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.

Abstract: A cargo constraining device for a piece of luggage is provided including at least one bladder having a periphery which encompasses an area approximately equal to one of a pair of faces of the piece of luggage. A valve is mounted on the bladder for selectively inflating the same.

Abstract: A self-emptying handbag having a bag portion for carrying articles, a strap attached to the bag for carrying purposes, an expandable sack carried within the bag portion and having a volume when expanded greater than the volume of the bag portion, and an arrangement for expanding the expandable sack when the strap attached to the bag is suddenly pulled so that the articles therein are ejected from the bag.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning system with separate inflatable cushioning chambers and a common air inlet. The inflatable cushioning chambers each have an inflation port. The common air inlet is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable cushioning chambers. During inflation, pressurized air is inserted into the common air inlet. The pressurized air then enters the individual cushioning chambers through the inflation ports.

Abstract: A pair of thin, flexible, plastic panels are secured to one another at preselected peripheral edges to define a plastic bag and an auxiliary panel having an aperture formed in it is attached at its peripheral edges to an exterior side of a preselected panel of the pair of panels to form an auxiliary chamber. An aperture is also formed in the preselected panel in substantial registration with the aperture formed in the auxiliary panel and a valve head of a valve member is disposed between the apertures. In its position of repose, the valve head overlies the aperture formed in the preselected panel and underlies the aperture formed in the auxiliary panel. A valve neck is formed integrally with the valve head and is secured to the exterior side of the preselected panel so that it allows air being forced out of the bag to lift the valve head from the aperture formed in the exterior side of the preselected panel.

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 .mu.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 container, for use by a fisherman, comprises a bag formed of a resilient water-proof material. The bag includes an inflatable base and inflatable walls. The bag can be used for transporting goods either when inflated or when deflated. The bag has at least one carrying strap or handle and, when inflated and being used as a bait bag, can be fastened to the waist of the fisherman so as to act as a buoyancy aid.

Abstract: A packaging material web for a self-supporting packaging container wall which includes a number of continuous wall panels manufactured from flexible material layers which are interconnected with one another by means of a pattern of seals. Between the seals, there are formed cells which are inflatable with a view to imparting to the material the requisite rigidity. A packaging container manufactured from the packaging material comprises a number of wall panels provided with inflatable cells, the length of the wall panels on inflation of the cells being reduced so that the height of the packaging container shrinks. Along one of the vertical side edges of the packaging container, there is a sealing joint (10) which is less flexible and counteracts such shrinkage so that the packaging container tends to be warped. In order to counteract this, the seals defining the cells are given asymmetric form, with one narrow and one broad end.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable container in the nature of a tote bag in which an inner wall is affixed to one of the primary walls so as to form an air tight bladder, or chamber, which is selectively inflatable and deflatable to enhance the utility of the bag and, further, having integrally formed and aligned cut outs in the opposed facing primary walls to permit facile gripping and transporting the bag and its contents.

Abstract: A device and method for giving proper shape to a bag for display purposes comprising an inflatable member which is placed inside the bag and then inflated to cause the bag move outwardly to its full and expanded size.

Abstract: Sheets of laminated paper are stacked and made into air-tight flat bags with air inlets. After air is supplied into the bags, the air inlets are air-tightly closed to form shock absorbers 50 encapsulating the air. The laminated paper is made by stacking on a paper base a water-soluble polyvinyl alcoholic layer, having a saponification of 80 to 90 mol % and a degree of polymerization of 500 to 2500, to a total thickness of 90 .mu.m or less and a gas permeability of 800 thousand seconds per 100 ml or more. The air is introduced into flat bags 51 to 50 to 80% of maximum inflation to ensure their shock absorbing function. A package 100 is made by putting an appropriate number of discrete shock absorbers 50, or a continuous series of shock absorbers 50, in gaps between a casing 10 and the package content 70. The shock absorbers 50 need not be spread all over the entire surface of the package, so long as they are sufficient to provide the needed contact area to ensure a maximum static load of 0.07 kgf/cm.sup.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging assembly (10) comprising a container (12) and a flexible bag (28). The container (12) has a base (14) and a number of upstanding walls (16) extending from the base (14) to a container opening (18) for receiving and storing a package item (20). One of the upstanding walls (16) includes an aperture (26) passing through the wall (16). The bag (28) includes first (30) and second (32) bag panels having peripheral edges (34) sealed together to define an inflatable chamber. A bag opening (36) extends through a portion of the sealed edges (34) for receiving a fluid medium to inflate the bag (28). A filling valve (38) extends through the bag opening (36) and into the inflatable chamber. The filling valve (38) includes a flexible sealing port (40) and a filling tube (46). The filling tube (46) has a first end (48) secured to the sealing port (40) and a semi-rigid second end (50) extending out from the bag opening (36).

