WO2011092704A1 - Coussins gonflables et dispositif pour les gonfler et les sceller - Google Patents

Coussins gonflables et dispositif pour les gonfler et les sceller Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011092704A1
WO2011092704A1 PCT/IL2011/000107 IL2011000107W WO2011092704A1 WO 2011092704 A1 WO2011092704 A1 WO 2011092704A1 IL 2011000107 W IL2011000107 W IL 2011000107W WO 2011092704 A1 WO2011092704 A1 WO 2011092704A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
web
inflating
foils
active face
thermoplastic foils
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2011/000107
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Boaz Kristal
Original Assignee
Sky Packaging Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sky Packaging Ltd. filed Critical Sky Packaging Ltd.
Publication of WO2011092704A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011092704A1/fr
Priority to IL221226A priority Critical patent/IL221226A0/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D5/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles
    • B31D5/0039—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
    • B31D5/0073—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including pillow forming
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D5/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D5/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles
    • B31D5/0039—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
    • B31D5/0043—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including crumpling flat material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/051—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using pillow-like elements filled with cushioning material, e.g. elastic foam, fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/051—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using pillow-like elements filled with cushioning material, e.g. elastic foam, fabric
    • B65D81/052—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using pillow-like elements filled with cushioning material, e.g. elastic foam, fabric filled with fluid, e.g. inflatable elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D2205/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles
    • B31D2205/0005—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
    • B31D2205/0011—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including particular additional operations
    • B31D2205/0047—Feeding, guiding or shaping the material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to inflatable cushions and a device for inflating and sealing such inflatable cushions.
  • Inflatable cushions made of thin films of thermoplastic materials that are typically filled with air are normally utilized for protecting packaged goods during shipping and/or storage.
  • Exemplary inflatable cushions that are available in the marketplace are provided with valves such that they can be manually inflated up to a desired level pressure.
  • the rate by which these cushions can be manually inflated might not suffices in cases in which a relatively heavy load of packaging is considered. Therefore devices for inflating and sealing cushions that provide for preparing in situ a considerable amount of inflated cushions at permissible production rates and costs have been developed.
  • Exemplary inflating and sealing device is disclosed in US patent US7048025.
  • This device is fed with a web of foils in which a pattern of spaced apart inflatable cushions is embedded.
  • Each inflatable cushion of this web of foils has an inflating conduit having an inlet connecting aperture and a relatively narrow throat.
  • the foil is intermittently propagated through the disclosed device such that one side of the inflating conduit of the current cushion is engaged by the surface of a groove disposed on a face of an anvil.
  • the inlet connecting aperture disposed on the other side of the inflating conduit in engaged by a cap circumferential to the outlet of the inflating tube and sealing bar of the disclosed device.
  • Positioning the current cushion in place is assisted by means of a suctioning tube of the disclosed device.
  • a fluid such as air is pressurized at this stage through the inflating tube into the conduit and thereby into the lumen of the cushion considered.
  • the sealing bar provides for electrically connecting a resistance wire embedded in the wall of the inflating conduit to a source of electrical current, such that the inflating connecting aperture of the cushion is sealed off by means of heat soldering.
  • the inventors of the disclosed device report that the rate by which cushions are inflated and further sealed off by means of the disclosed device is significantly higher compared to rates achievable by means of other devices that were commercially available at the time in which the patent application considered was filed.
  • the resistance wire utilized increases the production cost of the web of foils considered.
  • employing vacuum means for positioning a current inflated cushion in place limits the production rate and complicates the inflating process.
  • US patent US7361397 Another exemplary device for inflating and sealing cushions embedded in a web of foils is disclosed in US patent US7361397.
  • the web of foils considered includes a pattern of spaced apart inflatable cushions.
  • inflating the cushions with gas such as air and sealing them off is effected by means of the disclosed device while the web of foils is propagated through it.
  • the foil considered includes an inflating channel disposed along one side of the film.
  • An inflating port connects each of the embedded cushions to the inflating channel.
