Fluid container with check valve

Abstract

A fluid container having first and second flexible membranes forming at least one chamber, a channel configured to receive a pressurized inert gas, and one or more check valves disposed therebetween. The one or more check valve assemblies are formed from a continuous third flexible membrane folded at an apex and configured to provide a flow of pressurized fluid from the channel to the at least one chamber in one direction upon inflation while limiting flow in the opposite direction. The one or more check valve assemblies are characterized in that they do not need to be pre-printed or electronically registered, thereby allowing for an inflation flow of at least two times that of a conventional inflation packaging system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 2021800767721, application date September 24, 2021, and invention name “Fluid container with check valve”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to containers, packages and packaging particularly suitable for protecting the contents from mechanical damage by using an inflatable element filled with a fluid. Background Art

[0003] Today, many industries use inflatable packaging systems as a way to cushion and protect their goods from damage during transportation. These packaging systems are typically made of flat sheets of thermoplastic that are layered and joined together to form rolls. The sheets are typically oriented one on top of the other and then connected by heat sealing along the perimeter and at various locations along the perimeter to form design features located therein. Once formed, the roll can be further modified to ensure that the packaging system will fully conform to the size and shape of the specific goods once it is inflated and ready for shipping. This approach allows traditional packaging systems to meet the size and shape requirements of a variety of goods, such as consumer electronics, glassware, printer cartridges, and other products that are fragile or easily damaged during transportation.

[0004] Conventional inflatable packaging systems exhibit similar structural features. Specifically, conventional designs are characterized by a linear array of cylindrical inflatable chambers and one or more check valves disposed at the opening of each chamber. The inflatable chambers may include openings that allow fluid communication between adjacent inflatable chambers, or the inflatable chambers may be formed to contain fluid independently of each other. The check valve physically separates the opening of each inflatable chamber from the common inflatable channel. When the packaging system is inflated, the common inflatable channel receives pressurized fluid at one end of the channel and distributes the fluid evenly to each chamber through the valve. These valves are generally used to restrict the flow of fluid in one direction, effectively allowing fluid to enter each air chamber but not to flow out of the air chamber. A variety of check valve designs are known in the art; these valves are generally defined by an additional plastic layer that forms a path for the fluid to flow from the channel to each chamber, and are further defined by local features introduced into the air path to guide, limit or otherwise control the flow of fluid through the valve. The local features are usually pre-printed, which includes applying a heat-resistant coating to predetermined locations of the plastic sheet before heating so that heat sealing occurs in certain areas but not other areas. These structural features, as well as other features, are formed during the manufacturing process that forms the roll film.

[0005] Figure 1A plan view of a conventional inflatable packaging system 10 representing the prior art is provided, which has an inflatable channel 11, a check valve body 12, and a plurality of linearly arranged fluid chambers 13. The packaging system 10 is formed by a first layer and a second layer 18, 19. The fluid chambers 13 are separated by a side 14. The check valve body 12 includes local features 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d, which restrict the flow of fluid through the valve body 12 in one direction. Each fluid chamber 13 also has a top 16a and a bottom 16b. In addition, the conventional inflatable packaging system 10 includes a continuous seal 16, which connects the top 16a to one or more layers 18, 19.

[0006] There are several issues with the check valves used in conventional inflatable packaging systems. First, the pre-printed local features that form the valves must be electronically registered so that they are precisely aligned with each inflation chamber and associated components. During the roll film manufacturing process, several factors can cause misalignment; for example, heat sealing can cause plastic deformation and expansion and contraction of the associated sheets. As a result, conventional designs are subject to misregistration, rendering the misaligned valves unusable. Second, pre-printing requires specialized molding equipment that would otherwise be unnecessary. Third, conventional check valve designs significantly restrict fluid flow through the valve; fluid flow is particularly restricted at the valve inlet, where heat seals are required to properly form the connection between the inflation channel, check valve, and air chamber. This restrictive flow results in longer times to fill the inflatable packaging system. Summary of the invention

