Abstract: A continuous, two-ply thermoplastic film material, sealed in a manner that forms superimposed panels into individual, inflatable bags that are repeated and separable, individually or in groups of bags, forms a continuous packaging material. The material can be cut or torn from preformed rolls to a desired size to over-wrap a product with an air cushion. Valves are sealed into the material at repeated locations to allow air insertion at any location or to allow a primary air chamber to feed any length of pre-sealed bag material that can be sectioned and filled with air at the same time. The invention also allows wrapping of a product first, without air, and insertion of the wrapped product into a carton or box with provision for inflating the wrapping to conform tightly to the product, inside the carton or box. The wrapping material can be recycled either as a reusable, inflated wrapper or made of biodegradable plastic materials to minimize environmental damage.

Abstract: A tennis ball handling system in which a first storage container (1) for many tennis balls (2) is filled at the tennis ball producer with new tennis balls suitable for play, is transported to an installation site, such as a sporting goods store, tennis facility, etc. and installed at the installation site, a second storage container for many tennis balls is filled at the installation site with used tennis balls that are no longer suitable for play and in which the used balls are transported back to the tennis ball producer or to a recycling operation and emptied there, and reusable player's storage containers that can be bought, rented, borrowed in a deposit system or acquired at no cost by the player, are filled with a small number of new tennis balls (2) that are removed from the first storage container (1) for use by the tennis player, and from which used tennis balls (2) that are no longer suitable for play are emptied by the player into the second storage container at the installation site.

Abstract: A slide valve adapted to be secured to a flexible container and having an open position and a closed position. The valve comprises a body member and a slide. In the open position openings in the body and slide coincide. In the closed position an air tight seal is provided. The valve is constructed to have two discreet positions and a sealing ring on the slide that engages the body member to effect the air tight seal.

Abstract: A balloon is formed from a water-soluble film which mainly comprises a polyvinyl alcohol. Coloring agents as food additives are used for pigmenting the balloon. The balloon per se is soluble in water upon coming in contact with water and accordingly, it never becomes a cause of environmental pollution. The coloring agents used are those for use in foods and thus they do not become a cause of environmental pollution.

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 the 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: The invention relates to a foil sachet (1) with at least one chamber (7) consisting of an upper and lower foil (2, 3) secured together by a closed seam (5, 6). In order to fill the chambers (7) with a substance, especially air, there is a channel (10, 14) having channel sections (14) opening in the region of a seam (5, 6) and preferably in the region of the corner of the chamber concerned where there is an aperture in said chamber. There are preferably a main (10) and a subsidiary channel (14), wherein the main channel may also run outside the foil sachet (1).

Abstract: A plastic film bag with an inflated pattern of the invention is formed of a bag section for retaining an article therein, an inflating portion of a pattern sealingly attached to the bag section and an inflating device for inflating the inflating portion. When the inflating portion is inflated by fluid through the inflating device, the inflating portion becomes three-dimensional and projects outwardly from the outer surface of the bag section without substantially reducing a space inside the bag section.

Abstract: An inflatable crib permits the safe, comfortable transport of an infant, while the crib is inflated, and requires minimal storage space when deflated. Carrying straps provide load bearing support to the cradle base on which a child is carried. An inflatable mattress adds to the child's comfort. A protective covering shields the child from sun, elements, and insects. The carrying straps have form retaining, self supporting first and second cross members extending above the crib and are adapted to releasable support the protective covering.

Abstract: A single sheet of flexible fabric is folded and creased to form a compact pouch or pocket that can be attached to and detached from a golf bag. The pocket connects to the bag by hooks carded at the opposite ends of the pocket. The pocket has a long central zippered opening in the front, and a pleated back, but is constructed so that, when empty, the pocket lies flat against the golf bag.

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 connecting portion (B1) formed around a non-connecting 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-connecting portion (B2) formed in succession. The bag may be turned inside out so that its inside and outside are reversed.

