EP3393916A1 - On-demand inflatable packaging - Google Patents
On-demand inflatable packagingInfo
- Publication number
- EP3393916A1 EP3393916A1 EP16880026.6A EP16880026A EP3393916A1 EP 3393916 A1 EP3393916 A1 EP 3393916A1 EP 16880026 A EP16880026 A EP 16880026A EP 3393916 A1 EP3393916 A1 EP 3393916A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- inflatable
- web
- preformed
- bags
- bag
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
- B65B55/20—Embedding contents in shock-absorbing media, e.g. plastic foam, granular material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/04—Forming flat bags from webs
-
- 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
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
- B65B43/267—Opening of bags interconnected in a web
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/02—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/06—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
- B65B9/08—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it in a web folded and sealed transversely to form pockets which are subsequently filled and then closed by sealing
-
- 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
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B2220/00—Specific aspects of the packaging operation
- B65B2220/16—Packaging contents into primary and secondary packaging
- B65B2220/20—Packaging contents into primary and secondary packaging the primary packaging being bags, the secondary packaging being further bags, the primary bags being either finished or formed concurrently with the secondary bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
- B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
Definitions
- Bubble wrap is a widely-used packaging material.
- One known use of bubble wrap is as a cushioning material, for example, wrapped around a product or within a larger package, such as within corrugate, a bag, or paper.
- cushioning material is used within the inside of a paper skin as a padded envelope.
- a typical padded envelope includes cushioning material formed by a vacuum process. After the two layers of plastic are laminated or sealed together, a small amount of air is trapped within each bubble to create a cushioning characteristic.
- a padded envelope is manufactured at assembly site. At the assembly site, the cushioning material is formed and attached to the paper skin.
- the envelope may be shipped to a point of retail sale, or a product may be packed within the padded envelope at a packing site. In either example, the padded envelopes are shipped in a final size and volume, i.e., with the inflation pattern fully inflated.
- a method of making packages may include moving a web of preformed inflatable bags along a path of travel.
- the preformed inflatable bags include two inflatable panels, and each inflatable panel includes a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern.
- the method may include inflating each of the preformed inflatable bags, sealing each of the preformed inflatable bags across the seals of the inflation pattern, depositing at least one product into each of the preformed inflatable bags, and loading each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product into a non-inflatable bag.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web
- Figure 2 is a sectional view of the packaging web of Figure 1, shown along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;
- Figure 2 A is a view similar to the view of Figure 2, where the packaging web has two inflation channels;
- Figure 3 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web, showing a pouch in an inflated condition;
- Figure 3 A is a side view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 2A, showing a pouch in an inflated condition;
- Figure 4 is a side view of the pouch of Figure 3, showing the pouch in a closed position;
- Figure 5 is a top view of sequential assembly stages of a method to make an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web
- Figure 6a is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web, showing a pouch in an inflated condition
- Figure 6b is a sectional view of the pouch of Figure 6a, showing the pouch in a sealed condition
- Figure 6C is a sectional view an inflatable packaging web that is similar to the
- Figure 6a is a sectional view of the pouch of Figure 6C, showing the pouch in a sealed condition;
- Figure 7 is a front view of the pouch of Figure 6b, showing bar code data and indicia imprinted on the pouch;
- Figure 8a is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web
- Figure 8b is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 8a, shown along the line 8b-8b of Figure 8a;
- Figure 8c is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 8a, shown along the line 8c-8c of Figure 8a;
- Figure 8D is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web
- Figure 8E is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 8D, shown along the line 8E-8E of Figure 8D;
- Figure 8F is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 8a, shown along the line 8F-8F of Figure 8D;
- Figure 9 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 8a, showing a pouch in an inflated condition
- Figure 9A is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 8D, showing a pouch in an inflated condition
- Figure 10 is a sectional view of the pouch of Figure 9, showing the pouch in an inflated condition with the panel sealed;
- Figure 1 OA is a sectional view of the pouch of Figure 9 A, showing the pouch in an inflated condition with the panel sealed;
- Figure 1 la is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web, showing a pouch in an inflated condition with the panel sealed and with the skin closed;
- Figure 1 lb is a front view of the pouch of Figure 11a, showing bar code data and indicia imprinted on the pouch;
- Figure 12 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web
- Figure 13 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 12, shown along the line 13-13 of Figure 12;
- Figure 14 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 12, shown along the line 14-14 of Figure 12;
- Figure 15 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 13, showing the sealed skin in a slit condition;
- Figure 16 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 13, showing the sealed skin in a slit condition and the skin flaps folded open;
- Figure 17 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 13, showing a product inserted inside;
- Figure 18 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 17, showing a the web in an inflated condition
- Figure 19 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 18, showing a the web in an inflated condition and the panel sealed;
- Figure 20 is a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web of Figure 19, showing the skin flaps closed;
- Figure 21a is a front perspective view of a packaging machine, showing exemplary machinery for forming and packaging a padded package from an inflatable packaging web;
- Figure 21b is a top view of a packaging machine of Figure 21a;
- Figure 22 is a schematic view of a process of forming inflatable cushioning material
- Figure 23 is a top view of a web of inflatable cushioning material being produced by the process of Figure 22;
- Figures 24a-24e illustrate an exemplary method of moving a web of inflatable bags along a path of travel to make packages
- Figures 25a-25e illustrate another exemplary method of moving a web of inflatable bags along a path of travel to make packages
- Figure 26 illustrates an exemplary packaging machine used to load an inflated bag and product into a non-inflatable bag
- Figures 27A-27C illustrate another exemplary packaging machine used to load an inflated bag and product into a non-inflatable bag
- Figures 28A-28E illustrate an exemplary method of moving a web of inflatable bags along a path of travel to make packages
- Figures 29A-29E illustrate another exemplary method of moving a web of inflatable bags along a path of travel to make packages.
