Dunnage Bag Valve Adapter

A dunnage bag air valve adapter can be coupled to a dunnage bag air valve to allow a user to inflate the dunnage bag using an inflation tool having an inflation tool head with which the dunnage bag's air valve may be otherwise incompatible.

RELATED ART

Inflatable air bags, called “dunnage bags” are frequently used to support or stabilize cargo loads. Such bags are often used to stabilize cargo containers and other items within transport vehicles. This helps prevent cargo from shifting and becoming damaged during the shipping and handling thereof due to the existence or presence of spaces or voids between the cargo.

A user commonly will inflate a dunnage bag using an inflator tool. The user may begin the inflation process by inserting the inflator tool into or couple the inflator tool to a valve of the bag and actuating the inflator tool. Pressurized air will then flow from the inflator tool to the interior of the bag via the dunnage bag's valve.

The user's inflation tool and the dunnage bag's valve must be compatible with one another in order to complete the inflation process properly. Inflation tool and dunnage bag types vary by manufacturer and different types are in use around the world. Improved techniques for ensuring compatibility of a user's inflation tool with a dunnage bag's valve are generally desirable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms “about” and “approximately” shall generally mean an acceptable degree of error or variation for the quantity measured given the nature or precision of the measurements. Typical, exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20 percent (%), preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of a given value or range of values. Numerical quantities given in this description are approximate unless stated otherwise, meaning that the term “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not expressly stated.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another when the apparatus is right side up.

The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Terms such as “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B.” The same construction should be applied to longer list (e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C”).

The term “consisting essentially of” means that, in addition to the recited elements, what is claimed may also contain other elements (steps, structures, ingredients, components, etc.) that do not adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure. Importantly, this term excludes such other elements that adversely affect the operability of what is claimed for its intended purpose as stated in this disclosure, even if such other elements might enhance the operability of what is claimed for some other purpose.

In some places reference is made to standard methods, such as but not limited to methods of measurement. It is to be understood that such standards are revised from time to time, and unless explicitly stated otherwise reference to such standard in this disclosure must be interpreted to refer to the most recent published standard as of the time of filing.

C. Dunnage Bag Air Valve Adapter

An adapter may be installed in a dunnage bag air valve to allow a user to inflate the dunnage bag when inflation tools available to the user may be otherwise incompatible with the bag's air valve. The adapter may be configured couple to an element of a dunnage bag air valve, such as a valve stem of a spring-actuated air valve. An inflation tool head may contact and apply pressure to the adapter, which may apply the pressure to the valve stem to compress the spring associated with it and move downward to open the air valve. In this regard, the air valve adapter may allow a user to inflate a dunnage bag when an inflation tool compatible with the air valve of the dunnage bag is not available or when it may be inconvenient or impossible to use a compatible inflation tool.

FIG.1is a three-dimensional perspective view of a dunnage bag in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The view ofFIG.1illustrates an inflated and assembled bag5as may be used to secure and support cargo. The exemplary bag5ofFIG.1has a valve30for allowing a pressurized fluid to pass into the interior volume of the bag5. In some embodiments the valve30may be a one-way valve configured to prevent fluid from escaping from the bag once inside the bag interior volume, although in some embodiments, the valve may have two-way functionality to allow fluid to leave the inner volume, such as by manually actuating the valve to reduce internal pressure. In some embodiments, the fluid may be air (e.g., CAS No. 132259-10-0), but in some embodiments, the bag may be inflated using other fluids in other embodiments.

The bag5also includes tab32for aiding a user in transporting the bag5.

FIG.2is a front perspective view of an inflated dunnage bag positioned between cargo in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The dunnage bag5has been inflated and positioned in a gap44between cargo40and42.

Additional aspects of dunnage bags and valve adapters are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/194,775 filed May 28, 2021 and entitled “Dunnage Bag with Graduated Inflation Stripes” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/304,401 filed Jan. 28, 2022 and entitled “Dunnage Bag Valve Adapter”. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated by reference herein.

FIG.3depicts a first type of dunnage bag air valve30and first type of dunnage bag inflation tool head90in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The first type inflation tool head90is configured to make contact with the valve30and certain of its components to open the valve30and communicate pressurized fluid (in the context of this document, pressurized air, although other pressurized fluids are possible and contemplated herein) from a pressure source to an interior of the dunnage bag5via the valve30. This may occur until a desired pressure within the bag is achieved, thereby inflating the bag.