Abstract: A fluid receptacle formed of a bag having first and second sides, the bottom and lower outer edges of which are joined to provide a central pocket. The intermediate and upper outer edges of the first and second sides of the bag are provided with cooperating sealing elements by which the remaining outer edges of the bag may be sealed. The sealing elements are disengageable to permit the first and second sides of the bag to be laid open on opposite sides of the central pocket.

Abstract: An inflatable container includes a plurality of vertical air conduits, a horizontal air conduit, and a one-way valve. A self-adhesive material may be formed on the container whereby upon inflating the container, the container self-stands and can be adhered to a wall or table.

Abstract: A flexible, thermal, reflective insulating pad which includes a first outer wall of flexible, transparent, air-impermeable material, a second outer wall of flexible, transparent, air-impermeable material sealed or fused to the first outer wall around the perimeter thereof to form a pneumatically secure chamber. A specularly, infra-red reflective layer is located in the chamber. Means are provided for introducing air into the chamber. The first and second outer walls are fused together along parallel spaced apart lines along a length of the pad so as to form compartments in fluid communication with each other around the ends thereof. Releasable connectors located at the ends of the pad releasably connect to each other. Upon being deflated the pad can be rolled up so as to occupy a relatively small volume.

Abstract: A flexible storage container for the transportation of liquid foods, such as orange juice, includes an outer tear resistant shell having a linear closure in a front or end face thereof, and a replaceable inner liner which is inserted into the outer shell through the closure. The outer shell further includes a vent through which air can escape from the space between the inner liner and outer shell. The inner liner includes a filler fitting which is fed through the outer shell. The container is characterized in that it is elongated in shape and has a front or end face that bulges to conform to filling pressure. The front or end face is reinforced by a flexible bar that extend essentially perpendicular to the base. The container is further characterized in that the closure, and fittings for filling, emptying and venting are located in the front or end face.

Abstract: An air bag employing a twill-like fabric having right hand and left hand diagonally extending twill lines which form a diamond shaped portion therebetween. The diamond portion can be of a plain weave or other type of weave depending on the desired fabric porosity.

Abstract: An inflatable pouch for packaging a circuit board is formed from two superposed sheets of an electrostatically dissipative plastic. The plastic sheets are welded together to form two air chambers therebetween, each having a plurality of passages therein and they are folded over along a transverse centerline so as to form a bottom end along the centerline, an open end opposite the bottom end and opposing front and rear walls. The side portions of the front and rear walls are welded together to form the side edges of the pouch. The passages in the front wall adjacent the open end of the pouch include enlarged portions which are transversely offset from and interengageable with corresponding enlarged portions in the rear wall to prevent a circuit board from sliding out the top of the pouch. Both air chambers are inflatable through a single inlet aperture which is sealable with a clamp.

Abstract: A display device, usually in the form of a balloon has at least transparent section capable of displaying an article within the balloon therethrough. The display device has a pocket within the balloon hold a removable item and display the item through the balloon. A removable sealing tape secures the pocket and a removable item within the balloon.

Abstract: A method and device for protecting objects in storage from damaging environments including a collapsible bag with a sealable opening having a vacuum attachment, for evacuating the bag, and an injection valve, for injecting an atmosphere, attached.

Abstract: A thin flexible plastic bag having a permanently closed end and an open end with a main zipper closure formed of mateable male and female interlockable portions extending across the entire open end. The bag is provided with a stem and pinch valve construction with which the bag can be orally evacuated for sealing its contents in a vacuum-tight condition or with which the bag can be orally inflated and then used as a packing around breakables.

Abstract: A pneumatic shipping container is configured to include hook and loop fasteners to secure the upper and lower portions of the container together in assembled configuration. A modification of the invention includes the container structure formed with a rigid shell container and lid, with an inflatable liner positioned therewithin. The inflatable liner is arranged for mounting to anchor portions within the container for positioning the liner relative to the container structure.

