Apparatus for forming inflated packaging cushions

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to packaging materials and, more particularly, to an improved apparatus for producing inflated cushions for packaging. [0002] Various apparatus and methods for forming inflated packaging cushions are known. Such inflated cushions are used to package items by wrapping the items in the cushions and placing the wrapped items in a shipping carton, or by simply placing one or more inflated cushions inside of a shipping carton along with an item to be shipped. The cushions protect the packaged item by absorbing impacts that may otherwise be fully transmitted to the packaged item during transit, and also restrict movement of the packaged item within the carton to further reduce the likelihood of damage to the item. [0003] Conventional apparatus for forming inflated packaging cushions tend to be rather large and complex machines which are expensive and cumbersome to maintain. Because of their large size and complexity, it is d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] In preferred embodiments of both the apparatus and the method, the film web may be conveyed past the inflation mechanism in the direction of travel and may be conveyed past the sealing mechanism in a direction transverse to the direction of travel. The film web may be conveyed past the inflation mechanism at a fir

Problems solved by technology

Conventional apparatus for forming inflated packaging cushions tend to be rather large and complex machines which are expensive and cumbersome to maintain.

Because of their large size and complexity, it is difficult to install such apparatus at the manufacturing sites and other locations where packaging takes place.

Because of the volume which these cushions occupy, this practice is grossly inefficient and costly, and creates storage problems at the packaging site.

While such machines have lowered the cost of inflated packaging cushions and have expanded their use, they often do not reliably inflate the cushions to the level desired.

Images