WO2011105999A1 - Matériaux d'emballage et procédés associés - Google Patents

Matériaux d'emballage et procédés associés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011105999A1
WO2011105999A1 PCT/US2010/025230 US2010025230W WO2011105999A1 WO 2011105999 A1 WO2011105999 A1 WO 2011105999A1 US 2010025230 W US2010025230 W US 2010025230W WO 2011105999 A1 WO2011105999 A1 WO 2011105999A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
films
seal
air
passage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/025230
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael Baines
Original Assignee
Michael Baines
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 Michael Baines filed Critical Michael Baines
Priority to PCT/US2010/025230 priority Critical patent/WO2011105999A1/fr
Priority to US13/152,109 priority patent/US9623622B2/en
Publication of WO2011105999A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011105999A1/fr
Priority to US15/489,213 priority patent/US10220590B2/en
Priority to US16/287,550 priority patent/US11123945B2/en

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Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to a packaging material. Certain aspects of this invention relate to inflatable packaging materials and methods of production and use thereof.
  • Inflatable packaging materials are used for packaging a variety of articles for shipping, storage, and other purposes, to protect the articles from damage.
  • Some industries, such as the toner cartridge industry a large number of articles are packed and shipped, and increases in the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of packaging such articles can prove advantageous.
  • the present device and method are provided to address the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior packaging materials of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • an inflatable packaging material that includes two outer films positioned in confronting relation to each other, and a valve assembly positioned between the outer films and including an upper valve film, a lower valve film, and a non- sealable material positioned between the upper and lower valve films.
  • the valve assembly may further contain a middle valve film positioned between the upper and lower valve films, and the non-sealable material is then positioned between the middle valve film and the upper and lower valve films.
  • the outer films are sealed together by a perimeter seal including at least a top seal and a bottom seal, and a plurality of border seals located inward of the perimeter seal, such that the border seals define a plurality of air columns.
  • a valve seal extends across the material, parallel to the top seal and spaced from the top seal.
  • the valve seal connects the outer films and the upper and lower valve films, such that the top seal and the valve seal define an inflation passage therebetween, and the valve seal forms a top end of each of the air columns.
  • the non- sealable material is arranged to form a plurality of valve portions positioned along the valve seal and a plurality of passage portions positioned in spaced relation along the inflation passage, with each air column having one of the valve portions located at the top end thereof to provide a valve passage through the valve seal, to allow airflow into each air column.
  • the material is further configured to be sealed by two side seals extending between the top and bottom seals.
  • the passage portions are arranged such that one side seal is configured to pass through the outer films and the valve films at a space between the passage portions to seal one end of the inflation passage, and the other side seal is configured to pass through the outer films and the valve films at one of the passage portions to prevent sealing together of the valve films, creating an open inflation port for introduction of air into the inflation passage at the opposite end of the inflation passage.
  • the valve films form a one-way valve, such that airflow from the inflation passage through the valve passages is permitted, and the valve films cooperate to obstruct reverse airflow from the air columns through the valve passages.
  • the lengths of the upper and lower valve films are substantially equal, and the length of the middle valve film is greater than the lengths of the upper and lower valve films, such that the bottom ends of the upper, middle, and lower valve films are substantially contiguous with each other, the top ends of the upper and lower valve films are substantially contiguous with each other, and the top end of the middle valve film extends beyond the top ends of the upper and lower valve films to form a free portion of the middle valve film extending outside the upper and lower valve films. The free portion of the middle valve film extends into the inflation passage.
  • the non-heat sealable material is a non-heat sealable ink printed on at least a portion of the valve assembly.
  • the non-heat sealable ink is printed on at least one of the upper, lower, and middle valve films.
  • the passage portions of the non-sealable material are connected to alternate ones of the valve portions and are positioned more proximate than the valve portions to the top seal.
  • alternate ones of the border seals each have at least one air conduit therethrough, such that the air columns are arranged in a plurality of pairs of communicating air columns.
  • Each pair of air columns includes a main air column and an auxiliary air column in communication with each other via the air conduits, and the main air columns each have widths that are greater than the widths of each of the auxiliary air columns.
  • the passage portions of the non-heat sealable material are located adjacent the auxiliary air columns.
  • Additional aspects of the invention relate to an inflatable packaging material that includes first and second outer films positioned in confronting relation to each other and a valve assembly positioned between the first and second outer films, the valve assembly including an upper film, a lower film, a middle film positioned between the upper and lower films, and a non-sealable material positioned between the middle film and the upper and lower films.
  • the top end of the middle film extends beyond respective top ends of the upper and lower films to form a free portion of the middle film extending outside the upper and lower films.
  • a plurality of seals define a plurality of air columns between the first and second outer films and an inflation passage in communication with all of the air columns.
  • the non-sealable material forms a plurality of valve passages from the inflation passage to the air columns and an inflation port for introduction of air into the inflation passage.
  • the free portion of the middle film extends farther into the inflation passage than the top ends of the upper and lower films.
  • the films of the valve assembly form a one-way valve, such that airflow from the inflation passage through the valve passages is permitted, and the upper, lower, and middle films cooperate to obstruct airflow from the air columns through the valve passages.
  • the length of the middle film is greater than the lengths of the upper and lower valve films to form the free portion of the middle valve film. Additionally, in one embodiment, the lengths of the upper and lower valve films are substantially equal, and the bottom ends of the upper, middle, and lower valve films are substantially contiguous with each other, the top ends of the upper and lower valve films are substantially contiguous with each other, and the top end of the middle valve film extends beyond the top ends of the upper and lower valve films to form the free portion of the middle valve film.
  • the material further includes a plurality of airflow seals connecting one of the first and second outer films with the upper, lower, and middle valve films, the airflow seals positioned adjacent the top end of each air column.
  • the first and second outer films form a top flap extending upwardly from the inflation passage and a bottom flap extending downwardly from bottom ends of the air columns.
  • the material is configured to be folded upon itself to form a bag having an open top defined by the top and bottom flaps, wherein the open top is configured for vacuum sealing across the top and bottom flaps.
  • the non-sealable material is arranged to form a plurality of valve portions extending between the inflation passage and the air columns and a plurality of passage portions positioned in spaced relation along the inflation passage.
  • the packaging material is configured to be heat sealed at a space between the passage portions to create a sealed end of the inflation passage, and one of the passage portions is configured to prevent heat sealing to create an open end of the inflation passage opposite the sealed end.
  • alternate ones of the border seals each have at least one air conduit therethrough, such that the air columns are arranged in a plurality of pairs of air columns.