[0007] The apparatus, system and method according to the present invention solve the shortcomings of the prior art related to traditional air-filled packaging systems.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for pre-printed check valve components used to manufacture conventional roll films, thereby resulting in a simpler manufacturing process and an air packaging system that is less prone to failure and inoperability associated with misalignment of check valve features.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the need for specialized equipment required to electronically register pre-printed valve components, thereby making the manufacturing process simpler and requiring lower capital costs for manufacturing equipment.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an inflatable packaging device which inflates at least twice as fast as conventional packaging systems (or at most in half the time), by virtue of a check valve design which allows for a higher flow rate than its conventional equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and together with the description help explain some principles related to the disclosed embodiments, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 A plan view of a conventional air-filled packaging system according to the prior art is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a stacked flexible membrane structure is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a structure providing a plurality of sealing parts according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view showing a folding direction of a third flexible film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a roll film manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0018] Figure 6 A gas-filled fluid container having a check valve product according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a flexible membrane structure providing superposition according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of a structure providing a plurality of sealing parts according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a partially formed roll film according to an embodiment of the present invention, the roll film having a continuous outer film with an indented end portion provided along a channel;

[0022] Fig.10 shows a schematic perspective view showing a folding direction of a third flexible film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.11 shows a schematic perspective view showing a folding direction of a third flexible film according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig.12 A schematic perspective view of a roll film manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Fig.13A gas-filled fluid container with a check valve product according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Fig.14 According to an alternative embodiment, a schematic perspective view showing the folding direction of a third flexible film according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Fig.15 A schematic view thereof is shown, wherein a first flexible film and a second flexible film are superposed relative to each other;

[0028] Fig.16 A gas-filled fluid container having a check valve product thereof is shown; and

[0029] Fig.17 A perspective view of a rectangular fluid container product is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following will describe non-limiting embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent similar elements throughout the text. Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to its preferred embodiments, it is understood that upon reading and understanding the foregoing, certain variations of the preferred embodiments will become apparent, but these variations still fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0031] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "plurality", as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and / or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term "coupled", as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically.

[0032] References to "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "certain embodiments," and "embodiments" or similar terms herein mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the appearance of such a phrase in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0033] The term "or" as used herein should be interpreted as including or referring to any one or any combination. Thus, "A, B or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will only occur when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are inherently mutually exclusive in some way.

[0034] The figures in the accompanying drawings of the specification are provided to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the same. The term "means" before the present participle of operation indicates that there are one or more required functions of the embodiments, that is, one or more methods, devices or apparatuses for achieving the required functions, and those skilled in the art can select from these methods or their equivalents according to the disclosure of this article, and the use of the term "means" does not mean limitation.

[0035] The term "sealing" refers to connecting two or more flexible films by applying heat sealing, welding, gluing, laser welding or any combination thereof to form a fluid-impermeable barrier locally between the two or more flexible films.

[0036] The term "flexible film" most often refers to plastics, particularly thermoplastics such as co-laminates of polyethylene and co-laminates of polyethylene and nylon, but also includes any film capable of forming an impermeable barrier.

[0037] The term "pre-printing" means that a fluid material with high thermal resistance is applied to predetermined portions of the surface of the thermoplastic sheets after heat sealing occurs to form local separation points between adjacent thermoplastic sheets.

[0038] The term "registration" refers to the precise positioning of the pre-treated surface of the thermoplastic sheet relative to the two sealed portions forming the sides of the fluid chamber so that the check valve and related components function as designed.

[0039] like Figures 2 to 17 As shown, the fluid container device, system and method are generally shown as reference numeral 100. The fluid container 100 can be in the form of Figure 5 and Fig.12 The form of the roll film shown, or the example as Fig.17 The modified roll film form is shown for inserting a rectangular fluid container product 190 into which the goods to be transported are inserted. Figure 6 , the fluid container 100 may include one or more chambers 140, a channel 160, a first check valve assembly 130 and a second check valve assembly 131. Fig.13 , the fluid container 100 may alternatively include a continuous flexible film 171. The fluid container 100 may also include a first flexible film, a second flexible film, and a third flexible film, respectively 101, 102, and 103, such as Figure 1-4 In another embodiment, the fluid container 100 may include a continuous flexible film 170 and a third flexible film 103, such as Fig. 9 and 10In addition, the third flexible membrane 103 can be used interchangeably to facilitate manufacturing, including but not limited to being formed from separate sheets and sealed together. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the fluid container 100 can include a flexible membrane material derived from hydrocarbons, or an alternative material, such as a renewable biogenic material. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the fluid container 100 can be inflated using any inert gas, including air.

