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WO2018048745A1 - Bande d'amortissement gonflable - Google Patents

Bande d'amortissement gonflable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018048745A1
WO2018048745A1 PCT/US2017/049898 US2017049898W WO2018048745A1 WO 2018048745 A1 WO2018048745 A1 WO 2018048745A1 US 2017049898 W US2017049898 W US 2017049898W WO 2018048745 A1 WO2018048745 A1 WO 2018048745A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
inflation
inflatable
row
cells
web
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/049898
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jason Lepine
Laurence Sperry
Original Assignee
Sealed Air Corporation (Us)
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 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) filed Critical Sealed Air Corporation (Us)
Publication of WO2018048745A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018048745A1/fr

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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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31D—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C
    • B31D5/00—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles
    • B31D5/0039—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads
    • B31D5/0073—Multiple-step processes for making three-dimensional articles ; Making three-dimensional articles for making dunnage or cushion pads including pillow forming
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • 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
    • B65D81/03—Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films

Definitions

  • the presently disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable web, useful once inflated, for example, as protective packaging cushioning.
  • an inflatable web has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the web comprises a top film sealed to a bottom film in selected regions to define (i) a plurality of inflation rows each having a proximal end and a distal end and (ii) an inflation port at the proximal end of each inflation row.
  • Each inflation row comprises a plurality of inflatable cells in fluid communication with each other via an interconnecting inflation channel between adjacent inflatable cells of the inflation row.
  • Each plurality of inflatable cells comprises a proximal inflatable cell at the proximal end of the inflation row, a distal inflatable cell at the distal end of the inflation row, and a plurality of intermediate inflatable cells between the proximal and distal inflatable cells.
  • Each inflatable cell has a peripheral seal boundary defining a peripheral shape of the inflatable cell.
  • the peripheral seal boundary of each of the intermediate inflatable cells accommodates two of the interconnecting inflation channels.
  • the peripheral shape of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of a respective inflation row of the plurality of inflation rows is asymmetrical relative to at least one of (a) a line extending in the transverse direction through the middle of the inflatable cell and (b) a line extending in the longitudinal direction through the middle of the inflatable cell.
  • the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of two adjacent inflation rows of the plurality of inflation rows have corresponding peripheral seal boundaries that are spaced apart.
  • an inflatable web has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the web comprises a top film sealed to a bottom film in selected regions to define (i) a plurality of inflation rows each having a proximal end and a distal end and (ii) an inflation port at the proximal end of each inflation row.
  • Each inflation row comprises a plurality of inflatable cells in fluid communication with each other via an interconnecting inflation channel between adjacent inflatable cells of the inflation row.
  • Each plurality of inflatable cells comprises a proximal inflatable cell at the proximal end of the inflation row, a distal inflatable cell at the distal end of the inflation row, and a plurality of intermediate inflatable cells between the proximal and distal inflatable cells.
  • Each inflatable cell has a peripheral seal boundary defining a peripheral shape of the inflatable cell.
  • the peripheral seal boundary of each of the intermediate inflatable cells accommodates two of the interconnecting inflation channels.
  • At least two of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of a respective inflation row of the plurality of inflation rows have differing peripheral shapes.
  • an inflatable web has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the web comprises a top film sealed to a bottom film in selected regions to define (i) a plurality of inflation rows each having a proximal end and a distal end and (ii) an inflation port at the proximal end of each inflation row.
  • Each inflation row comprises a plurality of inflatable cells in fluid communication with each other via an interconnecting inflation channel between adjacent inflatable cells of the inflation row.
  • Each plurality of inflatable cells comprises a proximal inflatable cell at the proximal end of the inflation row, a distal inflatable cell at the distal end of the inflation row, and a plurality of intermediate inflatable cells between the proximal and distal inflatable cells.
  • Each inflatable cell has a peripheral seal boundary defining a peripheral shape of the inflatable cell.
  • the peripheral seal boundary of each of the intermediate inflatable cells accommodates two of the interconnecting inflation channels.
  • One or more of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of a respective inflation row comprise one or more internal sealed regions within the respective peripheral seal boundary of the intermediate inflatable cell.
