Inflatable Patents (Class 383/3)
  • Patent number: 12042453
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus for use with a mattress has a first lateral tilt bladder and a third lateral tilt bladder underlying a first side of the mattress, and a second lateral tilt bladder and a fourth lateral tilt bladder underlying a second side of the mattress. The tilt bladders are inflatable to alter the position of a patient lying on the mattress, and inflation and/or deflation of the lateral tilt bladders is controllable by a controller. A first check valve allows fluid communication in one direction from the third lateral tilt bladder to the first lateral tilt bladder, and a second check valve allows fluid communication in one direction from the fourth lateral tilt bladder to the second lateral tilt bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: HILL-ROM SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mickael Audic, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Philippe Kaikenger
  • Patent number: 12024355
    Abstract: An insulative packaging for cold chain marketplace. The insulative packaging includes a base unit, a wall unit, and a top unit, which together form an enclosure. Each the base unit, the wall unit, and the top unit has an inflatable liner, one or more insulative sheets, and a radiant barrier. The inflatable liner can be folded and the one or more insulative sheets can be sandwiched between the two folds of the inflatable liner. An article to be protective can be placed within the enclosure and insulative packaging can provide 360-degree insulation and protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Kaminski
  • Patent number: 12006138
    Abstract: A rapid deployment containment tank includes an inflatable container and a self-contained compressed gas source. The container defines a liquid chamber and an open top through which a liquid passes into the liquid chamber. The container is shiftable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The container includes a flexible base wall and a flexible sidewall cooperating to define the liquid chamber. The sidewall projects from the base wall along an interface and includes an air chamber. The air chamber includes a plurality of tubular columns spaced apart along the interface. The compressed gas source is coupled to the container and is fluidly connected to the air chamber to supply a compressed gas for inflating the container. The tubular columns are fillable with the compressed gas to cause the sidewall to lift upwardly from the base wall, as the container shifts from the deflated configuration to the inflated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Andax Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Patrick F. McAtarian, Mark McAtarian
  • Patent number: 11993432
    Abstract: A storage container includes a box having a first sidewall, a second sidewall coupled to a first edge of the first sidewall, a third sidewall coupled to a second edge of the first sidewall, a fourth sidewall coupled to the second sidewall and the third sidewall, four lower flaps hingedly coupled to lower ends of the first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls, and four upper flaps hingedly coupled to upper ends of the first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls. The storage container also includes at least one inflatable bag coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, the fourth sidewall, the four lower flaps, or the four upper flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Inventor: Leo Polosajian
  • Patent number: 11986076
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for a combination bag, mat, and flotation device. The system includes an elongated mat having an external surface, internal surface, a mat section first side and second side, and a mat section first side and second side. A pair of flotation devices are attached to the mat section first side and second side. Each flotation device has an internal air compartment, inflation nozzle, and attachment element, and when inflated, allow the mat to be used as a flotation device. A first fastener being in attachment proximate to the mat section first side and a second fastener being in attachment proximate to the mat section second side. The first fastener and second fastener are configured to removably mate with each other. When the mat is folded so that the first fastener and second fastener are mated and the zipper is sealed, the mat forms a bag configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Inventors: Geronimos Alex Dogagis, Antonio Borges DeCastro
  • Patent number: 11975504
    Abstract: Webs of inflatable mailer pouches and associated methods are disclosed. Pouches include a multilayer inner cushion structure with inflatable compartments and a fill channel disposed at a first longitudinal edge of the structure. An outer layer with a closure flap is secured to the inner structure. The inner cushion structure and outer layer are folded at a bottom edge of the pouch to form first and second panels of the pouches. The fill channel may be disposed at a top of the first panel and the closure flap disposed at a top of either the first or the second panel. The fill channel extends beyond a top of the second panel and the closure flap is extendable beyond the top of the fill channel. When wound, the closure flap is folded so that the fill channel of each pouch layer is exposed at a lateral face of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles Kannankeril, Joseph E. Owensby, Andrew W. Moehlenbrock, Howard Dean Conner, Laurence B. Sperry
  • Patent number: 11919697
    Abstract: An air cushioning material includes: a first module including a first air cell containing air, a second air cell containing air, and a first belt-like part connecting the first air cell and the second air cell to each other; a second module including a third air cell containing air, a fourth air cell containing air, and a second belt-like part connecting the third air cell and the fourth air cell to each other; a coupling part that couples a part of the second air cell and a part of the fourth air cell in a second direction, where a direction from the second air cell toward the first air cell and a direction from the fourth air cell toward the third air cell are defined as a first direction, and a direction intersecting the first direction is defined as the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Ito, Yuichi Ando, Masato Shimokawara, Hiroaki Takada, Tsuyoshi Tamaru, Masato Shinomura