The head90has a central hub80and tip81, as well as a plurality of air apertures82. The tip81protrudes from the hub80and together with the hub80may make contact with components of the valve30, as described below. The pressurized fluid may pass through one or more of the air apertures82and into and through valve30. Although a particular number of apertures82is depicted inFIG.3, in some embodiments, the tool head90may have as little as a single air aperture82or more than one air aperture82.

Additional operation of the valve30is described below with regard toFIG.4.

The tool head90opens the valve30when the tool head90is coupled to it. One or more of a hub80, pin81or other component of the head90applies a pressure to one or more of the pin49, nut48, or stem47in order to push the stem47along a longitudinal axis of the stem47. Pressure applied to the stem47may open the valve30by pushing the stem47downward and compressing the spring51. When the stem47moves downward, it pushes plate56downward, creating a gap between the plate56and an interior valve portion206inside the bag5. In this regard, pressurized air may flow through the apertures702, and the valve30is “open.” When the tool90is decoupled from the valve30, the spring51may apply pressure to a bottom surface of the nut48to return the stem47and gate56to their original positions. When the gap between plate56and interior portion of the valve housing closes so that no more pressurized air may flow through the apertures702, the valve30is “closed.” In this regard, the components of the inflation tool head90interact with components of the valve30to open and close the valve without additional action required by a user beyond coupling the tool head90to the valve30.

A surface of the hub80may contact a surface of one or more portions of the valve30, such as a portion of one or more of stem47, nut48and pin49. A pressure sufficient to compress the spring51may be exerted on the stem47(e.g., via one or more of hub80and tip81) when the tool head90is coupled to the valve30.

Note that the tool head90may have an interior portion configured to couple to an exterior portion of the housing52, such as by interlocking tabs, threads, grooves, etc., and thereby improve connection between tool head90and the valve housing52. When the tool head90is coupled to the housing52this may prevent decoupling of the tool head90from housing52while the bag5is being inflated.

Note also that the operation of the valve30described herein is exemplary and not limiting of this disclosure. It will be understood upon reading of this disclosure that the air valve adapter described herein may be installed and used to translate a location of force from a surface of an inflation tool head to a member of an air valve that must be compressed or moved in order to open the valve and inflate the dunnage bag.

In some embodiments, a downward (in the negative Y-axis direction) pressure must be applied to the spring-loaded valve stem47in order to open a first type dunnage bag air valve30. Spring51holds the valve30closed by pushing the nut48and valve stem47upward (in the positive Y-axis direction) so that no pressurized air passes between the valve plate56and interior valve portion206(a portion of the valve with which the valve plate56is in contact).

The first type inflation tool head90has one or more components (e.g., first inflation tool head hub80, first inflation tool head tip81) positioned to open the valve30automatically when the head90and valve30are coupled together (e.g., by coupling head90to valve housing52). The components of head90may apply sufficient pressure to open the valve to one or more components of the valve30, such as nut48, pin49and valve stem contact surface202of valve stem47. When the valve stem47moves downward, a gap (not specifically shown inFIG.18) is created between the valve plate56and the interior valve portion206inside the interior of the bag body4so that air can flow through apertures704into the bag5. The head90and valve30can remain coupled together while such pressure is applied, so that pressurized air cannot escape from between the tool head90and valve30, essentially all of the pressurized air can pass through the open valve30and into the bag interior.

FIG.4Adepicts top view of a first type of dunnage bag air valve, andFIG.4Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of a first type of dunnage bag air valve taken along and in the direction of line4B-4B inFIG.4A.FIG.5Adepicts side view of a head portion of a first type of dunnage bag inflation tool andFIG.5Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of a head portion of a first type of dunnage bag inflation tool taken along and in the direction of line5B-5B inFIG.5A.

The valve30has a stem47, nut48, pin49and spring51. The foregoing elements of the valve30may be disposed within circular housing52.

