Films for inflatable cushions

Abstract

Films for inflatable cushions are disclosed. Generally, each of the disclosed films includes a pair of web layers that are aligned to be generally coextensive and that are sealed together by longitudinal and / or transverse seals that cooperatively define the boundaries of inflatable chambers.

Description

technical field [0001] The subject matter of the present application relates to thin-film constructions. More particularly, the subject matter of the present application relates to membranes used in the production of inflatable pads, and methods of making and using the membranes. Background technique [0002] A variety of inflatable cushions are known and used in a wide variety of packaging applications. For example, inflatable cushions are often used as void-fill packaging in a manner similar to or instead of foam peanuts, shredded paper, and similar products. As another example, inflatable cushions are often used as protective packaging in place of molded or extruded packaging elements. [0003] Typically, inflatable cushions are formed from a film having two layers joined together by a seal. The seal may be formed concurrently with inflation, to trap air therein, or prior to inflation, so as to define a membrane construction having an air-filled chamber. The plenum ma...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Many of these membrane constructions include sealed constructions that waste material, inhibit separation of adjacent inflatable pads, and / or create inflatable pads that are prone to under-inflation or leakage, thereby inhibiting effectiveness

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