Patent ID: 7621104

Claim:
An apparatus for inflating a mailer having an inflatable liner comprising: a) a conveyance mechanism for conveying an inflatable mailer along a longitudinal path of travel, the mailer comprising: (1) a pouch defining an opening through which an article can be placed into an interior space of said pouch; and (2) an inflatable liner disposed in said interior in a partially inflated state, said inflatable liner comprising: i) two sheets having inner surfaces sealed to each other in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers and at least one common channel in fluid communication with said series of inflatable chambers; and ii) a controlled volume of gas dispersed throughout said inflatable chambers, wherein said volume of gas is sufficient to substantially inflate said common channel when the gas is moved from said inflatable chambers into said common channel whereby a second portion of gas can be introduced into said common channel to inflate said series of inflatable chambers; b) at least one drive roll disposed within said path and cooperating with said conveying mechanism to define a nip therebetween, whereby travel of said mailer between said nip causes said controlled volume of gas to move in the direction of said common channel whereby said movement of gas inflates said common channel; c) at least one inflation nozzle adjacent to said drive roll, said inflation nozzle adapted to create an opening in said common channel through which said second portion of gas can be introduced into said common channel, said inflation nozzle comprising a needle having a pointed tip and configured to puncture and introduce said second portion of gas into said common channel whereby said inflatable liner is filled with gas; and d) a sealing device adapted for sealably closing said opening.