  • a matching outlet port disposed at the opposite side of the wall of the inflating channel provides for retaining the pressure of the gas within each inflated cushion below a predfined pressure level.
  • the disclosed device has an inflating tube that is introduced into the inflating channel such that a segment of the tube disposed close to its open end is enclosed within the inflating channel.
  • Gas delivered by the inflating tube provides for inflating each cushion the inflating port of which disposed within a specified range by the open end of the inflating tube.
  • a blade disposed at the other end of this segment of the inflating tube provides for cutting the wall of the inflating channel, such that the considered segment of the tube provides for guiding the advanced web of foils, such that it can be continuously propagated along this segment of inflating tube.
  • the blade that cuts the inflating channel may get blunted through cutting. Therefore corrective maintenance action for replacing a blunt blade is occasionally required. Otherwise the foil is eventually dragged and torn up rather than being sharply cut off, thereby messing up the progress of the foil through the inflating and sealing device and the production process.
  • an inflating and sealing device providing for reliably inflating cushions of various shapes and sizes and sealing them off in situ, at a relatively high rate is beneficial.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a segment of exemplary web of foils in which a pattern of inflatable cushions is embedded according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a segment of a device for inflating and sealing cushions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a segment of the web of foils shown in
  • Fig. 1 in which a number of rows including inflated and sealed off cushions, another row of cushions is being inflated before it is being sealed off and the rest of the rows shown are at a stage prior to being inflated by a device such as shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a segment of the device shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 5a - 5b are elevational views of two guiding shafts of a device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions according to two different embodiments of the present invention respectively;
  • Fig. 6 is an isometric view of another segment of the device shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a detail of the device shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs 9a - 9b are elevational views of two segments of webs of thermoplastic foils that are suitable for being inflated and sealed by means of a device of the invention in which different patterns of inflatable cushions are respectively embedded.
  • a device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions embedded in webs of foils of thermoplastic materials as well as webs of thermoplastic foils embedding inflatable cushions are provided.
  • a web of thermoplastic foils that is suitable for being inflated and sealed off such as by a device of the invention has one or more inflating channels each of which has a plurality of inflating apertures disposed across its sidewall. At least one seam disposed at the edge of an inflating channel is intermittent. A spacing separating between two adjacent segments of such intermittent seam forms a feeding aperture. A feeding aperture connects between the lumen of the inflating channel and the lumen of an adjacent inflatable cushion. Additional seam that looks like a dotted line inwardly disposed relative to the above mentioned intermittent seam.
  • a number of dots adjacent to a feeding aperture provide for generating a few passageways leading inflating fluid from the lumen of the inflating channel into the feeding aperture considered. Therefore a relatively wide inlet pan is formed adjacent to each feeding aperture for enhancing the rate of flow of inflating fluid into the currently inflated cushion as further described infra.
  • the inflating channels of a web of foils provide for inflating the embedded cushions as well as for guiding the web of foils and stretching it while it is progressed through the device of the invention.
  • a web of foils of the invention may have an inflating channel that feeds with inflating fluid inflatable cushions that are laterally disposed at each of the two sides of the inflating channel considered.
  • a web of foils of the invention may have at least two different inflating channels and at least one inflatable cushion that is fluid connected to both of these inflating channels.
  • a row of inflatable cushions of a web of foils that are interconnected among themselves can be concomitantly inflated by means of these two different inflating channels.
  • cushions that are arranged in a two dimensional array within the web of foils of the invention are interleaved. Namely, any line drawn across a mid-plane disposed inbetween the foils considered passes through sidewalls of more than one inflated cushion. Therefore sharp edges or corners of the goods their packaging lined with such inflated web of foils are practically lined with pressurized cushions.
  • inflated cushions that are arranged in a two dimensional array within a web of foils of the invention can be individually sealed off such that in a case in which a wall of a single cushion is punctured the adjacent cushions remain intact and continue retaining the same level of inner pressure of the inflating fluid contained therein.
  • Figs 1 - 3 An elevational view of a segment of an exemplary web of thermoplastic foils of the invention in which hexagonal cushions are embedded is shown in Fig. 1.