Abstract: A hollow weave air bag, a configuration of a boundary line between a hollow portion (6) and a peripheral portion (4) of a single layer weave bonding band of which is a curve obtained by that an optional point on an equation L=R(1+P/2.times.cos 4.theta.) draws by changing an angle .theta., wherein:L stands for a length of a straight line between a center (c) of a hollow portion (6) and the boundary line (7);.theta. stands for an angle (radian) formed between a warp axis of a woven fabric and a straight line connecting an optional point (A) on the boundary line to a center (C) of the hollow portion (6);R stands for a mean value of a radius of a circumscribed circle and a radius of a inscribed circle;P stands for a ratio of a difference between the radius of the circumscribed circle and the radius of the inscribed circle against the mean radius R;O<P.ltoreq.0.

Abstract: A gas bag is attached to an accommodating housing of a gas bag restraining system for vehicles on the front passenger side thereof. The gas bag is provided along the edge of its rectangular inflation opening with a sewn-in reinforcing element forming a bead. The edge provided with the reinforcing element is fixed to the accommodating housing with an interference fit by means of a profile element. The attachment provides high mechanical strength along with an improved gas tightness.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging insert as adapted for positioning around and encapsulating an article disposed in a closed box when inflated for providing support and protection for the article during shipping. The packaging insert includes a pair of spaced, opposed V-shaped or triangular inserts forming a gusset on its inner surface allowing the packaging insert when inflated to securely engage the corners and edges of the article. The gusset allows the inner article-engaging surface of the packaging insert to expand as a generally flat surface so that it engages the entire facing surface of the object including its edges and corners in a generally uniform manner. The packaging insert is preferably comprised of a strong, pliable, gas-impervious material such as polyethylene and includes an integral self-sealing valve for inflation and deflation as well as interconnected compartments or chambers formed by heat, pressure or radio frequency (RF) formed seals.

Abstract: A cushioning package includes a barrel-shaped balloon body consisting of outer film formed of a material having no air-permeability and an inner film that is substantially similar in shape to the outer film and is formed of a material having no air-permeability and is placed on the inside of the outer film, the films being bonded together at the upper and lower edges such that an amount of air can be fed therebetween, and includes a check valve attached to the balloon body and formed by superposing two film pieces having no air-permeability one upon another and bonding them together along two linear seals, one of the linear seals extending at its lower end at an angle of 45.degree. or more with respect to the other linear seal and terminates at a position spaced several to a few tens mm space away from the linear seal, leaving an unbonded portion serving as an air passage.

Abstract: An inflatable garment bag having an annular air-chamber formed by two interior layers. An air pump is secured to the inner, interior layer for inflating the bag. The two interior layers are clamped together at upper portions thereof by means of a pair of clamping blocks, which blocks also mount the hanger element of the bag by which the bag may be hung in a closet, on a rack, and the like. The lower block also mounts a horizontal bar by which garments may be hung in the bag.

Abstract: An air bag has a pair of circular fabrics overlapping one upon the other with their marginal portions being stitched by crossing a sewing thread on the side of their edges to form a seam so that the seam is showing. The marginal end portions can be neatly enwrapped by the seam, not only providing the air bag with an unimpaired appearance but also making it compact when folded.

Abstract: A structure for a food bag that is suitable for a larger than usual sized bag is described as being formed of two sections of a flexible material. The two sections of flexible material are arranged one over the other and sealed around their periphery. Another sealing line is located along at least one side spaced from the one periphery line to form an elongated stiffening compartment when filled with a suitable gas, such as air, under pressure. The remaining space between the sealed sections forms a food compartment that is maintained in an erect, upright position by the elongated stiffening compartment.

