Films for inflatable cushions.

FILMS FOR INFLATABLE CUSHIONS

Field of the Invention

The subject matter of the present application refers to film configurations. More specifically, the subject matter of the present application refers to films for use in the creation of inflatable cushions and methods for making and using them.

Background of the invention

A variety of inflatable cushions is well known and used for various packaging applications. For example, inflated cushions are often used as empty-filled gaskets in a manner similar to or instead of foam peanuts, shredded paper and similar products. Also for example, inflatable cushions are used as protective gaskets instead of molded or extruded packing components.

Generally, inflatable cushions are formed from films that have two layers that are joined together by seals. Seals can be formed simultaneously with inflation, so as to capture air in them, or before inflation to define a film configuration that has inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers can be inflated with air or with another gas, and after that they can be sealed to inhibit or prevent the release of air or gas.

These film configurations can be stored in rolls or in folded boxes with ventilation in which the inflatable cushions are separated from each other by perforations. During use, a film configuration is inflated to form cushions, and adjacent cushions or adjacent cushion threads are separated from each other along the perforations.

A variety of movie settings are currently available. Many of these film configurations include seal configurations that tend to waste material, inhibit the separation of adjacent inflated cushions, and / or form inflated cushions that are susceptible to poor inflation or leakage, thereby inhibiting their usefulness.

Brief Description of the Invention

Here films for inflatable cushions are described.

Generally, each of the films described includes a pair of layers of material that have been aligned to be coextensive in general, and which are sealed together by means of longitudinal and / or transverse seals that cooperatively define the boundaries of the inflatable chambers.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the pair of layers of material includes a first layer of material having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a second layer of material having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The second layer of material is aligned to be coextensive in general with the first layer. A longitudinal seal is provided to join the first layer of material and the second layer of material together. In particular, the longitudinal seal extends continuously along and a transverse distance of at least one of the first edge of the first layer of material and the first edge of the second layer of material is separated. In this way a sleeve is formed between the longitudinal seal and the at least one first edge.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a series of transverse seals are provided that extend from the longitudinal seal to the second edge of the first layer of material and the second edge of the second layer of material. A chamber is defined within a boundary formed by the longitudinal seal and a pair of adjacent transverse seals.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a film is provided with a first layer of material, a second layer of material, and a series of transverse seals. The first layer of material has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, and the second layer of material has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, and is aligned to be generally coextensive with the first layer of material. The series of transverse seals extends from the proximities of the first longitudinal edges of the first and second layers of material to the second longitudinal edges of the first and second layers of material. A chamber is defined within a boundary formed by the first longitudinal edges of the first and second layers of material and a pair of adjacent transverse seals. Each chamber is divided into a plurality of polygonal chamber parts. The adjacent chamber parts are interconnected by a flow conduit that is in fluid communication between them.

According to another aspect of the invention, a film is provided with a first layer of material, a second layer of material, a series of transverse seals, and at least one longitudinal seal segment. The first layer of material has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, and the second layer of material has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, and is aligned so that it is generally coextensive with the first layer of material. The series of. Transverse seals extend from the vicinity of the first edge of the first layer of material and the first edge of the second layer of material to the second edge of the first layer of material and the second edge of the second layer of material. A chamber is defined within a boundary formed by the first edge of the first layer of material and the first edge of the second layer of material and a pair of adjacent transverse seals. The at least one longitudinal seal segment is placed between adjacent transverse seals. The at least one segment of the longitudinal seal is placed between the adjacent transverse seals of the chamber.

These and other characteristics of the described films can be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The drawings are not made to scale, but only show relative dimensions.

Brief description of the drawings.

Figures 1A and 1B are top and side views of a representative embodiment of a film having a side inflation channel.

Figures 2A and 2B are top and side views of a representative embodiment of a film having an internal inflation channel.

Figures 3A and 3E are top views of alternative embodiments of the film of the present invention having seal segments placed between the transverse seals.

Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the film of the present invention having longitudinal seal segments positioned between transverse seals and longitudinal seal segments extending from the transverse seals.

Figures 6A through 6D are top views of alternative embodiments of the film of the present invention having transverse seals with zigzag patterns.

Detailed description of the preferred modalities

Illustrative modalities will now be described to provide a general understanding of the described films. One or more examples of the illustrative modalities are shown in the drawings. People with ordinary training in the art will understand that each described film can be adapted and modified to provide alternative modalities or films for other applications, and that other additions and modifications can be made to the described films without departing from the scope of the present description. For example, the characteristics of the illustrative modalities can be combined, separated, exchanged and / rearranged to generate other modalities. These modifications and variations will be included within the scope of this description.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a film for inflatable cushions is provided. The film includes a first layer of material that has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and a second layer of material that has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The second layer of material is aligned so that it is generally coextensive with the first layer of material. Figures 1A and 1B are top and side views of a representative embodiment of a film having first and second layers of material joined together to define a second inflation channel. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the representative film (100) includes a first layer of material (120) with first and second longitudinal edges (122) and (124) and a second layer of material (140) with first and second longitudinal edges (142) and (144). The first and second layers of material (120) and (140) are arranged to be coextensive in general, that is, at least the respective first edges (122) and (142) are aligned with each other and / or respective seconds. edges (124) and (144) are aligned with each other.

As shown in Figure 1B, the first aligned edges (122) and (142) in the representative film (100) are separated from one another, while the second edges (124) and (144) are joined together. This configuration can be formed from a single sheet of substrate material, a flattened tube of substrate material with a groove in the open edge, or two sheets of substrate material. For example, the first and second layers of material (120) and (140) may include a tube of substrate material (for example, a flattened tube) that is grooved along the first edges (122) and (142 ) aligned. Also for example, the first and second layers of material (120) and (140) may include two separate sheets of substrate material joined, sealed or otherwise, attached together along the second aligned edges (124) and ( 144).