  • Each pair of air columns includes a main air column and an auxiliary air column in communication with each other via the air conduits, and the main air columns each have a width that is greater than a width of each auxiliary air column.
  • an inflatable packaging material that includes two outer films positioned in confronting relation to each other and sealed together by a perimeter seal and a plurality of alternating primary and secondary border seals located inward of the perimeter seal, and a valve assembly positioned between the outer films and including an upper film, a lower film, a middle film positioned between the upper and lower films, and a non-sealable material positioned between the middle film and the upper and lower films.
  • the perimeter seal includes a top seal, a bottom seal, and two side seals extending between the top and bottom seals.
  • the primary and secondary border seals extend parallel to the side seals to define a plurality of alternating main air columns and auxiliary air columns.
  • Each of the secondary border seals has an air conduit therethrough to permit air communication between each main air column and an adjacent one of the auxiliary air columns to create a plurality of pairs of communicating air columns, each pair including one main air column and the adjacent auxiliary air column.
  • the lengths of the upper and lower films of the valve assembly are substantially equal, and the length of the middle film is greater than the lengths of the upper and lower films, such that the bottom ends of the upper, middle, and lower films are substantially contiguous with each other, the top ends of the upper and lower films are substantially contiguous with each other, and the top end of the middle film extends beyond the top ends of the upper and lower films to form a free portion of the middle film extending outside the upper and lower films.
  • a valve seal extends across the material parallel to the top seal and spaced from the top seal, the valve seal connecting the outer films and the films of the valve assembly, such that the top seal, the side seals, and the valve seal define an inflation passage therebetween, and the valve seal forms a top end of each of the main and auxiliary air columns.
  • the non-sealable material is arranged to form a plurality of valve portions positioned along the valve seal and a plurality of passage portions positioned in spaced relation along the inflation passage, with each main air column and each auxiliary air column having one of the valve portions located at the top end thereof to provide a valve passage through the valve seal to allow airfiow into each main and auxiliary air column.
  • One side seal passes through the material at a space between the passage portions to seal one end of the inflation passage, and the other side seal passes through the material at one of the passage portions to prevent complete sealing of the material, creating an open inflation port for introduction of air into the inflation passage.
  • a plurality of airflow seals connect one of the outer films with the upper, lower, and middle films of the valve assembly, with the airfiow seals positioned adjacent the top end of each main and auxiliary air column.
  • the films of the valve assembly form a oneway valve, such that airflow from the inflation passage through the valve passages is permitted, and the upper, lower, and middle films cooperate to obstruct reverse airflow from the air columns through the valve passages.
  • the packaging material is folded upon itself to form a package having an inner cavity configured for receiving an article. At least a portion of each of the side seals join a first portion of the packaging material to a second portion of the packaging material to define the inner cavity.
  • at least one of the main and auxiliary air columns contains a constriction seal connecting the first and second outer films, wherein the constriction seal is configured to form a joint in the packaging material after inflation.
  • the main air columns each have a width that is greater than a width of each auxiliary air column, and the passage portions of the non-heat sealable material are located adjacent the auxiliary air columns.
  • Still further aspects of the invention relate to method for use with a packaging bag having an inner cavity and an open top and being formed from a rectangular sheet of packaging material folded over and heat sealed together on two opposed sides to form the inner cavity and the open top.
  • the packaging material includes two outer films positioned in confronting relation to each other, a valve assembly positioned between the first and second outer films, and a plurality of seals defining a plurality of air columns between the first and second outer films and an inflation passage in communication with all of the air columns.
  • the valve assembly includes a plurality of one-way valve passages from the inflation passage to the air columns and an inflation port for introduction of air into the inflation passage. An article is inserted into the inner cavity of the packaging bag through the open top.
  • the packaging bag is vacuum-sealed around the article, including substantially evacuating air from the inner cavity and forming a vacuum seal line across the bag at a location between the open top and the valve assembly. After vacuum-sealing, the air columns of the packaging bag are inflated by applying air flow through the inflation passage.
  • the method further includes opening the packaging bag at a point between the valve assembly and the top of the packaging bag, providing access to the inner cavity, while the air columns remain inflated.
  • the packaging bag can be opened by peeling apart the vacuum seal line.
  • At least one of the first and second outer films of the packaging bag may contain a peeling additive to facilitate peeling apart the vacuum seal line.
  • the packaging bag can be opened by tearing the packaging bag at a point between the valve assembly and the vacuum seal line.
  • the inflation passage has one sealed end and one open end, and the air flow is applied to the inflation passage by inserting an air nozzle into the open end of the inflation passage.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of a valve assembly of the packaging material of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1 , having an external force exerted thereon;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material as illustrated in FIG. 4, absent the external force;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 1, shown during inflation;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material as illustrated in FIG. 8, shown after inflation is complete;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the packaging material of FIG. 1, shown after inflation;
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a packaging bag formed using a packaging material as illustrated in FIG. 1, shown after vacuum sealing, with an article contained within the bag;
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the packaging bag of FIG. 11, shown after vacuum sealing and inflation;
  • FIG. 13 is an end view of one embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the packaging bag of FIG. 13, shown after the bag has been opened and the article removed;
  • FIG. 15 is another end view of the packaging device of FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the packaging device of FIG. 16, shown in a folded position
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is an end view of the packaging device of FIG. 18;
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view of a portion of the packaging device of FIG. 18, shown in an uninflated state;
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is an end view of the packaging device of FIG. 22;
  • FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the packaging device of FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 26 is a side view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the packaging device of FIG. 26;
  • FIG. 28 is an end view of an alternate embodiment of the packaging device of FIG. 26;
  • FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention, shown in an uninflated state;
  • FIG. 29A is a perspective view of the embodiment of the packaging device of FIG. 29, shown in an inflated state;
  • FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a packaging device formed from a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a packaging material according to the present invention, shown during inflation;
  • FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material as illustrated in FIG. 31, shown after inflation is complete;
  • FIG. 33 is a plan view of another embodiment of a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is a plan view of a portion of a valve assembly of the packaging material of FIG. 33;
  • FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 35-35 of FIG. 33;
  • FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 36-36 of FIG. 33;
  • FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 37-37 of FIG. 33, shown during inflation;
  • FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material as illustrated in FIG. 37, shown after inflation is complete;
  • FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a packaging material according to the present invention, shown during inflation;
  • FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material as illustrated in FIG. 39, shown after inflation is complete;
  • FIG. 41 is a plan view of another embodiment of a packaging material according to the present invention.
  • the term "plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. None in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention. Also, the reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
  • FIGS. 1-10 A packaging material 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-10.