  • Web of foils 9 is made of two foils of a thermoplastic material 10 and 11 that are mutually adhered by means of a suitable adhesive and/or heat soldered one to the other along seams such as seams 12.
  • the footprint of seam 12 across the inner surface of foil 11 is schematically presented by dashed line designated by 13. Rows of densely packed and interleaved hexagonal cushions are generated by seams 12. Web of foils of the invention 9 is characterized by the densely packed array of cushions consisting of rows successively arranged in which cushions of adjacent rows are interleaved. Namely, any line that is parallel to the plane of foil 10 disposed in between planes 10 and 11 that crosses a sidewall of a cushion also crosses the wall disposed at the opposite side of the same cushion, as well as the sidewalls of at least a number of additional different cushions. Connecting apertures 16 provide for interconnecting all the cushions arranged along one row, such that their lumens form continuum.
  • Each of the connecting apertures 16 is formed by an intermittent seam that separates between two adjacent inflatable cushions.
  • Feeding apertures 17 connects between the lumen of inflating channel 18 and the lumens of the outermost cushions of each row that are located adjacent to inflating channel 18. Any of feeding apertures 17 provides for simultaneously feeding a row of interconnected cushions with the inflating fluid considered.
  • feeding apertures 17' connects between the lumen of outermost cushions disposed at the opposite sides of each row and inflating channel 18' that is disposed at the opposite side of the web of foils.
  • Feeding apertures 17, 17" are respectively formed by intermittent seams that separate between the lumen of an outermost inflatable cushion of a row of cushions and the lumen of the inflating channel considered.
  • Heat soldered or adhered dots 20 collectively form a longitudinal seam shaped as a dotted line.
  • Continuous seam 21 seals off the lumen of inflating channel 18 at the opposite side of the intermittent seam that separates between the inflating channel and the adjacent inflatable cushions.
  • Similar continuous linear seam 21" and a longitudinal seam shaped such a doted line delimits the volume of the major portion of the lumen of inflating channel 18" disposed at the opposite side of web of foils 9. This major portion of the inflating channel provides for introducing a guiding shaft of the device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions as further described infra.
  • Webs of foils in which a single segment of foil that is heat soldered only along the doted line that includes dots 20 or 20' may implement according to the present invention inflating channel 18 or 18" as well.
  • a plurality of inflating apertures such as inflating apertures 22 and/or 22' axially disposed along the wall of inflating channels 18, 18' provide for pressurizing fluid such as air into the lumen of inflating channel 18 and/or 18', thereby concomitantly pressurizing fluid into cushions of the same row that are fluid connected to the lumen of inflating channel 18 and/or 18'.
  • the spacing disposed in between any of the intermittent seams along which feeding apertures 17, 17' are respectively disposed and a number of adjacent soldered or adhered dots 20, 20' forms a relatively wide inlet pan associated with the feeding aperture considered.
  • Such inlet pan provides for efficiently deriving the inflating fluid through to pressurize an array of interconnected inflatable cushions. Thereby the rate of flow of the inflating fluid considered into an array of interconnected inflatable cushions that is fed by a respective feeding aperture is significantly enhanced. Therefore an enhanced production rate of inflated and sealed cushions can be achieved.
  • Fig. 2 segment 30 of a device for inflating and sealing cushions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Web of thermoplastic foils 32 is introduced into device 30 such that its inflating channel 34 is enclosed within a dedicated tubular enclosure:
  • This tubular enclosure is such structured and arranged that a track along which the respective inflating channel of a web of foils to be processed is formed.
  • a guiding shaft, not shown, enclosed within the lumen of inflating channel 34 that occupies this enclosure provide for stretching web of foils 32 and keeping it in track while is continuously progressed through device 30 along the direction indicated by arrow 35.
  • An optional gripping mechanism disposed at the rim of each aperture of the tubular enclosure, not shown, automatically presses the wall of the inflating channel towards the body of the guiding shaft. Such pressing provides for sealing off the lumen of the tubular enclosure.