  • FIG. 1 is a representative top plan view of an inflatable web
  • FIG. 1 A is a representative top plan view of an alternative inflatable web
  • FIG. 2 is a representative side elevational view of an apparatus for inflating the inflatable web
  • FIG. 3 is a representative partial front elevational view of the apparatus depicted in Figure 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a representative perspective view of a portion of the apparatus depicted in Figure 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a representative sectional view taken along the line 5-5 shown in Figure 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a representative top plan view of the inflated web, inflated from the inflatable web shown in Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a representative top plan view of an alternative inflatable web
  • FIG. 8 is a representative top plan view of the inflated web, inflated from inflatable web shown in Figure 7;
  • FIG. 9 is a representative top plan view of an alternative inflatable web.
  • FIG. 10 is a representative top plan view of the inflated web, inflated from inflatable web shown in Figure 9.
  • Inflatable webs e.g., 10, 12, 18, 22 of the presently disclosed subject matter include a top film 30 sealed to a bottom film 32 in selected regions 40 to define a plurality of inflation rows (e.g., 34, 36, 38). ( Figures 1 , 1A, 7, and 9.)
  • top and bottom films 30, 32 include films having at least one surface conducive to sealing to another film in selected regions.
  • either of top and bottom films 30, 32 may be a monolayer film comprising a heat sealable (e.g. , thermoplastic) polymer, or may be a multilayer film comprising an inside layer comprising a heat sealable polymer.
  • a film inherently has two external surfaces, described herein as an "inside” surface and an "outside” surface opposite the inside surface.
  • the "inside” layer of a multilayer film is the layer forming the inside surface of the film
  • the "outside” layer of a multilayer film is the layer forming the outside surface of the film.
  • the top and bottom films sealed to each other have their "inside” surfaces (i.e., their inside layers if multilayered) facing each other, with their "outside” surfaces opposing the inside surfaces.
  • the top and bottom films 30, 32 may be initially distinct, separate films that are superimposed and sealed, or the top and bottom films 30, 32 may be created from a single expanse of film by folding the single expanse of film over onto itself to create a folded edge (e.g., a "C" fold).
  • the films 30, 32 may comprise any flexible material that can be manipulated to enclose a gas in the inflatable cells created between the films.
  • Useful materials may include one or more thermoplastic polymers, such as polymers selected from one or more of polyethylene homopolymer, polyethylene copolymer, polypropylene homopolymer, polypropylene copolymer (e.g., propylene/ethylene copolymer), polyester, polystyrene, polyamide, and polycarbonate.
  • Polyethyene homopolymer may be selected from, for example, one or more of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • LDPE low density polyethylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • Polyethylene copolymer may be selected from, for example, one or more of ionomers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene/methyl(meth)acrylate copolymer, heterogeneous (Zeigler-Natta catalyzed) ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers, and homogeneous (metallocene, single-cite catalyzed) ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers.
  • Ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers are copolymers of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C3 to C20 alpha-olefins, such as 1 -butene, 1 -pentene, 1 -hexene, 1 -octene, methyl pentene and the like, in which the polymer molecules comprise long chains with relatively few side chain branches, and include, for example, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE), very low density polyethylene
  • VLDPE ultra-low density polyethylene
  • ULDPE ultra-low density polyethylene
  • the top and bottom films 30, 32 may independently be monolayer or multilayer.
  • the top and bottom films may be made by film forming processes known in the art, such as extrusion or coextrusion by melting the component polymer(s) and extruding or coextruding them through one or more flat or annular dies.
  • Inflatable web 10 has top film 30 sealed to bottom film 32 in selected sealed regions 40 to define a plurality of inflation rows 34 between the films.
  • the inflatable web has a longitudinal (i.e., machine) direction "W” and a transverse direction “T” extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction.
  • Each inflation row 34 has a proximal end 42 and a distal end 44 opposite the proximal end.
  • Each inflation row comprises a plurality of inflatable cells 46.
  • the inflatable cells 46 of an inflation row 34 are in fluid communication with each other via interconnecting inflation channels 48 between adjacent inflatable cells 46.
  • Each plurality of inflatable cells 46 of an inflation row 34 includes a proximal inflatable cell 50 at the proximal end 42 of the inflation row, a distal inflatable cell 52 at the distal end 44 of the inflation row 34, and a plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 54 between the proximal inflatable cell 50 and the distal inflatable cell 52. ( Figure 1 .)
  • the sealed regions 40 of the top and bottom films 30, 32 define each inflatable cell 46 by a peripheral seal boundary 56 defining the corresponding peripheral shape 58 of the inflatable cell.