Abstract: Disclosure directed to the combination of a beach towel convertible to a bag for transporting items to and from the beach. The combination includes a uniquely constructed, circular mat having an inflatable peripheral bladder member that facilitates set-up of the mat, and ensures a maintenance of the components thereof. The combination further includes a removably detachable towel for the mat, and a security pouch for personal items on the mat underlying the towel.

Abstract: An evacuateable bag having a resealable access opening in which articles can be stored. The bag is made of thin flexible material with an air evacuation chamber located within. The evacuation chamber has reinforced resilient sidewalls with an inlet one-way valve in communication with the interior of the bag and an outlet one-way valve in communication with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A packaging system (100) protects integrated circuit devices (106) from corrosion and mechanical damage. The devices are enclosed in a reel (102) having a hub (114) in which a cavity (116) is formed for retaining a molded desiccant (118). Apertures (120) between the cavity and the devices provide a vapor path for drawing moisture from the devices. A banding strip (108) for enclosing the devices within the reel has recessed areas (142) for housing pellets of desiccant (140). The reel is placed in an inflatable envelope (50) that includes view ports (56) for reading identifying information on the reel. A vacuum is drawn and the envelope is sealed. Air cells (52) in the inflatable envelope are inflated to cushion the devices from mechanical damage during shipment.

Abstract: A portage system for supporting light watercraft such as a canoe or kayak includes a frame having opposed first and second upright arms, a plurality of cross-struts interconnecting the arms, a pair of shoulder straps secured to a cross strut and a hip belt secured adjacent bottom ends of the upright members to removably secure the frame to a user. First and second thwart cradles are adjustably secured to top ends of the first and second upright arms so that a center thwart of the watercraft may engage the first and second thwart cradles to support the watercraft at varying heights above the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing bag (1) for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone made up of a material providing a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the instrument, and provided with a rear opening (9) allowing the hooking of the instrument, of a rear slot (13) for the hooking of the collar (5) to the saxophone, and with two entrances (10, 11), respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for surrounding a package to be shipped. The cushion is formed of a grid of columns and rows of compartments adopted to be inflated. Selected compartments are sealed against inflation to permit orientation of the cushion and to enhance cushioning effect.

Abstract: An inflatable beverage container insulating jacket, more particularly, a jacket which when collapsed conveniently stores in a credit-card sized pouch for carrying in a wallet or purse. The insulating jacket includes a generally cylindrical inflatable wall and a base unitarily attached to the wall, which when inflated forms the receiving space for the container. Both the wall and the base are made up of an interior partition and an exterior partition peripherally attached to one another, thus defining an interiorly disposed chamber for rigid inflation of the wall. An inflation valve having a minimal dimension, such as a resealable compression-type zipperless closure, is attached to the wall along a top edge of the wall, the valve permitting rigid inflation of the unitary base and wall by virtue of a plurality of interconnected air cells. Each air cell is defined in the wall and base by a plurality of tacking welds.

Abstract: An inflatable container for housing fragile articles, such as bottles and the like, for protecting the enclosed article from breakage during shipping or transit. The container comprises a generally cylindrical inflatable housing shaped to conform to a specific bottle shape and having an inflation device for enabling user inflation. The housing has an open bottom end for receiving a bottle type article therein. An inflatable base is sized for mating engagement with said bottom end thereby covering said opening. A fastening apparatus is provided for securing the base to the housing, and a seal is provided between said housing bottom and said base thereby forming a hermetic seal for preventing escape of any solid, liquid, or vapor contents enclosed within the housing in the event of breakage.

Abstract: An impact resistant wrapping system of the invention has a sheetlike wrapping body (1) formed of gas-barrier flexible wall members (11) and (12) between which wall chambers (14) closely partitioned or partially joined to one another are formed. The sheetlike wrapping body (1) is provided with an intake tap (3) capable of injecting gas into the wall chambers and exhaust taps (5) for releasing the gas from the wall chambers (14), which intake and exhaust taps are integrated so as to be used in common or formed separately. The exhaust taps (5) are arranged between the closely partitioned wall chambers (14) in one line or two or more lines intersecting to the wall chambers (14) so that the adjacent wall chambers (14) communicate with one another through the exhaust taps (5), thereby allowing the exhaust tap (5) of the outermost wall chamber (14) to communicate to the outside of the sheetlike wrapping body (1).