[0040] Now refer to Figure 2-6 , the fluid container 100 can be formed from a flat sheet of prefabricated flexible films (i.e., first, second, and third flexible films 101, 102, and 103, respectively). The initial flat sheet can be cut to size and Figure 2 The first flexible membrane 101 may be stacked in the manner shown, and fed along the manufacturing flow direction indicated by the arrow M. On one side, the first flexible membrane 101 may include a first inner chamber surface 101a, a first inner valve surface 101c, and a first inner channel surface 101e. On the opposite side, the first flexible membrane 101 may include a first outer chamber surface 101b, a first outer valve surface 101d, and a first outer channel surface 101f. The upper outer edge 105 may be arranged at one end of the first flexible membrane 101. In a similar manner, one side of the second flexible membrane 102 may include a second inner chamber surface 102a, a second inner valve surface 102c, and a second inner channel surface 102e. On the opposite side, the second flexible membrane 102 may include a second outer chamber surface 102b, a second outer valve surface 102d, and a second outer channel surface 102f. In addition, the lower outer edge may be arranged at one end of the second flexible membrane 102. Likewise, one side of the third flexible membrane 103 may include a third upper chamber surface 103a, a third lower chamber surface 103c, and a third intermediate chamber surface 103e. On the opposite side, the third flexible membrane 103 may include a third upper valve surface 103b, a third lower valve surface 103d, and a third intermediate channel surface 103f. In addition, the third flexible membrane 103 may include an upper inner edge 104 at one end and a lower inner edge 106 formed at the opposite end.

[0041] Importantly, the surfaces of the first, second and third flexible films 101, 102 and 103 are defined by the orientation and mutual overlap of each film relative to each other. These defined surfaces can be different in area and linear size, depending on the specific application and the desired end result. For example, the first overlapping portion 110 depends on the linear dimension defined between the upper inner edge 104 and the lower outer edge 107. Similarly, the second overlapping portion 111 depends on the linear dimension defined between the upper outer edge 105 and the lower inner edge 106. In addition, the intermediate overlapping portion 112 depends on the linear dimension defined between the upper outer edge 105 and the lower outer edge 107.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 3, a plurality of upper sealing portions 134a may be formed on the first overlapping portion 110, and a plurality of lower sealing portions 134b may be formed on the second overlapping portion 112. These sealing portions 134a, 134b are shown as linear segments oriented such that the broadside portions of each segment face the direction of fluid flow, as will be described in more detail. The sealing portions 134a, 134b may be of any shape, oriented in any orientation with reference to the direction of fluid flow, and arranged in any form on the first and second overlapping portions 110, 112. The sealing portions 134a, 134b may be formed between corresponding films to couple the films at a local portion to form an impermeable barrier that operates to inhibit fluid flow through the local portion.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 4 , the third flexible film 103 is shown folded so that the upper inner edge 104 is substantially overlapped with the lower inner edge 106, forming a vertex 164 along a portion of the third intermediate chamber surface 103e. Thus, the first flexible film 101 is substantially overlapped with the second flexible film 102, so that the upper outer edge 105 can be positioned adjacent to the lower outer edge 107.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first and second flexible films 101, 102 may be combined along an outer edge 108 including a channel inlet 161. The first and second flexible films 101, 102 may further form at least one chamber 140 and one channel 160. It should be noted that Figure 5 A form of rolled film is shown which may be further modified by a manufacturing process to include one or more side portions 142, one or more passageways 143, one or more intermediate connection points 144, and one or more lateral connection points 145; the rolled film may or may not include these features. In an alternative embodiment, one or more intermediate connection points 144 may extend across the entire width of the cavity 140 to prevent fluid from entering a portion of the cavity. The side portions 142 may form a continuous seal through all of the membrane located therein, with the side terminating at one end defined by the intersection of the side portions 142 with the vertex 164. In another embodiment, the side portions 142 form non-linear combinations, including but not limited to combinations forming arcs, ellipses, and shapes that are generally arranged non-orthogonally relative to the fluid container 100. In one embodiment, multiple chambers 140 may include corresponding side portions 142 of similar distance so that the respective volumes of each chamber 140 are approximately the same. In Figure 5 In the illustrated alternative embodiment, a wide chamber 148 may be formed with sides 142 spaced at different sizes than the sides forming narrow chamber 149. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that sides 142 may be formed in any manner suitable for the intended application and storage within fluid container 100.