  • the material 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-10 is an inflatable packaging material having a plurality of air columns 12, 14 that are configured to be filled with air to form a protective structure.
  • the material 10 is formed of a plurality of plastic films, including outer films 16, 18 positioned in confronting relation to each other, defining the inner and outer surfaces of the material 10.
  • the outer films 16, 18 may also be referred to as an upper film 16 and a lower film 18.
  • the outer films 16, 18 are two separate sheets that are sealed together by a plurality of heat seals, including a top seal 20 extending proximate the top edge 15 of the material 10 and a bottom seal 22 extending proximate the bottom edge 17 of the material 10, as well as a plurality of border seals 24, 26 located inwardly of the outer periphery of the material 10. It is understood that the outer films 16, 18 may be formed by a single sheet folded over upon itself in another embodiment.
  • the material 10 contains a number of other seals, which are described in further detail below.
  • the material 10 also includes an inflation assembly 40, containing a valve assembly 50 including a plurality of check valves 52, as also described in further detail below.
  • the outer films 16, 18 have a plurality of air columns 12, 14 formed therebetween, and a plurality of border seals 24, 26 define the boundaries of the air columns 12, 14.
  • Each column 12, 14 is defined by the bottom seal 22, the border seals 24, 26, and a valve seal 28 extending across the material 10 and spaced from the top seal 20.
  • the valve seal 28 is parallel or substantially parallel to the top seal 20, but other embodiments may not share this configuration.
  • the border seals include primary or unbroken border seals 24 that are solid and unbroken, running continuously from the valve seal 28 to the bottom seal 22 and secondary or broken border seals 26 running from the valve seal 28 to the bottom seal 22 and having one or more broken or unsealed portions forming air conduits 27 therethrough. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
  • the primary and secondary border seals 24, 26 are positioned in alternating arrangement to create a plurality of alternating primary and secondary air columns 12, 14 arranged into pairs of interconnected air columns.
  • Each pair of air columns 12, 14 includes one main air column 12 and one auxiliary air column 14 that are separated by a secondary border seal 26 and are in fluid communication with each other through the air conduits 27 in the secondary border seal 26.
  • the separate pairs of air columns 12, 14 are separated by the primary border seals 24.
  • the main air columns 12 have a larger width and a larger cross-sectional volume than the auxiliary air columns 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6.
  • the main and auxiliary air columns 12, 14 may have sizes that are more similar or even equal.
  • the air columns 12, 14 may be differently configured.
  • the air columns 12, 14 may be arranged into larger numbers of interconnected columns 12, 14, such as triplets or quadruplets instead of pairs.
  • the configurations of the main and auxiliary air columns 12, 14 can create more effective cushioning function for the packaging material.
  • an external force or pressure is exerted on one of a pair of air columns 12, 14, air can flow from the affected column 12, 14 into the other column 12, 14 of the pair to reduce the pressure increase within the affected column 12, 14, as excessive pressure increases could rupture the column 12, 14.
  • an external force F such as an impact with an external object, acting on the main column 12 increases the pressure in the main column 12, which causes airflow A into the auxiliary column 14 to distribute the pressure over a greater area and volume.
  • each air column 12, 14 includes a plurality of constriction seals 25, which are generally formed at or near the center of the width of each column 12, 14. Examples of constriction seals 25 are illustrated in FIGS. 11-30.
  • the constriction seals 25 constrict the local volume of the column 12, 14 to prevent full expansion, while allowing air to pass by the constriction seal 25 on one or both sides.
  • the constriction seals 25 can be used to form joint areas where the inflated material is configured for bending or folding, particularly when multiple constriction seals 25 for multiple different columns 12, 14 are properly aligned or otherwise positioned relative to each other to form such a joint.
  • Constriction seals 25 functioning in this way may alternately be referred to as joint seals, and FIGS. 11-30 illustrate several different embodiments of packaging materials having different shapes that may be formed by properly positioned constriction seals 25, as described in greater detail below.
  • the constriction seals 25 can additionally or alternately be used to create a multicellular structure for the air column 12, 14.
  • the material 10 includes an inflation assembly 40 configured for inflation of the air columns 12, 14, and the inflation assembly 40 contains a valve assembly 50 that permits air to flow into the air columns 12, 14 and resists or prevents air from flowing out of the inflated air columns 12, 14.
  • the inflation assembly 40 includes an inflation passage 42 defined between the top seal 20 and the valve seal 28, which allows air to flow between the outer films 16, 18 and across the top of the material 10 to be distributed to a plurality of check valves 52 of the valve assembly 50 that are in communication with the inflation passage 42.
  • the inflation passage 42 typically has one closed end 44 and one open end 46 that functions as an inflation port, as described in greater detail below.
  • the valve assembly 50 includes a plurality of valve films positioned between the outer films 16, 18, and creates a plurality of one-way check valves 52.
  • Each of the air columns 12, 14 has a check valve 52 located at the top end thereof, adjacent the valve seal 28.
  • the material 10 includes three valve films: an upper valve film 54, a lower valve film 56, and a middle valve film 58 positioned between the upper and lower films 54, 56.
  • the three valve films 54, 56, 58 are positioned in surface-to-surface contact with each other, and areas of a non-sealable material 60 are positioned between the valve films 54, 56, 58, as shown in FIGS. 1-10.
  • the non-sealable material 60 is generally not heat-sealable under normal conditions, and may be a non-sealable ink, a refractory coating, or other non- sealable material. As shown in FIG. 6, the non-sealable material 60 is positioned on either side of the middle valve film 58, and may be applied by printing on both sides of the middle valve film 58 before assembly of the valve assembly 50. It is understood that the non-sealable material 60 may be applied in another manner in another embodiment.
  • the non-sealable material is arranged in at least a plurality of valve portions 62 positioned along the valve seal 28 and a plurality of passage portions 64 positioned along the inflation passage 42.
  • the valve portions 62 extend through the check valves 52, from the inflation passage 42 through the valve seal 28 and into the top ends of the air columns 12, 14. These valve portions 62 prevent the check valves 52 from being completely sealed shut during the sealing action that produces the valve seal 28.
  • the passage portions 64 are positioned in spaced relation to one another along the inflation passage 42, with gaps 65 between the passage portions 64.
  • each passage portion 64 are positioned adjacent the top ends of the auxiliary air columns 14 and are connected to the valve portions 62 of each auxiliary air column 14.
  • the resultant configuration forms an alternating pattern, where each primary air column 12 has little or no non-sealable material 60 positioned in the adjacent areas of the inflation passage 42, and each auxiliary air column 14 has the non-sealable material positioned in the adjacent areas of the inflation passage 42, in the form of the passage portions 64.