Abstract: A support for an article of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer includes at least one bolster pressurized with a gas, and which provides pneumatic spring in surrounding relation with side edges of the article, the bolsters being comprised of an inflatable bladder and a filling of an open cell foamed plastics material, which provides a cushioning effect in the event of the bladder becoming perforated.

Abstract: The present invention is a hood or cover for golf bags, which features pneumatic, air-filled tubes and/or stiffeners, used as a frame or skeleton, to produce a finite, yet compliant physical shape. The inventive rain hood utilizes a hinged top to accommodate the full range of club sizes and yet make removal and replacement quick, easy and positive. The hood or cover also shields the remaining clubs while removing or replacing any one club. A universal attachment system accommodates almost all golf bags commonly used today. The attachment mechanism is a one-step cinch system which is infinitely adjustable from the smallest to the largest of currently-used golf bags. Once attached, the rain hood inflates quickly to its rigid state with either a built-in hand pump or an auxiliary pressurized hand-held inflator.

Abstract: An air cushion assembly made up of a prefabricated air bag with a rubber air bladder secured between opposed circular metal plates, a rectangular backing member secured to one of the opposed circular plates, a pair of rigid U-shaped members secured to the other of the opposed circular plates, and an inflating valve and hose positioned between the rigid members. The air cushion assemblies are particularly disposed for use in connection with a cargo crate of the type intended to be shipped in sea cargo containers. The cargo crates bearing the air cushion assemblies have a plurality of the assemblies spaced apart and connected to the bottom of the crate through the pair of rigid members, and at least one of the assemblies connected through the backing member to each of the side walls.

Abstract: A bag which is light in weight and which assumes a relatively rigid structure which maintains its shape during use includes a bladder having opposing lateral edges and a fabric panel having opposing lateral edges which are joined to the opposing lateral edges of the flexible bladder to form an enclosure having a bottom and side walls defined by the flexible bladder and a top defined by the fabric panel. In addition to providing sufficient rigidity, the inflated bladder also provides a cushioned support and enclosure for articles contained therein. The combination of an inflated bladder joined along opposing lateral edges to a fabric panel, in addition to achieving sufficient stiffness and rigidity in a lightweight bag, can be easily fabricated using relatively few components.

Abstract: Inflatable packaging cushion (100).According to the invention, the inflatable cushion includes:an external peripheral edge (101) adapted to the shape and to the dimension of a packaging receptacle,at least one internal opening (102, 102') capable of receiving at least one object to be packaged,a plurality of recesses (103, 103') extending from each internal opening towards the peripheral edge, the recesses delimiting in pairs wedging parts (104, 105, 106, 107, 104', 105', 106', 107') capable of coming into contact with the object, zones for preferential pivoting (108) of the wedging parts being defined between the recesses and the peripheral edge, the wedging parts being able to pivot during the inflating about the preferential pivoting zones in order to vary the size and/or the shape of each internal opening and to adapt it to objects of different sizes, whilst exerting a holding pressure on the object or objects.Application to the packaging of objects of different sizes and/or shapes.

Abstract: A light-weight, portable container is provided for the stern of a boat in order to add weight to the stern and enhance the wake of the boat. The container is formed from an outer bag resistant to abrasion and puncture and an inner, liquid impermeable bladder positioned within the bag and protected from puncture and abrasion by the bag. The bladder is filled with water through one or more nozzles accessed through openings in the bag.

Abstract: A bag assembly includes a bag body and a valve unit. The bag body confines a receiving space and is formed with a vent hole. The valve unit is provided in the vent hole and includes an upper sheet and a lower sheet which are heat-sealed to the bag body and which cooperatively confine an air passage that is communicated with the receiving space. The upper and lower sheets of the valve unit have opposing inner surfaces which are electrostatically charged such that the upper and lower sheets normally adhere to each other via an electrostatic attraction at the inner surfaces thereof, thereby closing the air passage of the valve unit.

Abstract: An inflatable protective lining system for shipping containers includes a plurality of double wall inflatable chambers which are interconnected at their edges such that they can be folded to form an enclosure. An article to be protected is placed in the enclosure and the lining system is inserted into a shipping container. The chambers are then inflated via one or more elongate tubes to surround, cushion and protect the enclosed article within the container.