Stem47may be centrally located within the valve30, and pass from an interior of the valve housing52through the bag body4and couple to a valve plate56. The stem47and plate56may act in conjunction with one another to open and close the valve30. In some embodiments, the stem47and plate56may be configured to move upward and downward with respect to the valve housing52. In the context of this document, the terms “upward” and “downward” may refer to movement or orientation with respect to the y-axis direction of travel. Similarly, the terms “top” and “bottom” may refer to positioning of respective elements with regard to the y-axis direction.

The nut48may be any of various types of components, such as a traditional threaded nut, bushing, or other component capable of better securing the pin49to the stem47and receiving pressure from the first inflation tool hub80, head tip81on its top side, and spring51on its underside. In this regard, the nut48may have a diameter that is wider than the diameter of the valve stem47and configured to receive pressure from spring51to keep the valve normally closed, and to open the valve when pressure is applied to the nut48, such as by a first type inflation tool head90or a valve adapter as described herein.

The pin49may be any of various types of fasteners for coupling the nut to the stem47. The pin49may be a threaded fastener, but various types of couplers (e.g., rivets, screws, bolts, etc.) may be suitable in some embodiments. The pin49may be removable, and may be installed to couple an adapter to the stem47as described further below.

Spring51may be disposed around the stem47, and may be in contact with the first valve surface204and one or more of the nut48or a valve adapter (described below). In some embodiments, the spring51may be disposed around stem47, and may apply pressure to an underside of the adapter (e.g., adapter hub bottom surface210) or nut48in order to push the valve stem47upward and, thus, valve plate56against the interior valve portion. The spring51may be various types of springs suitable for use in an air valve. Similarly, the spring51may have a stiffness or spring coefficient corresponding to an amount of pressure needed to keep air from passing through the valve when the bag is inflated, but also allowing tool head90to compress it when applying pressure to the stem47during inflation of the valve30.

The plate56may have a size, shape and features configured to close or seal one or more of the valve housing apertures704. In some embodiments, the plate56may correspond to features of each housing aperture704so that it seals them when in contact with the interior of valve portion206. The plate may be coupled to the stem47or in some embodiments, may be a distal part of the stem47.

To better illustrate operation of the valve, when the stem47is in a first position, an upper valve stem surface205of the stem47may be at its furthest distance from the first valve surface204. In this regard, the plate56may be positioned against the interior valve portion206to seal or block one or more apertures704, so that no air passes between the gate and interior valve portion (seeFIG.20) and into the bag interior environment725. In this position, the valve30may be considered “closed” (e.g., no air passes through the valve from apertures704and through a gap in gate56and interior valve portion206).

When the stem47is in a second position, an upper valve stem surface205of the stem47may be sufficiently closer to the first valve surface204than in the first position to open the valve30. In this regard, a gap may be opened between plate56and interior valve portion206to allow air to flow from one or more apertures704. In this regard, air may pass between the gate and interior valve portion (seeFIG.20) and into the bag interior environment725. In this position, the valve30may be considered “open” (e.g., air passes through the valve from apertures704and through a gap in gate56and interior valve portion206).

FIG.6Adepicts side view of a head portion of a second type of dunnage bag inflation tool, andFIG.6Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of a head portion of a second type of dunnage bag inflation tool taken along and in the direction of line6B-6B inFIG.6A.FIG.7depicts a second type of inflator tool and first type of dunnage bag air valve in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

A second type inflation tool head100may generally be suitable for use with valve types (e.g., second valve type102) in which force exerted by pressurized air is applied to the valve to open the air valve and allow air to move into the interior of the bag. Inflation tools having heads such as inflation tool head100typically may not be compatible for use with air valves incorporating a stem such as valve30because the tool head100lacks components to apply pressure to the stem47and open the valve30.

The adapter50depicted inFIGS.8-15is one embodiment of a dunnage bag air valve adapter. Other embodiments are contemplated and disclosed herein, and it will be understood that features of the adapter50may be shared by other embodiments of a dunnage bag air valve adapter such as those shown inFIG.17and the attached Appendix, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS.8-15depict various views of a dunnage bag air valve adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The valve adapter50has an adapter rim58coupled to an adapter hub201by legs60,62,64. Apertures702are positioned between legs and configured to allow air to flow through the apertures702when installed on a valve stem47. Although a specific number of apertures is depicted in the figures, it will be understood that various numbers of apertures may be possible in some embodiments.