The representative film (100) can be formed from any of a variety of substrate materials known to people with ordinary skill in the art. These substrate materials include, but are not limited to, vinyl and ethylene acetates (EVA), metallocenes, polyethylene resins (such as low density polyethylene (LPDE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE) and combinations of them. The described films can be rolled in a hollow tube, a solid core, or folded in an air-folded box, or in another desired way for storage and shipping.

According to another aspect of the invention, a longitudinal seal is provided that joins the first layer of material and the second layer of material. Particularly, and as incorporated herein, the longitudinal seal continuously extends along and a transverse distance is separated from at least one of the first edge of the first layer of material and the first edge of the second layer of material. In this way, a sleeve is formed between the longitudinal seal and the at least one first edge. For example, and as incorporated herein, as illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the representative film (100) includes a longitudinal seal (150) that joins the first and second layers of material (120) and (140) together, and that extends continuously along and is separated from the first aligned edges (122) and (142). The longitudinal seal (150) travels a transverse distance D from the first aligned edges (122) and (142) such that it forms a sleeve (160) with transverse width D extending between the longitudinal seal (150) and the first aligned edges (122) and (142). If desired, the first edges (122) and (142) do not have to be aligned. For example, the first edge (142) of the second layer of material (140) can be placed along the longitudinal seal (150), such that the jacket (160) is defined by the first layer of material (120 ) only. As further described herein, the jacket (160) facilitates the grip of the inflated cushions (190) by the user, and in some embodiments, the separation of adjacent inflated cushions (190).

The longitudinal seal (150) preferably, but not necessarily, is substantially straight and extends substantially parallel to the first and second aligned edges (122) and (142). Other arrangements of the longitudinal seal (150) are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the longitudinal seal (150) includes an undulating pattern or a zigzag pattern (such as the undulating and zigzag terms are ordinarily known in the art) that extends continuously along the first and second edges. (122) and (14 technique) which extends continuously along the first and second edges (122) and (142), thus forming a jacket (160) with a transverse width D that varies along the longitudinal extent of the film (100). Also for example, in some embodiments, the longitudinal seal (150) is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the first edges (122) and (142) aligned.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a series of transverse seals are provided that extend from the longitudinal seal to the second edge of the first layer of material and the second layer of material. A chamber is defined within a boundary formed by the longitudinal seal and a portion of adjacent transverse seals. For example, and as incorporated herein as illustrated in Figure 1A, the representative film (100) includes a series of transverse seals (170) placed along the longitudinal extent of the film (100). Each transverse seal (170) extends from at least the proximities of the longitudinal seal (150) to the second joined edges (124) and (144). Preferably, each transverse seal (170) originates from the longitudinal seal (150) and extends to the second joined edges (124) and (144). Each transverse seal (170) has a first end (172) close to the longitudinal seal (150) and a second end (174) close, but preferably separated from the second joined edges (124) and (144) in the film (100) .

Each of the transverse seals (170) incorporated in Figure 1A is substantially straight and extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal seal (150). Other arrangements of the transverse seals (170) are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the transverse seals (170) have wavy patterns or zigzag patterns, as described herein below.

As shown in Figure 1A, the transverse seals (170) intersect the longitudinal seal (150) generally at right angles to define "T" shapes. Alternatively, one or more of the transverse seals (170) may intersect and extend beyond the longitudinal seal (150) to define vertices that generally have "T" shapes in which a part of each of the one or more transverse seals (170) extends below the longitudinal seal (150).

According to another aspect of the invention, each transverse seal has a first end close to the longitudinal seal and a second end and a transverse dimension separated from the second

one edge of the first layer of material and the second edge of the second layer of material. A longitudinal channel is defined in the film between the second ends of the transverse seals and the second edges of the first and the second layer of material. The longitudinal channel is in fluid communication with the cameras defined in the film. For example, and as incorporated herein as illustrated in Figure 1A, the second ends (174) of the transverse seals (170) are separated by a transverse dimension (d) from the second aligned edges (124) and (144) , and the second extreme (174) and with a transverse width (d). As further described herein, the longitudinal channel (180) serves as a side inflation channel for inflexible chambers (190).

If desired, the transverse distance D and the transverse dimension d are of the same order of magnitude, which results in the jacket (160) and the longitudinal channel (180) of similar dimensions. In some embodiments, the transverse distance (D) and the transverse dimension (d) are substantially equal for symmetry effects. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the transverse distance D is substantially smaller than the transverse dimension (d). Preferably, however, the transverse distance (D) in these embodiments is sufficiently sized, such that the jacket (160) facilitates the grip and separation of the adjacent inflated chambers (190).

In a preferred embodiment, the second ends (174) of the transverse seals (170) are separated by a substantially uniform transverse dimension (d) from the second aligned edges (124) and (144). Other arrangements of the second ends (174) are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the second ends (174) are separated into variable transverse dimensions (d) from the second aligned edges (124) and (144), thereby forming a longitudinal channel with a transverse width (d), which varies along the longitudinal extent of the film (100). In one of these embodiments, one of the second ends (174) of each adjacent pair of transverse seals (170) is separated closer to the second aligned edges (124) and (144) than the other of the second ends (174) . As people with ordinary skill in the art understand, this type of arrangement can improve the flow of inflation gas into the chambers (190) from the inflation channel (180).