  • each passage portion 64 is approximately equal in width to the adjacent air column 14.
  • the passage portions 64 may be arranged in a different spaced, intermittent, and/or disconnected pattern within the inflation passage 42, and such pattern may have no relation to the sizes or positions of the air columns 12, 14. As described in greater detail below, the passage portions 64 prevent sealing of the inflation passage 42 to create the open end 46 of the passage 42, and the gaps 65 between the passage portions 64 allow the inflation passage 42 to be sealed to create the closed end 44 of the inflation passage 42.
  • valve films 54, 56, 58 are positioned between the outer films 16, 18 and are sealed together with the upper and lower films 16, 18 by the valve seal 28 that extends across the material 10. As stated above, the valve portions 62 of the non-sealable material 60 disrupt the valve seal 28. Additionally, in this embodiment, the middle valve film 58 extends further into the inflation passage 42 than the upper and lower valve films 54, 56. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the middle film 58 has an extending portion 59 that extends beyond the top ends 55 of the upper and lower films 54, 56. This configuration can assist in keeping at least one of the air passages 51 open between the films 54, 56, 58 to further ensure successful inflation. As also shown in FIG.
  • the extending portion 59 of the middle film 58 provides a surface for connection of the passage portions 64 of the non-sealable material 60.
  • the extending portion 59 may hang loosely within the inflation passage 42 or may extend into the top seal 20 to be fixed in place, in different embodiments.
  • the extending portion 59 is created by the middle film 58 having a greater length (measured in the direction between the top and bottom seals 20, 22) than the upper and lower films 54, 56, which have substantially the same length.
  • the bottom ends 57 of all three valve films 54, 56, 58 are contiguous or substantially contiguous with each other, and the greater length of the middle film 58 creates the extending portion 59 in this embodiment.
  • the extending portion 59 may be created in whole or in part by displacing the bottom end 57 of the middle film 58 from the bottom ends 57 of the upper and lower films 54, 56.
  • the middle film 58 may have no extending portion.
  • valve films 54, 56, 58 are also sealed to one or both of the upper and lower films 16, 18 within the top ends of the air columns 12, 14 by the border seals 24, 26, as well as a plurality of airflow seals 66A-C.
  • the border seals 24, 26 connect the outer films 16, 18 and the valve films 54, 56, 58 from the valve seal 28 to the bottom ends 57 of the valve films 54, 56, 58, and the airflow seals 66A-C connect the valve films 54, 56, 58 to only one of the outer films 16, 18 (in this example, the upper film 16 only).
  • the airflow seals 66A-C may additionally or alternately connect the valve films 54, 56, 58 to the lower outer film 18.
  • the airflow seals 66A-C guide the flow of air between the valve passages 51 and the interiors of the air columns 12, 14, and include several different forms of seals.
  • the airflow seals 66A-C include elongated seals 66A forming a tapered tunnel adjacent the valve passages 51, a central seal 66B positioned adjacent the ends of the elongated seals 66 A, and a plurality of parallel seals 66C near the bottom ends 57 of the valve films 54, 56, 58.
  • These airflow seals 66A-C may have various different shapes. For example, as shown in FIG.
  • the central seal 66B may be in the shape of a logo or other symbol. It is understood that various embodiments may contain various types and arrangements of airflow seals 66A-C.
  • the airflow seals 66A-C allow air to flow from the air passages 51 through the check valves 52 and into the air columns 12, 14, and also keeps the valve films 54, 56, 58 near the outer film 16 so that air pressure within the columns 12, 14 forces the check valves 52 closed to seal the columns 12, 14, as described in greater detail below. Additionally, the airflow seals 66A-C can serve to control the flow of air through the check valves 52 between the air passages 51 and the columns 12, 14.
  • FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the functioning of the check valves 52 of the valve assembly 50.
  • air flows along the inflation passage 42 and through the air passages 51 between the valve films 54, 56, 58 created by the non-sealable material 60.
  • the air flows through the air passages 51 between the valve films 54, 56, 58 and into the air column 14.
  • the air columns 12, 14 are pressurized, and the air pressure within the columns 12, 14 forces the valve films 54, 56, 58 against the lower outer film 18 to prevent air from escaping back through the air passages 51 , as shown in FIG. 9.
  • the airflow seals 66A-C may assist in guiding the flow of any air that may enter between the valve films 54, 56, 58 away from the air passages 51, so that the air becomes trapped in pockets 67 between the elongated seals 66A and the border seals 24, 26, rather than passing through the air passages 51.
  • FIGS. 7-9 are conceptual drawings and are not drawn to scale, and in particular, that the degree or extent of movement of the films 54, 56, 58 in FIGS. 7-9 may be exaggerated.
  • the material 10' may have only two valve films 54', 56', with the non-sealable material 60' positioned between them. In this embodiment, only a single air passage 51 ' is formed for introduction of air into the column 12'. Additionally, the non-sealable material 60' may be arranged in the same or a similar pattern to the non-sealable material 60 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-10. Further, other features of the material 10 described above may be incorporated into the embodiment of the material 10' in FIGS. 31-32, including any variations or alternate embodiments described herein.
  • an inflatable packaging material such as the material 10 described above, can be provided as a roll of sheet material that can be cut to a proper width and also cut and/or heat-sealed in additional places to create a packaging material of a desired shape for one or more desired applications.
  • the material 10 will at least be further sealed along the edges between the top and bottom seals 20, 22 to create a perimeter seal on the material 10, such as by side seals 21, 23, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10. The spaced
  • the configuration of the passage portions 64 of the non-sealable material 60 allow the material 10 to be cut to any of a plurality of different widths.
  • the material 10 can be cut and the side seals 21, 23 can be formed so that one side seal 21 passes through one of the gaps 65 between the passage portions 64 of the non-sealable material and the other side seal 23 passes through one of the passage portions 64 of the non-sealable material 60.
  • the first side seal 21 seals completely through the inflation passage 42 to create the closed end 44, and the second side seal 23 is prevented by the non-sealable material 60 from closing off the inflation passage 42 to create the open end 46, which can be used as an inflation port.
  • the material 10 can be cut to substantially any desired length, by cutting one side at a point between the passage portions 64 and the other side at a point that travels through one of the passage portions 64.
  • the packaging material can then be inflated through the open end 46 of the inflation passage 42, such as by using an inflation nozzle or other such device.
  • a high- velocity, low- pressure inflation nozzle is used for this purpose.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the material 10 of FIGS. 1-9 in an inflated state.
