Abstract: A method for producing for deployment in an air bag module an air bag which in its inflated condition has a three-dimensional form via the fabrication of a two layered material web from which individual air bag cut-outs are continuously cut includes connecting the material web layers to one another along closed contours such that the edges so formed from the connection of the material web layers to one another exhibit a trapezoidal-like shape. The method also includes cutting along a cutting line such that the path of the cutting line of the individual air bag cut-out to be cut out does not correspond, in the area of the corners of the longer trapezoid side, to the contour edge but, instead, to contribute to the formation of the height of the three-dimensional air bag,extends inwardly.

Abstract: A multi-purpose bag is disclosed which includes an inflatable member integrated therewith such that the bag may be used as both a carrying device and a cushioning device. The bag is provided a pocket on at least one side thereof which pocket is configured to removably hold the inflatable member. The inflatable member is useful as a pillow both when held inside of the pocket and when attached to a chair or other device outside of the pocket. A receptacle configured to hold a beverage container is optionally provided adjacent the pocket enabling easy access by the bag user.

Abstract: A method is provided for gas-assisted injection molding for forming a hollow product. The mold cavity is prepressurized with fluid prior to injecting the molten material into the mold cavity, and the molten material is injected into the mold cavity against the pressurized fluid to establish a resultant internal counterpressure within the molten material. A pressurized assist-gas is injected into the molten material to form a gas bubble within the molten material. The injection of molten material into the cavity is then controlled in a manner to maintain the internal counterpressure at desired levels to overcome stress forces and to control formation and movement of the bubble within the melt.

Abstract: The buffer packing bag comprises an air-supplying passage, which is made of plastic films placed one on another and bonded at desirable spots, and an air-inflatable section formed beside the air-supplying passage, which is divided into individual air-inflatable parts, formed by heat-bonded at multiple spots, and check valves, which allow and stop air flow between each of individual air-inflatable parts and the air-supplying passage, and space-making folds, made in both of the divided portions of the air-inflatable section by heat-bonding to make at least two lines in each portions crossing the individual air-inflatable parts, with the formation to make a loading slit by folding inward from both of the width ends along the length side of the base and heat-bonding both of the overlapped areas of the length sides.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bag is formed of a single piece of sheet member folded up and sealed into a predetermined shape defining a holding space for holding an object. The sheet member has a first sheet layer, a second sheet layer sealed to the first sheet layer, at least one air chamber defined in between the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer, and an air valve provided at one of the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer through which air is driven into or forced out of the at least one air chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum receiving bag is formed by a bag body, a sealing edge installed at an opening of the bag body and an airtight valve at a selected position of the bag body. When the plug cover of the airtight valve is pressed by a hand, the airtight valve will conduct, so that air in the bag body will be absorbed and thus the bag will approach to a vacuum state. On the contrary, after the air absorbing tube is taken away, the airtight valve will close automatically. Next, the airtight valve can be used with an air tap, thereby, an operator may operate a pump manually to achieve the object of absorbing air. Moreover, the seal edge at the opening of the bag body is formed by two matched seal strips, and therefore, a preferred air seal effect is achieved.

Abstract: An insulating liner is provided having an inflatable, double outer layer defining an interior container space for thermally-sensitive cargo. A phase change material layer is formed upon or carried by a baffle material lying within the inflated layer. The multiple layers forming the insulating liner are attached to one-another in a series of inflation seals that form a plurality of interconnected inflatable chambers which, when inflated, provide structural definition to the interior containment space.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel airbag coating compositions and systems comprising pre-expanded or non-expandable microspheres that provide effective insulation for the target airbag fabric during exothermic inflation. The inventive airbag fabrics are either pre-calendered prior to application of this composition or are coated through a gap (floating) knife method with such heat-expandable microsphere-containing compositions. The coated airbag fabrics and cushions may then be heated to evaporate the solvent within the coating composition. The resultant fabric thus exhibits the presence of the microsphere constituents of the coating compositions both within the interstices between the individual yarns of the fabric and over the raised yarns of the fabric.

Abstract: A packaging system for protecting an article during shipment includes a larger outer bag, a smaller inner bag, and an inlet between the bags for inflating a pair of chambers situated on opposite sides of the article via a bypass passage that extends around the inner bag.

