INFLATABLE PACKAGING CUSHION

Abstract

Disclosed herein are aspects of an inflatable packaging cushion. In one embodiment, the inflatable packaging cushion includes a body having at least one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one elongate closure strip extends within the fluid passage of the fluid port. The at least one elongate closure strip is configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

Description

BACKGROUND

Protective packaging material is often used to protect items being stored, shipped, or otherwise transported. Examples of conventional protective packaging material include foam peanuts, wads of newspaper or other paper, and bubble wrap. However, conventional packaging material may provide an insert with an awkward size and shape that is difficult to store.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an inflatable packaging cushion having a body that includes at least one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one elongate closure strip extends within the fluid passage of the fluid port. The elongate closure strip is configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an inflatable packaging cushion that includes a body having a chamber segment that includes at least one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment. The neck segment includes an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one snap strip extends within the neck segment of the body. The at least one snap strip is configured to be selectively moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an inflatable packaging cushion having a body that includes a chamber segment having at least one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment. The neck segment includes an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one adhesive strip extends within the neck segment of the body. The at least one adhesive strip has a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage is open.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the inflatable packaging cushion shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary packaging container 20 that includes the inflatable packaging cushion shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of the inflatable packaging cushions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in a deflated state according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the inflatable packaging cushion shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating an exemplary inflating operation according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view illustrating another embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view illustrating yet another embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view illustrating still another embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side-by-side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an elongate closure strip of the inflatable packaging cushion shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a side-by-side cross-sectional view illustrating exemplary sealing and unsealing operations of the elongate closure strip shown in FIG. 9 according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side-by-side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an elongate closure strip of the inflatable packaging cushion shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 according to principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view illustrating a plurality of other embodiments of inflatable packaging cushions according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion according to principles of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles of the disclosure provide an inflatable packaging cushion that includes a body having at least one inflatable chamber. The body also includes a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber. At least one elongate closure strip extends within the fluid passage of the fluid port. The at least one elongate closure strip is configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage. Embodiments shown and/or described herein may provide an inflatable packaging cushion that is reusable and/or more easily stored and/or transported as compared to packaging cushions that are not deflatable.

Referring to the figures, examples of the disclosure enable an inflatable packaging cushion.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown one embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion 100. The cushion 100 includes a body 102 that includes one or more inflatable chambers 104. The body 102 of the cushion 100 includes a fluid port 106 that enables the inflatable chamber 104 to be inflated via the introduction of a fluid (e.g., air, another gas, water, another liquid, etc.) into the inflatable chamber 104 through the fluid port 106. The fluid port 106 also enables the inflatable chamber 104 to be deflated by allowing the fluid to exit the inflatable chamber 104 through the fluid port 106.

More particularly, the body 102 of the cushion 100 includes an internal fluid passage 108 that fluidly communicates with each of the inflatable chambers 104 and the fluid port 106 includes an internal fluid passage 110 that fluidly communicates with the internal fluid passage 108. The internal fluid passage 110 is open at an opening 112 of the fluid port 106. In other words, the internal fluid passage 110 includes the opening 112 to provide an entrance into, and an exit from, the internal fluid passage 110. Fluid introduced into the internal fluid passage 110 through the opening 112 can flow through the internal fluid passages 110 and 108 and into the inflatable chambers 104 to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 104. Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 104 can flow out of the inflatable chambers 104 through the internal fluid passages 108 and 110 and out the opening 112 of the fluid port 106 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 104.

The fluid port 106 of the cushion 100 includes one or more elongate closure strips 114 that extend within the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 for sealing the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly, each of the closure strips 114 is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. In the sealed position of the closure strips 114, the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 is closed such that fluid cannot flow through the internal fluid passage 110. Specifically, the sealed position of the closure strips 114 provide a barrier within the internal fluid passage 110 that prevents fluid from flowing past the closure strips 114. The sealed position of the closure strips 114 thus prevents fluid from flowing out of the fluid port 106 and thereby maintains the inflatable chambers 104 in an inflated state. Similarly, the sealed position of the closure strips 114 prevents fluid from being introduced into the inflatable chambers 104 through the fluid port 106 to thereby maintain the inflatable chambers 104 in a deflated state.