  • the material 10 can be made into a bag 100 having an internal cavity 101 for containing an article 102, as shown in FIGS. 11-12.
  • the bag 100 can be constructed by folding the material 10 over upon itself and then forming the side seals 21, 23 along the sides of the material 10, extending through two layers of each of the outer films 16, 18 to form the internal cavity 101 with an open top 103 for insertion of the article 102.
  • the inner surface of the internal cavity 101 is formed by one of the outer films 18 and the cavity 101 is defined by the side seals 21, 23 and the folded bottom of the material 10.
  • the inflation port 46 is accessible for inflating the material 10.
  • the article is placed within the cavity 101 prior to inflation so that the air columns 12, 14 inflate to surround the article 102.
  • An additional closing seal may be made to the bag 100 around the area of the top seal 20 to close the open top 103 of the bag 100.
  • the bag 100 contains end flaps 104 extending beyond the top seal 20, and the closing seal may be made across the end flaps 104.
  • the bag 100 may have one elongated end flap that can be folded downward and sealed along the side seals 21, 23 in order to seal the bag 100.
  • the bag 100 has constriction seals 25 in some of the air columns 12, 14 that form joints 106 in the inflated bag 100, as shown in FIG. 13. The joints 106 formed by the constriction seals 25 form a more controlled and flattened bottom of the bag 100.
  • the bag 100 in FIGS. 11-12 is also configured for vacuum sealing.
  • the bag 100 includes the end flaps 104 formed by top and bottom flaps of the material 10 located above the top seal 20 and below the bottom seal 22.
  • the bag 100 can be vacuum sealed by applying a vacuum- sealing apparatus to the open top 103 of the bag 100, forming a vacuum seal line 105 across the end flap 104, as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the vacuum sealing evacuates or substantially evacuates air and/or other gases or fluids from the internal cavity 101 and seals the cavity 101 to conform the uninflated bag 100 to the shape of the article 102.
  • the bag 100 is inflated, such as by applying an inflation nozzle to the inflation port 46, as described above.
  • the inflated bag 100 is shown in FIG. 12.
  • the vacuum sealed bag 100 conforms more closely to the shape of the article 102 as compared to existing bags and other packaging materials, which can result in more effective cushioning of the article 102 during transit.
  • the vacuum sealed and inflated bag 100 can also be opened to allow the article 102 to be removed without rupturing or otherwise deflating the air columns 12, 14, so that the bag 100 can be used again, such as for a return shipment. Opening the bag 100 can be
  • the vacuum seal 105 can be pulled apart by a user, such as by gripping free portions of the end flap 104.
  • This method of opening the bag 100 is illustrated in FIG. 14, which depicts an alternate embodiment being opened in a similar manner, as described in more detail below.
  • the outer films 16, 18 may include a peelable additive to facilitate peeling apart the vacuum seal 105.
  • This peelable additive may be added to the film composition or may be applied as a coating or other external treatment, and the additive may also be included or applied to other films in the material 10. It is understood that the peelable additive may be used in non- vacuum sealed bags and other devices as well, to facilitate opening and other such actions.
  • the bag 100 can be opened by tearing or cutting across the end flap 104 at a point between the vacuum seal 105 and the top seal 20. Further techniques for opening the bag 100 are also contemplated. After the bag 100 is opened, the article 102 can be removed, and another article can be inserted into the cavity 101. The bag 100 may be sealed or vacuum sealed again for transporting the new article, or may remain open during transit, however the air columns 12, 14 remain inflated to protect the new article. These features enhance the re-usability of the bag 100, which increases its utility in the field of shipping ink cartridges for printers. A new ink cartridge can be shipped to a customer in the vacuum sealed bag, and the used ink cartridge can be returned to the manufacturer in the reused bag 100. Of course, these features may prove advantageous in any number of other fields as well.
  • the material 10 can be manufactured in a number of different manners.
  • the non- sealable material 60 may be applied to one or more of the valve layers 54, 56, 58 prior to assembly.
  • the non-sealable material 60 is applied as an ink on both sides of the middle valve layer 58, in the desired pattern.
  • the various layers 16, 18, 54, 56, 58 are placed together in the proper arrangement, with the outer layers 16, 18 on the outside, and the upper, middle, and lower valve layers 54, 58, 56 positioned between the outer layers 16, 18 in that respective order.
  • These layers 16, 18, 54, 56, 58 can be run together from rolls or other bulk supplies of plastic sheet.
  • At least one heat seal is applied to connect the layers 16, 18, 54, 56, 58 together.
  • the top seal 20, the bottom seal 22, and the valve seal 28 are all applied prior to further processing, either in a single step or in successive steps.
  • the border seals 24, 26 and optionally other heat seals are applied to the layers 16, 18, 54, 56, 58 in the appropriate locations, which may be done in a single step or in successive steps.
  • the constriction seals 25, which partially define the shape of the finished product are also applied at this point, however in other embodiments, at least some of the constriction seals 25 may be applied later, creating more versatility of use for the produced material 10.
  • the material 10 can then be cut to an appropriate width and further sealed, including at least creating the side seals 21, 23, in order to make the finished product.
  • the sealing steps can be performed on a rotary-style sealing machine, a platen-style sealing machine, or another type of sealing machine, or a combination of such sealing machines.
  • Creating the finished product may also include cutting out one or more portions of the material 10 and/or making additional seals, such as constriction seals 25.
  • Forming the bag 100 as described above may require forming at least some constriction seals 25, as well as folding the material 10 over upon itself and sealing the sides of the material to create the internal cavity 101 and the open top 103.
  • FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the bag 100 of FIGS. 11-12, referred to using reference numeral 100A.
  • the bag 100A of FIGS. 13-15 is not vacuum sealed, but rather, is heat sealed along a seal line 105 A, without evacuating the cavity 101.
  • the bag 100 A of FIGS. 13-15 may be made from the material 10 described above, or a variation of such material, and in one embodiment, the bag 100A may be structurally identical to the bag 100 of FIGS. 11-12.
  • the flaps 104 can be folded inwardly or cut off, in order to avoid excess material. Additionally, as shown in FIG.
  • the bag 100A can be opened by pulling on the flaps 104 to separate them and break the seal 105 A and open the top 103, allowing the article 102 to be removed from the cavity 101.
  • the material 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-10 can also be used to form a number of other packaging devices, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 16-30. Each of these embodiments is described in greater detail below.
  • FIGS. 16-17 illustrate one embodiment of a packaging device 200 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIGS. 16-17 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 200 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 200 contains a plurality of constriction seals 25 forming a plurality of joints 206 and creating two arms 207 that are configured to be folded inwardly and back outwardly to form the device 200 into a "double-N" shaped configuration.