The longitudinal seal (150) and pairs of adjacent transverse seals (170) cooperatively define boundaries of the inflatable chambers (190). As shown in Figure 1A, each inflatable chamber (190) is in fluid communication with the longitudinal channel (180) by means of a mouth (198) through the longitudinal channel (180), which thus allows inflation of the inflatable chambers (190) as described here further.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a series of weakening lines is provided extending transversely across the first layer of material and the second layer of film material. Each transverse line of weakening extends from between the first edges of the first and second layers of material and the second edges of the first and second layers of material. For example, and as incorporated herein, as illustrated in Figure 1A, the representative film (100) includes a series of weakening lines (195) placed along the longitudinal extent of the film (100) and which it extends transversely through the first and second layers of material (120) and (140). Each transverse line of weakening (195) extends from at least the proximity of the first aligned edges (122) and (142) to the second joined edges (124) and (144). Preferably, each transverse line of weakening (195) originates from the first aligned edges (122) and (144). Preferably, each transverse line of weakening (195) originates from the first aligned edges (122) and (144) to facilitate separation of adjacent inflatable cushions.

The transverse weakening lines (195) may include any of a variety of weakening lines known to persons with ordinary training in the art. For example, in some embodiments, transverse weakening lines (195) include perforation rails, in which a perforation lane includes fields and grooves that alternate spaced along the transverse extension of the lane. Fields and grooves may appear at regular or irregular intervals along the transverse extension of the lane. Alternatively, for example, in some embodiments, transverse weakening lines include dashed or similar lines formed in the substrate material.

The transverse lines of weakening (195) can be formed from any of a variety of techniques known to people with ordinary training in the art. These techniques include, but are not limited to, cutting (for example, techniques that use a cutting or toothed element, such as a bar, a blade, a block, a roller and a gear) and / or scoring (for example, techniques that reduce the strength or thickness of the material in the first and second layers of material (120) and (140), such as electromagnetic scoring (for example with laser) and mechanical scoring).

Each transverse line of weakening (195) in the representative film (100) is placed between a pair of adjacent chambers (190). More specifically, each transverse line of weakening (195) is placed between two adjacent pairs (177) and (179) of adjacent transverse seals (170) that cooperate with the longitudinal seal (150) to define the boundaries of the adjacent inflatable chambers ( 190).

As shown in Figure 1A, the transverse seals (170) are positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of each transverse weakening line (195) (a pair of these transverse seals is marked as (176) in Figure 1A) . They are separated by a width w. In some embodiments, each pair (176) of transverse seals (170) includes a relatively wide transverse seal of width w, instead of a pair (176) of transverse seals (170) separated with relative narrowness. In some of these embodiments, the transverse weakening lines (195) are aligned with the width w of the relatively wide seals, and extend therethrough.

Representative film (100) can be inflated and sealed using any of a variety of inflation and sealing techniques known to people with ordinary skill in the art. These techniques include inflation and sealing techniques that allow the inflation of a film configuration along a side inflation channel and the sealing of the resulting inflated chambers adjacent to the side inflation channel, such as the techniques described in one or more of U.S. Patent No. 6,789,376, U.S. Patent Application 2004/0154728 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2,384,459 A, but not limited thereto. In a preferred sealing technique, the resulting inflated cushions are sealed adjacent to the lateral inflation channel, and separated from the second aligned edges of the first and second layers of material. For example, in such a sealing technique, after the inflation of the chambers (190), the first and second layers of material (120) and (140) are sealed together by means of a longitudinal seal region (S) , which extends continuously along, and preferably separated from, the second joined edges (124) and (144). Then the film (100) is cut, divided or detached in another way, together with the second joined edges (124) and (144), such that they define a second shirt (180) opposite the first shirt (160 ). Alternatively, the joint between the second edges (124) and (144) can be perforated or otherwise, it can be provided with a weakening line, which is separated after inflation and sealing of the chambers. Sealing and cutting operations can be performed concurrently or consecutively. In Figure 1A, the longitudinal seal region is schematically represented by the line marked as (S). As suggested in Figure 1A, the longitudinal seal region (S) joins the first and second layers of material (120) and (140), together with the second ends (174) of the transverse seals (170) and the mouths (198) of the cameras (190). After inflation and sealing, the film (100) thus forms inflated cushions (199), in which each of these inflated cushions (199) includes a single inflated chamber (190). The threads of one or more adjacent inflated cushions (199) in the film (100) can be grasped together with the shirt (160) and / or the shirt (180) (i.e., the shirt formed between the longitudinal seal region ( S) and the second groove edges (124) and (144)) and separated from each other along the transverse weakening lines (195).

Figures 2A and 2B are top and side views of a representative embodiment of a film having an internal inflation channel. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the representative film (200) is similar in many respects to the representative film (100) shown in Figures 1A and 1B. For example, the film (200) includes a first layer of material (220) with first and second longitudinal edges (222) and (224) and a second layer of material (240) with first and second longitudinal edges (242) and ( 244), in which the first and second layers of material (220) and (240) are placed with respect to each other in such a way that they are generally coextensive. Also, for example, as described herein further, the representative film (200) includes longitudinal seals (250a), (250b), shirts (260a), (260b), and transverse weakening lines (295). As shown in Figure 2A, the film (200) includes an inner longitudinal channel (280) for inflation of the chambers (290), instead of an inner channel (180) as in the film (100).