Abstract: A protective air bag structure which is mainly composed of multiple pliable segments joining several air bag bodies. There are many adhesive lines--in both vertical and horizontal directions--on the pliable segments, by which the thickness after inflation for the air bag's pliable segments is limited. There are several horizontal air access routes created within these adhesive lines. The sections, which are not completely closed, form air connecting access routes along the adhesive lines between each air bag body.

Abstract: A support for an article of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer, includes a bolster pressurized with a gas, and which provides a pneumatic spring in surrounding relation with side edges of the article, the bolster being comprised of an inflatable bladder and a constraining non-expansible sleeve which acts as a corset for the bladder and permits inflation of the bladder to a pressure in excess of that which would cause ballooning of the bladder.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact absorbing bag for an automobile, that is, an air bag, consisting of seamless tubular woven fabric (1) which comprises a connected portion (B1) formed around a non-connected portion (B2), is at least partially covered with a polymer covering layer (2) on the surface thereof and has a gas introducing hole (3) on one of its surfaces. The seamless tubular woven fabric (1) can be prepared by cutting circularly a woven fabric having the non-connected portion (B2) formed in succession. The bag may be turned inside out so that its inside and outside are reversed.

Abstract: A two-dimensional inflatable heat-sealable thin-film form is provided for creating a three-dimensional inflated cone with a recess in the base of the cone, useful as a carrying pouch or as an end-cap for cushioning, as well as thermal protection. A preferred manufacturing in-line process for making the cone is also described.

Abstract: A high pressure bag for pre-stressing a support pack in an underground mine has a fluid impervious liner and three tubular envelopes. The liner is located in the first envelope with end portions of the first envelope and edge strips of the liner folded over underneath the first envelope. The first envelope with the liner therein are in the second envelope, with end portions of the second envelope folded over on top of the second envelope. The second envelope is located within the third envelope which has opposed edges stitched closed. The liner has a nozzle which extends through openings in the envelopes.

Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel 20 having an aperture 44 through one wall 30 of the vessel 20, which aperture 44 can be closed by a closure flap 50 having sufficient surface area of adhesive 52 to completely surround the aperture 44. The adhesive 52 has sufficient peel strength to prevent the vessel 20 from being reused after closure, and the vessel 20 is capable of withstanding a pressure differential of at least 75 kPa for at least thirty minutes.

Abstract: A high pressure bag for pre-stressing a support pack in an underground mine has a fluid impervious liner and three tubular envelopes. The liner is located in the first envelope with end portions of the first envelope and edge strips of the liner folded over underneath the first envelope. The first envelope with the liner therein are in the second envelope, with end portions of the second envelope folded over on top of the second envelope. The second envelope is located within the third envelope which has opposed edges stitched closed. The liner has a nozzle which extends through openings in the envelopes.

Abstract: A pressure vessel is described which includes a flexible, air permeable, liquid permeable, containment envelope having an interior cavity and an access opening closed by a closure. A flexible, air tight, liquid impervious, inner bladder is provided having an interior cavity and an access opening sealed by a closure. The inner bladder is disposed within the interior cavity of the containment envelope. The containment envelope is dimensionally stable at the maximum intended pressures. The inner bladder in a fully expanded condition is larger than the containment envelope such that internal pressure acts upon the inner bladder to place the inner bladder in compression within the interior cavity of the containment envelope while placing the containment envelope in tension. The pressure vessel, as described, can be made from low cost materials such as a sealable polymer plastic bag and an envelope of spun bonded olefin material.

Abstract: A device for giving proper shape to a bag (24) or the like for display purposes comprises an inflatable member (10) which is so designed and arranged to be placed inside the bag or the like to be displayed, and which when inside the bag is capable of then being inflated outwardly to cause the bag to move outwardly to its full and expanded size.

Abstract: A lift bag includes a plurality of independently inflatable chambers for controlling lifting of objects. Each chamber is defined by an upper surface sheet and a lower surface sheet, the upper surface sheet of one chamber positioned below an adjacent chamber being securely attached to the lower surface sheet of an adjacent chamber. The lift bag can be operated at pressures of about 15 psig at specified heights which allows greater flexibility compared to conventional, single-chambered lift bag which operate at pressures of about 7 psig. Preferably, all seams, reinforcements, and fittings are vulcanized in place using uncured rubber coated fabric. Grommets or other securing means may provide further stability to the lift bag.