Abstract: Coated inflatable fabrics and more particularly concerns airbag cushions to which very low add-on amounts of silicone-based coating have been applied and which exhibit extremely low air permeability are provided. The inventive inflatable fabrics are primarily for use in automotive restraint cushions that require low permeability characteristics (such as side curtain airbags). Traditionally, heavy, and thus expensive, coatings of compounds such as neoprene, silicones, and the like, have been utilized to provide such required low permeability. The inventive fabric utilizes an inexpensive, very thin, substantially uniform silicone coating to provide such necessarily low permeability levels. Thus, the inventive coating comprises at least a single layer comprising a majority of silicone-based material, wherein the total thickness of the single layer is at most about 3.0 ounces per square yard as applied to a target fabric surface.

Abstract: An inflatable bag for use in a mine support has an inlet for the admission of a pumpable load bearing material such as a cementitious grout and an outlet for the air. The outlet is provided with a valve comprising a porous element the pores of which are capable of being blocked by the grout or similar load bearing material whereby the valve is closed by the grout and the pressure in the bag increased. The porous element can comprise a sponge. The bag is preferably made of a heat sealable material such as a synthetic plastics material e.g. polyethylene. The bag is used with a tube in which it is placed with the inlet in alignment with an aperture in the wall of the tube and grout pumped into the bag to inflate the bag against the floor and roof of the mine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable space filler structure comprising a cushioning member to encircle a shock-brittle object contained in a container for preventing the object from any shock action. The cushioning member comprises: two rectangular pieces of resin film or sheet, which are laid on each other and thermowelded in air-tight condition along their sides and in their confronting major planes in the form of partition lines parallel-arranged, reaching short of the opposite lateral sides of the rectangular pieces of resin film or sheet, thus defining divisional air-tight sections. Also, the cushioning member comprises an air inlet equipped with a check valve for inflating the divisional air-tight sections with air, thereby applying the expanded divisional air-tight sections to the front, rear, upper and lower surfaces of the object.

Abstract: A storage pillow is provided having a flexible casing formed by two body panels joined together with an unjoined portion in the form of a mouth that communicates with an interior. The body panels may be constructed of a water resistant material and the casing mouth may have an associated closure. There may also be a cushioning layer interposed between the body panels. The pillow also includes an inflatable bladder that is removably disposed inside the casing. The bladder may be filled with air via an inflation valve that communicates with an array of inflatable cells in communication with one another. The inflated bladder provides protection for the storage of items or may be used as a cushioned support. The bladder has an associated closure to enable it to retain personal items within its interior.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging cushion includes an inflatable tube having inner and outer walls secured together at their ends, longitudinal seams dividing the tube into elongated inflatable compartments, and a valve for inflating the tube. A product area is thereby defined within the inflatable tube. A pocket is secured to the inflatable tube and is disposed in the product area. The pocket defines a mouth for receiving a product and an end for retaining a product therein. The pocket further includes a flap foldable over the mouth for retaining a product therein. The end and mouth of the pocket are spaced from the ends of the inflatable tube. The pocket is formed of spunbonded olefin and the inflatable tube is formed of polyethylene film.

Abstract: A packaging system for protecting an article during shipment includes a larger outer bag, a smaller inner bag, and an inlet between the bags for inflating a pair of chambers situated on opposite sides of the article via a bypass passage that extends around the inner bag.

Abstract: An insulating bag is provided having an inflatable, double outer layer defining an interior container space for thermally-sensitive cargo. A surface reflective to radiant thermal energy lies within the inflated outer layer as a layer on an interior surface of the wall and/or as a surface formed on a baffle material lying within the inflated layer. The inner and outer layers of the double outer layers are attached to one-another in a series of attachment seams that together comprise configuration segments that, when inflated, provide structural definition to the interior containment space.

Abstract: A pouch made from a heat-shrinkable, gas-barrier, thermoplastic film is suitable for packaging one or a plurality of items. The pouch has a bottom, two closed side edges, and an open mouth for the introduction of the items to be packaged. The pouch has a first seal connecting the two side edges, the seal being between the bottom of the pouch and the mouth of the pouch. The first seal, portions of the side edges, and the bottom together define a first area. The pouch has a second seal which extends toward the first seal, with the second seal and the bottom defining a second area. The second area has a precut which extends from the bottom toward the second seal.