- the invention is directed to a method of producing on-demand inflatable packaging.
- the packaging would include a web of preformed pouches being defined by side edges and two panels. At least one panel has an inflation pattern and an outer skin may be attached to the outside of the web, or an outside surface of the panels may be smooth to act as an outer skin.
- the packaging would be inflatable at a later time for assembly of a padded envelope, either with or without a product being deposited in the preformed pouch, and the product being deposited before or after the preformed pouch is inflated.
- the inventive assembly of the on-demand inflatable packaging allows the inflating of the padded envelope to be delayed, such as for example, until the end-user of the envelope deposits a product into the pouch. After the web is inflated, the padded envelope is separated from the web.
- This method allows more padded envelopes, in a non-inflated condition, to be shipped having a specific volume and weight, as compared to inflated padded envelopes.
- a final user of the padded envelopes such as a packer of a product, may produce only the amount of inflated padded envelopes needed for a certain packaging run, and thus enjoy the efficiencies of just-in-time production and reduction of envelope inventory.
- a method converts a web of preformed pouches to on-demand inflatable packaging.
- the pouches are defined by side edges, two panels, and at least one panel having an inflation pattern.
- the method includes moving the web along a path of travel, attaching an outer skin to the outside of the web, and packaging the web into a non-inflated and stored configuration.
- the web may be at least partially deflated and flattened before packaging.
- the method may include moving the web along a path of travel, inflating each of the preformed pouches, and sealing each of the preformed pouches to form a cushioning material. In this condition, the two panels of each pouch are positioned to define an open end of the pouch and a closed end of the pouch.
- the method may include closing each of the preformed pouches, sealing the outer skin in a closed position around each of the preformed pouches, and separating the web into a plurality of padded envelopes.
- the preformed pouches may be closed before the outer skin is closed, or the preformed pouches and the outer skin may be closed at the same time.
- the outer skin may be attached to the web by heat sealing, during the edge line perforation process, or any known technique.
- the outer skin is attached to the web at edge lines of the preformed pouches and unattached at areas between the edge lines of the preformed pouches.
- the outer skin is attached to the web at areas between the edge lines of the preformed pouches.
- At least one product is deposited into each of a plurality of the preformed pouches.
- This embodiment includes inflating each of the preformed pouches, either before or after the product is deposited, sealing each of the preformed pouches to form a cushioning material, closing each of the preformed pouches, sealing the outer skin in a closed position around each of the plurality of the preformed pouches, and separating the web into a plurality of padded envelopes.
- the preformed pouches may be closed before the outer skin is closed, or the preformed pouches and the outer skin may be closed at the same time.
- a method of assembly for on-demand inflatable packaging includes an intermediate sealing of the outer skin, and after a time in storage, separating the outer skin.
- the method includes moving the web along a path of travel, attaching an outer skin to the outside of the web, sealing the outer skin in a closed position on the outside of the web, and packaging the web into a non-inflated and stored configuration.
- an amount of on-demand inflatable packaging, transferrable into a given number of envelopes is storable in a smaller volume than the same number of fully inflated envelopes.
- the method may further include moving the web along a web of travel, separating the outer skin open to thereby open the preformed pouches for inflation, and inflating the preformed pouches. After inflation, the preformed pouches are sealed to form a cushioning material.
- the method may further include sealing the outer skin in a closed position on the outside of the web and separating the web into a plurality of padded envelopes, or depositing at least one product into each of a plurality of the preformed pouches, sealing the outer skin in a closed position on the outside of the web, and separating the web into a plurality of padded envelopes.
- the sealed skin may form flaps on either side of the preformed pouch opening.
- the method may include forming sealable flaps on either side of the preformed pouches after cutting the outer skin open to thereby open the preformed pouches for inflation forms sealable flaps, pulling the sealable flaps open in opposing directions, and depositing at least one product into each of a plurality of the preformed pouches.
- the method may include closing each of the preformed pouches, sealing the outer skin in a closed position around each of the preformed pouches, and cutting the web into a plurality of padded envelopes.
- the preformed pouches may be closed before the outer skin is closed, or the preformed pouches and the outer skin may be closed at the same time.
- Another embodiment of the invention is a method of making packages with a preformed inflatable bag without an outer skin and with a non-inflatable bag.
- a web of preformed inflatable bags move along a path of travel.
- the preformed inflatable bags include two inflatable panels, and each inflatable panel includes a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern.
- the method includes inflating each of the preformed inflatable bags, sealing each of the preformed inflatable bags across the seals of the inflation pattern, depositing at least one product into each of the preformed inflatable bags, and loading each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product into a non- inflatable bag.
- the product is deposited into the preformed inflatable bag after the preformed inflatable bag is inflated and sealed.
- the product is deposited into the preformed inflatable bag prior to the preformed inflatable bag being inflated and sealed.
- Another embodiment of the invention is preformed and inflatable pouches for manufacture into a plurality of padded envelopes.
- the pouches include a web of pouches being defined by side edges, two panels, and at least one panel having an inflation pattern, an outer skin attached to the outside of the web.
- the web is packaged into a non-inflated and stored configuration.
- the outer skin may be attached to the web at edge lines of each pouch and unattached at areas between the edge lines of the pouches, or the outer skin may be attached to the web at areas between the edge lines of the pouches. In the non-inflated and stored
- the outer skin may be sealed in a closed position on the outside of the web with the two panels of each pouch open to define an open end and a closed end.
- the web of preformed pouches may be of a variety of forms in the practice of the invention.
- the web may be an inflatable cushioning material designed to be inflated initially, flattened, and re-inflated at a later time by an end user and used as a wrapping material.
- An exemplary material is FASTWRAPTM, manufactured and marketed by Automated Packaging Systems of Streetsboro, Ohio, and described in US Patent No. 6,423, 166, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the end user inflates this material on-demand and inflates only the amount of wrapping material that is required at that time. A method of producing the preformed pouches is discussed herein.
