Patent ID: 8061110

Claim:
An inflatable-cushion inflation and sealing device, comprising: an inflation assembly configured for inflating with a fluid a cushion cavity disposed between first and second layers of a film; a sealing assembly comprising first and second assembly portions configured for receiving overlapping portions of the first and second film layers adjacent the inflated cavity and for cooperatively driving the overlapping portions along a sealing direction and for applying sufficient pressure to the overlapping portions to substantially keep the fluid from escaping from between the overlapping portions and to seal the overlapping portions to each other and to form a longitudinal seal configured to seal the fluid in the cushion cavity; a disengagement mechanism associated with the first and second assembly portions for moving the first assembly portion relative to the second assembly portion for reversibly disengaging the first and second assembly portions for releasing the pressure therebetween; and a handle mounted pivotally with respect to at least one of the assembly portions and operably associated with the disengagement mechanism for engaging the assembly portions when in an engaged position, and disengaging the assembly portions when in a disengaged position, wherein the handle extends over the first portion in the engaged position.