When the closure strips 114 are in the unsealed position, the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 is open such that fluid can flow through the internal fluid passage 110. More particularly, fluid can flow past the closure strips 114 in the unsealed position thereof. The unsealed position of the closure strips 114 thus enables fluid introduced into the fluid port 106 to flow through the internal fluid passage 110 and into the inflatable chambers 104 to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 104. The unsealed position of the closure strips 114 also enables fluid to flow out of the inflatable chambers 104 through the internal fluid passages 108 and 110 and out of the opening 112 of the fluid port 106 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 104. Although four are shown in the exemplary embodiment of the cushion 100, the fluid port 106 may include any number of closure strips 114.

The inflatable packaging cushion 100 can be used to cushion and thereby protect an item held within a container. For example, the cushion 100 can be used as an insert that is inserted into a packaging container to cushion one or more items held within the packaging container. The cushion 100 can be used to protect the item(s) during transport of the packaging container between two locations (e.g., during shipping of the item(s) from a supplier to a customer, during return shipping of the item(s) from a customer to the supplier, during transport of the item(s) between two different locations of the same entity, etc.) In other examples, the cushion 100 can be used to protect the item(s) during storage of the item(s).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary packaging container 200 that is configured to be hold one or more items (not shown) in an interior compartment 202 thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, two inflatable packaging cushions 100 have been inserted into the interior compartment 202 of the container 200. The inflatable chambers 104 of the cushions 100 have been inflated to the inflated state, as can also be seen in FIG. 3. In the example of the packaging container 200, the cushions 100 are arranged along a portion of the periphery of the interior compartment 202 such that the cushions 100 provide cushioning to any items that are held within the interior compartment 202 between the cushions. For example, the cushions 100 may facilitate protecting the item(s) from impact damage.

Although two are shown, any number of the cushions 100 may be inserted into the interior compartment 202 of the container 200 to cushion the item(s) held therein. Moreover, the cushions 100 may have any arrangement within the interior compartment 202. For example, the cushions 100 may be positioned at ends 204 and/or 206 of the interior compartment 202 in addition or alternatively to the positioning of the cushions 100 at the ends 208 and 210 shown in FIG. 3. In other examples, one or more cushions 100 are positioned between two items held within the interior compartment 202 of the container 200. It should be understood that a variety of different sizes and/or shapes of the cushions 100 may be used in combination with each other within the interior compartment 202, the selection of which may depend on the size and/or shape of the container 200 and/or the size and/or shape of the item(s) held therein.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a plurality of the inflatable packaging cushions 100 are shown in the deflated state. More particularly, any fluid contained with the inflatable chambers 104 of the cushions 100 has been at least partially evacuated from the inflatable chambers 104 such that the inflatable chambers 104 are deflated (i.e., in the deflated state). As shown in FIG. 4, the body 102 of the cushion 100 lies substantially flat when the inflatable chambers 104 are in the deflated state. Accordingly, the cushions 100 occupy less space in the deflated state as compared to the inflated state. Such a space-saving feature of the cushions 100 enable the cushions 100 to be more easily stored and/or transported as compared to packaging cushions that are not deflatable. For example, a plurality of the cushions 100 may be stacked in a relatively flat stack 216 as shown in FIG. 4 such that a greater number of the cushions 100 may be stored and/or transported within a given amount of space. In some examples, one or more of the cushions 100 is included within a packaging container (e.g., the packaging container 200 shown in FIG. 3) in the deflated state for inflation by a receiver of the packaging container to protect one or more items received therein during storage, return, or other further transportation of the received item(s). For example, a customer who has purchased an item may use one or more cushions 100 included within the packaging container of the item to return the item to the supplier from which the item was purchased.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in some examples, the inflatable chambers 104 of the inflatable packaging cushion 100 are inflated by the mouth of a user. For example, with the closure strip(s) 114 in the unsealed position, the user places the user's mouth on the fluid port 106 and blows air into the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 to force air through the internal fluid passage 108 of the body 102 into the inflatable chamber(s) 104 and thereby inflate the inflatable chamber(s) 104. The user can then move the closure strip(s) 114 to the sealed position to thereby close the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 and maintain the inflatable chamber(s) 104 in the inflated state.

In other examples, the user inflates the inflatable chambers 104 of the inflatable packaging cushion 100 using a source of compressed air or other gas (not shown). In still other examples, the user inflates the inflatable chambers 104 of the cushion 100 using water or another liquid, for example using a faucet, hose, spigot, etc.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the body 102 of the inflatable packaging cushion 100 includes a chamber segment 118 that extends a length from an end portion 120 to an opposite end portion 122. The chamber segment 118 extends a length from an end portion 124 to an opposite end portion 126. The end portion 124 is not visible in FIG. 1. Opposite side portions 128 and 130 extend between the end portions 120, 122, 124, and 126. The side portion 130 is not visible in FIG. 2. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal fluid passage 108 and the inflatable chambers 104 extend within the chamber segment 118 of the body 102.

