Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method. Moreover, various embodiments are provided with one or more user input controls and/or remote sensors to enable a user to conveniently request inflation of a particular number of inflatable chambers or a particular length of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method. Moreover, various embodiments are provided with one or more user input controls and/or remote sensors to enable a user to conveniently request inflation of a particular number of inflatable chambers or a particular length of the inflatable structure.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method.

Abstract: An inflatable structure generally includes a valve formed between a pair of edge portions and an internal edge portion formed of a flexible film such that an enclosed chamber of the inflatable structure substantially envelops the internal edge portion. The valve and remainder of the inflatable structure can be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a method of manufacturing an inflatable structure from a continuous web of flexible film. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device which can engage an optional locator aperture in the inflatable structure such as to assist in temporarily locating the outlet of the source of pressurized air proximate to the valve in the inflatable structure.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening.

Abstract: An inflatable structure generally includes a valve formed between a pair of edge portions and an internal edge portion formed of a flexible film such that an enclosed chamber of the inflatable structure substantially envelops the internal edge portion. The valve and remainder of the inflatable structure can be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a method of manufacturing an inflatable structure from a continuous web of flexible film. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device which can engage an optional locator aperture in the inflatable structure such as to assist in temporarily locating the outlet of the source of pressurized air proximate to the valve in the inflatable structure.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for taping surfaces, particularly for taping containers, such as cartons and boxes, and other enclosures to be sealed, such as bags, for which seal tape is desired. Also disclosed are a method and system for applying tape, severing tape, and adding these features to existing hand-held, assembly-line, and other automatic taping devices. In particular, the method and system is directed to applying a strip to an adhesive side of a tape at the point that the tape is applied to a container or other item being taped, in a manner that allows easy opening of a container sealed by the tape by pulling the strip. This method and system obviates the need for use of a cutting device to open a taped container, which protects both the surface and the contents of any containers taped and the user.