  • Patent number: 11871706
    Abstract: An inflatable monotub system includes a body having plural surfaces defining an interior cavity. One or more of the plural surfaces includes a pocket disposed within the one or more of the plural surfaces. The plural surfaces define plural side surfaces and a bottom surface of the body. The body includes a first passage extending into at least a portion of one of the plural surfaces and fluidly coupled with one or more of the pockets of the plural surfaces. A first fluid is directed into or out of the first passage. Directing the first fluid into the first passage inflates at least one of the one or more pockets within the first fluid, and directing the first fluid out of the first passage deflates the at least one of the one or more pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Boomer Shroomer, LLC
    Inventor: Ashley Enders
  • Patent number: 11845600
    Abstract: An inflatable web includes two juxtaposed sheets, seals between the sheets that define chambers, and two longitudinal edges. The chambers extend in a transverse direction between the two longitudinal edges. The seals include side seals that extend between the two longitudinal edges. The side seals include a two intermittent side seals and a continuous side seal. Each of the intermittent side seals includes side seal portions and gaps between the side seal portions. The gaps permit gas to pass between chambers on either side of the intermittent side seals. The continuous side seal is located between the two intermittent side seals. The continuous side seal does not permit gas to pass between chambers on either side of the continuous side seal. The gaps in the two intermittent side seals are aligned a longitudinal direction to form a non-continuous longitudinal channel across the continuous side seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: William A. Snyder, Jessica L. Denson
  • Patent number: 11617438
    Abstract: An inflatable cabinet is provided and includes a first inflatable cabinet stand and a base. The first inflatable cabinet stand is for storing products. The first inflatable cabinet stand includes members and first connectors. The members include side walls, a back wall, and a top member. The base is connected to the first inflatable cabinet stand and includes an air pump, second connectors and air lines. An air pump is configured to pump air into at least one of the members of the first inflatable cabinet stand. The second connectors are configured to connect to the first connectors. The air lines are connected between the air pump and the second connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paul E. Krajewski, Wonhee M. Kim, Paul W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11591152
    Abstract: An inflatable packaging for storing multiple glass bottles made from a sheet that has a longitudinal axis and a traverse axis. The sheet is folded along six or more traverse fold lines spaced from each other to form a row of two or more pouches. The inflatable packaging can have two or more of such rows separated by a line of weakness. Each pouch has a front wall, a rear wall, a base, and an open-top for storing the glass bottle. Two adjacent pouches are separated by a dividing panel, wherein the dividing panel is corrugated in a biconcave shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Michael G. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 11584581
    Abstract: A cushioning member includes: an accommodating bag portion that accommodates a medium; a first fusing portion that defines the accommodating bag portion such that the accommodating bag portion is provided with an opening; a check valve having a first end located inside the accommodating bag portion and a second end located outside the accommodating bag portion, and provided at the opening; a second fusing portion that is immediately adjacent to the first fusing portion on those external sides of the check valve which are opposite in a direction intersecting a direction in which the check valve protrudes from the accommodating bag portion, and defines a channel that communicates with the opening; and a third fusing portion that is connected to the second fusing portion and seals the channel, the third fusing portion being provided across a portion of the check valve that protrudes from the accommodating bag portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hashimoto, Narutaka Yoshida, Hiromi Mizuguchi, Yasuki Shirakawa, Masao Itoh, Tomoyuki Imaizumi, Masahiro Arisawa
  • Patent number: 11572225
    Abstract: A packaging material includes a web of pouches and an outer skin. One panel of the web has an inflation pattern that is not inflated. The web has a continuous inflation channel that is in fluid communication with the inflation pattern. Each of the pouches of the web can be inflated by inflating the inflation pattern while the outer skin already attached to the outside of the web. The outer skin is attached to the web only along edge lines of the pouches. The outer skin is detached from the web between the edge lines of the pouches. The outer skin is attached to the outside of the web such that the continuous inflation pattern extends above the outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 11543076
    Abstract: A pressure vessel with a flushing lance, a transport container with pressure vessels and methods of filling and producing this pressure vessel are disclosed which comprises an inner vessel, an outer layer applied on the inner vessel, a valve connection piece arranged on one of the terminal caps of the inner vessel and a hollow flushing lance that is open to the outside and is guided through the valve connection piece and held therein in a sealing manner, wherein the flushing lance protrudes into the storage volume and is provided with a perforation along its entire length up to a first end of the flushing lance facing the terminal cap that lies opposite the valve connection piece in the storage volume for a gas exchange with the storage volume, wherein the flushing lance extends to the terminal cap which lies opposite the valve connection piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: NPROXX B.V.