The fluid port 106 of the cushion 100 is defined by a neck segment 132 of the body 102. The neck segment 132 extends a length outward from the chamber segment 118 to an end portion 134 of the neck segment 132. The neck segment 132 has a reduced dimension as compared to the portion of the chamber segment 118 from which the neck segment 132 extends, as can be seen in FIG. 2. The neck segment 132 includes the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly, the internal fluid passage 110 extends within the neck segment 132 from the internal fluid passage 108 of the chamber segment 118 to the opening 112 of the fluid port 106. In the exemplary embodiment of the neck segment 132, the opening 112 extends through the end portion 134 of the neck segment 132 such that the internal fluid passage extends through the length of the neck segment 132 from the internal fluid passage 108 of the chamber segment 118 to the end portion 134 of the neck segment 132. But, the opening 112 may extend at any other location along the length of the neck segment 132, for example at an approximate midpoint of the length of the neck segment 132.

As shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2, the neck segment 332 includes the closure strips 114 that close the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly, the closure strips 114 extend within the neck segment 332 of the body 102. The closure strips 114 will be described in more detail below.

The exemplary embodiment of the neck segment 132 is integrally formed as a single unitary structure with the chamber segment 118 of the body 102. In other examples, the neck segment 132 is separately formed and attached to the chamber segment 118, for example by lamination, heat sealing, welding, an adhesive, etc.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the neck segment 132 extends outward from the end portion 122 of the chamber segment 118 at a corner 136 of the chamber segment 118 (i.e., at the intersection of the end portions 122 and 126). But, the neck segment 132 may extend outward from any other location along the chamber segment 118 of the body 102. In some examples, the neck segment 132 extends outward from another location along the end portion 122. In other examples, the neck segment 132 extends outward from any location along any of the other end portions 120, 124, and/or 126. In still other examples, the neck segment 132 extends outward from any location along the side portions 128 and/or 130 of the chamber segment 118.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the location and configuration of an exemplary fluid port 306. As shown in FIG. 6, an inflatable packaging cushion 300 includes a body 302 having a chamber segment 318 that includes a plurality of inflatable chambers 304. The chamber segment 318 of the body 302 is segmented into two sub-segments 318a and 318b that are connected together by a fluid port 306 of the body 302. The fluid port 306 is defined by a neck segment 332 that extends between end portions 338 and 340 of the sub-segments 318a and 318b, respectively. More particularly, the neck segment 332 extends outward from the end portion 338 of the sub-segment 318a to the end portion 340 of the sub-segment 318b. The neck segment 332 also extends outward from the end portion 340 of the sub-segment 318b to the end portion 338 of the sub-segment 318a.

The neck segment 332 of the fluid port 306 includes an internal fluid passage 310 that fluidly communicates with the inflatable chambers 304a and 304b. The internal fluid passage 310 is open at an opening 312 of the neck segment 332 such that fluid introduced through the opening 312 can flow through the internal fluid passage 310 into the inflatable chambers 304a and 304b to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 304. Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 304a and 304b can flow out of the inflatable chambers 304 through the internal fluid passage 310 and out the opening 312 of the fluid port 306 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 304.

The neck segment 332 includes one or more elongate closure strips 314a that extend within the internal fluid passage 310 of the fluid port 306 between the opening 312 and the inflatable chamber 304a. The neck segment 332 also includes one or more elongate closure strips 314b that extend within the internal fluid passage 310 between the opening 312 and the inflatable chamber 304b. The closure strip(s) 314a is moveable between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage 310 to the inflatable chamber 304a and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage 310 is open the inflatable chamber 304a. Similarly, the closure strip(s) 314b is moveable between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage 310 to the inflatable chamber 304b and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage 310 is open to the inflatable chamber 304b.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another example of the location and configuration of an exemplary fluid port 406. An inflatable packaging cushion 400 shown in FIG. 7 includes a body 402 having a chamber segment 418 that includes a plurality of inflatable chambers 404. The chamber segment 418 includes an internal fluid passage 408 that fluidly communicates with the inflatable chambers 404. The chamber segment 418 extends a length from an end portion 420 to an opposite end portion 422. The chamber segment 418 extends a length from an end portion 424 to an opposite end portion 426. Opposite side portions 428 and 430 extend between the end portions 420, 422, 424, and 426. The end portions 420, 422, 424, and 426 include respective edges 442, 444, 446, and 448. The edges 444 and 448 of the end portions 422 and 426, respectively, intersect at a corner 436 of the chamber segment 418 of the body 402.