- the outer skin may be made of any thin material of suitable strength.
- Exemplary materials for the outer skin include paper and plastic and the material may be printable.
- a plastic skin may be imprinted with indicia, such as for example, trademark information, product measurements, instructions, and bar coding data.
- the outer skin remains sufficiently smooth after all manufacturing steps, such as for example, initial inflation, flattening, and re-inflation, so that the bar coding is readable by a scanner.
- the outer skin may be sealed on all four sides around the perimeter of the preformed pouch. If the end user of the on-demand inflatable packaging produces packaging as an end product, such as for example, padded mailing envelopes, the outer skin may be sealed on only three sides around the perimeter of the envelope to allow for depositing of a product.
- the open side may include user sealable features, such as for example, a removable strip which temporarily protects an adhesive strip.
- FIG. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging web 10.
- An exemplary web is made of one or more layers of plastic film.
- the packaging web 10 includes a string of side connected inflatable pouches or bags 12.
- a single pouch 12 is shown in Figure 1, but the web 10 includes an indeterminate length of inflatable pouches or bags 12.
- Each inflatable pouch is connected to one another at side edges 14.
- the exemplary side edges shown include lines of perforations 16 to facilitate separation of the finished product.
- Each pouch 12 includes at least one inflatable panel 18.
- the inflatable panel can take a wide variety of different forms.
- the panels 18 may be at least partially inflated, at least partially flattened, and then fully inflated.
- the panels may be made from the web disclosed in US Patent No. D596,031 or the web disclosed in US Patent No. 6,423,166, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- An exemplary web of on-demand inflatable packaging includes two or more inflatable bags.
- Each inflatable bag 12 includes two inflatable panels 18, and each inflatable panel includes a first ply 17 and a second ply 19.
- the first ply 17 and second ply 19 of each panel 18 may be sealed together to form an inflation pattern.
- One or both of the panels 18 include an inflation pattern 512 (see Figure 5).
- One (See Figure 2) or both (See Figure 2A) of the panels 18 include an inflation channel 30. The inflation channel allows the preformed inflatable bag to be inflated by a nozzle inserted into the channel 30.
- only one inflation channel 30 is included and the two panels of the inflatable bag are in fluid communication, such that inflation of one of the panels inflates the other panel.
- passages 32 connect the air pockets 34 (see Figure 3) at the bottoms of the panels to one another such that inflation through the inflation channel 30 causes inflation of both panels.
- the inflation channel 30 may be as described by any one or more of US Patent Nos. 6,423, 166; 8,357,439; D646,972, 8,038,348, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- two inflations channels 30 are included and the two panels of the inflatable bag are optionally isolated in fluid communication, for example by an optional seal 33.
- a seal or seals 33 isolate the air pockets 34 (see Figure 3 A) at the bottoms of the panels such that deflation of one panel does not cause deflation of both panels.
- the inflation channel 30 may be as described by any one or more of US Patent Nos. 6,423, 166; 8,357,439; D646,972, 8,038,348, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- the web of preformed inflatable bags 12 may be inflated to produce cushioning material.
- the inflatable bag 12 may be inflated and sealed in a first step to maintain the cushioning material, and then closed to create a closed inflated bag 50.
- Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an inflatable bag 12 of the web in an inflated condition.
- the web 10 is inflated through the inflation channel 30 and sealed across seals 40 to formed the inflated bags 50.
- the web 10 of inflatable bags can be inflated and sealed in a wide variety of different ways.
- the web 10 can be inflated and sealed in the any one of the manners disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,357,439, 8,038,348, or 7,513,090, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- each panel 18 of the inflated bag 50 is connected (either by sealing or folding) at the bottom of the pouch.
- Each panel 18 has a first ply 17 and a second ply 19.
- the panels 18 are sealed together at the side edges 14 to close the inflated pouch 50.
- Each inflatable bag 50 has an opening 42, and each panel 18 of each inflatable bag 50 has connectors 22. A product may be placed into the inflatable bags through opening 42, and the inflatable bag 50 may be closed using connectors 22.
- the web of inflatable bags 12 may be made from plastic film.
- An exemplary method for making the web 10 of inflatable bags 12 is illustrated in Figure 5.
- the single layers may be plastic and, as shown, have a width Wi.
- An exemplary width may be 20 inches, but any width may be used to accommodate a desired pouch width.
- the two layers may be of any of the web materials identified in any of the patents and published applications which are incorporated herein by reference.
- One or both of the layers may include an inflation edge line of perforations 511 that is spaced apart from the edge 513. The perforations 513 are useable to separate the preformed bags 12 after final assembly.
- the inflation edge line of perforations could be in line with the edge 513 or omitted.
- the two layers are sealed together according to the seal and inflation pattern 512.
- the seal pattern having a hexagon cell pattern and shown in Figure 1 is used.
- the layers are also sealed together at top and bottom ends as indicated by arrows 514, 516, respectively.
- a registration perforation 552 is used for registering the two labels prior to a folding operation.
- the illustrated single layer of inflatable material formed at position 510 is replaced with material formed in accordance with US Patent No. 6,423,166.
- the material formed at position 510 (or material formed as described in US Patent No. 6,423, 166) is folded approximately in half on a fold line 551 to form a bottom edge 20 of the bag 12.
- Cross seals 522 are formed through the four layers (two layers from the top set of layers and two layers from the bottom set of layers) to form the bags 12.
- a trim line 553, for example, by hot knife, is added to remove excess material.
- the web may be inflated at the next portion 530 to create a web of inflated bags 50.
- a line of perforations 554 may be added at station 540 or any of the previous stations 510, 520, 530 to allow for separation after final inflation and sealing of the bags.
- the web 10 of inflatable bags 12 may be shipped to a site where items are packaged instead of inflating the bags at stations 530 or 540. At that site, the web 10 may be inflated after packaging of the product to form inflated bags 50.