  • the plurality of inflatable cells 46 such as the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 54
  • the plurality of inflatable cells 104 such as the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 1 10 between proximal inflatable cell 106 and distal inflatable cell 108
  • the star is 5-pointed; however, the star shape may be selected from any of, for example, a 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 sided star.
  • the plurality of inflatable cells 1 12, such as the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 1 18 between proximal inflatable cell 1 14 and distal inflatable cell 1 16 have a peripheral shape of a letter, for example, a letter of the English language.
  • the plurality of inflatable cells of a respective inflation row may have the same peripheral shape.
  • the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of a respective inflation row may have the same peripheral shape.
  • At least any of 2, 3, 5, and/or 8 inflatable cells of the plurality of inflatable cells of a respective inflation row may have differing peripheral shapes.
  • At least any of 2, 3, 5, and/or 8 of the plurality of inflation cells of the respective inflation row for example of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of the respective inflation row, of at least any of 2, 3, 5, and/or 8 inflation rows of the plurality of inflation rows may have differing peripheral shapes within the respective inflation row.
  • the peripheral shape of the plurality of inflatable cells of an inflation row may differ from the peripheral shape of the plurality of inflatable cells of another inflation row, for example the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of another inflation row, of the plurality of inflation rows.
  • the peripheral shape of the plurality of inflatable cells, for example the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells, of a first inflation row of the plurality of inflation rows may differ from the peripheral shape of the plurality of inflatable cells, for example the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells, of a second inflation row of the plurality of inflation rows that is adjacent the first inflation row.
  • the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of two adjacent inflation rows have corresponding peripheral seal boundaries that are spaced apart.
  • Spaced apart in this sense means that, for the intermediate inflatable cells of a given first inflation row and the intermediate inflatable cells of a given second inflation row adjacent the given first inflation row, there is a spaced region (e.g., spaced region 41 of Figures 1 , 1A, 7, 9) between the peripheral seal boundaries of the adjacent portions of the inflatable cell of the first inflation row and the inflatable cell of the second inflation row, such that the spaced region does not function (i.e., contribute significantly) to the retention of inflation gas (e.g., air) within the inflated inflatable cell by the peripheral seal boundaries.
  • the spaced regions may comprise (a) unsealed areas between the top and bottom films, (b) sealed areas between the top and bottom films, and (c) both (a) and (b).
  • the spacing apart of the corresponding seal boundaries of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of two adjacent inflation rows may help to distinguish the peripheral shapes to provide greater visual impact for the peripheral shape of the inflatable cells 46.
  • the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells of two adjacent inflation rows have corresponding peripheral seal boundaries that correlate with each other. "Correlate” in this sense means that, for the intermediate inflatable cells of a given first inflation row and the intermediate inflatable cells of a given second inflation row adjacent the given first inflation row, the paths of the peripheral seal boundaries of the directly adjacent portions of the inflatable cell of the first inflation row and the inflatable cell of the second inflation row follow each other to coincide.
  • Correlating corresponding peripheral seal boundaries of the intermediate inflatable cells of adjacent inflation rows may be spaced apart, as described herein, or alternatively may be shared, wherein there is no spaced region between the corresponding peripheral seal boundaries.
  • the selected sealed region 40 may be discontinuous, as shown by inflatable web 12 ( Figure 1A), to delineate one or more unsealed areas 102 that are not configured for inflation.
  • the interconnecting inflation channels 48 accommodates the interconnecting inflation channels 48; for example, the proximate inflatable cell 50 and the distal inflatable cell 52 are each in fluid communication with a corresponding adjacent intermediate inflatable cell of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 54 via a corresponding interconnecting inflation channel 48; and each of the intermediate inflatable cells 54 accommodates two of the interconnecting inflation channels 48, for example to connect two adjacent inflatable cells in fluid communication for inflation, but without significantly interrupting the peripheral seal boundary 56 so that the desired peripheral shape remains largely intact, for example without significantly diminished visual impression or recognition of the peripheral shape.
  • the selected seal regions 40 sealing the top and bottom films 30, 32 also define the inflation ports 60 at the proximal end 42 of each of the inflation rows.
  • the inflation port 60 provides a pathway for an inflation gas (e.g., air) to be injected between the top and bottom films 30, 32 into an inflation row (34, 36, 38) to inflate the inflatable cells (46, 104, 1 12, respectively) of the inflation row. ( Figures 1 , 7, 9.)
