Patent ID: 8978345
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: B31D,B65B

Abstract:
1. A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge, at least two sheets, and a series of inflatable chambers formed between the sheets, each of the inflatable chambers being capable of holding therein a quantity of a fluid and having an opening proximate the longitudinal edge for receiving the fluid during inflation, the machine comprising: a drive for advancing the inflatable structure in a machine direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal edge; an inflation nozzle positioned to direct the fluid into the openings of the inflatable chambers as the inflatable structure is advanced in the machine direction, thereby inflating the inflatable chambers, wherein the inflation nozzle defines one or more fluid outlets through which fluid is directed out of the inflation nozzle; a sealing device located proximate the inflation nozzle for sealing closed the openings of the inflatable chambers after they are inflated with the fluid; and a sheet engagement device configured to engage the sheets together along the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure, adjacent to the inflation nozzle, and prior to the inflatable chambers being sealed to facilitate inflation of the inflatable chambers, wherein at least one of the one or more fluid outlets is positioned between at least one of the inflatable chambers and the engaged portion of the longitudinal edge of the sheets with respect to a direction perpendicular to the machine direction, and wherein the engagement of the sheets together along the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure restricts the ability of fluid exiting the inflation nozzle to escape through the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure during inflation of the inflatable chambers.