- the inflated bag 12 may alternatively be loaded with a product after the inflation and sealing that maintains inflation. The top of the pouch may be sealed after any product is loaded.
- position 540 represents a different location where the web 10 is inflated and sealed to maintain the inflation of the bags 12.
- the web 10 of inflatable bags 12 is packaging, for example, rolled up or folded into a box and shipped to the location where the bags are inflated and sealed.
- the web 10 can be inflated and sealed to maintain inflation of the pouches in any one of the manners disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,357,439, 8,038,348, 7,513,090 and Published Application No. 2009/029342.
- FIG. 6a and 6b Another exemplary embodiment of a packaging web is shown in Figures 6a and 6b.
- the embodiment illustrated is similar to the embodiment illustrated by Figures 1 and 2.
- a separate outer skin is not used.
- the inflatable packaging web 700 has been formed by two layers, an outside layer 712 and an inside layer 714, to form an opening 710.
- the inside layer has a pattern of inflated cells 720 formed by a inflation process, as discussed herein.
- the outside layer 712 is relatively smooth and unaffected by the inflation process.
- the seals 40 are closed to maintain the inflation in the pouch.
- the panels may be made from the web disclosed in US Patent No. D596,031 or the web disclosed in US Patent No. 6,423,166, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- FIGs 6C and 6C Another exemplary embodiment of a packaging web is shown in Figures 6C and 6C.
- the embodiment illustrated is similar to the embodiment illustrated by Figures and 6a and 6b, except the option of having inflation channels on both sides of the bag is illustrated.
- Figure 6D the seals 40 on both sides of the bag are closed to maintain the inflation in the pouch.
- FIG 7 only a single pouch of the packaging web 700 is shown.
- the pouch 730 is defined in part by side edges 724.
- the outside layer 712 is relatively smooth and unaffected by the inflation process.
- the outside layer 712 includes imprinted information on the relatively smooth surface, such as for example, bar code date 654 and packaging indicia 652.
- the web may include an outer skin separate from the inflation layers.
- the outer skin may be made of any thin material of suitable strength, such as for example, paper or plastic, and the material may be printable.
- the outer skin remains sufficiently smooth after all manufacturing steps, such as for example, initial inflation, flattening, and re- inflation, so that the bar coding is readable by a scanner.
- the outer skin may be sealed on all four sides around the perimeter of the preformed pouch. If the end user of the on-demand inflatable packaging produces packaging as an end product, such as for example, a padded mailer envelope, the outer skin may be sealed on only three sides around the perimeter of the envelope to allow for depositing of a product.
- the open side may include user sealable features, such as for example, a removable strip which temporarily protects an adhesive strip.
- Figure 8a is a top view of inflatable packaging web 610
- a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web 610 is shown along the center of a pouch in Figure 8b
- a sectional view of the inflatable packaging web 610 is shown along the side edge of a pouch in Figure 8c.
- the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8a-8c is similar to the embodiment illustrated by Figures 6a and 6b, except the packaging web 610 includes an outside skin 612.
- the outside skin 612 may be provided around the entire web as shown or adhered to one or both of the panels 18.
- the packaging web 610 includes a string of side connected inflatable pouches 12 with the skin 612 disposed around the pouches 12.
- Each pouch 12 includes at least one inflatable panel 18.
- the inflatable panel can take a wide variety of different forms.
- the panels 18 are made from the web disclosed in US Patent No.
- Each pouch 12 is formed by sealing a pair of panels 18 together along a bottom edge 20 and side edges 14 or by folding a larger panel in half along the bottom edge and sealing the side edges together.
- outside skin 612 is only connected to the panels at the side edges 14, preferably by the seals 40.
- This structure may be the case when the skin 612 is disposed completely around the pouches 12 as shown, when the skin is connected to one side of the web, but not to the other, or when separate skins are attached to opposite sides of the web 610.
- the skin will wrinkle less when the pouches are inflated, as compared to a skin that is attached to the entire surface(s) of the web 610.
- the skin 612 attached in this manner will not wrinkle significantly, if the web is made from a vacuum process as disclosed in US Patent No. 6,423, 166.
- the skin 612 is attached, adhered, or bonded to an entire surface or substantially all of the surface of the panels.
- FIG. 8a-8c One ( Figures 8a-8c) or both ( Figures 8D-8F) of the panels 18 include an inflation channel 30.
- only one inflation channel 30 is included and the two panels of the pouch are in fluid communication, such that inflation of one of the panels inflates the other panel.
- passages 32 connect the air pockets 34 at the bottoms of the panels to one another such that inflation through the inflation channel 30 causes inflation of both panels.
- two inflation channels 30 are included and a seal 33 isolates the two panels, such that deflation of one of the panels does not deflate the other panel.
- the seal 33 blocks the passages 32 connect the air pockets 34 at the bottoms of the panels to one another such that inflation through the inflation channel 30 causes inflation of both panels.
- the inflation channel(s) 30 may be as described by any one or more of US Patent Nos. 6,423, 166; 8,357,439; D646,972, 8,038,348, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- the inflation channel(s) 30 include a line of perforations 890.
- the line of perforations allows the inflation channels 30 to be broken apart without the use of a knife and removed from an inflation nozzle.
- the web 10 also includes cuts 892 that extend through all of the plies of the web 10 (through both panels 18 and through both skins 612). These cuts 892 allow the bags to be opened more easily and to a larger extent for filling with a product.
- An exemplary inflation of the web 610 is illustrated in Figures 9-1 lb.
- the web 10 is inflated through the inflation channel 30. As shown in an inflated condition, the cushioning bubble pattern of the pouches is opened by inflation on the inward side of the pouch.
- Figure 10 illustrates that one of the panels is sealed across seals 40 to form and seal the inflated pouches 50 inside the skin 612.
- the inflatable web of pouches 610 can be inflated and sealed in a wide variety of different ways.