  • the sealed enclosure provides for building up the required pressure for efficiently inflating the inflatable cushions.
  • the web of foils is progressed by rotating both puling wheels 36 in opposite directions. Both pulling wheels are encompassed with band made of soft material such as rubber. Both pulling wheels are pressed against each other to sandwich web of foils 32 in between them. Fluid such air compressed by means of a blower is delivered into inflating chamber 38 by means of a pipe, not shown, that is connected to inlet connector 39. Intermittently and synchronously soldering head 42 and supporting head 42A are rotated by 180° (along a semi circle) in opposing directions.
  • Synchronizing the progress of the foils and the rotational motion of the soldering heads can be achieved by means of cogwheels as shown and or by means of belts and a suitable gearbox.
  • a soldering head as well as the respective supporting head are linearly translated back and forth along a line perpendicular to the web of foils considered.
  • For sealing a connecting aperture by heat soldering the soldering head and the respective supporting head are translated towards the web of foils to press it while it is sandwiched between them.
  • both soldering head and the respective supporting head are translated off the web of foils, such that the web of foils is free to progress along the direction indicated by means of arrow 35.
  • the guiding shaft that provides for stretching the web of foils relative to the tubular enclosure of the device of the invention is free to move relative to the device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions of the invention and is definitely not connected to this device.
  • Optional biasing springs respectively force each of the ball bearings towards the respective surface of the inflating channel.
  • a portion of the fluid that is pressurized into the inflating channel always keeps flowing towards both sides axially with the direction of the guiding shaft for cooling off the walls of the inflating channel.
  • Arcuate heater 46 is provided with embedded electrical heaters and suitable temperature control circuitry.
  • the electrical heaters and circuits are respectively contained within two cylindrical cavities, such as cavity 48.
  • the cavities are structured in two prisms respectively disposed at both opposing sides of heater 46.
  • Heater 46 provides for retaining the active faces of the soldering heads at a predefined temperature, as further described infra.
  • Fig. 3 a segment of the same web of thermoplastic foils shown in
  • Fig. 1 is shown at an intermediate stage while is being processed by means of the inflating and sealing device a segment of which is shown in Fig. 2.
  • Web of foils 32 has inflating channel 34 that is structured and arranged for housing a guiding shaft, not shown.
  • Perforations such as inflating apertures 52 disposed along the sidewall of inflating channel 34 provide for pressurizing a fluid such as air into inflating channel 34 and further into the inflatable cushions embedded in the web of foils 32.
  • Seams 56 are heat soldered by means of the soldering head of the device described with reference to Fig. 2 hereinabove to seal a respective feeding aperture thereby forming a continuous row of inflated cushions 58.
  • the connecting apertures and/or the feeding apertures of a web of foils of the invention are divided to two or more passageways by means of one or more dots in which the external foils are mutually adhered, or heat soldered to each other. These dots are generated at the stage in which the web of foils is manufactured prior to the stage in which it is processed for inflating and sealing the cushions. Such dots effectively shorten the length of a seam that seals off the respective connecting or feeding aperture.
  • the inner surfaces of the external foils utilized for manufacturing the web of foils in which a pattern of inflatable cushions is embedded comprises a heat sealable thermoplastic material.
  • Exemplary are co-extruded foils one layer of which is made of low density polyethylene whereas the other layer is made of high density polyethylene.
  • the inner layer of one or both external foils is typically made of a thermoplastic material that is more easily heat soldered. Whereas the external layer is made of thermoplastic material that can better sustain harsh environmental conditions. By shortening the lengths of seams that seal off the pressurized cushions the chances for generating folds of the external foil while is being stretched out are significantly reduced.
  • Figs 4 - 7 in which further aspects of a device for inflating and sealing cushions of the invention are shown.
  • Fig. 4 a segment of the device shown in Fig. 2 is shown in more details.
  • Web of foils 70 is introduced into segment 72 of the device for inflating and sealing cushions shown in Fig. 2.
  • Inflating channel 74 encloses guiding shaft 76 that is inserted into tubular channel 78 that is located in front of the inflating chamber, not shown.