[0045] See also Figure 6 , showing a fluid container 100. The fluid container 100 can be configured to receive a compressed fluid from a channel inlet 161, as indicated by the flow arrows therein. The channel 160 includes a partition 162 formed on the third intermediate channel surface 103f, the first inner channel surface 101e, and the second inner channel surface 102e. In one embodiment, the upper outer edge 105 and the lower outer edge 107 are combined to form an end 163; in an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, channel 160 is a pre-connected channel 172 formed from a continuous flexible film 170, wherein end 163 is formed from a single sheet from first, second and third folds 173, 174 and 175, respectively. In the latter embodiment, related components such as chamber 140 are also formed using continuous flexible film 170. Figure 6 Also shown are first and second valve assemblies 130 and 131, which may include first and second valve bodies 132 and 133, respectively. The first valve body 130 may be formed by the third upper valve face 103b, the first inner valve face 101c, and may include a plurality of upper sealing portions 134a. The second valve body 131 may be formed by the third lower valve face 103d, the second inner valve face 102c, and may include a plurality of lower sealing portions 134b. In alternative embodiments, such as Fig.13 As shown, a valve body including a plurality of sealing portions 134a is formed on one side of the fluid container 100; then the other side of the fluid container 100 may include a continuously sealed seal 171 that restricts fluid flow through that side. One or more chambers 140 may be similarly formed by the first inner chamber surface 101a, the third upper chamber surface 103a, the third middle chamber surface 103e, the third lower chamber surface 103c, and the second inner chamber surface 102a. In addition, the one or more chambers terminate along a closed bottom 141.

[0046] See again Figure 6 As the compressed fluid enters the fluid container 100, the passage 160 begins to inflate. As the compressed fluid continues to enter the fluid container 100, the fluid permeates through the first and second valve bodies 132 and 133, and then flows into the space defined by the one or more chambers 140, resulting in inflation and pressurization of the one or more chambers 140. Once the one or more chambers 140 are fully filled, the pressurization of the chambers 140 causes the valve bodies to close along the fluid path, which restricts the flow of the fluid by prohibiting the fluid from flowing out through the first and second check valve assemblies. In general, Figure 6 and Fig.13 The directional arrows shown in the figure represent the fluid flow lines that flow through the fluid container 100 as the fluid container is inflated. Importantly, the design of the fluid container 100 avoids the need for Figure 1The requirement of the continuous seal 17 shown in the prior art, thereby realizing the check valve assembly 130, 131, has the ability to at least double the air flow rate (e.g., cubic feet per minute, or CFM), and accordingly reduces the required inflation time to at most half of the time required for conventional inflation packaging. The fluid container 100 is an article of manufacture or product that can be manufactured by the method of the present invention. Advantageously, the fluid container device, system and method 100 eliminates layers and structures, thereby reducing material costs, waste and additional steps in manufacturing.

[0047] See now Figure 14-16 In an alternative embodiment, the fluid container 100 may include first, second and third membranes, respectively labeled 101, 102 and 103. Figure 14-16 , the fluid container 100 may include a continuous sheet with the third film 103 arranged therebetween. Fig.14 As shown, as part of the manufacturing process, the first film 101, the second film 102, and the third film 103 can be stacked on top of each other. Also as part of the manufacturing process, the first film 101 can be arranged at a certain angle, and portions of the film 101 are angled relative to the edge 105 to expose the second and third films 102, 103 for application of heating and other manufacturing processes to cause adhesion such as the continuous flexible film 171 to occur near the lower inner edge 106. Importantly, Fig.14 Prior to the manufacturing steps shown, the first and second films 101, 102 may be used with, for example, Figure 8 The structure shown is constructed in a consistent manner so that the sealing portion 134a can be formed. Also, in this embodiment, the structure can take the form of a continuous sheet relative to the first and second films 101, 102.

