Flexible nozzle for inflation and sealing device
AssigneePregis Innovative Packaging LLC
InventorsThomas D. Wetsch, Christopher M. Rains
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flexible structure inflation and sealing assembly that can comprise a driver configured for engaging the flexible structure to drive the structure in a downstream direction longitudinally along a material path and a nozzle configured for reception in an inflation channel that extends through the flexible structure. At least a portion of the nozzle is flexible and is operable to adjust to the direction and angle that the flexible structure approaches from. The flexible portion may align with a tip of the nozzle in one axis and the opposite end of the nozzle in a second axis thereby allowing for misalignment of the flexible structure as it engages the nozzle and is directed to a pinch area.
Claims21
A flexible structure inflation and sealing assembly, comprising:
- a driver configured for engaging the flexible structure to drive the structure in a downstream direction longitudinally along a material path;
- and
- a nozzle including:
- an elongated portion having a longitudinal axis aimed generally longitudinally and configured for reception in an inflation channel that extends through the flexible structure, and
- a fluid conduit including an outlet that directs an inflation fluid from the conduit into the flexible structure via the elongated portion;
- wherein at least a portion of the nozzle is resiliently flexible to allow the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion to bend resiliently in a transverse, vertical, or combined direction to accommodate variable positions of the flexible structure being fed onto the nozzle.
A flexible structure inflation and sealing assembly, comprising:
- a driver configured for engaging the flexible structure to drive the structure in a downstream direction longitudinally along a material path;
- and
- a nozzle including:
- an elongated portion having a longitudinal axis aimed generally longitudinally and configured for reception in an inflation channel that extends through the flexible structure, the elongated portion including:
- a rigid base having an inlet to receive an inflation fluid from a fluid source, and
- a flexible portion including a spring extending from the base and being flexible to adapt to variation in a feed angle and a feed direction of the flexible structure;
- and
- a fluid conduit including an outlet that directs a fluid from the conduit into the flexible structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.