  • This device 200 may be used for placing over an end of an article, so that the article is received between the arms 207, and then placed in a box, so that the arms 207 and other portions of the device 200 engage the sides of the box to suspend the article.
  • FIGS. 18-20 illustrate another embodiment of a packaging device 300 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIGS. 18-20 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 300 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 300 contains a plurality of constriction seals 25 forming a plurality of joints 306 and creating two internal cavities 301 for receiving two articles, such as bottles of wine or another fluid.
  • the joints 306 form a flat bottom, as well as two hinged lid portions 307 to cover the open tops 303 of the cavities 301.
  • a portion 308 of the material 10 near the bottom seal 22 is cut out after forming, and portions of the adjacent columns 12, 14 are blocked from inflation to form the lid portions 307, as shown in FIGS. 19-20.
  • the cut out portion 308 may be formed by die cutting, or another technique.
  • the material 10 contains an additional seal 29 to block inflation of the portions of the material 10 around the cut out portion 308, as shown in FIG. 20.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of a packaging device 400 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIG. 21 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 400 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 400 is folded over on itself to create an internal cavity 401, similar to the bag 100 in FIGS. 11-15. However, in this embodiment, the constriction seals 25 and the resultant joints 406 are configured to create an oval-shaped, flattened bottom and to open up the cavity 401 upon inflation.
  • the device 400 can be used as an "end cap" for placing over the end of an article during transit. Another similar device 400 can be used as another end cap on the opposite end of the article to provide balance and further protection.
  • FIGS. 22-23 illustrate another embodiment of a packaging device 500 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIGS. 22-23 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 500 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 500 is folded over on itself to create an internal cavity 501, similar to the bag 100 in FIGS. 11-15. However, in this embodiment, the side seals 21, 23 only connect the folded portions of the material 10 over a portion of the length of the material, creating two arms 507 at the open top 503 of the device 500.
  • the constriction seals 25 and the resultant joints 506 are configured to permit the arms 507 to be foldable and spreadable.
  • the device 500 can be used as an "end cap" for placing over the end of an article during transit, as described above, or can also be used as a complete protective covering for an article.
  • FIGS. 24-25 illustrate another embodiment of a packaging device 600 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIGS. 24-25 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 600 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 600 contains a plurality of constriction seals 25 forming a plurality of joints 606 and creating two internal cavities 601 for receiving one or more articles, such as a bottle of wine or another fluid or another elongated article.
  • the joints 606 and side seals 21, 23 create two end caps 607, each having a relatively flat bottom surface and defining one of the cavities 601 therein.
  • the device 600 has an open portion between the two end caps 607.
  • the end caps 607 can be hinged, similarly to the lid portions 307 described above with respect to FIGS. 18- 20.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates one of the end caps 607 hinged backward to receive an article.
  • FIGS. 26-27 illustrate another embodiment of a packaging device 700 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIGS. 26-27 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 700 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 700 contains a plurality of constriction seals 25 forming a plurality of joints 706 and creating an internal cavity 701 for receiving one or more articles.
  • the joints 706 form a flat bottom, as well as a hinged lid portion 707 to cover the open top 703 of the cavity 701.
  • the hinged lid portion 707 can be opened and closed for insertion or removal of an article from the cavity 701, and also protects the top of the article.
  • FIG. 28 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the packaging device 700 of FIGS. 26-27.
  • the packaging device 700A of FIG. 28 has a wider internal cavity 701, which can accommodate larger or more numerous articles.
  • the device 700A of FIG. 28 contains similar components to the device 700 of FIGS. 26-27, but is folded and sealed in order to create the larger cavity 701 and a correspondingly wider lid 707.
  • the packaging device 700 of FIGS. 26-27 can be configured to hold a single wine bottle, while the packaging device 700A of FIG. 28 may hold a hard drive or other larger article.
  • FIGS. 29 and 29A illustrate another embodiment of a packaging device 800 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIGS. 29 and 29A using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 800 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 800 contains a plurality of constriction seals 25 forming a plurality of joints 806 and creating an internal cavity 801 for receiving one or more articles.
  • the joints 806 form a flat bottom of the device 800.
  • the device 800 also includes a foldable, uninflated lid portion 807 that can be folded over and adhered to the outer surface of the material 10 to cover the open top 803 of the cavity 801. A piece of tape, an adhesive substance, or other technique may be used to adhere the lid portion 807 to the outer surface of the material 10.
  • the lid portion 807 can be opened and closed for insertion or removal of an article from the cavity 801, and also protects the top of the article.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment of a packaging device 900 formed from a packaging material 10 as described above. It is understood that features of the material 10 described above are referenced in FIG. 30 using similar reference numbers, and are not described again with respect to the device 900 for the sake of brevity.
  • the device 900 has the side seals 21, 23 formed together so that the material 10 wraps around into a tube configuration, creating an internal cavity 901 for receiving an article.
  • the cavity 901 has two open ends 903 and serves to wrap around at least a portion of the article, and at least a portion of the article may protrude from one of the open ends 903.
  • a packaging material 110 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 33-38. The material 110 as shown in FIGS.
  • FIGS. 33-38 contains many components and features that are similar to features shown and described with respect to the material 10 in FIGS. 1-10. Accordingly, similar reference numerals are used to describe such common components and features with respect to the material 110 in FIGS. 33-38, using the "lxx" series of reference numerals. Additionally, many components and features of the material 110 that have already been described above may not be re-described below for sake of brevity. It is understood that any and all variations and embodiments of the material 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-10 may be incorporated into the embodiment of FIGS. 33-38.
  • the material 110 is an inflatable packaging material having a plurality of air columns 112, 114 that are configured to be filled with air to form a protective structure.
  • the material 110 is formed of a plurality of plastic films, including upper and lower outer films 116, 118 positioned in confronting relation to each other and sealed together by a plurality of heat seals, including a top seal 120 extending proximate the top edge 115 of the material 110 and a bottom seal 122 extending proximate the bottom edge 117 of the material 110, as well as a plurality of border seals 124, 126 located inwardly of the outer periphery of the material 110.
  • the material 110 also includes an inflation assembly 140, containing a valve assembly 150 including a plurality of check valves 152, as also described in further detail below.
  • the outer films 116, 118 have a plurality of air columns 112, 114 formed
  • the material 110 has border seals, including unbroken primary border seals 124 and secondary (broken) border seals 126 having air conduits 127 therethrough.
  • the border seals 124, 126 are positioned in alternating arrangement to create pairs of interconnected air columns including one main air column 112 and one auxiliary air column 114 in fluid communication with each other.