    Inventors: Stephan Kronholz, Thomas Kluge, Elmar Ritzerfeld, Erich Josef Titz
  • Patent number: 11511509
    Abstract: A connective protective packaging element is provided. The connective protective packaging element may include a protective body in a high-density supply configuration. The protective body may be configurable into a low-density configuration for cushioning packaged products. The body may include an exposed surface in the low-density configuration. The connective protective packaging element may also include a bonding element attached to the exposed surface that operably bonds the exposed surface to an abutting surface by contact with the bonding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventor: Thomas D. Wetsch
  • Patent number: 11435161
    Abstract: A protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: GSTC LLC
    Inventors: Gideon P. Searle, Theodore Bobrick Root, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11299336
    Abstract: An inflation bag with protective base is provided. Two outer films and two inner films are stacked with each other, and the stacked structure is heat sealed and inflated to form the inflation bag. The inflation bag includes two side surface walls and a bottom surface wall between the side surface walls and connected to bottoms of the side surface walls. The bottom surface wall includes bottom columns. Each bottom column has a first bottom column portion, a protection column portion, and a second column portion. A first heat-seal node is provided for attaching the outer films with the inner films, and the first bottom column portion is connected to the second bottom column portion. One or more second heat-seal nodes are provided on the protection column portion for attaching the outer films with the inner films, and the protection column portions are folded to form a protective base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: KUNSHAN AIRBAG PACKING CORP
    Inventors: Kao-Hsiung Liao, Ping-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 11052629
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a pouch type package with a liquid product, comprising a plurality of stations arranged to consecutively receive and handle the pouch type package, the plurality of stations comprising a filling station for filling the product compartment with the liquid product, a sealing station for sealing the product compartment and comprising a first sealing member arranged to provide the pouch type package with a first seal closing the filling duct, a gas filling station arranged to introduce gas into the handle compartment, and a transfer unit comprising a gripping member for retrieving the package from the gas filling station and transferring it to a neighboring down-stream situated station. A gas sealing unit (36) integrated in the gripping member of the transfer unit, the gas sealing unit (36) comprising a second sealing member (37) arranged to provide the pouch type package with a second seal entrapping gas introduced into the handle compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: ECOLEAN AB
    Inventors: Magnus Borgström, Lennart Friberg
  • Patent number: 11008148
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container for transporting a biopharmaceutical fluid, the container including a leak-tight wall having an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion and the inner portion delimiting between them an intermediate space that may be inflated under pressure with an inflation gas, the container being adapted to be alternately in: a non-inflated state in which the container is empty of pressurized inflation gas; an inflated state in which the wall of the container is inflated and delimits an internal cavity adapted to contain the biopharmaceutical fluid. The wall includes a peripheral lateral wall around the internal cavity, the peripheral lateral wall being completely rigid or semi-rigid when the container is in the inflated state so as to ensure a protection of the biopharmaceutical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventors: Stefan Schlack, Jean-Marc Cappia
  • Patent number: 10982812
    Abstract: A design and construction method for a Collapsible Cryogenic Storage Vessel can be used for storing cryogenic liquids. The vessel provides the ability to be packed for transport in a compact state and erected at the point of use. The vessel can be used multiple times. The vessel's volume can also be adjusted during use to minimize or eliminate head space in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: ILC Dover IP, Inc., Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
    Inventors: David Phillip Cadogan, John Kun Hung Lin, Jonathan Michael Hinkle, Stephen Emerson Scarborough, Joanne M. Ware, Timothy Joseph Haggerty, Chester Lloyd Benham, Donald George Sticovy, Craig Lasseter
  • Patent number: 10882439
    Abstract: A compact bendable cargo securement device for stabilizing unrestrained items in the bed or cargo area of a pick-up truck or storage area in a motorhome or recreational trailer is disclosed. It may also be used as a stabilizer doing woodwork and other jobs that require stability of the work platform. The device will conform to any surface and has the ability to wrap around objects—both regular and irregular shaped—and will hold them and keep them from shifting. As disclosed, the bendable cargo securement device is composed of a flexible tube loaded with filler material when used and deployed for securing objects. The flexible tube is preferably fabricated from rubber or any material allowing sufficient flexibility for the cargo securement device to wrap around items while having suitable strength to avoid puncture/destruction from deployment. Each end of the device requires a closure to contain the filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Tom Enyeart