According to another aspect of the invention, a second longitudinal seal is provided that joins the first layer of material and the second layer of material. The second longitudinal seal extends continuously along and a transverse distance of at least one of the second edge of the first layer of material and the second edge of the second layer of material is separated. A second jacket is formed between the second longitudinal seal and the at least a second edge. For example, as incorporated herein and as illustrated in Figure 2A, the representative film (200) includes a first longitudinal seal (250a) that continuously extends along first edges (222) and (242) and a second longitudinal seal (250b) that extends continuously along the second edges (224) and (244), each of whose seals (250a) and (250b) joins the first layer of material (220) with the second layer of material (240). The first longitudinal seal (250a) is displaced a transverse distance (Da) of the first aligned edges (222) and (242) to form a first sleeve (260a), and the second longitudinal seal (250b) is offset a distance transverse (Db) of the second aligned edges (224) and (244) to form a second jacket (260b). The dimensioning of the transverse distances (Da) and (Db) can be selected based on the relative size of the inflexible chambers 290z), (290b). The corresponding first edges (122) and (142) and the corresponding second edges (124) and (144) may be joined together or may be unbound, as desired.

Additionally according to the invention, a series of second transverse seals are provided that extend from the second longitudinal seal to the first edge. A second chamber is defined within a boundary formed by the second longitudinal seal and a couple of second adjacent transverse seals. For example, and as incorporated herein as illustrated in Figure 2A, the representative film (200) also includes first and second series of transverse seals (270a) and (270b), which join the first and second layers of material ( 220) and (240) together. Each first transverse seal (270a) extends from the first longitudinal seal (250a) to the second edges (224) and (244), and each second transverse seal (270b) extends from the second longitudinal seal (250b) to the first edges (222) and (242). Each first transverse seal (270a) has a first end (272a) close to the first longitudinal seal (250a and a second end (274a) transversely separated (i.e., separated in the direction of the second edges (224) and (244)) , of the first longitudinal seal (250a), and each second transverse seal (270b) also has a first end (272b) close to the second longitudinal seal (250b) and a second end (274b) transversely spaced (i.e., separated in the direction of the first edges (222) and (242) of the second longitudinal seal (250b). The first and second transverse seals (270a) and (270b) may be aligned with each other as illustrated in Figure 2A, a longitudinal channel (280) is defined between the first and second ends (274a) and (274b ) of the first and second transverse seals (270a) and (270b).

The first longitudinal seal (250a) and pairs of first adjacent transverse seals (270a) cooperatively define limits of the first inflatable chambers (290a), and the second longitudinal seal (250b), and pairs of second adjacent transverse seals (170b) cooperatively define the limits of the second inflatable chambers (290b). The first and second inflatable chambers (290a) and (290b) are in fluid communication with the longitudinal channel (280) by means of the mouths (298a) and (298b) that open towards the longitudinal channel (280); The longitudinal channel (280) is placed between the first and second inflatable chambers (290a) and (290b).

Representative film (200) can be inflated and sealed using any of a variety of inflation and sealing techniques known to people with ordinary skill in the art. These techniques include inflation and sealing techniques that allow the inflation of a film configuration along an internal inflation channel (eg, central) and sealing of the resulting inflated chambers adjacent to the internal channel, such as techniques that are they describe in one or more of the patents or patent applications mentioned herein previously, without being limited thereto. As used herein, the term "inner inflation channel" can be understood to include an inflation channel that separates two adjacent threads from inflexible chambers. In a preferred sealing technique, the resulting inflated chambers are sealed adjacent to the inner inflation channel and are separated from the second aligned edges of the first and second layers of material. For example, in one of these sealing techniques, after inflation of the chambers (290a) and (290b), the first and second layers of material (220) and (240) are sealed together along seal regions longitudinal (Sa) and (Sb) that extend continuously along the longitudinal extent of the film (200), and the film (200) is cut, divided or otherwise, it follows along a detachment region (C) placed between the longitudinal seal regions (Sa) and (Sb). In a preferred embodiment, the inflation channel (280) is divided along the detachment region (C) in such a way that it defines second shirts (260c, d), opposite to the first shirts (260a, b). Alternatively, the detachment region (C) may or may not be perforated, may be provided with a line of weakening, which is separated after inflation and sealing of the chambers (290). As suggested in Figure 2A, the longitudinal seal region (Sa) joins the first and second layers of material (220) and (240) together to the lake of the second ends (274a) of the transverse seals (270a) and the mouths (298a), and the longitudinal seal region (Sb) joins the first and second layers of material (220) and (240) together along the second edges (274b) of the inflated cushions (299a) and (299b), in which each of these inflated cushions (299a) and (299b) includes a single inflated chamber (290a) and (290b). Adjacent inflated cushion threads (299a) and (299b) can be grasped along the jacket (260a) and / or the jacket (260c) (i.e. the jacket formed between the longitudinal seal region (Sa) and the detachment region (C)) and the jacket (260b) and / or the jacket (260d) (ie, respectively, and separated from each other along the transverse weakening lines (295).

Figures 3A through 3E are top views of alternative embodiments of film configurations according to the invention, which have longitudinal seal segments positioned between the transverse seals. While the alternative modalities are described here with respect to the representative film of Figures 1A and 1B, people with ordinary skill in the art will understand that one or more of the_§ Characteristics of the alternative modalities are described with respect to the representative films shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Additionally, the seal arrangements of Figures 3A through 3E can be used with conventional film configurations folded in flattened tube co, if desired.

As shown in Figures 3A through 3E, the representative film (300) is similar in many respects to the representative film (100) shown in Figures 1A and 1B. For example, the film (300) includes a first layer of material (320) with first and second longitudinal edges (322) and (324), and a second layer of material (340) with first and second longitudinal edges (342) and (344), in which the first and second layers of material (320) and (340) are placed relative to each other so that they are generally coextensive. Also for example, the representative film (300) includes a longitudinal seal (250), transverse seals (370), a side inflation channel (380), inflatable chambers (390) with mouths (398) that open towards the channel of side inflation (380), and transverse weakening lines (395), as well as a shirt (360) if desired. The transverse seals (370) can be placed in equal, unequal or random intervals along the longitudinal extent of the film (300).