  • the air columns 112, 114 of the material 110 in FIGS. 33-38 function in the same manner described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10.
  • Other features and variations of the air columns 12, 14 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10 are also included in this embodiment, including constriction seals 125.
  • the material 110 includes an inflation assembly 140 configured for inflation of the air columns 112, 114, and the inflation assembly 140 contains a valve assembly 150. Similar to the material 10 in FIGS. 1-10, the inflation assembly 140 includes an inflation passage 142 defined between the top seal 120 and the valve seal 128, which allows air to flow between the outer films 116, 118 and across the top of the material 110 to be distributed to a plurality of check valves 152 of the valve assembly 150 that are in communication with the inflation passage 142. In the finished packaging product, the inflation passage 142 typically has one closed end 144 and one open end 146 that functions as an inflation port, as described above.
  • the valve assembly 150 includes a plurality of valve films positioned between the outer films 116, 118, and creates a plurality of one-way check valves 152.
  • Each of the air columns 112, 114 has a check valve 152 located at the top end thereof, adjacent the valve seal 128.
  • the material 110 includes two valve films: an upper valve film 154 and a lower valve film 156. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1- 10, the material 110 does not include a middle valve film 58, but in another embodiment, a middle valve film may be included.
  • valve films 154, 156 are positioned in surface-to- surface contact with each other, and areas of a non-sealable material 160 are positioned between the valve films 154, 156, as shown in FIGS. 36-38.
  • the non-sealable material 160 is positioned on the side of the lower valve film 156 that confronts the upper valve film 154, and may be applied by printing on one side of the lower valve film 156 before assembly of the valve assembly 150.
  • the non-sealable material 160 is arranged in at least a plurality of valve portions 162 positioned along the valve seal 128 extending through the check valves 152, and a plurality of passage portions 164 positioned along the inflation passage 142 with gaps 165 between the passage portions 164, shown in FIG. 34.
  • the top ends of the valve portions 162 extend to approximately the same level on the valve film 156 as the bottom ends of the passage portions 164, as shown in FIG. 34.
  • This arrangement differs from the arrangement as shown in FIG. 2, where the top ends of the valve portions 62 overlap slightly with the bottom ends of the passage portions 64.
  • the arrangement of the valve and passage portions 162, 164 in FIG. 34 can facilitate the printing process.
  • the lower valve film 156 extends further into the inflation passage 142 than the upper valve film 154.
  • the lower film 156 has an extending portion 159 that extends beyond the top end 155 of the upper film 154, similarly to the extending portion 59 of the middle valve film 58 described above and shown in FIGS. 7-9. This configuration can assist in keeping the air passage 151 open between the films 154, 156 to further ensure successful inflation.
  • the extending portion 159 of the lower film 158 also provides a surface for connection of the passage portions 164 of the non-sealable material 160.
  • the extending portion 159 may hang loosely within the inflation passage 142 or may extend into the top seal 120 to be fixed in place, in different embodiments.
  • the valve assembly 150 of FIGS. 33-38 further includes a tacky material 168 positioned between the upper and lower valve films 54, 56.
  • the tacky material 168 is positioned on the same side of the lower valve film 156 as the non-sealable material 160, but located below the valve seal 128 and farther into the air columns 112, 114.
  • the tacky material 168 may be any material that is capable of forming a non- permanent bond between the valve films 154, 156, such as an adhesive-like material, a static- based bonding material, a tacky surface of the valve film 156 created by a surface treatment, or other tacky material.
  • the placement of the tacky material 168 within the valve assembly 150 is outlined in FIGS. 33-35.
  • the tacky material 168 can be applied to the lower valve film 156 by printing, or another method, and in one embodiment may be printed simultaneously with the non-sealable material 160.
  • the tacky material 168 is configured to weakly bond the upper and lower valve films 154, 156 together, but allow the valve films 154, 156 to separate with sufficient air pressure applied from the inflation passage 142. It is understood that the non-sealable material 160 and the tacky material 168 may alternately be positioned on the upper valve film 154, in which case, the materials 160, 168 would be positioned on the side facing the lower valve film 156.
  • the tacky material 168 may be used in connection with the material 10 of FIGS. 1-10, and that the tacky material 168 may be positioned between the middle valve film 58 and at least one of the upper and lower valve films 54, 56. In one embodiment, the tacky material 168 may be printed on both sides of the middle valve film 58, similarly to the non-sealable material 60.
  • valve films 154, 156 are positioned between the outer films 116, 118 and are sealed together with the upper and lower films 116, 118 at the valve seal 128, as described above, to form a single valve passage 151.
  • the valve films 154, 156 are also sealed to one or both of the upper and lower films 116, 118 within the top ends of the air columns 112, 114 by the border seals 124, 126, as well as a plurality of airflow seals 166A-C.
  • the airflow seals 166A-C include elongated seals 166 A forming a tapered tunnel adjacent the valve passage 151, a central seal 166B positioned adjacent the ends of the elongated seals 166A, and a plurality of parallel seals 166C near the bottom ends 157 of the valve films 154, 156.
  • the parallel seals 166C may also include arms 166D extending from the seals 166C to the adjacent border seals 124, 126, unlike the parallel seals 66C in FIG. 1.
  • the central seals 166B are shaped differently than the central seals 66B in FIG. 1, and the central seals 166B of the primary air columns 112 are different from the central seals 166B of the secondary air columns 114 in this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 36-38 illustrate the functioning of the check valves 152 of the valve assembly
  • the air flows through the air passage 151 between the valve films 154, 156 and into the air column 114.
  • the air columns 112, 114 are pressurized, and the air pressure within the columns 112, 114 forces the valve films 154, 156 into contact with each other and against the lower outer film 118 to prevent air from escaping back through the air passage 151, as shown in FIG. 38.
  • the tacky material 168 adheres the valve films 154, 156 to each other to assist in closing the passage and resisting the reverse flow of air. As shown in FIG.
  • the tacky material 168 releases to allow air to flow from the inflation passage 142 through the air passage 151 and into the air column 114.
  • the airflow seals 166A- C may assist in guiding the flow of any air that may enter between the valve films 154, 156 away from the air passage 151, so that the air becomes trapped in pockets 167 between the elongated seals 166A and the border seals 124, 126, rather than passing through the air passage
  • FIGS. 36-38 are conceptual drawings and are not drawn to scale, and in particular, that the degree or extent of movement of the films 154, 156 in FIGS. 36-38 may be exaggerated.
  • the material 110' may have only one valve film 154', with the non-sealable material 160' and the tacky material 168' positioned on one side of the valve film 154'.