- the web 10 can be inflated and sealed in any one of the manners disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,357,439, 8,038,348, 7,513,090 and Published Application No. 2009/029342.
- FIG. 9A Another exemplary inflation of a web 610 is illustrated in Figures 9A and 10A.
- the web 10 is inflated through two inflation channels 30 as shown, or through a single inflation channel 10. As shown in an inflated condition, the cushioning bubble pattern of the pouches is opened by inflation on the inward side of the pouch.
- the arrows 1000 in Figure 10 illustrates that a single seal is formed across the inflated pouches 50 and the skins 612 to both seal the inflated pouches 50 and close the skins 612.
- This single seal can be accomplished in a wide variety of different ways.
- the web 10 can be inflated and sealed in any one of the manners disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,357,439, 8,038,348, 7,513,090 and Published Application No. 2009/029342.
- the skin 612 is longer on one side of the pouch to form a sealing flap 614.
- the inflated pouch 50 may be loaded with a product, either by a packer or a consumer, the sealing flap 614 is moved to a closed position on an opposing side of the pouch, and the sealing flap 614 is positioned to seal the package at an overlap position 616.
- Other sealing structure for the outer skin may be used in the practice of this invention, such as for example, two flaps on each side of the pouch of equal length that are joined together, such as for example, by a strip of adhesive on an inward side of at least one flap.
- the package 650 includes an outer skin 612 and the sealing flap 614, which is positioned to seal the package at an overlap position 616.
- Bar code data 654 and product indicia 652 are imprinted onto the outer skin 612. The imprinted operation may take place before or after inflation of the web, and before or after depositing of product by a packer.
- the exemplary packaging web is similar to the embodiment illustrated by Figures 6-8, except the outer skin is sealed to close the pouch before final inflation of the web.
- the web may be at least partially inflated before the outer skin is sealed. If so, the web may be partially flattened prior to sealing the outer skin.
- a top edge of the skin 610 is connected to form an enclosed channel 1212, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.
- the inflatable packaging web 1210 is shown along the middle of a pouch.
- the inflatable packaging web 1210 is shown along the edge line 14 of the pouch. In a non-inflated and stored configuration, the entire web may be at least partially flatten.
- a product may be deposited into the pouch by several different ways.
- the product may be inserted into the open end of the pouch, either by manual or by automated techniques.
- the product can be inserted into the open end before the pouch is inflated and sealed.
- the product can be inserted into the pouch through the open end and the pouch is inflated and sealed.
- a packer may select one of these options, in view of the product size, weight, or other characteristics.
- FIG. 21a and 21b Examples of packaging machines that can be modified, or combined, to open, load, close, and seal the outer skin are described in US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6, 170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; and 5,944,424, and US Publication No. 2012/0214658, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Other skin configurations may be used in the practice of this invention to load, close and seal a padded package by a packaging machine.
- a bagging machine is used to load, close and seal a padded package by a packaging machine.
- the pouch is loaded with a product, and the outer skin is sealed.
- the pouch, loaded with a product may be placed in a mailing bag.
- a pouch loaded with a product is placed in a bag and the bag is sealed with a bagging machine.
- a pouch loaded with a product may be bagged using any one of the machines disclosed by US Patent No.
- FIGS. 15-20 illustrate a method of forming an inflated/padded package 1500 from the web 1210 with the packaging machine. Referring to Figure 15, a top of the skin 610 is cut, slit, or otherwise separated. The machine makes the slit, cut, or other separation in the same manner as is disclosed in US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6,170,238;
- top lips 1610 are formed and grabbed by belts 1612.
- the belts travel the same direction as the web and act to pull the web in the forward direction through the machinery.
- the belts 1612 may have the same form disclosed by US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6, 170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; or
- the belts 1612 pull the lips apart to open the pouch.
- a product 1710 is deposited into the pouch.
- the depositing of the product may be done by automated machinery or manually by hand.
- Figures 18-20 illustrate an exemplary process for finishing the packaging of a product.
- Figure 19 is a sectional view showing the web 610 being inflated around a product 1710.
- the web may be inflated by a inflation nozzle 1810 into a inflation channel 30.
- the web may be sealed by sealing the web at the seals 40 to maintain the inflation.
- Figure 20 illustrates the flaps 1610 of the outer skin in a sealed position. Once the web 610 reaches this condition, the individual packages may be separated from the web, such as for example, by separating at edge perforations.
- the packaging machine 2110 includes several stations. Each station performs one or more particular purposes as the web travels through each station.
- the packaging machine 2110 includes a load station 2112, an inflation and sealing station 2114, and a skin sealing station 2116. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that packaging machine 2110 is offered for exemplary purposes only, and that the invention may be practiced with other packaging machines, or with a combination of packaging machines and one or more manual assembly steps.
- a packaging web 1210 is moved along a path of travel toward a load station 2112.
- the load station is used to deposit automatically one of more pieces of product into each pouch of the web 1210.
- the enclosed channel 1212 (see Figures 13-15) is cut open.
- the flaps 1610 are engaged and pulled apart by belts, which also pull the web through the machinery.
- the outsides of the web travels outward along an angled path 2202 prior to a loading point.
- the load station 2112 may correspond to a load station disclosed in US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6, 170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; or 5,944,424.
- the load station 2112 includes a length of travel in which the two panels are held apart a distance. In the length of travel, a loading cavity 2204 is created in between the panels of each pouch. As shown in Figures 21a and 21b, the product 1710 is deposited a direction Di into the loading cavity by load station 2112. As discussed herein, the loading may be by automated machinery or by a manual step. At the end of the loading station 2012, the sides of the panel are brought back together to be contiguous or relatively contiguous at a pre- sealing point 2206.
- inflation and sealing components 2114 correspond to inflation and sealing components disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,357,439, 8,038,348, 7,513,090 or Published Application No. 2009/029342 and are provided after the load station 2112.
