Patent ID: 6598373
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B29L,B31D

Abstract:
An apparatus for forming inflated containers, comprising:a. a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, said film web comprising a film having a pair of longitudinal side edges and a longitudinal fold to form a longitudinally-folded film web having two juxtaposed film plies with said side edges being positioned adjacent to one another, said folded film web defining 1) a closed longitudinal edge formed by said longitudinal fold, 2) an open longitudinal edge positioned opposite and substantially parallel to said closed longitudinal edge, said open longitudinal edge formed from said adjacently-positioned longitudinal side edges, and 3) one or more pre-formed flexible containers, each of said containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of gas and having (a) an open edge for receiving such gas, said open edge being formed by said open longitudinal edge, and (b) an opposing closed edge formed by said closed longitudinal edge; b. an inflation assembly positioned adjacent said travel path and capable of 1) urging said open longitudinal edge towards said closed longitudinal edge such that a crease forms at the closed edge of each of said pre-formed containers, thereby forming creased, pre-formed containers, and 2) directing a stream of gas into the open edge of each creased, pre-formed container, thereby forming inflated containers; and c. a device for sealing closed the open edge of each inflated container.