  • the non-sealable material 160' and the tacky material 168' may be arranged in the same or a similar pattern to the non-sealable material 160 and tacky material 168 described above and shown in FIGS. 33-38. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
  • the tacky material 168' causes the single valve film 154' to non-permanently bond to the lower outer film 118 ' , to resist reverse flow of air through the air passage 151 ' , as similarly described above. As shown in FIG. 40, when sufficient air pressure is present in the inflation passage (not shown), the tacky material 168' releases to allow air to flow from the inflation passage through the air passage 151 ' and into the air column 112', as also similarly described above.
  • Other features of the material 110 described above may be incorporated into the embodiment of the material 110' in FIGS. 39-40, including any variations or alternate embodiments described herein.
  • the material 110" may have a valve assembly 150" with a different arrangement of airflow seals 166A-B" than the material 110 of FIGS. 33-38.
  • the airflow seals 166A-B" in this embodiment include elongated seals 166A' ' forming a tapered tunnel adjacent the valve passage 151 " and blocking seals 166B" near the bottom ends 157" of the valve films 154", 156".
  • the blocking seals 166B" block airflow to ensure that the only pathway for airflow through the valve assembly 150" is between the elongated seals 166A".
  • the valve assembly 150" is otherwise constructed in the same way described above with respect to the material 110 of FIGS.
  • the material 110 also functions in the same way described above with respect to the material 110 of FIGS. 33-38.
  • Other features of the material 110 described above may be incorporated into the embodiment of the material 110" in FIG. 41, including any variations or alternate embodiments described herein.
  • any of the packaging devices described herein can be made using any of the various embodiments of packaging materials described herein, including the packaging materials 10', 110, 110', 110" shown in FIGS. 31-41 and described above. It is also understood that any of the variations or alternate embodiments described herein may be applicable to any other embodiment of the packaging material or packaging device described herein.
  • the packaging materials and methods as described herein provide many benefits and advantages over existing products and methods. For example, as described above, the three-layer valve assembly can provide superior inflation capabilities, as well as superior sealing of the check valves, to reduce or eliminate air leakage out of the inflated material.
  • the design of the airflow seals can also assist in reducing or eliminating air leakage.
  • the spaced configuration of the non-sealable material allows for the packaging material to be cut to nearly any desired width, increasing the versatility of the material. This feature can also simplify subsequent processing of the material, such as by reducing the amount of necessary equipment, as well as making subsequent processing more efficient.
  • the communicating main and auxiliary air columns provide better cushioning and decrease the chance of rupturing the air columns, as described above.
  • the vacuum sealing method and associated features of the packaging material provide for more secure packaging, better cushioning, and greater ease and effectiveness of use and re-use as compared to existing packaging materials.
  • the various configurations of packaging devices that can be made from the packaging material provide great versatility in packaging a large variety of different articles. Still further benefits and advantages are recognized by those skilled in the art.

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Abstract

L'invention porte sur un matériau d'emballage gonflable comprenant deux pellicules externes, une pluralité de pellicules de clapet, et un matériau non scellable de manière étanche positionné entre les pellicules de clapet. Les pellicules sont scellées ensemble de manière étanche par une pluralité de joints d'étanchéité, comprenant un joint d'étanchéité de clapet s'étendant à travers le matériau. Les joints d'étanchéité définissent une pluralité de colonnes d'air et un passage de gonflage en communication avec les colonnes. Le matériau non scellable de manière étanche est conçu pour former des parties clapet positionnées le long du joint d'étanchéité de clapet et des parties passage espacées positionnées le long du passage de gonflage. Les parties clapet fournissent des passages de clapet à travers le joint d'étanchéité de clapet, pour permettre un écoulement d'air dans chaque colonne d'air. Les parties passage sont agencées de telle sorte qu'un joint d'étanchéité latéral passe à travers un espace entre les parties passage pour sceller de manière étanche une extrémité du passage de gonflage, et l'autre joint d'étanchéité latéral passe à travers l'une des parties passage pour créer un orifice de gonflage ouvert. Les pellicules de clapet permettent à l'air de passer à travers celles-ci du passage de gonflage aux colonnes, et empêchent l'écoulement inverse de l'air des colonnes dans le passage de gonflage.
PCT/US2010/025230 2010-02-24 2010-02-24 Matériaux d'emballage et procédés associés WO2011105999A1 (fr)

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PCT/US2010/025230 WO2011105999A1 (fr) 2010-02-24 2010-02-24 Matériaux d'emballage et procédés associés
US13/152,109 US9623622B2 (en) 2010-02-24 2011-06-02 Packaging materials and methods
US15/489,213 US10220590B2 (en) 2010-02-24 2017-04-17 Packaging materials and methods
US16/287,550 US11123945B2 (en) 2010-02-24 2019-02-27 Packaging materials and methods

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PCT/US2010/025230 WO2011105999A1 (fr) 2010-02-24 2010-02-24 Matériaux d'emballage et procédés associés

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI644838B (zh) * 2018-03-16 2018-12-21 新意創新有限公司 Anti-collision storage bag
TWI707810B (zh) * 2019-11-08 2020-10-21 亞比斯包材工場股份有限公司 密封結構

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US5339602A (en) * 1991-11-12 1994-08-23 Laminated Films & Packaging Inflatable packaging bag and process for inflating the bag
US5469966A (en) * 1991-07-05 1995-11-28 Boyer; Geoffrey Inflatable package with valve
US20050126941A1 (en) * 2001-12-19 2005-06-16 Isabela Ferri Package having an inflated frame
US20050247592A1 (en) * 2001-11-16 2005-11-10 3M Innovative Properties Company Inflatable packaging system
US20060201960A1 (en) * 2005-03-12 2006-09-14 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Inflatable containers

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5469966A (en) * 1991-07-05 1995-11-28 Boyer; Geoffrey Inflatable package with valve
US5339602A (en) * 1991-11-12 1994-08-23 Laminated Films & Packaging Inflatable packaging bag and process for inflating the bag
US20050247592A1 (en) * 2001-11-16 2005-11-10 3M Innovative Properties Company Inflatable packaging system
US20050126941A1 (en) * 2001-12-19 2005-06-16 Isabela Ferri Package having an inflated frame
US20060201960A1 (en) * 2005-03-12 2006-09-14 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Inflatable containers

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI644838B (zh) * 2018-03-16 2018-12-21 新意創新有限公司 Anti-collision storage bag
TWI707810B (zh) * 2019-11-08 2020-10-21 亞比斯包材工場股份有限公司 密封結構

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