- the web includes a channel for the pouches to be inflated. Referring specifically to Figures 18 and 21, the channel 30 is routed onto a pin which includes an inflation nozzle 1810. The pin and inflation nozzle 1810 slides into the channel as the web travels through the machinery and inflates the pouch around the product by a blower 2208. As shown in Figure 19, the pouch is then sealed along the seals 40 to maintain inflation of the pouch.
- This sealing may be performed by sealing belts that have the configuration of sealing belts disclosed by US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6,170,238;
- the pouches of the web are vacuum formed, such as for example, by using the material disclosed by US Patent No. 6,423, 166.
- a skin sealing station 2116 is positioned after the inflation and sealing components 2114. Still referring to Figure 21a and 21b, the outer skin is sealed by sealing belts.
- the sealing is controlled by a heater temperature control 2210 and a heater position control 2212.
- the sealing belts may have the configuration of the sealing belts of US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6,170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; or 5,944,424.
- the sealing of the pouches and the sealing of the skins is accomplished with a single seal.
- a single sealer would seal across all four layers, i.e., the two layers at the end of the pouch and two layers of the skins 1610, at the same time.
- the skin sealing station 2116 corresponds to a closure and sealing station disclosed by US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6, 170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; or 5,944,424.
- the method is useable for forming re-inflatable material that can be used to product cushioning material in any of the embodiments disclosed by this application.
- the web of preformed pouches may be of a variety of forms in the practice of the invention.
- the web may be an inflatable cushioning material designed to be inflated at a later time by an end user.
- An exemplary material is described in US Patent No. 6,423, 166. The end user inflates this material on-demand and inflates only the amount of wrapping material that is required at that time.
- a machine 800 is arranged to produce an inflatable cushioning material.
- the machine includes two adjacent wheels, a base wheel 712 rotating in a direction T 1 and a forming wheel 710 rotating in an opposite direction T 2 .
- Two individual layers of plastic film 700, 702 are pulled in a direction A 2 between the two wheels 710, 712.
- the forming wheel 710 has a patterned surface 714 to produce an inflatable pattern on the web 704.
- the base wheel 712 may have a smooth surface 716.
- the inflatable cushioning material may be stored in bulk amounts in a container 720 in non-inflated form until an end-user is ready to use the material.
- Another machine or series of machine can attached the outer skin and inflate the cushioning material in an amount desired.
- the web includes an inflation pattern 750 which includes a repetitive of individual cells 752 arranged in an alternating pattern. After an inflation process, such as by vacuum, the cells may have a distinguishable shape, such as for example, hexagonal.
- the patterned web may shrink in both longitudinal and lateral directions to form the inflated pattern. Any separate outer skin may be attached to the inflatable cushioning material at the edges only to minimize shrinkage or distortion.
- Figures 24a-24e illustrate an exemplary method of using a web of inflatable bags 12 and non-inflatable bags 2404 to make packages 2400.
- Figure 24a shows an inflatable bag 12 in a non-inflated condition.
- the inflatable bag 12 may have any of the configurations disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable bags do not have an outer skin.
- the inflatable bag 12 has two panels 18, a bottom edge 20, and optional connection 22. Each panel has a first ply 17 and a second ply 19 that are sealed to form an inflation pattern.
- Figure 24b shows the inflatable bag 12 after it has been inflated and sealed, thereby forming inflated bag 50.
- Figure 24c illustrates the inflated bag 50 of Figure 24b after a product 2402 is deposited in inflated bag 50.
- Figure 24d shows the inflated bag 50 and product 2402 loaded into non-inflatable bag 2404, thereby forming the package 2400.
- Inflated bag 50 may be closed by forming the optional connection 22.
- the optional connection 22 can take a wide variety of different forms, examples include, but are not limited to adhesive, a heat seal, zip lock, tape or the like.
- Figure 24e illustrates the package 2400 after non-inflatable bag 2404 is closed with inflated bag 50 and product 2402 within the closed non-inflatable bag 2404.
- Figure 25a-25e illustrate another exemplary method of using a web of inflatable bags 12 and non-inflatable bags 2404 to make packages 2400.
- Figure 25a shows an inflatable bag 12 in a non -inflated condition.
- the inflatable bag 12 may have any of the configurations disclosed herein.
- the inflatable bags 12 do not have an outer skin.
- the inflatable bag 12 has two panels 18, a bottom edge 20, and connectors 22. Each panel has a first ply 17 and a second ply 19.
- Figure 25b shows the inflatable bag 12 after a product 2402 is deposited into inflatable bag 12, which occurs prior to inflating inflatable bag 12.
- Figure 25c illustrates the inflatable bag 12 and product 2402 of Figure 25b after inflatable bag 12 is inflated and sealed, thereby forming inflated bag 50.
- Figure 25d shows inflated bag 50 and product 2402 loaded into non-inflatable bag 2404, thereby forming package 2400.
- Inflated bag 50 is optionally closed by optional connections 22.
- Figure 25e illustrates package 2400 after non-inflatable bag 2404 is closed with inflated bag 50 and product 2402 within the closed non-inflatable bag 2404.
- connections 22 may take any form that closes inflated bag 50, such as an adhesive, a heat seal, a zip-lock connection, tape or the like.
- the inflated bags 50 and product 2402 may be loaded into non-inflatable bags 2404 to form packages 2400 using a packaging machine 2600, 2700.
- the packaging machine 2600 includes non-inflatable bags 2404 that travel through a load station 2610 and a sealing station 2620.
- packaging machine 2610 is offered for exemplary purposes only, and that the invention may be practiced with other packaging machines, or with a combination of packaging machines and one or more manual assembly steps.
- a web of non-inflatable bags 2404 is moved along a path of travel toward a load station 2610.
- the inflated bag 50 and product 2402 is automatically or manually deposited into non-inflatable bag 2404.