  • Patent number: 10882655
    Abstract: Embodiments of a trash bag are disclosed. In one embodiment, the trash bag includes a flexible bag body and one or more inflatable chambers that extend along the flexible bag body. The inflatable chambers may be configured to hold the flexible bag body upright and maintain the top bag opening in an open position when the inflatable chambers are inflated. In this manner, the inflatable chambers can provide sufficient structural integrity so that a trash can is not needed to use the trash bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Allen Egnor
  • Patent number: 10870535
    Abstract: In one aspect, a trash bag is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of inflatable enclosures (herein also referred to as inflatable bladders) coupled to one another so as to form a vertically self-supporting structure when inflated, where the structure extends from a proximal end to a distal end to provide at least a portion of a perimeter wall of the trash bag. A deflation strip is coupled to at least one of the inflatable enclosures for deflating said enclosure after inflation. The trash bag further includes a floor coupled to the inflatable enclosures so as to provide, in combination with the vertically self-supporting structure, a container for receiving trash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Robert C. Olness
  • Patent number: 10822151
    Abstract: Provided is a shock-absorbing packing box, in which a pair of inner shells are partially fused between a pair of outer shells to constitute a shock-absorbing packing material having a plurality of air cells, and when air is filled into the air cells, the plurality of air cells filled with the air are connected in an overall box-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Reco Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10676192
    Abstract: An airbag container may be inflated and used to protect an item placed within the airbag container. The airbag container may include an inflatable portion that includes sidewalls that extend between a cover to a base. The airbag container may include an orifice to receive gas to inflate the sidewalls, the cover, and the base to an inflation pressure. The airbag container may include an inner cavity defined within the sidewalls, the cover, and the base. The inner cavity may be unpressurized when the inflatable body is at the inflation pressure. The cover may be at least partially separable from the sidewalls to enable insertion of an item in the inner cavity. The cover may then be securable to the sidewalls to securely contain the item in the inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Bar-Zeev, Gur Kimchi
  • Patent number: 10640247
    Abstract: Methods of opening and adding expansion materials to containers made from flexible materials. The methods involve forming a partially completed container blank that may have four layers of flexible materials. The partially completed container blank may be opened by separating a portion of the first layer from a portion of the second layer by bending portions of the second, third, and fourth layers toward a first direction; and dosing the partially completed container blank, by adding an expansion material out of a dispenser and into a space disposed between a portion of the first layer and a portion of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Marc Richard Bourgeois, Jun You, Kunie Kolb, Joseph Craig Lester, Benjamin Jacob Clare
  • Patent number: 10328892
    Abstract: An air bag packaging arrangement adapted to have a self-adhesive checking valve includes an air bag and an air valve which is the self-adhesive checking valve. The air bag includes first and second cell overlapped layers to form an air chamber and a valve opening. The air valve includes first and second sealing films overlapped between the first and second cell layers, and a check sealing film overlapped between proximal portions of the first and second sealing films to define an air inflating channel between the first sealing film and the check sealing film, and a backflow prevention channel between the check sealing film and the second sealing film. In case of air leakage, the air is guided to flow to the backflow prevention channel for creating a supplemental air pressure to further seal and close the air inflating channel, so as to make up a deficient sealing effect of the first and second sealing films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Shanghai Air-Paq Composite Material Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiaying Zhang
  • Patent number: 10098486
    Abstract: A supporting pillow structure for a user to sleep or to perform sedentary activity facing down toward the pillow structure with the user's hands and arms placed below their face. Embodiments of the pillow structure may be configured to provide users with comfort and support while the user is seated leaning forward at a desk or table. Embodiments may be further configured to expand and compress, for example to inflate and deflate, into a compact easy to carry package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: PILLOWVISION, LLC
    Inventor: John Jay Wagner
  • Patent number: 10022001