  • an inflation gas e.g., air
  • the inflatable web may comprise top and bottom flanges 62, 64, which are formed by a portion of top film 30 and bottom film 32, respectively, extending beyond the inflation ports 60 and the proximal edge of sealed region 40.
  • flanges 62, 64 of Figure 1 extend beyond inflation ports 60 and sealed region 40 for a given width (shown as width "W").
  • width "W" shown as width "W"
  • flanges 62, 64 may each independently be at least 1 ⁇ 4 inch or at least 1 ⁇ 2 inch in width.
  • the flanges may have different widths, or the top and bottom flanges 62, 64 may have equivalent widths as shown in Figure 1 .
  • Flanges 62, 64 in conjunction with inflation ports 60 and the proximal edge of sealed region 40, constitute an open inflation zone of the inflatable web 10 for use in conjunction with an inflation machine to inflate the inflation rows 34.
  • the inner surfaces of flanges 62, 64 may be brought into close slidable contact with outwardly facing surfaces of an appropriately configured inflation nozzle or other inflation device to provide a partially closed inflation zone which promotes efficient and reliable sequential inflation of the inflation rows 34 without restricting the movement of the web or inflation nozzle that is required to effect a sequential inflation.
  • the peripheral shape 58 of the inflatable cells 46 for example, the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 54 of a respective inflation row 34 of the plurality of inflation rows may be asymmetrical relative to at least one of (a) a line 120 extending in the transverse direction through the middle of the inflatable cell and (b) a line 122 extending in the longitudinal direction through the middle of the inflatable cell, and optionally both of (a) and (b).
  • the peripheral shape 58 of a heart for the plurality of inflatable cells 46 of Figure 1 is asymmetrical relative the transverse line 120 and symmetrical relative the longitudinal line 122.
  • the peripheral shape 124 of a star for the plurality of inflatable cells 104 of Figure 7 is symmetrical relative to the transverse line 120 and
  • peripheral shape 126 of a letter for the plurality of inflatable cells 104 of Figure 9 is
  • the inflatable cell 1 12 having the peripheral shape of letter "N” is asymmetrical relative to both the transverse line 120 and the longitudinal line 122.
  • the inflatable cell 1 12 having the peripheral shape of letter "K” is symmetrical relative to the transverse line 120 and asymmetrical relative the longitudinal line 122.
  • the inflatable cell 1 12 having the peripheral shape of letter ⁇ " is asymmetrical relative to the transverse line 120 and symmetrical relative the longitudinal line 122.
  • the inflatable cell 104 may comprise one or more internal sealed regions 128 within the peripheral seal boundary 56 of the sealed region 40. ( Figures 7.)
  • one or more of the plurality of inflatable cells 104 of the respective inflation row 36 may comprise one or more internal sealed regions 128 within the respective peripheral seal boundary 56 of the inflatable cell.
  • Figure 7. For example, at least any of 2, 3, 5, and/or 8 of the plurality of inflation cells 104 of a respective inflation row 36, for example of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 1 10 of a respective inflation row 36, may comprise one or more internal sealed regions 128 within the peripheral seal boundary 56 of the inflatable cell.
  • At least any of 2, 3, 5, and/or 8 inflation rows of the plurality of inflation rows 36 of the web may comprise one or more of the plurality of inflatable cells 104 of the respective inflation row 36, for example one or more of the plurality of intermediate inflatable cells 1 10 of the respective inflation row 36, having one or more internal sealed regions 128 within the respective peripheral seal boundary 56 of the inflatable cell.
  • the inflatable cell may further comprises any of two or more and three or more internal sealed regions 128 with the peripheral seal boundary 56. ( Figure 7.)
  • Figure 9 illustrates inflatable cell 1 12 having a peripheral seal boundary 56in the shape of the letter “A” or the letter “O” having an internal sealed region 128 within the peripheral seal boundary 56 of the sealed region 40.
  • the internal sealed regions 128 within the peripheral seal boundary 56 of an inflatable cell may be created as the same time and as part of the formation of the selected sealed regions 40, as described herein.
  • the configurations of inflatable cells that have internal sealed regions 128 within the peripheral seal boundary 56 of the inflatable cell have particular usefulness in imparting structure that even upon inflation of the inflatable cell provides recognizable features such as those of a facial expression or other pictograph (e.g. , smiley face or other emoji) and certain letters (e.g., "A", "B", "D",
  • Inflatable web 10 may include one or more lines of weakness 98 that allow sections of predetermined length to be separated from the inflated web.