  • Two ball bearings 80 press against opposing surfaces of the inflating channel, thereby blocking the translational motion of guiding shaft 76 in parallel with web of foils 70.
  • guiding shaft 84 of a device for inflating and sealing cushions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Guiding shaft 84 has two tapered ends such as end 86.
  • Circular grooves such as grooves 88 are disposed across the cylindrical body of guiding shaft 84.
  • grooves provide for fluid connecting the inflating connecting apertures disposed on the sidewall of inflating channels of web of foils of the invention with the spacing that separate between adjacent soldered dots along the seam that separates between the inflating channel and the body of the web of foils.
  • Oval groove 92 fits in with the curvature of the ball bearing of the device, such that guiding shaft 90 is fixed in place after being introduced into the inflating channel and placed within the tubular enclosure of the device considered.
  • Circular grooves disposed across the surface of the cylindrical body of guiding shaft 90, or array of bores drilled through the cylindrical body, not shown, provide for fluid connection between the inflating connecting apertures disposed at the surface of the inflating channel and the spacing disposed along the seam that separates the inflating channel from the body of the web of foils.
  • soldering head 110 of a device for inflating and sealing cushions shown in Fig. 2 is shown at a stage in which the connecting aperture connecting between the lumen of cushion 112 that is closely disposed to inflating channel 114 of web of foils 116.
  • Soldering head 110 has two molding members 118 respectively having active face 120 each. One of these active faces is shown while is pressing against web of foils 116 at the very location in which the respective connecting aperture to be currently sealed off is placed. The other active face is disposed at the opposite side relative to the axis around which the soldering head rotates such that it points away from the web of foils.
  • a number of elongated bulges structured such as prisms protrude off the active faces of both molding members.
  • the reduced area of these prisms provide for enhancing the pressure exerted onto the layered thermoplastic foils.
  • the molding members and the prisms of their active faces are typically made of metal such as copper, bronze or titanium. These prisms are retained at a predefined temperature that is close to, and below the melting point of the thermoplastic material considered.
  • Resilient pressing member 122 that is typically made of silicone rubber or polyurethane is respectively attached to each pressing member such that its free end extends a bit beyond the active face of the respective molding member.
  • Supporting head 124 that synchronously rotates with the soldering head at the same rotational speed and towards the opposite direction is shown such positioned that one of its active faces presses against the surface of the web of foils at the opposite side relative to the surface onto which the active face of the molding member currently presses.
  • the other active face of supporting head 124 is designated by 126 points away from the web of foils.
  • Both active faces of the supporting head are covered with relatively soft material such as silicon that is preferably covered with a foil of Teflon.
  • a method and system providing for configurationally heat soldering layered thermoplastic foils is disclosed in international patent application PCT/IL09/001072.
  • predefined contours across a surface of layered thermoplastic foils are pressed between a plurality of fingers of a predefined temperature disposed on an active face of a soldering head and a supporting surface.
  • Heat is conducted from the active face of the soldering head into the layered foils concomitantly with the pressing.
  • the utmost layer or_ layers that are close to the active face fuse.
  • the layered foils are mutually attached by the pressing.
  • both the soldering head and supporting head are such positioned that both heads are directed in parallel to the web of foils.
  • a new cycle in which both heads will respectively rotate towards the same directions at the same rotational speed by another 180° will start after the web of foils will be such progressed that feeding aperture 132 will replace the feeding aperture that is currently shown being heat soldered.
  • feeding aperture 134 will replace feeding aperture 132 providing for inflating the respective cushion its lumen is accessed through feeding aperture 132.
  • a segment of arcuate heater 46 of the device shown in Fig. 2 is shown in details in Fig. 7.
  • Longitudinal grooves 140 compliant with the dimensions, such as widths, and the geometrical shapes of the prisms protruding off the active face of molding member 142 are structured on the inner face of arcuate heater 46.
  • the respective pressing member is not shown in Fig. 7.
  • These grooves provide good thermal connection between the body of arcuate heater 46 and the prisms disposed on the respective active face of a soldering head.