The adapter rim58is configured to receive force or pressure from a second type tool head rim105when inserted into the valve30for inflating the bag5. Inflation tool contact surface220may be a top surface of the adapter rim58. The inflation tool contact surface220may comprise a surface profile corresponding to a surface208of a rim105of the inflation tool100. In some embodiments, the surface profile may be one or more of: flat, curved, notched, slotted and grooved. Other configurations for the surface220and adapter rim58are possible in some embodiments.

Legs60,62and64may be configured to translate the force from the adapter rim58to the adapter hub201. The legs60,62, and64are depicted as having a curved profile, but other profiles and shapes of legs are possible in some embodiments. In addition, an adapter may have various numbers of legs connecting the adapter rim58to the hub201, even though three legs are shown inFIGS.8-15. Additional detail is shown inFIG.17and the attached Appendix.

The adapter hub201has a valve stem contact surface202, coupling contact surface203, and coupling aperture209. Other components are possible in other embodiments.

The adapter hub201is depicted as having a circular cross section in the figures, but may have other cross sectional profiles or shapes in other embodiments. The adapter hub201may have an adapter hub diameter211that is greater than that of the stem47. The adapter hub201may have a valve stem contact surface202configured to make contact with the upper valve stem surface205of valve stem47. The valve stem contact surface202may be positioned within a diameter211of the adapter hub201, and adjacent to a bottom surface210of the adapter hub.

The adapter hub201may have an adapter hub top surface212and an adapter hub bottom surface210. The top surface212may have features configured to allow use with a first type inflation tool head90(e.g., features corresponding to the hub80and tip81). In this regard, when the adapter is installed, the valve30may be compatible for inflation via an inflation tool having either of the first type tool head90or second type tool head100. The bottom surface210may be configured to receive pressure from spring51to keep the valve normally closed, and to open the valve when pressure is applied to the adapter50, such as by a tool head100or a valve adapter as described herein. The spring51may make contact with and apply pressure to other portions of the adapter in some embodiments.

A coupling contact surface203may be configured to make contact with a coupler or fastener, such as pin49, and may be positioned within a diameter211of the adapter hub201and may be positioned adjacent to a top surface212of the adapter hub201. The fastener or coupler may pass through coupling aperture209and into an aperture of the stem47(not specifically shown inFIGS.8-15). The coupling aperture209also may be positioned within a diameter211of the adapter hub201. A portion of the adapter hub201surrounding the coupling aperture209may be threaded or otherwise configured to enhance coupling of the adapter to the stem47. Further, coupling aperture209and the hub201may be configured to accommodate nut48or other components of the stem47in order to achieve the functionality ascribed herein to the adapter and valve.

FIG.16is a three-dimensional perspective exploded view of a dunnage bag air valve adapter and components of a first type of dunnage bag air valve in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The figure shows an adapter50and additional detail of first type dunnage bag air valve components, including pin49, spring51, housing52, gasket54, stem47and plate56.

To install the adapter50on a first type air valve30, an exemplary method may be performed. A user may remove the pin49from the valve, such as by unscrewing the pin from the stem47and nut48(not specifically shown inFIG.16). In some embodiments, the adapter50may be configured to accommodate nut48, but in the embodiment ofFIG.16, the nut48is removed, and the adapter50is positioned in contact with the upper valve stem surface205. The spring51may be compressed in order to allow the adapter to make contact with the stem surface205. Stem47passes through an interior portion of the gasket54, housing52and spring51to make contact with the adapter50. Once the adapter is in contact with the surface205, the pin49may be reinserted or otherwise recoupled to the stem47. Thereafter, the adapter is ready for use with inflation tools having either first or second type inflation tool heads.

FIG.17depicts alternative embodiments of a dunnage bag air valve adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The figure depicts four exemplary adapter embodiments: two with curved legs, and two with square, stepped or “angled” legs. Adapters50and160each have curved legs: adapter50is essentially the same adapter as shown in great detail inFIGS.8-15, as is adapter160but for the addition of an additional leg (to give adapter160four legs162,164,166and168). The remaining features of the adapter50and160are essentially the same as described with regard to discussion of adapter50above.

Similarly, adapters150and170each have angled legs: the adapters are essentially the same adapter as shown in great detail inFIGS.8-15, except adapter150has angled legs, and adapter170has an additional leg (to give adapter170four legs172,174,176,178). The remaining features of the adapter150and170are essentially the same as described with regard to discussion of adapter50above.