Abstract: Packaging material for self-supporting packaging container walls includes two material layers that are fixed at a given spacing from one another. The two material layers define an interjacent chamber which is filled with gas under pressure. The material is produced by the material layers being sealed to one another over a portion of their surface such that a chamber is formed which is filled with, for example, air under pressure.

Abstract: A package envelope is provided with a plurality of interconnecting wall panels defining a plurality of expansion chambers which are inflatable to a predetermined pressure. At least one item-receiving zone is defined between at least one juxtaposed pair of the expansion chambers. The package includes means for releasably encapsulating an item within the item-receiving zone such that the item is supported against substantial lateral and rotational movement relative to the envelope even when the expansion chambers are not inflated to their predetermined pressure. A valve may be included for selectively controlling the flow of a filler medium, such as air, therethrough and into and out of the expansion chambers. When inflated, the expansion chambers substantially surround an item contained within each item-receiving zone.

Abstract: A packaging component which, in one preferred embodiment is made of a first generally rectangular plastic element and a second generally oval plastic element, each of such elements being inflatable and deflatable. A plastic coupling element couples the first and second elements and a valve is used to permit air under pressure to be supplied to, or to be released from, the first and second elements so that they can be inflated and deflated. The elements are preferably made of laminates of a polyurethane plastic material. A plurality of said components when inflated can be manipulated into suitable cushion configurations which can be placed, for example, at each corner of a product which product can then be placed in a container so that the components provide a snug fit of the product therein and protect the product during shipment or other handling thereof.

Abstract: There is described an improved inflatable package comprising outer deformable walls defining at least one fluid-tight chamber therebetween, and a one-way valve disposed within the chamber, to be in fluid communication therewith, the valve permitting the ingress of fluid into the chamber, and preventing the egress of fluid therefrom, the valve including a primary duct and at least one flow channel intersecting the primary duct at an angle to place the primary duct in fluid communication with the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A multi-functional sports utility accessory includes a flexible panel made of substantially inelastic resilient sheet material and a plurality of different elements attached to the flexible panel for converting the flexible panel to perform the multiple diverse funtions of an equipment carrying bag, a sports practice aid, and an equipment holder. The different converting elements are provided at various locations on the flexible panel, for example, on opposite edges thereof, arranged about the periphery thereof and applied on one or both opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A luggage stuffer for soft-wall luggage comprises an air-tight bladder containing a gas supply mechanism which is activatable to inflate the bladder to fill a storage volume of the luggage. In this way, the luggage is inflated for display.

Abstract: An inflatable protective packaging for articles comprising a pair of adjacent flat bag chambers with an intermediate inflation channel therebetween communicating at an inner end with the chambers and having an outer inflation opening preferably independently sealable for each bag chamber at the outer end of the channel. The item may be formed as successive flat, servable units on a roll, or integrated with envelopes or boxes.

Abstract: An inflatable wrapping apparatus comprises a substantially self supporting base for placing an article to be wrapped thereon, and an inflatable wrap attachable to the base for decoratively wrapping and securing the article in place. A periphery of a first portion of the wrap is matably attachable to a periphery of the base for enabling the first portion to substantially encompass and cover the article thereon. The first portion of the wrap separates the article from a second portion of the wrap, and the second portion has a dimension greater than the first portion. Upon inflating the wrap, the first portion inflates in a direction toward the base to substantially engulf and secure the article in place, and the second portion of the wrap inflates in a direction away from the base to provide a decorative feature of the wrap. In an alternate embodiment, the inflatable wrap is coupled to the base by an adjoining edge, providing a simple, single component wrapping apparatus.

Abstract: An improved packaging system comprises several modifications of an inflatable package utilizing pressurized air to protect and cushion products for shipment. The improvements consist of novel flexible pouches, designed to fit corrugated shipping cartons, wooden crates and steel of molded plastic shipping containers. The product is inserted or placed within the perimeters of a support means such as a carton or box and pressurized air is injected into adjacent compartments in the bag to suspend or hold a product in a protected manner.

Abstract: Flexible bag handle(s) that is constructed of a non-porous, flexible membrane filled with a gaseous substance. The membrane encapsulates the gaseous substance to form a gas-filled pocket(s) that comprises a bag handle(s). The gas-filled pocket(s) that comprises the Gas-Filled Handle(s), can be of various size(s), shape(s) and arrangement(s) depending upon the desired load-bearing characteristics and desired length of the handle(s).