Abstract: An inflatable beverage container defined by concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls which further define an annular chamber therebetween, the cylindrical walls terminating in a semi-rigid inverted "V shaped" upper lip which defines a top end of the container, and a planar base which circumferentially defines the bottom end of the container, the container further having an inflatable handle in fluidic communication with the annular chamber, the container additionally having an integral apparatus for introducing air into the annular chamber for inflation or deflation thereof for easy storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valves for fluid inflatable bodies and packaging with such valves. The valve has an outer plate, a flat sealing ring and an inner plate with a valve body. The valve body seating and outer plate seating which contact the sealing rim have sharp peripheral ribs which are coaxial with the fluid inlet and of different diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for beheading fish comprises a supporting plate 10, a cover plate 12, and a fluid bag 13 with a fluid inlet 14. The apparatus is open at both ends, and the fish is placed with the head free. Fluid under pressure is thereafter introduced through the inlet 14 into the fluid bag 13 which is thereby inflated to the shape as shown. As the bag is resilient, but is confined between the fish and the supporting plate 10 and the cover plate 12, respectively, the fish will thereby be seized between the bag and the supporting plate. An extremely effective and firm mechanical seizure of the fish is thereby achieved, even under moist, slimy or slippery conditions likely to prevail where fish are being processed. When the fish is seized by an appropriate pressure in the fluid bag 13, it is held so firmly that the head can be torn off.

Abstract: an inflatable packaging material comprises a plurality of flexible bladders formed of tubes sealed at one end and partially sealed at the other end to provide a passageway which may be closed by a stopper. In one embodiment, a protuberance extends from the sealed end of each bladder which may releasably engage the walls of a passageway of an adjacent bladder to join the bladders end-to-end. In a second embodiment, the sealed end includes an eyelet and the passageway end includes a stopper attached to such end by a flexible trunk such that the stopper of one bladder may releasably engage the eyelet of an adjacent bladder to join the bladders end-to-end. The bladders may line a carton to protect an article shipped therein.

Abstract: A liner for a cargo container and a method of installing a liner inside a cargo container. The liner comprises an inflatable body and left and right connecting strips that are connected to the liner body. The left connecting strip extends along and laterally projects outside a bottom left edge of the liner body, and the right connecting strip extends along and laterally projects outside a bottom right edge of the liner body. The liner is placed inside the container, with the left connecting strip positioned on the container floor adjacent the left side wall of the container, and with the right connecting strip positioned on the container floor adjacent the right side wall of the container. These two connecting strips are then releasably clamped to the container floor, for example by securely nailing wooden slats to the container floor, over the connecting strips. Also disclosed is a method of fluidizing a bulk cargo inside a lined cargo container to facilitate unloading the cargo from the container.

Abstract: A covered balloon for use as a toy or in a display, which includes a cover formed of a plastic film and a rubber balloon inside the cover. More specifically, the cover is formed of two superposed sheets of substantially gas impervious plastic film whose peripheral edges are welded to form a seam. In a one embodiment, the cover and the rubber balloon each have a nozzle and the rubber balloon is inflated so as to fill the entire space within the cover and eliminate any wrinkles in the cover and adhere to an interior surface of said cover with the nozzle of the rubber balloon protruding from the cover through the nozzle of the cover. A welding flap formed along the seam when the cover is formed by welding together the plastic sheets, may be substantially reduced in size by cutting the flap along the seam. The cover may be formed of a transparent film such as a film of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers so that the rubber balloon inside is visible.

Abstract: An air bag occupant protection device for use in motor vehicles having an air bag made from a single piece of flat foldable fabric material. The air bag according to this invention is formed by gathering the free edge of a flat piece of sheet stock to define radial pleats at a small opening provided for inflation gases to enter the inside of the bag. Various approaches for gathering the free edge of the material are disclosed including the use of a retaining ring having posts which engage apertures in the free edge of the material, a cord for gathering the free edge, and various other means of gathering the edge and sewing it in place. The invention avoids the cost of fabricating an air bag from multiple pieces of cut fabric and further avoids the failure modes of a fabricated air bag caused by the presence of seams which can constitute a local weakness in the air bag assembly.

Abstract: A water inflatable structural module for constructing temporary dikes and related structures includes two identical elongated flattened cylinders sealed at opposite lateral ends to form a sealed, water-tight chamber within a cylinder. The cylinders are joined along a horizontal mid-plane to opposite longitudinal edges of a thin, flexible, elongated, rectangular web. A sealable inlet port in each of the two cylinders permits the cylinders to be inflated with water to form two relatively stiff, parallel, elongated cylinders attached at facing inner mid section lines to the flexible web. In a preferred version of the module the width of the web, and therefore the minimum spacing between the two cylinders with the web flat, is of the proper dimension to make the ratio of minimum spacing to inflated cylinder diameter lie in the approximate range of 1.75 to 1 to 2 to 1.