[0048] Figure 14-16 The characteristic of the alternative embodiment reflected in FIG. 1 is that the third flexible membrane 103 forms an "S" shaped cross-sectional profile, rather than the "U" shaped cross-sectional profile characteristic of the alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this way, the lower inner edge 106 can be Fig.14 The second membrane 102 is fitted in the manner shown, while the upper inner edge 104 can be fitted in another direction to form an "S" shaped cross-sectional profile in the assembled and / or inflated configuration, such as Fig.16 As shown. In addition, a portion of the third flexible membrane 103 may include a continuously bonded seal 171 on the portion connected to the second flexible membrane 102, and a plurality of upper sealing portions 134a may be formed on the first flexible membrane 101. Alternatively, this structure may also be exchanged. In addition, this structure may include two valve assemblies, wherein a plurality of upper sealing portions 134a may be formed on two connected portions of the third flexible membrane 103. Any combination of forming an "S" or "U" or other cross-sectional profiles is contemplated and considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] See also Fig.17 , the rectangular fluid container product 190 is shown in an inflated configuration, wherein the plurality of chambers 140 are fully inflated. The rectangular fluid container product 190 may include a modification of the roll film, such as having one or more side portions 142 and one or more intermediate connection points 144, as previously described with reference to Figure 5 The plurality of sealing portions 134, the third flexible film 103 and related components may be arranged substantially as shown, but may also be arranged along different portions of the rectangular fluid container product 190. Goods may be stored in the interior space enclosed by the chamber 140 through an opening (not shown) formed near the channel 160.

[0050] As described herein, the fluid packaging products can be used for a variety of products in multiple industries. For example, the flexible packaging described herein can be used for transportation throughout the consumer product industry, including but not limited to the following products: cleaning products, disinfectants, dishwashing compositions, laundry detergents, fabric care agents, fabric dyes, surface protectants, cosmetics, skin care products, hair care products, soaps, body scrubs, exfoliants, astringents, scrubs, depilatories, antiperspirant compositions, deodorants, shaving products, pre-shave products, after-shave products, toothpaste, mouthwash, personal care products, baby care products, feminine care products, insect repellents, food, beverages, electronic products, medical devices and commodities, pharmaceuticals, supplements, toys, office supplies, household products, automotive products, airline products, agricultural products, clothing, shoes, jewelry, industrial products, and any other items that may be desired to be shipped by mail or other parcel services, etc.

[0051] The flexible package disclosed herein can be configured to have an overall shape. In the unexpanded state, the overall shape can correspond to any known two-dimensional shape, including polygons (shapes generally composed of straight line portions connected at angles), curved shapes (including circular, elliptical, and irregular curved shapes), and combinations thereof. In the expanded state, the overall shape can correspond to any other known three-dimensional shape, including any kind of polyhedron, any kind of prismoid, and any kind of prism (including straight and uniform cylinders).

[0052] In another aspect of the present invention, it is related to packaging materials, packaging bags, packaging products and packaging methods for containing packaged objects, such as food and beverages (such as eggs, tofu, vegetables, fruits or milk) or daily commodities (such as clothing or furniture) or fragile items (such as electronic parts, precision instruments or semiconductors) that require thermal insulation materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to those packaging materials that facilitate complex packaging and unpacking of the packaged objects by adding a buffer function to the packaging material itself, while also simplifying the discarding after use. Traditionally, this packaging can be called cold chain transportation, which provides further insulation properties by reducing or eliminating radiant heat transfer. This buffer can be a reflective layer applied to one or more surfaces of any part of any layer described herein.