The chamber segment 418 of the body 402 includes the fluid port 406. The fluid port 406 an internal fluid passage 410 that fluidly communicates with the internal fluid passage 408. The internal fluid passage 410 of the fluid port 406 includes an opening 412 that is configured such that fluid introduced through the opening 412 into the internal fluid passage 410 can flow through the internal fluid passage 408 and into the inflatable chambers 404 to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 404. Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 404 can flow out of the inflatable chambers 404 through the internal fluid passages 408 and 410 and out the opening 412 of the fluid port 406 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 404.

As shown in FIG. 7, the opening 412 of the internal fluid passage 410 of the fluid port 406 extends through the corner 436 of the body 402. More particularly, the opening 412 of the internal fluid passage 410 extends through (i.e., intersects) both of the edges 444 and 448 of the end portions 422 and 426, respectively. Although the opening 412 is shown herein as extending through segments of the edges that are approximately straight, in other examples the opening 412 extends through a curved segment of the edge 444 and/or 448 (e.g., a rounded corner). In addition, or alternatively to the corner 436, the body 402 may include one or more fluid ports 406 having an opening 412 extending through another corner of the body 402.

The fluid port 406 includes one or more elongate closure strips 414 that extend within the internal fluid passage 410 of the fluid port 406. The closure strip(s) 414 is moveable between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage 410 and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage 410 is open.

FIG. 8 illustrates still another example of the location and configuration of an exemplary fluid port 506. An inflatable packaging cushion 500 includes a body 502 having a chamber segment 518 that includes a plurality of inflatable chambers 504. The chamber segment 518 includes an internal fluid passage 508 that fluidly communicates with the inflatable chambers 504. The chamber segment 518 extends a length from an end portion 520 to an opposite end portion 522. The chamber segment 518 extends a length from an end portion 524 to an opposite end portion 526. Opposite side portions 528 and 530 extend between the end portions 520, 522, 524, and 526. The end portions 520, 522, 524, and 526 include respective edges 542, 544, 546, and 548. The edge 548 extends a length L from the end portion 520 to the end portion 522.

The chamber segment 518 of the body 502 includes the fluid port 506. The fluid port 506 an internal fluid passage 510 that fluidly communicates with the internal fluid passage 508. The internal fluid passage 510 of the fluid port 506 includes an opening 512 that is configured such that fluid introduced through the opening 512 into the internal fluid passage 510 can flow through the internal fluid passage 508 and into the inflatable chambers 504 to thereby inflate the inflatable chambers 504. Similarly, fluid contained within the inflatable chambers 504 can flow out of the inflatable chambers 504 through the internal fluid passages 508 and 510 and out the opening 512 of the fluid port 506 to thereby deflate the inflatable chambers 504.

The opening 512 of the internal fluid passage 510 of the fluid port 506 extends through the edge 548 of the body 502. The opening 512 extends a width W that extends along the length L of the edge 548, as shown in FIG. 8. The dimensional value of the width W of the opening 512 is less than 25% of the dimensional value of the length L of the edge 548. In some examples, the width W of the opening has a dimensional value that is less than 10% of the dimensional value of the length L of the edge 548. In still other examples, the width W of the opening has a dimensional value that is less than 5% of the dimensional value of the length L of the edge 548.

The opening 512 of the fluid port 506 may extend at any location along the length L of the edge 548. The location shown in FIG. 8 is meant as exemplary only. Moreover, the body 502 may include any number of the fluid ports 506 extending through the edge 548. In addition, or alternatively to the edge 548, the body 502 may include one or more fluid ports 506 having an opening 512 extending through the edge 542, 544, and/or 546 of the body 502.