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least one segment of the longitudinal seal positioned between a pair of adjacent transverse seals of a chamber is provided. The at least one longitudinal seal segment defines chamber parts within the chamber with a fluid conduit between adjacent chamber parts. For example, and as incorporated herein and illustrated in Figures 3A through 3E, the film (300) also includes longitudinal seal segments (352) that join the first and second layers of material (320) and (340) together. The longitudinal seal segments (352) are placed between the transverse seals (370) of the chambers (390) and define chamber parts (392) and connect the flow conduits (394). The parts of the chamber (392) shown in Figures 3A through 3E, as well as the parts of the chamber shown in Figures 4, 5, 6A and 6B, are polygonal.

As shown in Figures 3A through 3E, each chamber (390) in the film (300) includes longitudinal seal segments (352) arranged along the transverse extent of the chamber (390). Generally, chamber parts (392) and flow ducts (394) defined by the longitudinal seal segments (352) can facilitate the distribution of shock loads in the inflated chambers (390). As people with ordinary skill in the art will understand, and as suggested in Figure 3A, the flow ducts (394) make it possible for the volume and pressure of air (or gas) in a first chamber part , for example, in the part (391) of the chamber, they are transmitted to parts of the chamber connected to them by means of the flow conduits (394), for example, parts of the chamber (396), to distribute a shock load placed on or near the first part of the chamber (391) along the interconnected chamber parts (396). The flow ducts (394) also facilitate the folding, creasing or folding of the inflatable chambers (390) along the lines that pass through the ducts (394) to make it possible for the inflated film (300) to be adapt to the shapes of the objects packed in it.

As shown in Figures 3A through 3E, each longitudinal seal segment (352) is placed between a pair of transverse seals (370) that cooperate with the longitudinal seal (350) to define the limit of an unfeasible chamber (390). . Each longitudinal seal segment (352) includes a transverse width and a pair of opposite ends (354) and (356) separated from each other by a longitudinal dimension. If they are misaligned from an adjacent transverse seal (370), as illustrated in Figures 3A 15 through 3E, the ends (354) and (356) referenceably include rounded corners or otherwise, smooth (i.e., terminal parts) , to inhibit or prevent the accumulation of volume and pressure of air (or gas) in the region of the corners, and thereby facilitate the distribution of shock loads between the parts of the chamber 20 (392). Each flow duct (394) includes a longitudinal dimension that is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the seal segments (352), but large enough to allow the distribution of shock loads (eg, air duct) between camera pairs (392). The longitudinal seal segments (352) of the preferred embodiment are substantially straight and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal seal (350).

As shown in FIGS. 3A, the longitudinal seal segments (352) in each chamber (390), are centrally placed between each transverse seal (370) of the chamber (390) and equally spaced from each, of them, in longitudinal distances (x). Other arrangements of the longitudinal seal segments (352) in a chamber (390) are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the longitudinal seal segments (356) are separated by varying longitudinal distances (x) and (y) from the ends (354), (356), of the longitudinal seal segments ( 352) towards the transverse seals (370), where x # y. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 3C, the longitudinal seal segments (352) may be placed closer to one of the transverse seals (370) of the chamber (390), such that x> y.

As shown in Figures 3A through 3C, the longitudinal seal segments (352) are placed in the chambers (390) at substantially uniform transverse intervals, such that each longitudinal seal segment (352) in a chamber (390) It is transversely aligned with a longitudinal seal segment (352) in each of the other chambers (390). In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the longitudinal seal segments (352) are distributed over a transverse interval T that is substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension (Wc) of the chamber (390) to form substantially square chamber portions. Other arrangements of the longitudinal seal segments (352) in the chambers (390) are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 3D, the longitudinal seal segments (352) may be placed in the chambers (390) such that at least one longitudinal seal segment (for example, segment (353)), in a chamber (for example, in the chamber (395)), it is transversely misaligned between a pair of adjacent longitudinal seal segments (e.g., segments (355) and (357)) of an adjacent chamber (e.g., the camera (397)).

The representative film (300) shown in Figures 3A through 3E, can be inflated and sealed using the inflation and sealing techniques described hereinbefore. For example, as shown in Figure 3A, the first and second layers of material (320) and (340) can be sealed together along the longitudinal seal region (S), and then split, cut or if no, detach, for example by the use of perforations or the like, along the second joined edges (324) and (344). After inflation and sealing, the film (300) forms inflatable cushions (399), in which each of these inflated cushions (399) includes at least one, and preferably, more than one independent inflated chamber (390), and each independent inflated chamber (390) includes chamber parts (392) and flow ducts (394). Adjacent inflated cushions (399) can be grasped along the jacket (360a) if provided, and / or the jacket (380) (i.e., the shirt formed between the longitudinal seal region (S) and the second groove edges (324) and (344)) and separated from each other along the transverse weakening lines (395).

As shown in Figures 3A through 3E, the longitudinal seal segments (352) define mouths (398) of the inflexible chambers (390), where the mouths (398) allow fluid communication with the inflation channel (380). In some embodiments, the longitudinal seal segments (352) include longitudinal seal segments placed near the mouths (398).

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, at least one segment of the longitudinal seal positioned close to the mouth of a chamber is provided. For example, and as incorporated herein and as illustrated in Figure 3E, the longitudinal seal segments (352) include longitudinal seal segments (362) that are positioned close to the mouths (398) of the chambers (390) and displaced from (for example, centrally placed between) the transverse seals (370). Each longitudinal seal segment (362) is aligned approximately transversely with the second ends (374) of a pair of transverse seals (370) of a chamber (390). Preferably, each longitudinal seal segment (362) has a transverse width that is greater than the transverse widths of the longitudinal seal segments (352) placed within the chamber (390). Preferably, the longitudinal seal segments (362) are provided with rounded or smooth corners as previously described. The larger transverse width of the longitudinal seal segment (362) facilitates the eventual sealing of the mouths (398) of the chamber (390) along the longitudinal seal region (S) after inflation of the chambers (390) .