The following figures provide cross-sectional views of a first type dunnage bag air valve30that has been simplified for the viewer's convenience.FIG.18is a cross-sectional view of a second type of inflator tool in use with a first type of dunnage bag air valve in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As noted above, a downward (in the negative Y-axis direction) pressure must be applied to the spring-loaded valve stem47in order to open a first type dunnage bag air valve30. Spring51holds the valve30closed by pushing the nut48and valve stem47upward (in the positive Y-axis direction) so that no pressurized air passes between the valve plate56and interior valve portion206(a portion of the valve with which the valve plate56is in contact).

A first type inflation tool head90has one or more components (e.g., first inflation tool head hub80, first inflation tool head tip81) positioned to open the valve30automatically when the head90and valve30are coupled together (e.g., by coupling head90to valve housing52). The components of head90may apply sufficient pressure to open the valve to one or more components of the valve30, such as nut48, pin49and valve stem contact surface202of valve stem47. When the valve stem47moves downward, a gap (not specifically shown inFIG.18) is created between the valve plate56and the interior valve portion206inside the interior of the bag body4so that air can flow through apertures704into the bag5. The head90and valve30can remain coupled together while such pressure is applied, so that pressurized air cannot escape from between the tool head90and valve30, essentially all of the pressurized air can pass through the open valve30and into the bag interior.

A second type inflation tool head100may generally be suitable for use with valve types (e.g., second valve type102) in which force exerted by pressurized air is applied to the valve to open the air valve and allow air to move into the interior of the bag. Inflation tools having heads such as inflation tool head100typically may not be compatible for use with air valves incorporating a stem such as valve30because the tool head100lacks components to apply pressure to the stem47and open the valve30.

FIG.18illustrates this problem. A second type tool head100is inserted into a first type valve30. The second type tool head rim105is in contact with the valve surface204, but the tool head100lacks components to apply pressure to compress the stem47and open the valve30(e.g., there is no gap between valve plate56and interior valve portion206). Pressurized airflow600is thus unable to pass from the bag exterior environment700into the bag interior environment725.

Thus, absent modification, an inflation tool having a second type inflation tool head100is generally incompatible with a dunnage bag having a first type air valve30.

In order to address this problem, a dunnage bag air adapter may be coupled to the valve30to allow an inflation tool having a second type tool head100to apply pressure to compress the stem47and open the valve30.

FIG.19is a cross-sectional view of a first type of dunnage bag air valve with adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the adapter may be installed in the air valve using a method similar or the same as the method described with regard toFIG.16above. Other techniques are possible in other embodiments.

The adapter150is coupled to an upper portion of the valve stem47and positioned to receive pressure from tool head100and provide such pressure to the valve stem47. In the embodiment ofFIG.19, the adapter is depicted as a second embodiment valve adapter150for ease of visualization, but it will be appreciated that other embodiments of valve adapter will have the same or similar functionality when used in essentially the same manner as the adapter shown inFIGS.19and20.

The adapter150has essentially the same features as the adapter150shown inFIG.14, including stepped legs152,154,156, a coupling aperture209(not specifically shown), valve stem contact surface202, and coupling contact surface203(not specifically shown). The adapter150further has an essentially circular adapter rim58and inflation tool contact surface220.

The adapter150is coupled to an uppermost portion of the stem47, such that the valve stem contact surface202of the adapter150is in contact with upper valve stem surface105.

The spring51may keep the valve30closed when the adapter150is installed in much the same way it does when the adapter is not installed. In some embodiments, the spring51may apply pressure to one or more of an underside of the adapter (e.g., adapter hub bottom surface210) or nut48in order to push the valve stem47upward and, thus, close the valve by pushing the valve plate56against the interior valve portion206.

After the adapter150has been installed in the valve30as shown inFIG.19, the valve30is ready for inflation by an inflation tool using either a first type tool head90or second type tool head100.FIG.20is a cross-sectional view of a second type of inflator tool in use with a first type of dunnage bag air valve with adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Second type inflation tool head100is inserted within the valve housing52. Rim105of the tool head100is in contact with the adapter150. More specifically, nozzle surface208of rim105is in contact with the inflation tool contact surface220of rim58. The valve stem contact surface202of adapter hub201may be in contact with the upper valve stem surface205(not specifically shown) of valve stem47.