The fluid port 506 includes one or more elongate closure strips 514 that extend within the internal fluid passage 510 of the fluid port 506. The closure strip(s) 514 is moveable between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage 510 and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage 510 is open.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the elongate closure strips 114 will now be described. In the exemplary embodiment of the inflatable packaging cushion 100, the closure strips 114 are snap strips that are configured to be zipped open and closed similar to a conventional zipper. The snap strips 114 can be selectively moved between the sealed position and the unsealed position such that the cushion 100 is reusable. In other words, the snap strips 114 can be repeatedly moved back and forth between the sealed position and the unsealed position to repeatedly inflate and deflate the inflatable chambers 104.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the snap strips 114. Each snap strip 114 includes a male snap head 150 and a female snap groove 152 that extend within the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment of the fluid port 106, the male snap head 150 and the female snap groove 152 extend on an interior surface 154 of the neck segment 132 that defines the internal fluid passage 110. The male snap head 150 and the female snap groove 152 oppose each other within the internal fluid passage 110, as can be seen in FIG. 9.

The male snap head 150 includes a stem 156 and a flange 158 that extends outward from the stem 156. The female snap groove 152 includes a pair of opposing arms 160 that include hooks 162. The female snap groove 152 is configured to receive the male snap head 150 therein with a snap-fit connection to seal the snap strip 114. More particularly, in the sealed position shown in FIG. 9(a), the stem 156 of the male snap head 150 is received between the opposing arms 160 of the female snap groove 152 such that the flange 158 is engaged by the hooks 162 to thereby hold the male snap head 150 within the female snap groove 152 with the snap-fit connection.

As can be seen in FIG. 9(a), in the sealed position, the snap strip 114 provides a barrier within the internal fluid passage 110 that prevents fluid from flowing past the snap strips 114. The sealed position of the snap strip 114 thus closes the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough. In the unsealed position shown in FIG. 9(b), the male snap head 150 is spaced apart from the female snap groove 152 within the internal fluid passage 110 such that fluid can flow through the internal fluid passage 110 past the snap strip 114. The unsealed position of the snap strip 114 thus opens the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough.

Each of the snap strips 114 may be fabricated from any material(s). Non-limiting examples of the material(s) of the snap strips 114 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyamide polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, another polymer, and/or the like. The material(s) of the snap strips 114, the relative dimensions of the male snap head 150 and the female snap groove 152 (e.g., the relative dimensions of the stem 156, the flange 158, the arms 160, and/or the hooks 162, etc.), the number of snap strip 114, and/or the like may be selected to provide the snap-fit connection of the snap strips 114 with a predetermined sealing strength that is capable of withstanding a predetermined amount of inflation pressure without spontaneously unsealing. Moreover, the material(s) of the snap strips 114, the relative dimensions of the male snap head 150 and the female snap groove 152, the number of snap strips 114, and/or the like may be selected to, may be selected to provide the snap-fit connection with a predetermined snap force (e.g., the force required to snap the male snap head 150 into the female snap groove 152, the force required to unsnap, i.e., release, the male snap head 150 from the female snap groove, etc.). In some examples, increasing the durometer of the material(s) of the snap strips 114 increases the sealing strength of the snap strips 114 and thereby provides a more secure (i.e., a stronger) seal that can withstand a higher inflation pressure without spontaneously unsealing.

The snap strip 114 is moved from the unsealed position shown in FIG. 9(b) to the sealed position shown in FIG. 9(a) by applying force to the body 102 of the cushion 100 in the directions of the arrows 164 and 166 of FIG. 9(a) and, depending on the length of the snap strip 114, sliding along the length of the snap strip 114 to snap the male snap head 150 into the female snap groove 152 along the entirety of the length of the snap strip 114. Similarly, the snap strip 114 is moved from the sealed position shown in FIG. 9(a) to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 9(b) by applying force to the body 102 in the directions of the arrows 168 and 170 of FIG. 9(b) to release (i.e., unsnap) the male snap head 150 from the female snap groove 152.

In some examples, the snap strip 114 can be sealed and/or unsealed using the users fingers. For example, and referring now to FIG. 10, the snap strip 114 can be moved from the sealed position shown in FIG. 10(a) to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 10(b) by squeezing the neck segment 132 of the body 102 at opposite ends 172 and 174 (also labeled in FIG. 2) of the length of the snap strip 114, as is shown in FIG. 10(b). The snap strip 114 can be moved from the unsealed position shown in FIG. 10(b) to the sealed position shown in FIG. 10(a) by squeezing opposite sides 176 and 178 (also labeled in FIG. 2) of the snap strip 114 together, as shown in FIG. 10(a).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in other embodiments, one or more of the elongated closure strips 114 is an adhesive strip. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an adhesive strip 614 that may be used to open and close the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. Each adhesive strip 614 includes one or more adhesive layers 650 that extends within the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106. More particularly, the adhesive layer 650 extends on the interior surface 154 of the neck segment 132 that defines the internal fluid passage 110. The adhesive strip 614 is moved from the unsealed position shown in FIG. 11(b) to the sealed position shown in FIG. 11(a) by pressing the adhesive layer 650 into engagement with the opposing interior surface 154 (or into engagement with an opposing adhesive layer 650, if included). The adhesive strip 614 is moved from the sealed position shown in FIG. 11(a) to the unsealed position shown in FIG. 11(b) by peeling the adhesive layer 650 away from the opposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650) to which the adhesive layer 650 is adhered.