Generally, the longitudinal seal region (S) interconnects the longitudinal seal segments (362). In some embodiments, the longitudinal seal region (S) intersects a central part of the longitudinal seal segments (362). For example, in a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 3E, the longitudinal seal region (S) approximately bisects the longitudinal seal segments (362), although other intersection arrangements of the longitudinal seal region S are also possible and the longitudinal seal segments (362).

As with the modalities of Figures 1A and 1B, a series of weakening lines is provided. If desired, pairs of transverse seals (370) can be provided in the embodiments of Figures 3A through 3E, such that the weakening lines are placed between adjacent pairs of transverse seals (370) as shown in Figure 1A . As shown in Figure 3E, each weakening line (395) can intersect a particular chamber (390), thus making that particular chamber (390) unable to be inflated. Alternatively, and as previously described, the weakening lines (395) may be aligned with selected transverse seals (370). If desired, the transverse seals (370) of the film (300) shown in Figures 3A through 3E may include at least some relatively narrow seals and at least relatively wide seals (370). Each line of weakening (395) is aligned in this way with a relatively wide transverse seal (370) and extends through it, without intersecting the chambers (390) to be inflated. An arrangement of transverse seals and transverse weakening lines of this type can be applied to each of the films described herein.

As shown in Figure 3E, the second ends (374) of the pair of adjacent transverse seals (370) of a chamber (390) cooperatively define two independent input ports (398a) and (398b) from the inflation channel (380 ). As such, each inflexible chamber (390) is in fluid communication with the inflation channel (380) by means of two independent fluid flow paths. Moreover, each inflatable chamber (390) is in fluid communication with each of the other inflatable chambers (390) by means of two independent fluid flow paths.

Other arrangements of the port of entry into the inflatable chambers from the inflation channel or between the parts of the adjacent chamber are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, each chamber may include two or more longitudinal seal segments disposed near the mouth of the chamber, in which the longitudinal seal segments and the second ends of the pair of adjacent transverse seal of each chamber define three or more ports of entry into the camera.

As shown in Figures 3A through 3E, the transverse weakening lines (395) are placed at random longitudinal intervals in the film (300) relative to the transverse seals (370). As such, transverse weakening lines (395) may extend through a chamber (390) (for example, through the longitudinal seal segments (352) and (362) in the chamber (390)). Alternatively, the transverse weakening lines (395) can be placed at regular longitudinal intervals in the film (300) relative to the transverse seals (370), similar to the intervals shown and described with respect to the figures 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the film according to another aspect of the invention, which has longitudinal seal segments extending from the transverse seals. While the alternative mode is described with respect to the representative film of Figures 1A and 1B, one or more of the characteristics of the alternative mode can also be combined with the representative film shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Alternatively, configurations with C-fold or flattened tube can be used, so that a shirt is not provided.

As shown in Figure 4, the representative film (400) is similar in many ways to the representative film (100) shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and the representative film (300) shown in Figures 3A up to 3E. For example, the film (400) includes a first layer of material (420) with first and second longitudinal edges (442) and (444), in which the first and second layers of material (420) and (440) are placed with respect to the other so that they are coextensive in general. Also for example, the representative film (400) includes a longitudinal seal (450), transverse seals (470) with first and second ends (472) and (474), an inflation channel (480), inflatable chambers (490) that they open towards the side inflation channel (480), and transverse weakening lines (495), as well as a jacket (460) if desired.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one segment of longitudinal seal is provided which extends from at least one transverse seal. For example, and as incorporated herein and as illustrated in Figure 4, the representative film (400) also includes longitudinal seal segments (433) extending from the transverse seals (470) of the chambers (490) and defining chamber parts (492) and connect the flow ducts (494).

Each longitudinal seal segment (443) extends from one of the transverse seals (470) of a chamber (490) and includes a corner (i.e., a terminal part) (439) that is positioned opposite the transverse seal ( 470). Preferably, the terminal parts (439) are rounded or otherwise, smooth, to inhibit or prevent the accumulation of volume or pressure of air (or gas) in the region of the terminal parts (439). As shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal seal segments (433) preferably include longitudinal seal segments (473) positioned close to the second ends (474) of the transverse seals. Each longitudinal seal segment (473) extends from the second end (474) of one of the transverse seals (470) of a chamber (490) and includes a corner (i.e., a terminal part) (479) opposite the second extreme (474). The terminal parts (479) of the longitudinal seal segments (473) of a chamber (490) cooperatively define an inlet port (485) towards the chamber (490) from the longitudinal inflation channel (480). Preferably, the inlet ports (485) have longitudinal dimensions that are substantially equal to the longitudinal dimensions of the flow conduits (494), but smaller than the longitudinal dimensions of the longitudinal seal segments (433) and (473). The longitudinal seal segments (473) facilitate the eventual sealing of the inlet ports (485) of the chambers (490) along the longitudinal seal region (S) after inflation. Like the longitudinal seal segments (362) in Fig. 3E, the longitudinal seal segments (473) may also include enlarged or enlarged transverse widths to further facilitate sealing of the input ports (485).

As shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal seal segments (433) and (473), include substantially equal longitudinal dimensions, and are placed at substantially uniform transverse intervals in the film (400). Other arrangements and sizes of the longitudinal seal segments (433) and (473) are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the longitudinal dimensions of the longitudinal seal segments (433) are different from the longitudinal widths of the longitudinal seal segments (473). Also for example, in some embodiments, the longitudinal seal segments (433) and / or (473) are placed at intervals or staggered in the film (400), similar to the interleaving of the longitudinal seal segments (352) in the film (300) of figures 3B and 3D.