A pressure is being applied to the tool head100, and to the inflation tool contact surface220and rim58of the adapter150.

Because the adapter150may be essentially rigid, as described herein, a portion (which may be some or all) of the pressure applied by the inflation tool head100to the surface220and rim58is translated by legs152and156to the hub201. In this regard, the adapter hub201, and specifically the valve stem contact surface202, applies pressure to the valve stem47(upper valve stem surface205) with which it is in contact.

As depicted inFIG.20, when pressure applied to valve stem47via the adapter150and tool head100is sufficient to compress spring51(e.g., by exceeding a pressure threshold associated with the spring coefficient of spring51) and displace the valve stem47from the first position to the second position. In this regard, when the valve stem47moves from the first position to the second position, the valve opens, and air from the pressurized airflow600provided by the inflation tool may pass through adapter air apertures702, through housing aperture704and gasket aperture705(not specifically shown inFIG.20), and into the bag interior environment725. This may allow inflation of the bag until a desired internal bag pressure is achieved.

When the tool head100is removed, or when pressure applied to valve stem47via the adapter150and tool head100is not sufficient to compress spring51(e.g., by failing to exceed the pressure threshold associated with the spring coefficient of spring51), the spring51may return the valve stem47to the first position, and the valve may close.

FIG.21is a flowchart depicting a method1000for using a dunnage bag with air valve adapter in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The method may begin at step502when a user identifies a gap between cargo that should be braced by a dunnage bag. The user may identify such gap based on guidelines, regulatory requirements, personal judgment, or otherwise. Once a gap is identified, processing may proceed to step504, where the user may select a dunnage bag for use in the identified gap.

After a user has selected a dunnage bag to use in the gap, processing may continue to step506, where the user may identify a type of air valve of the dunnage bag. The user may retrieve the valve type by various methods, including by visual inspection, referencing information about the specific dunnage bag, or otherwise, and once the user has identified the type of valve installed on the dunnage bag (e.g., first type air valve or second type air valve), processing may continue to step508, where a user may identify a type of inflation tool available. The inflation tool type may refer to various characteristics of inflation tools, but in some embodiments, may refer to inflation tool head type, such as a first type inflation tool head and second type inflation tool head. Thereafter, processing may proceed to step510.

At step510, the user may compare the selected inflation tool type with the air valve type on the selected dunnage bag. In some embodiments, the user may compare type of inflation tool head with air valve type. If the type of inflation tool head matches (e.g., is compatible with) the valve type, processing may proceed to step520where the user may insert the inflation tool and then to step522, where the user may inflate the bag.

If the user determines that the type of inflation tool head does not match the valve type, processing may proceed to step512, where the user may determine whether there are additional dunnage bags that may have compatible air valves. If so, processing may return to step506. If not, processing may continue to step514, where the user may determine whether there are additional inflation tools available for use that may have inflation tool heads compatible with the air valve of the available dunnage bag. If so, processing may return to step508. If not, processing may proceed to step516.

At step516, the user may identify a suitable valve adapter to install in the air valve that will allow the user to inflate the dunnage bag using the available inflation tool. In some embodiments, when the air valve is a first type air valve and the user has an inflation tool having a second type inflation tool head, the user may select an air valve adapter having features and characteristics similar to those described herein with respect to the adapter for use with the first type air valve. Once the user has identified a suitable air valve adapter, processing may proceed to step518, where the user may install the valve adapter. The installation process may be similar to the installation process described above with regard toFIG.16. Once the valve adapter is installed processing may proceed to step520.

At step520, the user may insert the inflation tool into the dunnage bag air valve, and, at step522, may inflate the dunnage bag using the inflation tool using the adapter. Thereafter, processing may proceed to step524, where the user may determine whether additional gaps should be filled using a dunnage bag. If so, processing may return to step504. If not processing may end.

It is to be understood that any given elements of the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be embodied in a single structure, a single step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given element of the disclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures, steps, substances, or the like.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but, as mentioned above, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the teachings as expressed herein, commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure in such, or other, embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the present disclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only for consistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. § 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational queues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set forth herein.