Apparatus for forming inflated packaging cushions
AssigneeSealed Air Corporation (US)
InventorsMark Garceau, Johannes Loersch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An inflation apparatus automatically inflates and seals a plurality of pockets preformed in a film web to form packaging cushions. As the film web is advanced, a stream of inflation gas is directed from an inflation port into each of the pockets. The steam of inflation gas is directed in a flow direction having a component in the direction of travel. A sealing mechanism is positioned as close as possible to the inflation port so that the opening of each pocket is almost entirely closed and sealed while the stream of inflation gas is directed into the pocket. As a result, it is possible to achieve more fully inflated packaging cushions on a consistent basis.
Claims29
An apparatus for forming inflated cushions, comprising:
- a film web defining a plurality of preformed pockets, each pocket having an opening;
- a transport mechanism operable to convey the film web along a transport path in a direction of travel;
- an inflation mechanism positioned adjacent the transport path and having a first outlet port operable to direct a first stream of inflation gas into each of the pockets to form inflated cushions, the first stream of inflation gas being directed in a flow direction, the flow direction having a component in the direction of travel;
- and
- a sealing mechanism operable to seal closed the opening of each pocket.
An apparatus for forming inflated cushions, comprising:
- a film web defining a plurality of preformed pockets, each pocket having an opening;
- a transport mechanism operable to convey the film web along a transport path in a direction of travel;
- an inflation mechanism positioned adjacent the transport path and having a first outlet port operable to direct a first stream of inflation gas into each of the pockets to form inflated cushions;
- and
- a sealing mechanism operable to seal closed the opening of each pocket, the sealing mechanism including a pair of opposed members defining a nip therebetween, at least one of the opposed members including a roller, and at least a portion of the first outlet port being positioned between the nip and an imaginary vertical line tangential to the roller.
A method for forming inflated cushions, comprising:
- providing a film web defining a plurality of preformed pockets, each pocket having an opening;
- conveying the film web along a transport path in a direction of travel;
- directing a first stream of inflation gas into each of the pockets to form inflated cushions, the first stream of inflation gas being directed in a flow direction, the flow direction having a component in the direction of travel;
- and
- sealing closed the opening of each pocket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.