Abstract: An inflatable web, and method and apparatus for inflating the web, which generally includes two sheets having inner surfaces sealed to each other in a pattern defining a series of inflatable chambers of predetermined length, each of the chambers having at least one change in width over their length; an inflation port located at a proximal end of each chamber, the inflation ports being formed by intermittent seals between the sheets; and longitudinal flanges formed by a portion of each of the sheets that extend beyond the inflation ports and intermittent seals.

Abstract: A disposable bag for a liquid shipping container has a multi ply region arranged to be inflated as the bag empties in such a way as to form a sump at the bag bottom for discharge of pumpable material from the sump.

Abstract: A plant propagation apparatus is disclosed which comprises a flexible transparent enclosure. The enclosure is disposable, and could be formed of a polymer such as polyethylene. The enclosure would have at least two walls, formed of flexible material that facilitates transmission of light through the walls. Plant material is sealed within the enclosure, and nutrient solution is made available within the sealed enclosure for the plant. The enclosure is a low cost and effective method for propagating young plants and transporting them between the laboratory environment and a greenhouse or field. The enclosure may be configured to receive gas or carbon dioxide on its inner surface to a predetermined level of pressure, thereby affording the enclosure a flexible but stiff mechanical resistance that protects the young plant while it is growing.

Abstract: A bag is modified to include an air input port that allows inflation of an interply region of the bag. As the interply region inflates, an inner ply rises and becomes an advancing wall, raising the bulk material level in the bag and inclining the bottom of the bag, while pulling excess material away from a drain region of the bag. In another embodiment, the bag is made with half the initial number of layers folded in half to create the upper and lower plies and the non-fold edges are bonded. Where corner drain ports are used, the bag can be arranged so that an interlayer bond parallel to the fold is parallel to a diagonal of a tote in which the bag sits and so that the interlayer bond is opposite the drain port to enhance bag evacuation. An additional optional feature of the invention is the inclusion of an integral filling conduit or snout on the top of the bag, a mouth of which acts as a fill port to ease filling of the bag. Junctures can be created in the interply region to guide its inflation.

Abstract: A tote bag having an inflatable device such as a vinyl pillow integrally connected thereto is described. The inflatable is attached to a side of the tote bag so that the bag con be converted for a head rest when the pillow is inflated. The inflatable can be attached along selected sides leaving a side open to form a pocket between the inflatable and the tote bag.

Abstract: An inflatable insulating panel consisting of a plurality of sheetform polyolefin layers, and its manner of fabrication, is provided. An outer peripheral seal forms an inflatable panel, with an intermediate interconnected web of layers formed out of an array of alternating seams of attachment between the outer and intermediate adjacent layers. Upon inflation of the panel, the interconnected web expands to form a plurality of individual baffle chambers.

Abstract: An expansible container is provided for use during the cooking of food in a radiant energy device such as a microwave oven, with the container being configured or otherwise designed to provide entertainment to onlookers as the container expands in size during the relative rapid cooking of food in the container and/or with the fully expanded container of cooked food providing an interesting article, character, figure or configuration that is of novel, interesting or entertaining appearance. The container is formed from relatively flexible materials that define a closed chamber which contains food to be cooked. In its deflated form, the container is collapsed to assume a relatively flat, thin configuration which, in most preferred practice, displays or is configured to provide an entertaining or amusing shape.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is disclosed in which an article is supported in a suspended position in an outer container during shipping. The article is sandwiched between a pair of cushions, each cushion including a noninflated central web and a pair of inflated sidewalls and end walls. The sidewalls and end walls of the bottom cushion project away from the central web downwardly and outwardly toward the bottom edges of the outer container. The sidewalls and end walls of the upper cushion project away from the central web upwardly and outwardly toward the top edges of the outer container. The sidewalls and end walls of the two cushions together define flexible arches which project in all of the orthogonal directions of the outer container, protecting the article against an impact force in any direction.

Abstract: The buffer packing bag comprises an air-supplying passage, which is made of plastic films placed one on another and bonded at desirable spots, and an air-inflatable section formed beside the air-supplying passage, which is divided into individual air-inflatable parts, formed by heat-bonded at multiple spots, and check valves, which allow and stop air flow between each of individual air-inflatable parts and the air-supplying passage, and space-making folds, made in both of the divided portions of the air-inflatable section by heat-bonding to make at least two lines in each portions crossing the individual air-inflatable parts, with the formation to make a loading slit by folding inward from both of the width ends along the length side of the base and heat-bonding both of the overlapped areas of the length sides.