As can be seen in FIG. 11(a), in the sealed position, the adhesive strip 614 provides a barrier within the internal fluid passage 110 that prevents fluid from flowing past the adhesive strip 614. The sealed position of the adhesive strip 614 thus closes the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough. In the unsealed position shown in FIG. 11(b), the adhesive layer 650 is spaced apart from the opposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650, if included) within the internal fluid passage 110 such that fluid can flow through the internal fluid passage 110 past the adhesive strip 614. The unsealed position of the adhesive strip 614 thus opens the internal fluid passage 110 of the fluid port 106 to fluid flow therethrough.

The adhesive layer 650 may be fabricated from any adhesive material(s). Non-limiting examples of the material(s) of the adhesive layer 650 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), acrylic, Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Polyurethane, Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and/or the like. The material(s), size, and/or the like of the adhesive layer 650 may be selected to provide a predetermined sealing strength that is capable of withstanding a predetermined amount of inflation pressure without spontaneously unsealing.

The adhesive strip 614 optionally includes a cover layer (not shown) that removably covers the adhesive layer 650 to protect the adhesive layer 650 when the adhesive strip 614 is not in use. The cover layer is removed prior to use of the adhesive strip 614 to enable the adhesive layer 650 to be adhered to the opposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650, if included).

Optionally, the adhesive strip 614 can be selectively moved between the sealed position and the unsealed position such that the cushion 100 is reusable. In other words, the adhesive strip 614 is optionally capable of being repeatedly adhered and unadhered (i.e., released) from the opposing surface 154 (or the opposing layer 650, if included).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the exemplary embodiment of the cushion 100, four inflatable chambers 104 having approximately the same size and approximately the same rectangular shape are arranged in a single row that extends along the length of the chamber segment 118 between the end portions 120 and 122. But, the cushion 100 may include any number of the inflatable chambers 104 that are arranged in any other pattern (e.g., any number of rows, any number of columns, etc.). Moreover, each inflatable chamber 104 may have any size and any shape, which may be different as compared to the size and/or shape of one or more other inflatable chambers 104. The sizes, shapes, and/or arrangement of the inflatable chambers 104 may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning. FIG. 12 illustrates non-limiting examples of inflatable packaging cushions 180, 182, 184, 186, and 188 that include inflatable chambers having a variety of different exemplary numbers, sizes, shape, and arrangements.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the chamber segment 118 of the body 102 of the cushion 100 has the shape of a rectangle as viewed in the side elevational view of FIG. 2. But, the chamber segment 118 may have any other side elevational shape that enables the cushion 100 to function as described and/or illustrated herein, for example, another quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, another curved shape, a triangular shape, etc. The side elevational shape of the chamber segment 118 may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning, to have a complementary with the shape of a particular package container, to fit within the interior compartment of a particular package container, and/or the like.

In some examples, the length of the chamber segment 118 between the end portions 120 and 122 or the length of the chamber segment 118 between the end portions 124 and 126 defines a closed shape. For example, the end portions 124 and 126 of the chamber segment 118 may connect together such that the chamber segment 118 defines a closed shape along the length between the end portions 124 and 126.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable packaging cushion 700 having a body 702 that includes a fluid port 706 and a chamber segment 718 having a plurality of inflatable chambers 704. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the chamber segment 718 extends a length that defines a closed shape. The closed shape of the chamber segment 718 defines an interior cavity 716 that is configured to receive an item therein such that the inflatable chambers 704 provide cushioning to the item. Although shown as having a closed shape that is rectangular, the chamber segment 718 may have any other closed shape (e.g., another quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, another curved shape, a triangular shape, etc. The closed shape of the chamber segment 718 may be selected to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning, to have a complementary with the shape of a particular package container, to fit within the interior compartment of a particular package container, and/or the like.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, as described above, the internal fluid passage 108 of the inflatable package cushion 100 is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable chambers 104 to enable the inflatable chambers 104 to be inflated and deflated through the fluid port 106. In the exemplary embodiment of the cushion 100, the path of the internal fluid passage 108 through the chamber segment 118 of the body 102 extends adjacent the end portion 126 and along the length of the chamber segment 118 that extends between the end portions 120 and 122. Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 2, the internal fluid passage 108 directly fluidly communicates with each inflatable chamber 104. But, the internal fluid passage 108 may extend through the chamber segment 118 along any other path that enables the internal fluid passage 108 to fluidly communicate with the inflatable chambers 104. For example, the internal fluid passage 108 extends adjacent the end portion 124 in other examples. In still other examples, the internal fluid passage 108 is in indirect fluid communication with one or more of the inflatable chambers 104.