Figure 5 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the film shown in Figures 1A and 1B having longitudinal seal segments positioned between transverse and longitudinal seal segments extending from the transverse seals. While the alternative modality is described with respect to the representative film of Figures 1A and 1B, one or more of the characteristics of the alternative modality can also be combined with the representative film shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Alternatively, conventional configurations with a C-fold or flattened tube can be used, so that a jacket is not provided.

As shown in Figure 5, the representative film (500) is similar in many ways to the representative film (100) shown in Figures 1A and 1B, and the representative film (300) shown in Figures 3A up to 3E. For example, the film (500) includes a first layer of material (520) with first and second edges (522) and (524), and a second layer of material (540) with first and second longitudinal edges about the others, so that they are coextensive in general. Also for example, the representative film (500) includes longitudinal seal segments (552) placed between the transverse seals (570) of the chambers (590) and defines parts of the chamber (592) and connects the flow conduits (594) . As shown in Figure 5, the representative film (500) also includes longitudinal seal segments (564), which extend from the second ends (574) of the transverse seals (570).

Each longitudinal seal segment (564) extends from the second end (574) of one of the pair of transverse seals (570) of a chamber (590) and includes a corner (i.e., a terminal part) (566) that is placed opposite the second end (574). Preferably, the terminal parts (566) are rounded or otherwise, smooth, to inhibit or prevent the accumulation of volume or pressure of air (or gas) in the region of the terminal parts (566). The terminal parts (566) of a chamber (590) cooperatively define an input port (585) towards the chamber (590) from the inflation channel (580). Preferably, the inlet port (585) has a longitudinal dimension that is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the seal segments (552) and greater than the longitudinal width of the flow conduits (594). Also preferably, each longitudinal seal segment (564) includes a transverse width that is greater than the transverse widths of the longitudinal seal segments (552). As people with ordinary skill in the art will understand, the increased transverse width of the longitudinal seal segment (564) facilitates the eventual sealing of the inlet ports (585) of the chambers (590) along the region of Longitudinal seal (S) after inflation.

Figures 6A through 6D are top views of alternative embodiments of the film shown in Figures 1A and 1B, which have transverse seals with zigzag patterns. While the alternative modalities are described with respect to the representative film of Figures 1A and 1B, one or more of the characteristics of the alternative modalities can also be combined with the representative film shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Alternatively, conventional C-fold or flattened tube configurations can be used, so that no jacket is provided.

As shown in Figures 6A through 6D, the representative film (600) is similar in many respects to the representative film (100) shown in Figures 1A and 1B. For example, the film (600) includes a first layer of material (620) with first and second longitudinal edges (622) and (624), and a second layer of material (640) with first and second longitudinal edges (642) and (644), in which the first and second layers of material (620) and (640) are placed with respect to each other so that they are coextensive in general. Also, a representative film (600) includes a longitudinal seal (650), transverse seals (670), with first and second ends (672) and (674), an inflation channel (680), inflatable chambers (690), which they open towards the inflation channel (680), and transverse weakening lines (695), as well as a jacket (660) if desired.

As previously described with respect to the representative film (100) shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the jacket (660) can facilitate the grip of the inflatable chambers (690), and in some embodiments, the separation of the adjacent inflated chambers (690). Generally, the degree to which a shirt facilitates the grip and separation of the inflated chambers depends on the transverse extent of the film from which the chambers are formed. If provided, the jacket facilitates the separation of inflated chambers formed from films that have relatively large transverse widths (eg, widths of 91.4 cm (36 inches) or more) to a greater degree than inflated chambers formed of films having relatively small transverse widths.

According to another aspect of the invention, each of a plurality of transverse seals has a zigzag pattern. For example, and as incorporated herein as illustrated in Figures 6A through 6D, each transverse seal (670) of the representative film (600) includes a zigzag pattern. As used herein, the term "zigzag pattern" can be understood to include a pattern with abrupt folds or corners (ie, discontinuous).

Each transverse seal (670) with a zigzag pattern extends from at least the proximities of the longitudinal seal (650) to the second joined edges (624) and (644) of the first and second layers of material (620) and ( 640). A chamber (690) is defined by the longitudinal seal (650), and a pair of adjacent transverse seals (670). As with the film configurations of Figures 3A through 3E, 4 and 5, and in addition to another aspect of the invention, each chamber (390) is divided into a plurality of generally polygonal chamber parts. The adjacent chamber parts of each chamber are interconnected by a flow conduit in fluid communication between them.

In some embodiments, such as the modes shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C, each transverse seal (670) includes a group of relatively straight seal segments (671), in whose adjacent seal segments they form abrupt corners (673 ). Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as the mode shown in Figure 6D, each transverse seal (670) includes a group of crosslinked or solid seal segments (631), in which the intersected seal segments (631) are oriented about with respect to the others to form corners (673).

As previously indicated, the zigzag patterns of each pair of transverse seals define a plurality of generally polygonal chamber parts within a chamber, with a flow conduit formed between adjacent chamber parts. For example, and as incorporated as illustrated herein in Figures 6A through 6D, each pair of transverse seals (670) of a chamber (690) defines polygonal chamber parts (692) within the chamber and the flow conduits ( 694) that connect the camera parts (694). The polygonal chamber parts can have regular polygonal shapes (i.e. n side shapes in which each side includes the same length and all sides are symmetrically placed on a common center) or irregular polygonal shapes. As used herein, the term "polygonal chamber parts" can be understood to include polygonal chamber parts with regular and irregular polygonal shapes, unless otherwise indicated by the context.