    Abstract: A pillow 10 has two side panels (15A, 15B), an inner wedge (20) positioned between and connected to the two side panels, a mesh (25), and at least one valve stem (30). The inner wedge is enclosed by the side panels and the mesh. When the side panels and the inner wedge are inflated they become rigid and hold the mesh taut. The mesh allows air to circulate around the head of the user when the user lays his or her head on the pillow. There may be a single valve stem, in which case there are passageways between the side panels and the inner wedge to allow air to flow between them. There may also be two or three valve stems, and one or no passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: W. Brooke Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9981722
    Abstract: Inflatable tubes forming elongated top and bottom sections hingedly connected together along one side and open on the opposite side but closeable about a surfboard for protection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Carcamo, Michael W. Kiger
  • Patent number: 9371170
    Abstract: The present invention provides a package cushioning material for liquid crystal glass, which includes an air sack sheet and scratch protection layers arranged at contact sites of the air sack sheet with four corners of a piece of liquid crystal glass. The air sack sheet is formed by connecting a plurality of air sacks. The scratch protection layers are single-sided adhesive tapes or foamed PE cushioning materials. The package cushioning material for liquid crystal glass according to the present invention uses an air sack sheet as a basic material to be used in combination with scratch protection layers arranged at contact sites of the air sack sheet with the four corners of the liquid crystal glass so as to prevent the liquid crystal glass from scratching and breaking the air sacks thereby providing improved effect of cushioning and thus highly effective protection of the liquid crystal glass during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuchun Hsiao, Yicheng Kuo, Yue Wu
  • Patent number: 9248963
    Abstract: The trash container for collecting trash may include an outer container having a first cavity and an inner container being connected to the outer container being positioned within the first cavity. The outer container may include a bottom first wall, opposing first walls, and a back first wall to define the first cavity. The inner container may include a bottom inner wall, the opposing inner sidewalls, and a back inner wall to define a second cavity. The cavity between the walls of the outer container and the inner container would be created. A cavity would be created in between the inner walls also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: William J. Warren
  • Patent number: 9155252
    Abstract: A non-cylindrical planting bed in rectangular, square or oval configuration for containing plant growth media and plants. The bed has a bottom wall, an exterior side wall, and either one or two semi-cylindrical walls inside and secured to the outer wall, or two cylindrical walls either wholly inside or having a portion forming a portion of the exterior side wall for strengthening of the bed. In forms having two cylindrical or two semi-cylindrical inner walls, cross walls may extend across the bed between straight side wall portions of the side wall to strengthen the straight side wall portions against outward displacement when the bed is filled with plant growth media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Barry D. Setzer
  • Patent number: 9139319
    Abstract: A packaging system for cold chain shipment may include a container having interior surface portions, a plurality of cellulose sheets disposed along the interior surface portions and defining a space configured to receive an item for cold chain shipment, and a cold source disposed within the space and configured to cool the container for cold chain shipment. The packaging system may further include a plurality of cellulose sheets, wherein adjacent sheets of the plurality of cellulose sheets define a plurality of pockets configured to trap air, and wherein the plurality of cellulose sheets are configured to insulate the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joselito Crespo, Paul Russell
  • Publication number: 20150144643
    Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to an apparatus and methods related to an expandable storage tank for compressed gas, the storage tank prepared from a puncture resistant, flexible fabric material in which the storage tank is expandable to a desired volume when inflated and when deflated. During periods of non-use the storage tank is retracted in a compact and folded manner to save space compared to when the tank is inflated. The storage tank is utilized by employing its use in conjunction with a traditional air compressor and can be configured with or without a rigid outer shell that expands in relation to the amount of compressed air transferred into the expandable storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Cruz
  • Patent number: 9027756
    Abstract: A packaging device includes first and second thermoplastic films superposed with each other, wherein predetermined portions of the thermoplastic films are bonded creating a plurality of fluid containers, a plurality of check valves each connected to a corresponding fluid container, a fluid passage in a first direction connected to the check valves, and a second border between an inflated section including the plurality of fluid containers and an uninflated section, wherein the first and second thermoplastic films are folded and two side edges of the films are bonded and a first portion of a first border connecting the inflated section to a second section is folded and an overlapped portion of the first portion is bonded leaving a remaining portion of the first border unbonded wherein the uninflated section forms a loop, and wherein the uninflated section forming the loop is folded into the inflated section to form a lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Air-Paq, Inc.