[0053] Although certain structural configurations have been shown for the purpose of introducing the basic structure of the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations are possible, which will still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Other advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Therefore, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the overall inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A fluid container device capable of being inflated by compressed inert gas for protecting a product therein, comprising: A first flexible film and a second flexible film stacked on top of each other, each of the flexible films comprising: an outer surface having an outer channel portion, an outer chamber portion, and an outer valve portion disposed therebetween, and an inner surface having an inner channel portion, an inner chamber portion and an inner valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of said portions of said outer surface corresponds to a like portion of said inner surface, each of said inner surfaces of said first flexible membrane and said second flexible membrane being oriented towards each other, and wherein the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane are sealed along an outer edge having a channel inlet configured to receive a compressed inert gas; The third flexible film includes a lower surface having an upper valve portion and a lower valve portion and an intermediate channel portion therebetween, and an upper surface having a lower cavity portion, the lower cavity portion being arranged opposite to the lower valve portion, The upper valve portion has an upper inner edge, and the lower valve portion has a lower inner edge arranged opposite to the upper inner edge. wherein the upper valve portion is operably coupled to the inner valve portion of the first flexible membrane, and the third flexible membrane is folded such that the lower valve portion or the lower chamber portion faces and is operably coupled to the inner valve portion of the second flexible membrane; at least one chamber formed by the inner chamber portions of the first and second flexible films and the upper surface of the third flexible film, the at least one chamber having a width, a channel formed by the channel portions of the first and second flexible membranes, the intermediate channel portion of the third flexible membrane, and the channel inlet; and at least one first check valve assembly formed by the upper valve portion of the third flexible membrane and the inner valve portion of the first flexible membrane, the at least one first check valve assembly further characterized by a plurality of offset upper sealing portions disposed within at least a portion of the upper valve portion such that the plurality of offset upper sealing portions form a plurality of flow paths within the width for compressed inert gas to move along the same, wherein the first check valve assembly is configured to allow compressed inert gas to flow from the passageway to the at least one chamber when the fluid container device is inflated, And wherein upon inflation of the fluid container device, the at least one first check valve assembly prevents the compressed inert gas from flowing from the at least one chamber to the passageway.

2. The fluid container device of claim 1, wherein the passageway is configured to supply compressed inert gas at a forming pressure to the at least one check valve.

3. The fluid container device according to claim 1 further includes at least one second check valve assembly extending across the width, the second check valve assembly including a second valve body formed by the inner valve portion of the second flexible membrane and the lower valve portion or the lower chamber portion of the third flexible membrane, and the at least one second check valve assembly is also characterized by a plurality of staggered lower sealing portions located within at least a portion of the second valve body.

4. The fluid container device of claim 1, wherein the first flexible film and the second flexible film are sealed together at predetermined sides to form a plurality of chambers.

5. The fluid container device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of chambers form a plurality of independent chambers configured to prevent fluid communication between the plurality of chambers.

6. The fluid container device of claim 4, wherein at least one of the predetermined sides further comprises a passage configured to allow fluid communication between adjacent chambers of the plurality of chambers.

7. A fluid container device according to claim 4, wherein at least one chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a side located at a first distance, and an individual chamber of the plurality of chambers includes a side located at a second distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

8. The fluid container device of claim 4, wherein at least one chamber of the plurality of chambers further comprises an intermediate connection point.

9. The fluid container device of claim 8, wherein the intermediate connection point extends across a portion of the at least one chamber of the plurality of chambers.

10. The fluid container device of claim 8, wherein the intermediate connection point extends across the entirety of the at least one chamber of the plurality of chambers.

11. The fluid container device of claim 8, wherein the intermediate connection point forms a convex angle with respect to the outer surfaces of the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane.

12. The fluid container device of claim 8, wherein the intermediate connection point forms a reentrant angle with respect to an outer surface of the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane.