The transverse seals (670) define generally hexagonal chamber parts in the representative film (600) shown in Figures 6A and 6B, and generally orthogonal chamber parts in the representative films (600) shown in Figures 6C and 6D. Other shapes of chamber parts are also possible. For example, transverse seals (670) alone or in combination with longitudinal seal segments as previously described, can define 4-sided chamber parts (e.g., rectangular, rhomboidal, square or trapezoidal chamber parts), and other parts of camera with n sides.

In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in Figures 6A and 6D, the transverse seals (670) of a camera (690) are substantially mirror images of each other on a mirror plane passing through a transverse axis of a camera (690) (i.e. 180 degrees out of phase). These parts (692) in a first chamber (690) and polygonal chamber parts displaced transversely (692) in a second adjacent chamber (690). For example, as shown in Figure 6A, at least one chamber part (for example, part (692a)), in a chamber (for example, in chamber (695)), is transversely offset between a pair of adjacent chamber parts (for example, the parts (692b) and (692c) in an adjacent chamber (for example, the flow ducts (694)), which rest on longitudinal axes that pass through the center of adjacent chamber parts ( 692)). For example, as shown in Figure 6A, a flow conduit (694) in a first chamber (for example, the chamber (697)) is transversely aligned (i.e., rests on a longitudinal axis that passes through the center de) a chamber part in an adjacent chamber (for example, the part (692a) in the chamber (695)).

As shown in Figures 6A through 6D, the representative film (600) preferably includes seal arms (643) placed at the second ends of the transverse seals (670). Each seal arm (643) is disposed between the second end (674) of a transverse seal (670) and the second edges (624) and (644) of the first and second layers of material (620) and (640) . Each pair of adjacent seal arms (643) defines an input port (685) for a camera (690). Preferably, the adjacent seal arms (643) of a chamber (690) are substantially mirror images of each other on the transverse axis of the chamber (690). The seal arms (643) facilitate the eventual sealing of the inlet ports (685) of the chambers (690) along the longitudinal seal region (S) after inflation.

As shown in Figures 6A through 6D, and as preferably incorporated herein, at least some of the transverse weakening lines (695) are aligned with the transverse seals (670) and the seal arms (643) connected thereto, and spread through them. Other arrangements of the weakening transverse lines (695) are also possible, such as the arrangements described hereinabove.

In some embodiments, the representative film (600) includes longitudinal seal segments. For example, as shown in Figures 6B and 6D, the representative film (600) includes longitudinal seal segments (633) extending from the transverse seals (670) of each chamber (690). The longitudinal seal segments (633) of a chamber (690) further define the polygonal chamber portions (692) and the flow conduits (694) within the chamber (690). The longitudinal seal segments (673a) facilitate bending, wrinkling, folding and / or if not, the deformation of the inflated chambers (690) to adapt to the shape of an object that is being packed in the film (600).

Preferably, the longitudinal seal segments (633) of a chamber (690) extend from the adjacent corners (673) defined by the transverse seals (670), as illustrated in Figure 6B of the chamber (690). This type of arrangement tends to expand the volume of the chamber parts (692). As shown in Figures 6B and 6D, the longitudinal seal segments (633) in a chamber (690) are aligned transversely with each other, while the longitudinal seal segments (633) in the adjacent chambers (690) are offset transversely with respect to each other. As shown in Figures 6B and 6D, the longitudinal seal segments with transverse widths that are approximately equal to or less than the dimension of the transverse seal (670) from which the longitudinal seal segments extend, such as the segments of longitudinal seal 8 that is, Longitudinal seal segments with transverse widths that are larger than the longitudinal width of the transverse seal (670) from which the longitudinal seal segments extend, such as the longitudinal segments (633) in Figure 6C). Other arrangements of the longitudinal seal segments (633) are also possible, such as the arrangements described hereinabove.

As incorporated herein, and as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, there is no minimum dead space (i.e., parts of the film (600) that do not have the ability to be inflated), between adjacent chambers (690) in the representative film (600). This close separation between adjacent chambers (690) tends to reduce material waste from the first and second layers of material.

While the films described have been shown and described with reference to the embodiments illustrated, modifications are available within the scope of the present description and the appended claims.

For example, each of the representative films includes first and second layers that are aligned to be coextensive in general with one another. The films described herein may include first and second layers of material that are not generally coextensive with one another, if desired.

Also, for example, each of the representative films includes first and second layers of material having first unbound edges and second bonded edges. The films described herein may include first and second layers of material that are joined together with the first and second edges, or together with any of the first and second edges. For example, the first and second layers of material may include a single sheet of substrate material folded over the second joined edges and sealed along along the first edges, a tube of substrate material joined together with the first edges and the second edges, or two independent sheets of substrate material attached, sealed, or if not attached together with the first and second edges.

Also for example, each of the representative films includes transverse seals that are oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal seal that joins the first and second layers of material together. The films described herein may alternatively include transverse seals that are oriented at an angle to the longitudinal seal.

Also for example, each of the representative films includes a longitudinal seal that joins the first and second layers together. If desired, the films described herein may include first and second layers of material without such a longitudinal seal. For example, the films described herein may include first and second layers of material that are joined, sealed or otherwise, attached to each other along the respective first edges and the respective second edges, in which the transverse seals are extend from at least the first joined edges joined towards the second joined edges.

Accordingly, the films and methods described herein are not limited to the modalities described herein, may include other practices than those described, and will be interpreted as widely as permitted by the prevailing law.

Unless stated otherwise, when using articles one, one 'or "one" to modify a noun, it can be understood that these articles include one or more of the modified nouns.