- the sides of the non-inflatable bag 2404 are engaged and pulled apart by belts, which also pull the web of non-inflatable bags 2404 through the packaging machine.
- the outside of the web travels outward along an angled path 2614 prior to a loading point 2616.
- the load station 2610 may correspond to a load station disclosed in US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6,170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; or 5,944,424.
- the load station 2610 includes a length of travel, along which the sides of the non-inflatable bags 2404 are held apart a distance. In this length of travel, a loading cavity 2616 is created in between the sides of each non-inflatable bag 2404. As shown in Figure 26a, the inflated bag 50 and product 2402 is deposited in a direction Di into the loading cavity 2616 of the opened non-inflatable bag 2404 at load station 2610. As discussed herein, the loading may be by automated machinery or by a manual step. At the end of the loading station 2610, the sides of the non-inflatable bag 2404 are brought back together to be contiguous or relatively contiguous at a pre-sealing point 2618.
- sealing components 2620 correspond to the sealing components disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,357,439, 8,038,348, 7,513,090 or Published Application No. 2009/029342 and are provided after the load station 2610. As shown in Figures 24e and 25e, the non-inflatable bag 2404 is sealed. This sealing may be performed by sealing belts that have the configuration of sealing belts disclosed by US Patent Nos. 7,552,571; 6, 170,238; 6,055,796; 5,996,319; 5,987,856; or 5,944,424.
- Figures 27a-27c illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a packaging machine 2700 that may be used to load inflated bag 50 and product 2402 into non-inflatable bag 2404.
- a web 2702 of non-inflatable bags 2404 is loaded into packaging machine 2700.
- An indexing mechanism 2701 moves the web 2702 along a path of travel.
- the indexing mechanism 2701 may take a wide variety of different forms. For example, any indexing mechanism that can be controlled to index the non-inflatable bags 2404 of the web 2702 may be used.
- the indexing mechanism includes a pair of rollers 2704 that form a nip that engages web 2702.
- Packaging machine 2700 also includes an opening arrangement 2710 to create an opening 2716 in non-inflatable bag 2404.
- the opening arrangement includes grippers 2712 that pull apart the sides of non-inflatable bag 2404.
- the opening arrangement 2710 may take a wide variety of different forms. For example, any opening arrangement that can be controlled to open the non-inflatable bags 2404 of web 2702 may be used.
- a blower (not shown) may be used to create opening 2716.
- the above-mentioned embodiment for a packaging machine 2700 is only exemplary.
- the packaging machine 2700 may also have the configuration of any of the packaging machines disclosed by US Patent Nos. 8,307,617, 8,069,635, or
- the grippers close non-inflatable bag 2404 after the inflated bag 50 and product 2402 are loaded into the non-inflatable bag 2404.
- the opening arrangement 2710 does not include grippers 2712
- the non-inflatable bag 2404 may be closed in another manner.
- packaging machine 2700 may close the non-inflatable bag 2404 simply by closing the seal bar.
- the non-inflatable bag 2404 is sealed using sealing arrangement 2720.
- the non-inflatable bag may be sealed at the position located in Figures 27a-27c, or the grippers 2712 may release the non- inflatable bag 2404, and the non-inflatable bag 2404 may be indexed to another position for sealing.
- the non-inflatable bag 2404 is sealed while the grippers 2712 is holding the non-inflatable bag 2404 closed.
- the sealing arrangement 2720 may take a wide variety of different forms. For example, any mechanism that applies heat to the non- inflatable bag 2404 to create a seal may be implemented.
- the sealing arrangement 2720 includes a seal backing bar 2718 and a heating element 2716 that are selectively moved into and out of engagement.
- the non- inflatable bag 2404 is sealed by clamping the non-inflatable bag between the seal backing bar 2718 and heating element 2716.
- the seal backing bar 2718 has a rubber seal backing element 2717. The seal backing bar 2718 may be moved to the clamped position.
- a controller (not shown) is in communication with the indexing mechanism
- the controller controls the indexing mechanism 2701, the opening arrangement 2710, and the sealing arrangement 2720 to convert the non-inflatable bags 2404 into packages 2400 holding inflated bag 50 and product 2402.
- controllers can be used and programmed to control the indexing mechanism 2701, the opening arrangement 2710, and the sealing arrangement 2720 as described herein.
- 5,341,625 to Kramer can be modified to control the indexing mechanism 2701, the opening arrangement 2710, and the sealing arrangement 2720 to form packages 2400.
- the web 2702 of non-inflatable bags 2404 is moved through packaging machine 2700 using indexing mechanism 2701.
- the indexing mechanism 2701 moves a non-inflatable bag 2404 of web 2702 into a position to be opened by opening arrangement 2710 to create opening 2716.
- Inflated bag 50 and product 2402 are loaded into the opened non-inflatable bag 2404.
- grippers 2712 are used to create opening 2716, and grippers 2712 are used to close non-inflatable bag 2404. Once the non-inflatable bag is closed, sealing arrangement seals the non-inflatable bag to create package 2400.
- Figures 28A- 28E are similar to Figures 24A-24e, except the panels of the web of inflatable bags 12 are separately inflatable and are optionally isolated from one another, so that if one panel deflates, the other panel remains inflated.
- Figure 28 A shows an inflatable bag 12 in a non-inflated condition.
- the inflatable bag 12 may have any of the configurations disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable bags do not have an outer skin.
- the inflatable bag 12 has two panels 18, a bottom edge 20, and optional connection 22. Each panel has a first ply 17 and a second ply 19 that are sealed to form an inflation pattern.
- Figure 28B shows the inflatable bag 12 after it has been inflated and sealed, thereby forming inflated bag 50.
- Figure 28C illustrates the inflated bag 50 of Figure 28B after a product 2402 is deposited in inflated bag 50.
