example, the various embodiments discussed herein are provided as pre-inflated “bags on a reel” that are used to remove reels for simplicity, automation, and compression. The various embodiments discussed herein may be provided as unexpanded material on a reel that is ready to be expanded and sealed to reduce the shipping bulk of the packaged product. May be. Various embodiments discussed herein also help simplify printing and / or advertising on product packaging. Various embodiments discussed herein provide a protective barrier that can minimize damage to shipped products. Since product decay is directly related to wounds and specific gas containment, the various embodiments discussed herein can address both of these issues and extend the life of the product.

Claims (56)

A first film layer, a second film layer overlaid on the first layer,
A plurality of fluids that are inflatable with fluid and are configured to contain fluid between the first and second film layers to seal the first and second layers together. A seal pattern including a seal, and
An opening extends through at least one of the first and second layers;
The inflatable packaging element wherein the seal pattern separates opposing sides of the opening from the expansion chamber.   The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the opening is surrounded by the seal. The seal surrounds an area where the first and second layers are not attached to each other;
The inflatable packaging element according to claim 2, wherein the opening is located in the unattached region. The seal surrounds a region where the first and second layers are adjacent to each other;
The inflatable packaging element according to claim 2, wherein the opening is located in a sealed area.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 1, wherein the opening extends through both the first and second layers. The opening is
A first opening extending through the first layer;
6. The inflatable packaging element of claim 5, including a second opening extending through the second layer and aligned with the first opening.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 1, wherein the opening is proximate to an area of the layer that is subjected to increased stress.   The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the seal is fully contained within the expansion chamber. The seal has first and second opposing side surfaces;
The inflatable of claim 1, wherein the first side of the seal is disposed in a first expansion chamber and the second side of the seal is disposed in a second expansion chamber. Packaging elements.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 1, wherein the seal is formed by heat sealing techniques.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 1, wherein the seal is formed using an adhesive.   The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the opening is bounded by a portion of the seal pattern.   The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the opening is configured to reduce stress in the seal.   The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the opening is large enough to vent gas from one side of the packaging element to the other.   The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, wherein the opening includes a plurality of openings, and the seal pattern surrounds each opening of the plurality of openings. The seal pattern includes a plurality of seals separated from each other,
The inflatable packaging element of claim 15, wherein each of the intermediate seals surrounds one of the plurality of openings. The first and second layers form a first wall;
The inflatable packaging element according to claim 1, further comprising a second wall connected to the first wall to define a bag having a bag interior.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 17, further comprising produce contained within the bag. The first and second film layers form a continuous wall;
The packaged product according to claim 17, wherein the first wall and the second wall are formed by folding the continuous wall into a c-fold. The first wall comprises an access panel;
18. The packaged product of claim 17, wherein the access panel is separable from the rest of the first wall to provide access to the bag interior. A first film layer, a second film layer overlaid on the first layer,
A plurality of fluids that are inflatable with fluid and are configured to contain fluid between the first and second film layers to seal the first and second layers together. A seal pattern including a seal, and
An opening extends through at least one of the first and second layers;
The inflatable packaging element wherein the seal pattern separates opposing sides of the opening from the expansion chamber.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening is surrounded by the seal. The seal surrounds an area where the first and second layers are not attached to each other;
23. The inflatable packaging element according to claim 22, wherein the opening is located in the unattached area. The seal surrounds a region where the first and second layers are adjacent to each other;
23. The inflatable packaging element according to claim 22, wherein the opening is located in a sealed area.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening extends through both the first and second layers. The opening is
A first opening extending through the first layer;
26. The inflatable packaging element of claim 25, including a second opening extending through the second layer and aligned with the first opening.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening is proximate to an area of the layer that is subjected to increased stress.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the seal is fully contained within the expansion chamber. The seal has first and second opposing side surfaces;
24. The inflatable of claim 21, wherein the first side of the seal is disposed in a first expansion chamber and the second side of the seal is disposed in a second expansion chamber. Packaging elements.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 1, wherein the seal is formed by heat sealing techniques.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the seal is formed using an adhesive.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening is bounded by a portion of the seal pattern. The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening is configured to reduce stress in the seal.   24. The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening is large enough to vent gas from one side of the packaging element to the other.   The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, wherein the opening includes a plurality of openings, and the seal pattern surrounds each opening of the plurality of openings. The seal pattern includes a plurality of seals separated from each other,
26. The inflatable packaging element of claim 25, wherein each of the intermediate seals surrounds one of the plurality of openings. The first and second layers form a first wall;
24. The inflatable packaging element of claim 21, further comprising a second wall connected to the first wall to define a bag having a bag interior.   28. The inflatable packaging element according to claim 27, further comprising produce contained within the bag. The first and second film layers form a continuous wall;
28. The packaged product of claim 27, wherein the first wall and the second wall are formed by folding the continuous wall into a c-fold. The first wall comprises an access panel;
28. The packaged product of claim 27, wherein the access panel is separable from the remainder of the first wall to provide access to the bag interior. A flexible cushioning material comprising first and second film layers sealed together by a seal for cooperating with each other to form a wall,
The seal defines an expansion chamber that is inflatable with fluid and configured to contain fluid between the first and second layers;
A flexible cushion that provides a plurality of openings extending through both layers, thereby providing a vent across the wall;
A product that is disposed adjacent to the wall, cushioned by the expansion chamber and vented by the opening.   42. The packaged product of claim 41, wherein the expansion chamber includes a plurality of expansion chambers.   One or more of the seals connecting the first and second layers define an expansion region in fluid communication with the expansion chamber, the expansion region receiving an expansion nozzle and directing the fluid from the expansion nozzle. 43. A packaged product according to claim 42 configured to be directed to the expansion chamber.   42. The packaged product of claim 41, wherein the plurality of openings extend through both the first and second layers.   42. The packaged product of claim 41, wherein the plurality of openings are disposed outside the expansion chamber.   42. The packaged product of claim 41, wherein the plurality of openings are configured to reduce stress in the seal.   42. The packaged product of claim 41, wherein the plurality of openings are large enough to vent gas from one wall to the other. The wall is a first wall and the flexible cushioning material further comprises a second wall connected to the first wall to define a bag having a bag interior;
42. The packaged product of claim 41, wherein the produce is located inside the bag.   49. The packaged product of claim 48, wherein the first and second walls are connected to three sides to define the bag interior.   50. The packaged product of claim 49, wherein the first and second walls are connected to the fourth wall to enclose the bag interior.   The second wall is inflatable with the fluid and is connected to each other in another one or more seals defining another expansion chamber operable to contain the fluid. 49. The packaged product of claim 48, defined by a film layer.   49. The first and second film layers form a continuous wall, and the first wall and the second wall are formed by folding the continuous wall into a c-fold. Packaged products. The first wall comprises an access panel;
49. The packaged product of claim 48, wherein the access panel is separable from the remainder of the first wall to provide access to the bag interior.   49. The packaged product of claim 48, wherein the access panel is separable from the rest of the first wall at a boundary defined by a perforated or resealable end.   49. The packaged product of claim 48, wherein the produce comprises grapes.   49. The packaged product of claim 48, wherein the first and second walls are connected to each other with an adhesive.