    Inventor: Kark K Yoshifusa
  • Patent number: 9004758
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Frayne, Paul Chudy
  • Patent number: 8960437
    Abstract: In a packing material 1 including a plate-shaped member having a surface of thermal weldability, and a gas storing section formed by thermally welding plastic film members having thermal weldability and flexibility and configured to store a gas, the packing material has a planar section formed by linearly thermally welding the plate-shaped member and the plastic film member to form the gas storing section configured to store a gas, and a connecting section bent by thermally welding the plate-shaped member and the plastic film member, and is bent at the connecting section to form a three-dimensional shape to store a material to be packed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Toshiko Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8939681
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composite bag for use in earth bag construction systems such as backfill pack systems in underground mines and a construction system using such bags. The composite bags each comprises a pair of long, narrow inner bags of woven polypropylene located longitudinally within and constrained along their length by an outer bag of woven polypropylene. In use, the composite bags are laid flat on top of one another on a working surface (for instance the footwall in an underground mine). The bags could be glued or otherwise attached to one another in this configuration. Tie elements, such as timber elongates, are threaded through aligned slits spaced apart along the length of the bags. The elongates are set against the hanging wall and a backfill slurry is pumped into the inner bags. As each inflating composite bag expands, the slurry water weeps from the bags which rise up the timber elongates during the pumping process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Timrite (Pty) Ltd, Raffia Tufbag (Pty) Ltd
    Inventors: Frans Petrus Roelof Pienaar, John Richard Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20150023613
    Abstract: A trash container for holding trash may include a flexible first sidewall, a flexible second sidewall opposed and in a spaced relationship to the first sidewall to define a cavity, a bottom rigid wall connected to the flexible first sidewall and the flexible second sidewall to seal the cavity, and a top ring connected to the flexible first sidewall and the flexible second sidewall to seal the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: William Warren
  • Publication number: 20140348443
    Abstract: A collapsible container (1) for liquids and the like comprising: two deformable membranes (2) placed side by side along an intermediate plane (2a) and comprising a plurality of mutually bound edges (3) able to define a housing volume for liquids and an aperture (4) made by two mutually unbound edges and able to form an inlet for liquids, the membranes (2) defining a rest configuration in which they are close to the mutual contact along the intermediate plane (2a) and a working configuration, elastically deformed and having an arrow in the direction of mutual removal, by defining a containment volume for liquids and the like, in which the deformable membranes (2) have a shape tapering from said aperture (4) to said opposed end (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Girolamo Buonavoglia
  • Publication number: 20140328551
    Abstract: Inflated packages custom-designed to meet the needs of a variety of packaging needs, package precursors (i.e., packages in an un-inflated state), and methods for forming package precursors and converting package precursors into finished packages. Nozzle and needle inflated embodiments are included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Shlomo Nevo
  • Patent number: 8876381
    Abstract: A bag bottom cushioning structure for an inflated air cushion bag is provided at the bottom of the bag and has air columns rendered into a bent configuration to form an extended curved-surface cushioning space. The bag has a first wall, a second wall, and a bottom wall connecting the bottoms of the first and second walls. The three walls form a receiving space therebetween. The tops of the first and second walls form a bag opening therebetween in communication with the receiving space. The bottom wall is provided at intervals with air columns extending toward the bag opening along the first and second walls respectively. The two inner lateral surfaces of the bottom wall are bonded together by one or more fixedly connecting portions such that the air columns on the bottom wall are bent, and thus protrude, away from the bag opening, forming the extended curved-surface cushioning space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Yaw Shin Liao
  • Patent number: 8875890
    Abstract: A postal envelope bag having a cushioning function includes two outer films, two inner films, heat resisting materials, transverse heat-sealing lines, longitudinal heat-sealing lines, air columns, neck heat-sealing lines, an air filling passage, air inlets and heat-sealing blocks, where air entering the air-filling port expands the air filling passage, the two outer films are pulled apart outward in a longitudinal direction and are contracted in a transverse direction; the heat-sealing blocks thrusts the two inner films, the portions of the two inner films coated with the heat resisting material are pulled apart outward in the longitudinal direction, and third segments drives the two inner films to open the air inlet as the two outer films are pulled apart outward in the longitudinal direction; after entering the air column, the air presses the second sides of the two inner films to close the air column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Air-Bag Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaw-Shin Liao, Chieh-Hua Liao