- Figure 28D shows the inflated bag 50 and product 2402 loaded into non-inflatable bag 2404, thereby forming the package 2400.
- Inflated bag 50 may be closed by forming the optional connection 22.
- the optional connection 22 can take a wide variety of different forms, examples include, but are not limited to adhesive, a heat seal, zip lock, tape or the like.
- Figure 28E illustrates the package 2400 after non-inflatable bag 2404 is closed with inflated bag 50 and product 2402 within the closed non-inflatable bag 2404.
- Figures 29A- 29E are similar to Figures 25A-25e, except the panels of the web of inflatable bags 12 are separately inflatable and are optionally isolated from one another, so that if one panel deflates, the other panel remains inflated.
- Figure 29A shows an inflatable bag 12 in a non-inflated condition.
- the inflatable bag 12 may have any of the configurations disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the inflatable bags 12 do not have an outer skin.
- the inflatable bag 12 has two panels 18, a bottom edge 20, and connectors 22. Each panel has a first ply 17 and a second ply 19.
- Figure 29B shows the inflatable bag 12 after a product 2402 is deposited into inflatable bag 12, which occurs prior to inflating inflatable bag 12.
- Figure 29C illustrates the inflatable bag 12 and product 2402 of Figure 25b after inflatable bag 12 is inflated and sealed, thereby forming inflated bag 50.
- Figure 29D shows inflated bag 50 and product 2402 loaded into non-inflatable bag 2404, thereby forming package 2400.
- Inflated bag 50 is optionally closed by optional connections 22.
- Figure 29E illustrates package 2400 after non-inflatable bag 2404 is closed with inflated bag 50 and product 2402 within the closed non-inflatable bag 2404.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Buffer Packaging (AREA)
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201562270205P | 2015-12-21 | 2015-12-21 | |
PCT/US2016/068025 WO2017112773A1 (en) | 2015-12-21 | 2016-12-21 | On-demand inflatable packaging |
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EP3393916A1 true EP3393916A1 (en) | 2018-10-31 |
EP3393916A4 EP3393916A4 (en) | 2019-05-29 |
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US (1) | US20170225813A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3393916A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2019503306A (en) |
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AU (1) | AU2016378584A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112018012634A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3008861A1 (en) |
CL (1) | CL2018001684A1 (en) |
CO (1) | CO2018007091A2 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2018007524A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017112773A1 (en) |
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WO2018064541A1 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2018-04-05 | Pregis Innovative Packaging Llc | Connective protective packaging |
WO2019140065A1 (en) * | 2018-01-12 | 2019-07-18 | Sealed Air Corporation (Us) | Inflatable on-demand mailer pouches and associated methods |
EP3752352A1 (en) * | 2018-02-14 | 2020-12-23 | Automated Packaging Systems, LLC. | Methods and machines for making padded envelopes from on-demand inflatable packaging |
EP3898423A1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2021-10-27 | Sealed Air Corporation (US) | Automated packaging station and system for packaging objects |
US20220234325A1 (en) * | 2019-05-09 | 2022-07-28 | Sealed Air Corporation (Us) | Guides for folded portions of inflatable webs |
US11214425B2 (en) * | 2020-03-21 | 2022-01-04 | Michael G Kaminski | Method for inflating airbags |
WO2022076499A1 (en) * | 2020-10-08 | 2022-04-14 | Automated Packaging Systems, Llc | Webs of cushioned closable bags |
Family Cites Families (10)
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FR2626252B1 (en) * | 1988-01-26 | 1990-05-18 | Bull Sa | PACKAGING SHIM, CONTAINER FOR SUCH A SHIM AND PACKAGING METHOD USING SUCH A SHIM |
US5743070A (en) * | 1996-08-16 | 1998-04-28 | Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. | Packaging machine, material and method |
JP4434952B2 (en) * | 2002-09-04 | 2010-03-17 | 株式会社サンエー化研 | Method and apparatus for manufacturing buffer package with packaged article |
JP3639834B2 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2005-04-20 | キヤノン株式会社 | Packing member, packing method using packing member, and manufacturing method of packing member |
ES2608877T3 (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2017-04-17 | Automated Packaging Systems, Inc | Band and procedure to perform fluid-filled units |
US9381715B2 (en) * | 2008-09-03 | 2016-07-05 | Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. | Method and apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions with rotary sealing mechanism |
US20140130461A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2014-05-15 | Pronova Ab | Device for producing shock-absorbing inflatable package and method for filling it |
US20130067860A1 (en) * | 2011-09-19 | 2013-03-21 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Form fill compression seal and cut-off packaging system for compressible goods |
NZ710580A (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-07-29 | Automated Packaging Syst Inc | On-demand inflatable packaging |
US9969136B2 (en) * | 2013-04-19 | 2018-05-15 | Sealed Air Corporation (Us) | Inflatable pouches |
-
2016
- 2016-12-21 CA CA3008861A patent/CA3008861A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-12-21 BR BR112018012634A patent/BR112018012634A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2016-12-21 AU AU2016378584A patent/AU2016378584A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-12-21 JP JP2018532200A patent/JP2019503306A/en active Pending
- 2016-12-21 EP EP16880026.6A patent/EP3393916A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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- 2016-12-21 US US15/386,795 patent/US20170225813A1/en not_active Abandoned
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- 2018-07-06 CO CONC2018/0007091A patent/CO2018007091A2/en unknown
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WO2017112773A1 (en) | 2017-06-29 |
KR20180096744A (en) | 2018-08-29 |
CO2018007091A2 (en) | 2018-07-19 |
CL2018001684A1 (en) | 2018-11-09 |
EP3393916A4 (en) | 2019-05-29 |
CA3008861A1 (en) | 2017-06-29 |
AU2016378584A1 (en) | 2018-06-28 |
JP2019503306A (en) | 2019-02-07 |
BR112018012634A2 (en) | 2018-12-04 |
US20170225813A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
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