  • Transverse lines of weakness 98 may comprise, for example, a series of perforations, and extend from the distal edge to the proximal edge, to and through flanges 62, 64 of web 10.
  • top and bottom films 30, 32 may be sealed together in the selected regions 40 by heat seals or by adhesive seals.
  • top and bottom films 30, 32 may comprise a thermoplastic heat sealable polymer on their inside surface such that, after superposition of films 30, 32, the inflatable web 10 can be formed by passing the superposed top and bottom films between the nip of two cylinders (i.e., rollers), for example, at least one of the rollers (“sealing roller") having a surface of heated raised land areas that correspond in shape to the desired pattern for the selected region 40.
  • the sealing roller applies heat to seal the top and bottom films together to form seals in the selected regions 40, and thereby also creates the inflation rows 34 comprising the inflation ports 60, the inflatable cells 46, and the interconnecting inflation channels 48 in unsealed areas between the top and bottom films.
  • the non-sealing surface areas of the sealing cylinder may be unheated, depressed surface portions - and may be insulated to reduce heat transfer to the films.
  • Suitable ways of sealing the top and bottom films 30, 32 together in the selected regions 40 are further disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,800, 162 (attorney file D- 30200) and 7,507,31 1 (attorney file D-30362) and U.S. Pat. App. Publ.
  • top and bottom films 30, 32 may be initially distinct, separate films that are superimposed and sealed, or the top and bottom films 30, 32 may be created from a single expanse of film by folding the single expanse of film over onto itself to create a folded edge (e.g., a "C" fold) and having the sealing surface of the film creating the inside surfaces of the structure. In such case, the longitudinal distal edge opposite from flanges 62, 64 is closed. ( Figure 1 .)
  • FIGS 2 to 5 illustrate a representative apparatus or machine 16 for inflating web 10.
  • Apparatus 16 includes a conveying mechanism, generally indicated at 66, an inflation nozzle 68, and a sealing device 70.
  • Conveying mechanism 66 conveys web 10 along a path of travel as shown, which allows inflation nozzle 68 to sequentially inflate each of the inflation rows 34 (and the inflatable cells therein) and sealing device 70 to seal closed the inflation rows.
  • the "path of travel" (or “travel path”) of web 10 refers to the route that such web traverses while being conveyed through apparatus 16 in this manner, as indicated by the shape assumed by the web as it is manipulated by the conveying mechanism.
  • Conveying mechanism 66 may include a shaft 72 mounted to housing 73, a pair of adjacent, counter-rotatable cylinders 74 and 76, and a guide roll 81 .
  • Web 10 may be in the form of supply roll 78, which may be wound on spool 80 and mounted on shaft 72. Web 10 is advanced (i.e., unwound) from supply roll 78, with guide roll 81 directing the web between cylinders 74, 76 in a substantially vertical direction as shown.
  • Cylinders 74, 76 are capable of engaging and moving web 10 along its travel path through apparatus 16 when a portion of the film web passes between the cylinders and the cylinders rotate in the directions indicated in Figure 3 against the web.
  • At least one of cylinders 74, 76 may have an uneven surface (e.g., a knurled or abraded surface as shown in Figure 4, or a grooved or inwardly threaded surface).
  • the opposing cylinder i.e., opposite the cylinder having an uneven surface
  • One or both cylinders 74, 76 may be coupled to a motive source (e.g., an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor) (not shown) having a rotational output to cause the cylinders to rotate.
  • Sealing device 70 is preferably positioned immediately downstream from inflation nozzle 78, so that each inflation row 34 may be sealed closed immediately after being inflated and/or contemporaneous with inflation.
  • the sealing device 70 preferably seals closed the corresponding inflation port 60 of inflation row 34 by forming a continuous longitudinal seal 82.
  • FIG. 4 A representative sealing device is illustrated in Figure 4, where a portion of web 10 has been broken away for clarity, and includes an electrically conductive heating element 84 having a first end secured to a first node 86 and a second end secured to a second node 88.
  • Heating element 84 is positioned between cylinders 74, 76 such that cylinder 74 rotates against the heating element, which is stationary and fixed to platform 90 via nodes 86 and 88.
  • Cylinder 74 preferably includes a circumferential groove in which heating element 84 rides as cylinder 74 rotates against the heating element 84.
  • Cylinder 76 also rotates against the heating element, but at the nip (point of tangential contact) between the cylinders.