Abstract: An insulating bag is provided having an inflatable, double outer layer defining an interior container space for thermally-sensitive cargo. A surface reflective to radiant thermal energy lies within the inflated outer layer as a layer on an interior surface of the wall and/or as a surface formed on a baffle material lying within the inflated layer. The inner and outer layers of the double outer layers are attached to one-another in a series of attachment seams that together comprise configuration segments that, when inflated, provide structural definition to the interior containment space.

Abstract: A floating caddy for holding and storing the gear of wading hunters comprising an inflatable tube formed from an impermeable fabric for providing flotation for the caddy. The tube is configured to create a water resistant storage compartment within its periphery. The top of the storage compartment has weather resistant zipper for access into the storage compartment. The caddy is fitted with straps for attaching a shotgun and shoulder straps mounted to the tube to allow the caddy to be carried on the back of the hunter in knapsack fashion. The caddy may be floated in and out of a flooded area by a wading hunter by means of a tether attached to the tube. The fabric forming the caddy maybe printed in a desired camouflage pattern.

Abstract: An inflatable container for protecting an item packaged therein that includes a shell, a plurality of air bladders, and an inflater. The shell is hollow and made of a flexible material so as to have both a collapsed mode when not in use and an inflated mode when in use. The plurality of air bladders line the shell entirely, are in fluid communication with each other, but independently movable relative to each other for conforming to the item. The inflator includes a flap valve that is disposed in a throughbore in the shell, and is in fluid communication with, and selectively allows inflation of, the plurality of air bladders, a nipple that replaceably extends through the flap valve, a manual valve that is attached to the nipple, a length of hose that is attached to, and is in fluid communication with, the manual valve, and a manual accordion style bellows foot pump that is attached to, and is in fluid communication with, the length off hose.

Abstract: In order to ship items such as IC computer chips and the like type of electronic parts, a shipping container includes a pump which can pump air from the interior of the container into bladder-like air chambers which are disposed along the interior walls of the container and which can be pressurized to form insulating barriers about the container contents to protect them from external shock. Once the lid of the container is closed, the pump, which is formed into part of the container, can be operated to transfer the air from the interior of the container into the bladder-like air chambers which are fluidly interconnected. This reduces the pressure in the container to a sub-atmospheric level and raises the pressure in the air chambers to a level in excess of atmospheric. The internal sub-atmospheric pressure of course holds the lid closed which can be additionally sealed with a suitable adhesive tape/gasket materials.

Abstract: A fabric for use as a base fabric in an air bag comprises a fibrous substrate having adhered to it a covering layer made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin and of 10 &mgr;m or less in average thickness. The adhesion between the fibrous substrate and covering layer is effected by causing the thermoplastic synthetic resin material of the covering layer to fill interstices between the fibers of the fibrous substrate. This may be achieved by applying to the fibrous substrate a solution or dispersion of the thermoplastic synthetic resin. An air bag may be constructed entirely from the fabric such that when it comprises sheet material additional to the base fabric, these may also be provided by the same fabric as that used for the base fabric.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging device has an outer bag having a pair of overlying outer panels. The outer panels have outer peripheral edges which are sealed together along at least a portion of the outer peripheral edges to define a chamber between the outer panels. The device also has an inner bag disposed within the chamber. The inner bag has a pair of overlying inner panels which define a pocket. The pocket is configured to retain an article. The inner panels have inner peripheral edges which are secured to adjacent outer peripheral edges along at least a portion of the outer peripheral edges. The securement of the inner panels to the outer panels suspends the inner bag within the chamber. The inner bag separates the chamber into upper and lower sub chambers which are in communication with one another through a passage between the inner panels. Adjacent inner and outer panels are further sealed together at a plurality of locations to form quilt seals traversing the surfaces of the outer and inner panels.

