Patent ID: 7721781

Claim:
An apparatus for inflating a web, comprising: a) a mechanism for conveying an inflatable web along a path of travel, the web comprising (1) two sheets having inner surfaces sealed to each other in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers of predetermined length, each of the chambers having at least one change in width over their length, (2) an inflation port located at a proximal end of each chamber, each said inflation port being formed by intermittent seals between said sheets, and (3) longitudinal flanges formed by a portion of each of said sheets that extend beyond said inflation ports and intermittent seals, said flanges having a pair of open, unsealed edges; b) an inflation nozzle within said travel path and positioned for placement between the longitudinal flanges of the web, said inflation nozzle comprising a gas outlet port for injection of gas into the inflatable chambers and being adapted to position said gas outlet port closely adjacent to the inflation ports and intermittent seals so that, as said conveying mechanism conveys the web along said travel path, said inflation nozzle moves longitudinally between the flanges to inflate the series of chambers sequentially by the introduction of gas into their respective inflation ports, wherein at least a portion of said inflation nozzle is adapted to move as the web moves past said nozzle; and c) a device for sealing the inflation ports.