  • the temperature of the arcuate heater is regulated at a predefined level by means of electric heaters and a suitable electric circuit embedded in housing 144. Both such housings are symmetrically disposed at both ends of arcuate heater 46.
  • the revolving soldering heads are such positioned that the prisms of an active face are engaged with the respective grooves of the heater they are. heated up to the temperature of the heater.
  • the grooves of the heater further provide for removing leftover of thermoplastic material that might get stuck to the active faces of the soldering head.
  • Such heating mechanism avoids faults that might occur when electrical touch contacts such as usually employed for delivering electrical 5 current to revolving electrical heaters are employed.
  • electrical heaters are embedded in the prisms of the rotating molding members, or the within the alternative translating soldering heads described hereinabove, such that the arcuate heater can be avoided.
  • FIG. 8 in which device 160 for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Web of foils 162 is shown while its both inflating channels, such as inflating channel 164, are introduced through tubular inflating and guiding enclosures that are respectively housed in two inflating units such as unit 166.
  • a pair of pulling wheels similar to those described hereinabove that are housed within unit 166 provide for continuously pulling web of foils 162 through device 160 at a relatively fixed translational speed.
  • Soldering heads such as heads 168 provide for sealing the feeding apertures connecting between the inflating channels and the respective outermost cushions of a respective row of
  • Heaters' housings such as housing 170 enclose electrical heaters for heating soldering heads 168.
  • the arcuate bodies of the heaters that include the grooves described above are not shown.
  • Supporting heads, such as heads 172, are placed at the other side of the web of foils, such that when are synchronously rotated with these soldering heads
  • Elongated shaft 174 carries a plurality of soldering heads having interleaved molding members 176. Molding members 176 are such arranged that any plane passing through one molding member passes only through this very molding member. Molding members 176 alternately extend to opposing sides of the shaft. Note that
  • soldering heads 168 have two molding members extending towards opposing directions both of them are included in one plane.
  • any of those of soldering heads 168 and/or any of molding members 176 presses only once the web of foils.
  • each footprint of any of molding members 176 is spaced apart from the previous footprint by a distance that is larger compared to the distance separating between successive
  • both shafts are rotated at opposing rotational angles at a considerably high rotational speed, such that the active faces of a soldering head and a supporting head concomitantly start pressing the sandwiched web of foils synchronized with the translational motion of the web of foils. Initiating such fast rotations along a
  • 25 semicircle is typically accomplished by tracking the translational motion of the web of foils.
  • all the soldering heads as well as all of the supporting heads of a device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention are structured and arranged 30 to linearly and independently translate back and forth in a direction that is perpendicular to the web of foils.
  • Any of the soldering heads is provided with an individual electric heater that is respectively activated by means of an electric current of a predefined level for a predefined time interval, such that the quantity of heat conducted to the sandwiched web of foils is confined within a predefined range of heat levels.
  • the temperature of the active faces of a selected number of soldering head is measured to provide for regulating the level of electric power intermittently delivered to the soldering head considered.
  • the respective pair of soldering head and supporting head concomitantly moves towards the respective surface of the web of foils.
  • the respective heater is synchronously activated while the respective soldering head and supporting head press against both opposing surfaces of the sandwiched web of foils.
  • Such pressing is synchronously activated at the suitable point in time in which the connecting aperture considered reaches the projection of the soldering head on the plane containing a surface of the web of foils while is progressing through the device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions.
  • the soldering heads and the respective supporting heads are such arranged in a two dimensional array that complies with the positions of the connecting apertures of the inflatable cushions to be sealed off.
  • Inflatable cushions embedded in the web of foils considered need not be of the same geometrical shape or the same dimensions, as long as the positions of the various pairs of soldering heads and supporting heads comply with the planar distribution of the connecting apertures to be such heat soldered.
  • the planar distribution of connecting apertures associated with webs of foils in which a pattern of interleaved cushions all of which have the same shape is embedded is characterized by two different distances that separate between adjacent connecting apertures.