  • each inflation row 34 is sealed closed when conveying mechanism 66 brings web 10 into moving contact with heating element 84 between cylinders 74, 76 and sufficient current is caused to flow through the heating element 84 to heat it to a sealing temperature sufficient to form longitudinal heat seal 82 between juxtaposed top and bottom films 30, 32 of web 10.
  • the sealing of each inflation port 16 occurs shortly after inflation of the corresponding inflation row 34.
  • gas from inflation nozzle 78 is trapped (i.e., enclosed) within each inflatable cell 46, resulting in the formation of an inflated web 14 comprising inflated cells 92.
  • the inflated web 14 may be collected in basket or container 96.
  • the sealing temperature to form longitudinal seal 82 between top and bottom films 30, 32 of web 10 comprising thermoplastic polymer is that which causes the films 30, 32 to weld or fuse together by becoming temporarily fully or partially molten in the area of contact with the heating element 84.
  • Such temperature i.e., the sealing temperature
  • the sealing temperature to which heating element 84 is heated may range from 300 to 500° F.
  • Heating element 84 may be any device capable of heating to a predetermined temperature sufficient to heat-seal films 30, 32 together. Suitable types of devices for heating element 84 include one or more wires comprising metal and/or other electrically conductive materials; one or more ribbons comprising metal; circuit- printed plastic ribbons (e.g., metal printed on a plastic substrate comprising polyethylene terephthalate); and other suitable electrically conductive devices.
  • sealing wire may be fully or partially wrapped about the outer
  • films 30, 32 include bonding material (e.g., an adhesive or cohesive material) located within inflation ports 60. Such a bonding material may forms a seal closing the port when films 30, 32 are pressed together between cylinders 74, 76. Additional disclosure for sealing two films together in this manner is described in U.S. Serial No. 09/591 ,830 (attorney file D-20062) published as counterpart EP 1 163 990 A1 , each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
  • bonding material e.g., an adhesive or cohesive material
  • inflation nozzle 68 of machine 16 is within the travel path of web 10 and is positioned for placement between the top and bottom longitudinal flanges 62, 64 of web 10.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a portion of top film 30 broken away for clarity.
  • the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction of conveyance of web 10 through apparatus 16 as indicated in the drawings; “longitudinal” also corresponds to the direction of the length dimension (longest dimension) of web 10.
  • Inflation nozzle 68 comprises a gas outlet port 100 at distal end 102 for injection of gas (e.g., air) into the inflation rows 34.
  • Inflation nozzle 68 is adapted to position gas outlet port 100 closely adjacent to inflation ports 60 and the proximal edge of sealed region 40. While conveying mechanism 66 conveys web 10 along its travel path, inflation nozzle 68 moves continuously and longitudinally between the top and bottom flanges 62, 64 and sequentially inflates the inflation rows 34 and the inflatable cells 46 therein by introducing gas into their corresponding inflation ports 60.
  • gas e.g., air
  • gas outlet port 100 closely adjacent to inflation ports 60 may be achieved by adapting at least a portion of inflation nozzle 68, preferably distal end 102, to move in response to movement of web 10 past the nozzle.
  • distal end 102 of the inflation nozzle is preferably biased towards (i.e. , urged against) inflation ports 60 and the proximal edge of sealed regions 40, and as a result, is caused to move as web 10 moves past inflation nozzle 68.
  • Such movement of the distal end 102 of the inflation nozzle 68 is essentially oscillatory.
  • the inflation nozzle begins to inflate a chamber.
  • the distal end of the nozzle which has been pulled downwards towards the nip between cylinders 74 and 76 (where the formation of longitudinal seal 82 begins), the distal end disengages with the now-inflated inflation row and rebounds upwards towards the next, adjacent row to be inflated.
  • Gas may be introduced by inflation nozzle 68 into the inflation rows 34 at greater than atmospheric pressure ranging, for example, from 1 to 25 psi above atmospheric pressure, such as from 2 to 10 psi.
  • the inflated cushioning webs 14, 20, 24 of Figures 6, 8, and 10, respectively result from the inflation of the inflatable webs 10, 18, and 22 of Figures 1 , 7, and 9, respectively, and have longitudinal seal 82 closing the inflation ports 60 so that the inflation rows 34, 36. and 38 retain the inflation gas to maintain inflated cells 92, 105, 1 13, respectively.