For example, FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of an inflatable package cushion 800 that includes an internal fluid passage 808 that indirectly fluidly communicates with an inflatable chamber 804 of the cushion 800. More particularly, the inflatable packaging cushion 800 includes a body 802 having a fluid port 806 and a chamber segment 818 that includes a plurality of inflatable chambers 804. The chamber segment 818 of the body 802 includes the internal fluid passage 808, which is in direct fluid communication with one of the inflatable chambers 804a of the body 802. The inflatable chamber 804a is in direct fluid communication with another of the inflatable chambers 804b through an internal fluid passage 816 such that the internal fluid passage 808 is in indirect fluid communication with the inflatable chamber 804b. The fluid port 806 includes an internal fluid passage 810 that fluidly communicates with the internal fluid passage 808. The internal fluid passage 810 is open at an opening 812 of the fluid port 806 such that fluid introduced through the opening 812 of the fluid port 806 can flow through the internal fluid passages 808 and 810 into the inflatable chamber 804a and through the inflatable chamber 804a and the internal fluid passage 816 into the inflatable chamber 804b, and vice versa.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the structures of (e.g., walls, dividers, etc.) of the body 102 of the inflatable packaging cushion 100 may be fabricated with any thickness, for example between approximately 2 mm and approximately 30 mm. In some examples, the thickness of the walls and/or other portions of the body 102 is selected to withstand a predetermined amount of inflation pressure, to provide a predetermined amount of cushioning, and/or the like.

The body 102 may be fabricated from any material(s). Non-limiting examples of the material(s) of the body 102 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyamide polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, another polymer, and/or the like. The body 102 may be fabricated using a process(es), for example, extrusion, lamination, and/or the like. In some examples, the body 102 is fabricated from two sheets that are laminated together. In other examples, the body 102 is fabricated from a single sheet that is folded into two segments that are laminated together. The boundaries, divisions, and/or the like of the body 102 that define various structures (e.g., the inflatable chambers 104, the internal fluid passages 108 and 110, the closure strips 114, etc.) of the body 102 may be formed using any process(es), such as, but limited to, lamination, heat sealing, welding, and/or the like.

In some examples, an exterior layer (not shown) of another material is applied to an exterior surface of the body 102, for example to strengthen the body 102, to provide additional cushioning, to provide friction between the cushion 100 and an adjacent item, etc. The exterior layer may be fabricated from any material (e.g., a paper, a fabric, rubber, a plastic, a cushioning material, an elastomeric material, etc.) and may be applied to the body 102 using any process(es), such as, but not limited to, lamination, using an adhesive, heat sealing, welding, and/or the like.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES

Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples described herein, examples include any combination of the following:

In one aspect, there are provided embodiments of inflatable packaging cushions. In one example, an inflatable packaging cushion includes a body having at least one inflatable chamber, the body further including a fluid port having an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one elongate closure strip extending within the fluid passage of the fluid port, the at least one elongate closure strip being configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

In one example, the body includes a chamber segment that includes the at least one inflatable chamber, the body further including a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprising the fluid port.

In some examples, the at least one elongate closure strip includes at least one of a snap strip or an adhesive strip.

In some examples, the at least one elongate closure strip includes at least one snap strip that is configured to be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position by squeezing the body at opposite ends of the at least one snap strip.

In one example, the body extends a length that defines a closed shape.

In some examples, the at least one inflatable chamber includes at least two inflatable chambers.

In another example, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port includes an opening that extends through a corner of the body.

In one example, the body includes two edges that intersect at a corner of the body, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port including an opening that extends through the two edges.

In still another example, the body includes an edge that extends a length from an edge portion of the body to an opposite end portion of the body, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port including an opening that extends through the edge, the opening having a width that is less than 25% of the length of the edge.