Abstract: Ejection device to expel objects from the inside of a bag in the event of a bag-snatching, the bag comprising an expandable sack below a lining (400), a compressed gas feeder (2) including an elongated housing (20) operatively connected to the expandable sack (1) and carrying, in sequence, a small gas bottle (6), a piercing bit (72), a release mechanism (8), a relative control means (3) with a Bowden cable transmission (30) connected to a handle (50) through a junction member (51) in two parts. A snatch, being transmitted to the handle (50), operates the release mechanism (8) and causes the expandable sack to be inflated (1) and then the two parts of the junction member (51) to be separated.

Abstract: A removable memory device includes a memory for storing individual information therein, and a memory manager for protecting the memory when the removable memory device is not connected to a portable terminal device and for allowing access thereto when the removable memory device is connected to the portable terminal. A controller physically part of the removable memory device, is used for detecting an interconnection with the portable terminal device and for controlling the memory manager. The removable memory device protects the individual information stored within it from being illegally used.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion includes top and bottom sheets. The top sheet is sealed to the bottom sheet in peripheral zones to define an inflatable chamber and an inflation inlet in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber. A resistance wire extends between the top and bottom sheets and at least across the internal width of the inflation inlet. The inflation inlet further defines an inflation aperture. The inflatable cushion may be inflated through the inflation aperture and sealed by applying an electrical current across the resistance wire.

Abstract: A pouch of a heat shrinkable, gas-barrier, thermoplastic film for packaging at least one item, the pouch including a closed bottom; first and second closed side edges; an open mouth; a first seal disposed between the closed bottom and the open mouth, the first seal connecting the first and second closed side edges; a first closed, airtight area defined by the first seal, the dosed bottom, and a portion of the first and second closed side edges; a second seal extending from the closed bottom toward the closed, airtight area; a second area defined by the closed bottom and the second seal; and a precut made in the second area, the precut extending from the closed bottom toward the second seal.

Abstract: Flexible packaging for articles includes an inflatable hollow body in the form of a double-walled tubular formed body in which the article to be packaged is fixed after inflating the hollow body. The hollow body can be shaped as desired by folding and joining techniques to enable both transport packaging for geometrically simply or complexly shaped articles, and also a likewise flexible and effective protective covering of individual hazardous articles.

Abstract: A dunnage bag includes a sealed, flexible bag, and a rigid valve assembly connected in fluid communication to the flexible bag. The valve assembly has a rigid collar which mounts in an opening in a wall of a container to receive an exit end of a fill nozzle of an inflating system which supplies pressurized gas for inflating the flexible bag.

Abstract: Gas impermeable thermoplastic films of multilayer construction are disclosed which are particularly suitable for use in the manufacture of inflatable packaging cushions for protection of packaged objects. The multilayer films have outer heat sealable layers which are radio frequency inactive. The inflatable packaging cushion is fabricated by heat sealing the outer layers of the multilayer film together to form gas inflatable pockets using conventional heat sealing techniques. The heat sealed regions have increased mechanical strength without the need for post irradiation treatment. The thermoplastic film includes at least two outer layers of heat sealable material including linear low-density polyethylene polymers separated by a gas impermeable layer, e.g., an oxygen barrier. Additional adhesive layers and/or structural intervening layers may be coextruded in forming the resulting thermoplastic films.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for surrounding a product to be shipped. The cushion is of a raft-like design having individual compartments adopted to be inflated. Provision is made to fold the cushion to provide upright sides and a top portion so that the cushion will conveniently surround the product on all surfaces.

Abstract: A bag is modified to include an air input port that allows inflation of an interply region of the bag. As the interply region inflates, an inner ply rises and becomes an advancing wall, raising the bulk material level in the bag, inclining the bottom of the bag, and pulling excess material away from the drain port all at the same time. In another embodiment, the bag is made with half the initial number of layers folded in half to create the upper and lower plies and the non-fold edges are bonded. Where corner drain ports are used, the bag can be arranged so that an interlayer bond parallel to the fold is parallel to a diagonal of a tote in which the bag sits and so that the interlayer bond is opposite the drain port to enhance bag evacuation. An additional optional feature of the invention is the inclusion of an integral filling conduit or snout on the top of the bag, a mouth of which acts as a fill port to ease filling of the bag. Junctures can be created in the interply region to guide its inflation.

