Abstract: An inflatable web includes an inflation zone, a first inflatable panel in fluid communication with the inflation zone, and a second inflatable panel in fluid communication with the inflation zone. The first inflatable panel includes a first sheet juxtaposed on a second sheet. The first and second sheets are sealed together to form inflatable chambers. The second inflatable panel include a third sheet juxtaposed on a fourth sheet. The third and fourth sheets are sealed together to form inflatable chambers. The inflatable film is configured to be inflated by an inflation and sealing machine configured to direct gas into the inflatable chambers of the first and second inflatable panels via the inflation zone and to individually seal the inflatable chambers of the first and second inflatable panels.

Abstract: An inflatable web includes an inflation zone, a first inflatable panel in fluid communication with the inflation zone, and a second inflatable panel in fluid communication with the inflation zone. The first inflatable panel includes a first sheet juxtaposed on a second sheet. The first and second sheets are sealed together to form inflatable chambers. The second inflatable panel include a third sheet juxtaposed on a fourth sheet. The third and fourth sheets are sealed together to form inflatable chambers. The inflatable film is configured to be inflated by an inflation and sealing machine configured to direct gas into the inflatable chambers of the first and second inflatable panels via the inflation zone and to individually seal the inflatable chambers of the first and second inflatable panels.

Abstract: A cushion package can be formed around an object. The object can be removed from and reinserted into the cushion package. The cushion package includes a cushion material (104) having a longitudinal length and two longitudinal edges (110). The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are folded into an overlapping position to form a tube of the cushion material. The cushion package includes first and second transverse seals (148,150) in the tube of the cushion material. The first and second transverse seals (148,150) respectively form first and second ends of the cushion package. Each of the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150) seals the cushion material with the two longitudinal edges (110) in the overlapping position. The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are uncoupled between the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150).

Abstract: A cushion package can be formed around an object. The object can be removed from and reinserted into the cushion package. The cushion package includes a cushion material (104) having a longitudinal length and two longitudinal edges (110). The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are folded into an overlapping position to form a tube of the cushion material. The cushion package includes first and second transverse seals (148,150) in the tube of the cushion material. The first and second transverse seals (148,150) respectively form first and second ends of the cushion package. Each of the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150) seals the cushion material with the two longitudinal edges (110) in the overlapping position. The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are uncoupled between the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150).

Abstract: A frame (10) used in a packaging assembly for retaining a product within a box. The frame includes a panel (16) having a panel width (W1) greater than the box width. A front panel flap fold zone (26) corresponds to the front closure flap fold line of the box. A rear panel flap fold zone (30) corresponds to the rear closure flap fold line of the box. A central panel portion (34) extends between the front and rear panel flap fold zones. Front and rear panel flaps (36, 38) extend from the front panel flap fold zone and the rear panel flap fold zone, respectively. A detachment line (40) extends from the left edge (19) to the right edge (20) of the panel in the central panel portion to delineate front and rear central panel portions (42, 44). A sheet (18) extends across the central panel portion and attaches to the panel at opposing regions of the panel outside of the central panel portion.

Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.

Abstract: The cellular cushioning article comprises a thermoformed film bonded to a second film, with the thermoformed film having thermoformed regions separated by a land area. The thermoformed film has a combination of (i) a layer containing a high melt point polymer and (ii) thermoformed regions exhibit a high average maximum birefringence. The high birefringence corresponds with high stress on the polymer chains. The combination results in cells of substantially increased burst strength. The cellular cushioning article can provide higher burst strength per mil of film thickness, or can be produced using less plastic than prior art cellular cushioning articles, while maintaining the same or comparable burst strength. Also disclosed is a process for making the cellular cushioning article.

Abstract: The invention is a rotatable cylindrical roll for heat sealing heat sealable materials that includes a heating zone for sealing the material and a cooling zone for supporting the newly formed seal. The device comprises a conductive zone and a resistive zone that are in electrical communication. The resistive zone comprises a cylindrical member having a circumferential band of resistive material disposed on its surface. The conductive zone comprises a cylindrical member having a plurality of conductive strips extending laterally across its surface that are in electrical communication with the resistive band. Current is applied via a brush to the conductive strips. Current flows from the conductive strips into the resistive band and exits through a conductive strip that is in contact with a ground. Current path through the resistive band defines the heating zone, and the cooling zone is defined by area of the resistant band outside the heating zone.

Abstract: An inflation device for introducing gas into inflatable webs of the type comprising a pair of juxtaposed film plies and a pair of opposing film edges, the inflation device including a body having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a web-contact region in which the inflation device makes contact with opposing surfaces of the juxtaposed film plies as gas is introduced into the inflatable web, the body having at least one increase in peripheral transverse surface distance along the longitudinal dimension of the body, and a passage within the body through which gas may flow, the passage having a termination point within the web-contact region to form an inflation zone therein.