  • the planar distribution of the connecting apertures across the surface of the web of foils is characterized by more than two different distances that separate between adjacent connecting apertures, or adjacent footprints of the soldering heads across the surface of the web of foils.
  • a plurality of segments of the external surface of the web of plastic foils each of which located adjacent to a respective connecting or feeding aperture are suitably marked or colored.
  • marking provides for optically tracking the translation of the web of foils through a device for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions accord/ng to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the rotating soldering heads are suitably rotated right in time when the respective row of inflatable cushions gets to the right position such that the soldering head will press the sandwiched web of foils to heat solder the respective feeding and/or connecting apertures of the row considered. Heating and pressing the sandwiched web of foils need not be concomitantly accomplished.
  • heating the segments of web of foils disposed along a row is effected by blowing heated air towards the marked contours. Only the respective segments of the web of foils which are such heated are fused whereas the temperature of the surrounding area remain significantly lower. Then the respective segments disposed across both faces of the web of foils are further adhered to each other while are jointly pressed by means of the respective soldering heads.
  • the devices for inflating and sealing inflatable cushions as described hereinabove provide for sealing any individual cushion regardless of its geometrical shape or dimensions, such that in a case in which any of the cushions of a web considered is punctured the neighboring cushions remain inflated and pressurized at the same original level of pressure.
  • a web of foils of the invention embeds a multiplicity of groups each of which includes a number of inflatable cushions which are fluid interconnected among them. Therefore all the cushions of such group are simultaneously inflated.
  • Web of foils of the invention may include one, two or more inflating channels. Contrary to common web of foils embedding pattern of inflatable cushions, web of foils of the present invention that include only one inflating channel may have at least two arrays of inflatable cushions axially arranged along both opposing sides of the inflating channel considered. This inflating channel is internally disposed within the web of foils. Therefore inflating cushions disposed at opposing sides of this inflating channel simultaneously occurs.
  • Webs of foils having two or more inflating channels include groups of cushions that are concomitantly inflated by means of more than one inflating channel.
  • Inflatable cushions of a group of interconnected cushions may have a variety of different geometrical shapes. Similarly the dimensions of inflatable cushions of a group of interconnected cushions need not be identical respectively. All the cushions of such group are successively arranged laterally with the axis of the web of foils and are fluid connected to an inflating channel that is disposed adjacent to the outermost cushion of this group.
  • FIG. 9a a segment of web of foils in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Web of foils 190 has two inflating channels, such as inflating channel 192 that is axially disposed along one of its sides.
  • Inflating apertures 194 are disposed across the sidewall of inflating channel 192.
  • Linear arrays of cushions the geometrical shape of which is of a curved rhombus, such as arrays 196 are fluid connected to inflating channel 192 by means of connecting apertures such as connecting aperture 199.
  • Groups containing a number of cushions that are arranged in a linear array are interconnected by connecting apertures such as connecting apertures 199.
  • Web of foils 190 after being inflated and its cushions individually sealed is relatively immune to punctures. Namely in a case in which a cushion is accidentally punctured the neighboring cushions remain inflated and pressurized.
  • the seams that form the pattern of the cushions such as seam 200 and or the seams that form the inlet connecting apertures to the linear arrays of the cushions such as seams 201 can be made by configurationally heat soldering as described in international patent application its number is PCT/IL09/001072.
  • Fig. 9b a web of foils in which a pattern of inflatable cushions is embedded according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • Web of foils 210 has a single medial inflating channel 212 that is axially disposed.
  • Inflating apertures 214 are axially disposed along the surface of inflating channel 212.
  • Perforations such as perforations 220 provide for separating and removing individual cushions off the web of foils as known.
  • thermoplastic foils utilized for manufacturing web of foils of the invention are made of any of the materials commonly utilized in the industry for manufacturing inflatable cushions.