13. A fluid container device capable of being inflated with compressed inert gas for protecting a product therein, comprising: A continuous flexible membrane comprising a first half and a second half stacked on top of each other, each of the first half and the second half comprising: an outer surface having an outer channel portion, an outer chamber portion, and an outer valve portion disposed therebetween, and an inner surface having an inner channel portion, an inner chamber portion and an inner valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of said portions of said outer surface corresponds to a like portion of said inner surface, said inner surfaces of each of said first and second halves being oriented toward each other, and the first half and the second half of the continuous flexible membrane are sealed along an edge having a channel inlet configured to receive a compressed inert gas; The third flexible film includes a lower surface having an upper valve portion and a lower valve portion and an intermediate channel portion therebetween, and an upper surface having a lower cavity portion, the lower cavity portion being arranged opposite to the lower valve portion, The upper valve portion has an upper inner edge, and the lower valve portion has a lower inner edge arranged opposite to the upper inner edge. wherein the upper valve portion is operably coupled to the inner valve portion of the first half, and the third flexible membrane is folded so that the lower valve portion or the lower chamber portion faces and is operably coupled to the inner valve portion of the second half; at least one chamber formed by the inner chamber portions of the first and second halves and the upper surface of the third flexible membrane, the at least one chamber having a width, a channel formed by the inner channel portions of the first and second halves, the middle channel portion of the third flexible membrane, and the channel inlet; and at least one first check valve assembly extending across the width and comprising a first valve body formed by the upper valve portion of the third flexible membrane and the inner valve portion of the first half, the at least one first check valve assembly further characterized by a plurality of offset upper sealing portions located within at least a portion of the first valve body such that the plurality of offset upper sealing portions form a plurality of flow paths within the width for compressed inert gas to move along, wherein the check valve assembly is configured to allow compressed inert gas to flow from the passageway to the at least one chamber when the fluid container device is inflated, And wherein upon inflation of the fluid container device, the check valve assembly prevents the compressed inert gas from flowing from the at least one chamber to the passageway.

14. A method for making a roll film, comprising the steps of: A first flexible film and a second flexible film are provided, each of the first flexible film and the second flexible film comprising: an outer surface having an outer channel portion, an outer chamber portion, and an outer valve portion disposed therebetween, and an inner surface having an inner channel portion, an inner chamber portion and an inner valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of said portions of said outer surface corresponds to a like portion of said inner surface, and wherein said inner channel portion of said first flexible membrane has an upper outer edge, and said inner channel portion of said second flexible membrane has a lower outer edge; A third flexible film is provided, comprising upper surface, and a lower surface having an upper valve portion and a lower valve portion and an intermediate channel portion therebetween, wherein the upper valve portion has an upper inner edge, and the lower valve portion has a lower inner edge arranged opposite to the upper inner edge, The first flexible film, the second flexible film and the third flexible film are stacked to form: a first overlapping portion comprising the upper valve portion of the third flexible membrane overlapping the inner valve portion of the first flexible membrane, a second overlapping portion comprising the lower valve portion of the third flexible membrane overlapping the inner valve portion of the second flexible membrane, and a middle overlapping portion comprising the outer channel portion of the first flexible membrane overlapping the inner channel portion of the second flexible membrane, wherein the middle channel portion of the lower surface of the third flexible membrane is defined by a distance between the upper outer edge of the first flexible membrane and the lower outer edge of the second flexible membrane; Sealing the first overlapping portion at a plurality of staggered upper sealing locations to form a first check valve assembly; sealing the second overlapping portion at a plurality of staggered lower sealing locations to form a second check valve assembly; Folding the upper surface so that the upper inner edge overlaps the lower inner edge to form a vertex of the middle channel portion that bisects the third flexible membrane; and combining the first flexible membrane and the second flexible membrane along an edge having a channel inlet configured to receive a compressed inert gas, thereby forming: at least one chamber having a width, the at least one chamber comprising the chamber portions of the first flexible film and the second flexible film and the upper surface of the third flexible film, wherein a plurality of staggered upper sealing portions form a plurality of flow paths within the width, and A channel includes the inner channel portions of the first and second flexible membranes, the middle channel portion of the third flexible membrane, and the channel inlet.

15. A fluid container manufactured according to the method of claim 14.

16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: The first flexible film and the second flexible film are sealed together at predetermined sides to form a plurality of chambers.

17. A fluid container manufactured according to the method of claim 14.

18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: The first flexible film and the second flexible film are sealed together at predetermined sides to form a plurality of chambers.

19. A fluid container manufactured according to the method of claim 18.

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