  • Publication number: 20140301669
    Abstract: A container (10) that stores and/or transports one of liquid, solid and gas materials and method of transporting the liquid, solid and gas materials is desired. The container includes a flexible housing (12) having a first end including a selectively closable passageway extending through the first end thereof and a closed second end. A replaceable bag is selectively received within the flexible housing for receiving the one of liquid, solid and gas material to be stored or transported. A mesh like support structure includes a plurality of longitudinal support bands (16) extending along a length of an outside of the flexible housing and a plurality of transverse support bands (18) each extending around a circumference of the flexible housing (12) and spaced along a length thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Cristian Andres Baeck
  • Publication number: 20140283535
    Abstract: An inflatable cushion useable for an ice cream maker. The ice cream maker can be spherical in shape and the inflatable cushion can approximate a spherical or dodecahedron shell. The inflatable cushion can be comprised of two half-shell portions that are pivotable with respect to one other to be selectively placed in a closed or open position. The ice cream maker can be snugly inserted within the inflatable cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Industrial Revolution, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith S. JACKSON
  • Publication number: 20140248003
    Abstract: A soft-sided insulated container assembly is made of a flexible wall structure that is movable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. In one variation of the deployed position it resembles a tote-bag; in another variation of folding the deployed position corresponds to a generally box-like shape. The container includes a self-inflating wall structure that has an inner layer or skin, an outer layer or skin, and a resilient, open-cell insulating layer trapped between the two skins. A valve governs the ability to take in or to expel air. The outer layer may be thicker and more robust that the inner layer, the better to resist abrasion or punctures. The inner layer may be reflective. There may be a removable internal liner. That liner may be transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Melvin S. Mogil, Rick Stevens, Ryan Mather
  • Patent number: 8813961
    Abstract: An automatically retracting cushioning device includes a first air cylinder sheet, comprising a plurality of first air cylinders; a second cylinder sheet, in air communication with the first cylinder sheet, and comprising a plurality of second air cylinders; and a third air cylinder sheet, in air communication with the second air cylinder sheet, and comprising: a plurality of third air cylinders; and a plurality of retractable blocks, positioned on one end of the plurality of third air cylinders, and retracting the plurality of third air cylinders; wherein the third air cylinder sheet and the second air cylinder sheet are bent toward the first air cylinder sheet, allowing the third air cylinder sheet and the first air cylinder sheet to be approximately perpendicular to the second air cylinder sheet, thereby clamping an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Air-Bag Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaw-Shin Liao
  • Publication number: 20140226919
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an extra-long air-water sandbag which comprises one inner bladder and one external bag. Wherein, said external bag is the bag to hold the said inner bladder and covers the external of the said inner bladder. The said inner bladder further comprises one inner and outer layer container set and at least one separation layer gas container. The inner and outer layer container set further comprises one gas container and one liquid container. The said gas container is a bladder for gas storage placed in inner compartment of said inner and outer layer container set. The said liquid container is a bladder for liquid storage placed in outer compartment of said gas container. Or, the said gas container is a bladder for gas storage placed in outer compartment of said inner and outer layer container set; and the said liquid container is a bladder for liquid storage placed in inner compartment of said gas container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Dickson FU, David FU
  • Publication number: 20140205208
    Abstract: A bag bottom cushioning structure for an inflated air cushion bag is provided at the bottom of the bag and has air columns rendered into a bent configuration to form an extended curved-surface cushioning space. The bag has a first wall, a second wall, and a bottom wall connecting the bottoms of the first and second walls. The three walls form a receiving space therebetween. The tops of the first and second walls form a bag opening therebetween in communication with the receiving space. The bottom wall is provided at intervals with air columns extending toward the bag opening along the first and second walls respectively. The two inner lateral surfaces of the bottom wall are bonded together by one or more fixedly connecting portions such that the air columns on the bottom wall are bent, and thus protrude, away from the bag opening, forming the extended curved-surface cushioning space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Yaw Shin Liao