  • the fluids utilized for inflating the cushions according to the present invention can be various gases, liquids or gel such as commonly utilized in the industry.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur des bandes de pellicules de matière thermoplastique dans lesquelles est formé un motif de coussins gonflables, et sur un dispositif pour gonfler et sceller les coussins gonflables. Les bandes de pellicules considérées ont un ou plusieurs conduits de gonflage possédant chacun une pluralité d'ouvertures de gonflage disposées axialement en travers de sa paroi latérale. Le dispositif pour gonfler et sceller les coussins gonflables possède au moins une enceinte tubulaire à travers laquelle on fait avancer un conduit de gonflage respectif d'une bande de pellicules. Une barre de guidage qui peut être insérée dans le conduit de gonflage assure la retenue de la bande de pellicules étirée par rapport à l'enceinte de gonflage pendant qu'elle est traitée au moyen du dispositif considéré. Un mécanisme de blocage du dispositif considéré assure le blocage du mouvement de translation de la barre de guidage le long de la bande de pellicules en cours d'avance.
PCT/IL2011/000107 2010-02-01 2011-01-31 Coussins gonflables et dispositif pour les gonfler et les sceller WO2011092704A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL221226A IL221226A0 (en) 2010-02-01 2012-08-01 Inflatable cushions and a device for inflating and sealing them off

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1001646/7 2010-02-01
GB1001646A GB2477495A (en) 2010-02-01 2010-02-01 Inflatable cushions

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011092704A1 true WO2011092704A1 (fr) 2011-08-04

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GB (1) GB2477495A (fr)
IL (1) IL221226A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2011092704A1 (fr)

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WO2014190172A1 (fr) * 2013-05-22 2014-11-27 Gess Larry C Emballage de protection gonflable comportant un canal de remplissage auto-obturateur

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FR3129930B1 (fr) * 2021-12-02 2023-11-24 Victor Lescure Article ayant au moins un état replié de stockage et un état déployé en forme et procédé d’utilisation d’un tel article

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US5022217A (en) * 1988-11-14 1991-06-11 Bull, S.A. Packaging method, packaging bolster, and packaging line
US5427830A (en) * 1992-10-14 1995-06-27 Air Packaging Technologies, Inc. Continuous, inflatable plastic wrapping material
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US7168566B2 (en) * 2001-11-16 2007-01-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Low profile inflatable package protection system
US20070278123A1 (en) * 2004-02-20 2007-12-06 Alexander Oremus Fillable Cushion and Method and Apparatus for Producing a Cushion
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US7220476B2 (en) * 2001-05-10 2007-05-22 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Apparatus and method for forming inflated chambers
AU2005203038A1 (en) * 2004-07-15 2006-02-02 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) High-speed apparatus and method for forming inflated chambers
US7225599B2 (en) * 2005-04-05 2007-06-05 Sealed Air Corporation Apparatus and method for forming inflated articles
US8695311B2 (en) * 2006-04-26 2014-04-15 Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. Apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions employing film recognition controller
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3855037A (en) * 1969-08-04 1974-12-17 Basf Ag Manufacture or closing of sacks by welding cut lengths of tube of thermoplastics
US5022217A (en) * 1988-11-14 1991-06-11 Bull, S.A. Packaging method, packaging bolster, and packaging line
US5427830A (en) * 1992-10-14 1995-06-27 Air Packaging Technologies, Inc. Continuous, inflatable plastic wrapping material
US7361397B2 (en) 1999-03-09 2008-04-22 Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. Film material for air-filled packing cushions
US7048025B2 (en) 2000-03-15 2006-05-23 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Inflator/sealer device for inflatable packaging cushion
US7168566B2 (en) * 2001-11-16 2007-01-30 3M Innovative Properties Company Low profile inflatable package protection system
US20070278123A1 (en) * 2004-02-20 2007-12-06 Alexander Oremus Fillable Cushion and Method and Apparatus for Producing a Cushion

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014190172A1 (fr) * 2013-05-22 2014-11-27 Gess Larry C Emballage de protection gonflable comportant un canal de remplissage auto-obturateur

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IL221226A0 (en) 2012-10-31
GB2477495A8 (en) 2011-08-31
GB201001646D0 (en) 2010-03-17
GB2477495A (en) 2011-08-10

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