Abstract: A pillow bag is modified to include an air input port that allows inflation of an interply region of the bag. As the interply region inflates, an inner ply rises and becomes an advancing wall, raising the bulk material level in the bag, inclining the bottom of the bag, and pulling excess material away from the drain port all at the same time. In another embodiment, the pillow bag is made with half the initial number of layers folded in half to create the upper and lower plies and the non-fold edges are bonded. Where corner drain ports are used, the bag can be arranged so that an interlayer bond parallel to the fold is parallel to a diagonal of a tote in which the bag sits and so that the interlayer bond is opposite the drain port to enhance bag evacuation. An additional optional feature of the invention is the inclusion of an integral filling conduit or snout on the top of the bag, a mouth of which acts as a fill port to ease filling of the bag. The invention can also be applied to fitted bags.

Abstract: A pillow is formed from a ZIPLOC® bag by either placing a collapsible regulator within the bag which holds the walls of the bag apart when the mouth of the bag is opened or by prestressing the bag in a way that bows the walls of the bag apart, whereby when the mouth of the bag is open, air introduced into the bag is trapped therein upon again closing the bag.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag.

Abstract: An inflatable protective cover for golf club bags includes first, second, third and fourth flexible walls. An inner side surface of a lower part of the first wall frictionally engages the golf club bag while an upper part thereof covers an opening in the golf club bag and the portion of any clubs projecting from the opening. A lower part of the second flexible wall is sealingly attached to the lower part of the first wall while an upper part thereof overlays the upper part of the first wall to form a first, normally inflated, air bladder therebetween. Similarly, a lower part of the third flexible wall is sealingly attached to the lower part of the second wall while an upper part thereof to form a second, normally deflated, air bladder therebetween. An air supply system comprised of a pump bulb and a flexible air conduit in communication with the first air bladder provides a quantity of air to the protective cover to inflate the first air bladder.

Abstract: A packing bag with an air cushion, the bag unit comprising a sealing part at its top and a containing part at its bottom, wherein, the bag unit of the sealing part is a single-layered structure, on its inside are several matching snap strips, the bag unit of the containing part is in the form of a pouch enveloped by partition areas between the inside bag and the outside bag, on one corner of the outside bag is an air nozzle, and on two sides of the containing part are carrying handles, when such a structure is put in use, air is inflated through the air nozzle into the pouch of the containing part, so the pouch is filled with air between the outside and the inside bags, forming a bag unit filled a layer of air to accommodate fresh foods, fragile objects or precious items, etc.

Abstract: The insulated transit bag is made from bubble-wrap material, bonded to aluminum foil. The material is doubled-over, folded, and heat welded to form sealed seams. The bag is used for transporting heat-sensitive medicines etc.

Abstract: An inflatable cooler having a tubular housing The housing includes an outer wall, a bottom wall and an open topped cooling chamber for receiving a standard sized beverage container. The outer wall supports, internally of the housing, a plurality of inflatable air chambers. An perimetric air chamber wraps around the periphery of the bottom wall and interconnects the air chambers. The air chambers are inflated by an air valve in the outer wall. When the air chambers are inflated, the cooler becomes self-supporting and relatively rigid.

Abstract: Layers of material are bonded together to include portions that yield an integral filling conduit or snout in a completed single or multiple-ply bag particularly useful in bag-in-box shipping containers. The layers are bonded to form the preferred shape of a trapezoid whose long base is parallel to and runs into the top of a rectangle, the bonds forming seams on the sides of the trapezoid and the sides and base of the rectangle. Alternatively, half the number of layers can be folded and bonded to yield the trapezoid/rectangle shape, in which case no base seal is required. The trapezoid's short base is the snout opening and, where necessary, interply bonds are formed around the opening circumference. The invention can also be formed with an evacuation enhancement system that uses an inflatable air chamber in an interply region to cause more of the bag contents to be discharged than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: There is provided a packaging system which includes a shipping container, such as a corrugated box, and an inflatable packaging cushion of flexible material adapted to be at least partially charged with filler medium and adapted to the shape and dimension of said packaging container. The inflatable cushion has corners and an internal opening capable of receiving the article to be protected such that the sides and ends of the article are completely encircled within protecting portions of the cushion. The top and bottom of the article are protected by a first pair of inflatable arms extending inwardly into the area of the internal opening and adapted to be positioned above and in contact with said article and a second pair of inflatable arms adapted to be positioned underneath and in contact with said article.