Automatic protective packaging inflator
AssigneePregis Innovative Packaging LLC
InventorThomas D. Wetsch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An inflatable protective packaging unit and associated inflation systems are disclosed. The unit can include an inflatable component that includes overlaid flexible plies connected to each other to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The inflatable component can define an inflation region in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to allow fluid from the inflation region into the fluid chamber. The unit can further include a receiver separably attached to the inflatable component at the inflation region and configured to direct fluid into the inflation region. The inflation system can be configured to discretely engage the inflatable protective packaging unit and provide fluid for inflation. Once inflated, the system may eject the unit, and cause the inflatable component to separate from the receiver.
Claims24
An inflatable protective packaging unit, comprising:
- an inflatable component that includes overlaid flexible plies connected to each other to define a fluid chamber therebetween, the inflatable component defining an inflation region in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to allow fluid from the inflation region into the fluid chamber;
- and
- a receiver separably attached to the inflatable component at the inflation region and configured to direct fluid into the inflation region;
- wherein:
- the receiver comprises a body defining a channel therethrough that leads to the inflation region, the body being sufficiently rigid to suspend the flexible plies;
- the inflation component receiver comprises a protrusion extending laterally with respect to the channel and configured to engage a track of an inflation device suitable to support the inflatable protective packaging unit therefrom.
An inflation system, comprising:
- an inflatable protective packaging unit comprising:
- an inflatable component that includes overlaid flexible plies connected to each other to define a fluid chamber therebetween, the inflatable component defining an inflation region in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to allow fluid from the inflation region into the fluid chamber;
- and
- a receiver attached to the inflatable component at the inflation region and configured to direct fluid into the inflation region;
- and
- a separator disposed and configured to separate the receiver from the inflatable component after the inflatable component has been inflated with the fluid;
- wherein the separator moves the inflation component axially away from the receiver as the receiver is moved along a diverging element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.