  • any numerical value ranges recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
  • the amount of a component or a value of a process variable e.g., temperature, pressure, time
  • the amount of a component or a value of a process variable may range from any of 1 to 90, 20 to 80, or 30 to 70, or be any of at least 1 , 20, or 30 and/or at most 90, 80, or 70, then it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51 , and 30 to 32, as well as at least 15, at least 22, and at most 32, are expressly enumerated in this specification.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

Selon l'invention, une bande gonflable (10, 12, 18, 22) comprend un film supérieur (30) scellé sur un film inférieur (32) dans des régions sélectionnées (40) pour définir (i) une pluralité de rangées de gonflage (34) ayant chacune une extrémité proximale (42) et une extrémité distale (44) et (ii) un orifice de gonflage (60) à l'extrémité proximale de chaque rangée de gonflage. Chaque rangée de gonflage (34) comprend une pluralité de cellules gonflables (46) en communication fluidique entre elles par l'intermédiaire d'un canal d'interconnexion de gonflage (48) entre des cellules gonflables adjacentes de la rangée de gonflage. Chaque pluralité de cellules gonflables comprend une cellule gonflable proximale (50), une cellule gonflable distale (52), et une pluralité de cellules gonflables intermédiaires (54) entre les cellules gonflables proximale et distale. Chaque cellule gonflable (46) comporte une limite d'étanchéité périphérique (56) définissant une forme périphérique (58) de la cellule gonflable.
PCT/US2017/049898 2016-09-06 2017-09-01 Bande d'amortissement gonflable WO2018048745A1 (fr)

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US201662383763P 2016-09-06 2016-09-06
US62/383,763 2016-09-06

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2723673B1 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2020-01-22 Heidi Hall Mors et système pour envoyer une substance visqueuse et/ou liquide dans la bouche d'un animal

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WO2009038859A1 (fr) * 2007-07-13 2009-03-26 Sealed Air Corporation Article amortisseur cellulaire et son rouleau
KR20110006202U (ko) * 2009-12-14 2011-06-22 이건룡 특수모양 포장 완충재
US8695311B2 (en) 2006-04-26 2014-04-15 Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. Apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions employing film recognition controller
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US9591830B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2017-03-14 Heidi Hall Bit and system for feeding a viscous and/or liquid substance into the mouth of an animal

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FR2056951A1 (en) * 1969-08-02 1971-05-07 Thedieck Reiner Compound packing material for fragile art- - icles
US6332823B1 (en) * 1995-10-30 2001-12-25 Graham M Rouse, Jr. Balloon displays
EP1163990A2 (fr) 2000-06-12 2001-12-19 Sealed Air Corporation Procédé pour encapsuler une composition expansible dans une enveloppe flexible
US6550229B2 (en) 2001-01-12 2003-04-22 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Device for sealing two plies of film together, particularly for enclosing a foamable composition in a flexible container
US6651406B2 (en) 2001-02-13 2003-11-25 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Apparatus and method for forming inflated containers
US7220476B2 (en) 2001-05-10 2007-05-22 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Apparatus and method for forming inflated chambers
US6800162B2 (en) 2001-08-22 2004-10-05 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Integrated process for making inflatable article
US20060108052A1 (en) 2002-08-22 2006-05-25 Charles Kannankeril Process for making laminated film article having inflatable chambers
US7429304B2 (en) 2004-07-15 2008-09-30 Sealed Air Corporation High-speed apparatus and method for forming inflated chambers
US7165375B2 (en) 2005-02-05 2007-01-23 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Inflation device for forming inflated containers
US8695311B2 (en) 2006-04-26 2014-04-15 Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. Apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions employing film recognition controller
WO2009038859A1 (fr) * 2007-07-13 2009-03-26 Sealed Air Corporation Article amortisseur cellulaire et son rouleau
US8991141B2 (en) 2009-04-06 2015-03-31 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure
KR20110006202U (ko) * 2009-12-14 2011-06-22 이건룡 특수모양 포장 완충재
US9591830B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2017-03-14 Heidi Hall Bit and system for feeding a viscous and/or liquid substance into the mouth of an animal
US20150075114A1 (en) 2013-09-18 2015-03-19 Sealed Air Corporation (Us) Machine for Inflating and Sealing an Inflatable Web

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2723673B1 (fr) * 2011-06-24 2020-01-22 Heidi Hall Mors et système pour envoyer une substance visqueuse et/ou liquide dans la bouche d'un animal

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