In another aspect, there are provided embodiments of inflatable package cushions. In one example, an inflatable packaging cushion includes a body having a chamber segment that includes at least one inflatable chamber. The body further including a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment. The neck segment including an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; at least one snap strip extending within the neck segment of the body, the at least one snap strip being configured to be selectively moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

In one example, the at least one snap strip is configured to be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position by squeezing the neck segment of the body at opposite ends of the at least one snap strip.

In another example, the at least one snap strip includes a male snap head having a flange and a female snap groove having hooks, and the female snap groove being configured to receive the male snap head with a snap-fit connection when the at least one snap strip is in a sealed position.

In some examples, the chamber segment extends a length that defines a closed shape.

In another example, the at least one snap strip comprises at least three snap strips.

In one example, the opening of the neck segment extends through an end portion of the neck segment.

In some examples, the neck segment extends outward from an end portion of the chamber segment.

In some examples, the at least one inflatable chamber comprises at least two inflatable chambers.

In another aspect, there are provided embodiments of inflatable packaging cushions. In one example, an inflatable packaging cushion includes a body having a chamber segment that includes at least one inflatable chamber, the body further including a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment having an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and at least one adhesive strip extending within the neck segment of the body, the at least one adhesive strip having a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage is open.

In one example, the chamber segment extends a length that defines a closed shape.

In some examples, the neck segment extends outward from an end portion of the chamber segment.

While the aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of various examples with their associated operations, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that a combination of operations from any number of different examples is also within scope of the aspects of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term ‘exemplary_is intended to mean ‘an example of._The phrase ‘one or more of the following: A, B, and C_means ‘at least one of A and/or at least one of B and/or at least one of C.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase ‘means for _followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An inflatable packaging cushion comprising:

a body comprising at least one inflatable chamber, the body further comprising a fluid port comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber such that the fluid port is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and

at least one elongate closure strip extending within the fluid passage of the fluid port, the at least one elongate closure strip being configured to be moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

2. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a chamber segment that includes the at least one inflatable chamber, the body further comprising a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprising the fluid port.

3. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate closure strip comprises at least one snap strip.

4. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongate closure strip comprises at least one snap strip that is configured to be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position by squeezing the body at opposite ends of the at least one snap strip.

5. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the body extends a length that defines a closed shape.

6. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the at least one inflatable chamber comprises at least two inflatable chambers.

7. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the internal fluid passage of the fluid port comprises an opening that extends through a corner of the body.

8. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the body comprises two edges that intersect at a corner of the body, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port comprising an opening that extends through the two edges.

9. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an edge that extends a length from an end portion of the body to an opposite end portion of the body, the internal fluid passage of the fluid port comprising an opening that extends through the edge, the opening having a width that is less than 25% of the length of the edge.

10. An inflatable packaging cushion comprising:

a body comprising a chamber segment that includes at least one inflatable chamber, the body further comprising a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and

at least one snap strip extending within the neck segment of the body, the at least one snap strip being configured to be selectively moved between a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position that opens the internal fluid passage.

11. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the at least one snap strip is configured to be moved from the sealed position to the unsealed position by squeezing the neck segment of the body at opposite ends of the at least one snap strip.

12. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the at least one snap strip comprises a male snap head having a flange and a female snap groove having hooks, and the female snap groove being configured to receive the male snap head with a snap-fit connection when the at least one snap strip is in a sealed position.

13. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the chamber segment extends a length that defines a closed shape.

14. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the at least one snap strip comprises at least three snap strips.

15. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the opening of the neck segment extends through an end portion of the neck segment.

16. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the neck segment extends outward from an end portion of the chamber segment.

17. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 10, wherein the at least one inflatable chamber comprises at least two inflatable chambers.

18. An inflatable packaging cushion comprising:

a body comprising a chamber segment that includes at least one inflatable chamber, the body further comprising a neck segment that extends outward from the chamber segment, the neck segment comprising an internal fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the at least one inflatable chamber and is open at an opening of the neck segment such that the neck segment defines a fluid port that is configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the at least one inflatable chamber through the internal fluid passage of the neck segment for respective inflation and deflation of the at least one inflatable chamber; and

at least one snap strip extending within the neck segment of the body, the at least one snap strip having a sealed position that closes the internal fluid passage and an unsealed position wherein the internal fluid passage is open.

19. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 18, wherein the chamber segment extends a length that defines a closed shape.

20. The inflatable packaging cushion of claim 18, wherein the neck segment extends outward from an end portion of the chamber segment.