Abstract: In a dispenser of the kind used for dispensing a fluid by applying pressure on a container, a bag assembly is provided with a tubular pleated bag, a ribbed coating being formed over the bag by dipping. After the bag is selectively discharged causing the bag to collapse, the bag folds along the pleats under the influence of the coating until substantially all of the fluid has been removed. The assembly is made by forming the bag into a pleated shape and then dipping the bag into a suitable material to form a coating with beads. After the coating dries the bag is inserted into the energy tube.

Abstract: An inflatable self-supporting bag formed from a single sheet of flexible air impervious material and having a single ply lower portion defining a bottom wall and a lower portion of a bag side wall and an inflatable upper portion formed by two plies including an inner ply and an outer ply defining an air chamber therebetween. The inner and outer plies are connected together in face-to-face relation along a plurality of spaced apart lines of attachment which divide the air chamber into a plurality of intercommunicating sections which impart a generally cylindrical shape to the upper portion of the bag when it is inflated. A tubular inflating member having an associated removable plug is provided for inflating the upper portion of the bag.

Abstract: Packaging of the type comprising an outer rectangular box (100) of rigid cardboard or the like, and a flexible inflatable structure (200, 300) situated inside the box and comprising, overlying each of the inside faces of the box, an inflatable cushion for coming into close contact with the article to be packaged. The box includes a bottom closure (120) and a top closure (130) each having self-locking flaps. The inflatable structure comprises two unit assemblies (200, 300) each comprising a central cushion (220, 330) overlying a respective one of the closures (120, 130) of the box, and two side cushions (211, 213; 312, 314) overlying respective side walls (111, 113; 112, 114) of the box, with each assembly further including means (270-274; 370-374; 500) for simultaneously inflating its three cushions, with at least one of the assemblies being inflatable from outside the box.

Abstract: Luminescent balloons (18', 18") and methods of manufacture thereof wherein one or more balloon forms (11) are respectively moved through discrete sequential processing stations (12/16, 14/21 and, optionally, 15/22) for the purpose of applying successive laminations (19, 20 and, optionally, 24) on the balloon forms (11), which laminations are dryed, set and cured in drying stations (16, 21, 22) so as to form a balloon (18', 18") having: (i) an outer lamination (19) formed essentially of pure latex and providing structural integrity for the balloon; (ii) an inner lamination (20) bonded to the inner surface of the outer lamination (19), in which inner lamination (20) the luminescent dry solid particles are maintained in a latex carrier and constitute at least FIFTY PERCENT (50%), and preferably from SIXTY-FIVE PERCENT (65%) to SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT (75%), of the total dry solids in the inner lamination (20) for imparting the luminescent qualities to the balloon; and (iii), optionally, a third essentially pure lat

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a new and improved inflatable package and to a method of manufacturing the package.

Abstract: A packaging system comprises a first bag portion defining an inflated first chamber and a second bag portion defining an inflated second chamber with the bag portions overlying each other to define a pocket therebetween having an article compressed and retained therein. The bag portions are pivotally conected together at a rearward side of the system and overlying edge portions of the bag portions are heat-sealed together at opposite lateral sides of the packaging system. The frontal side of the packaging system is open to permit insertion of the article into the pocket whereafter the packaging system is preferably inflated with a pressurized fluid, such as air, to compress superimposed panels of the bag portions against the article to retain it within the pocket.

Abstract: A packaging system includes an outer bag having an inner bag suspended therein to define an expandable chamber between the bags and one either side of the inner bag. When the chamber is charged with a filler medium, such as pressurized air, the outer bag will inflate to suspend the inner bag at a fixed position therein. The inner bag defines a pocket adapted to receive and retain an article, prepackaged therein.

Abstract: A flexible bag such as a trash bag is disclosed. The bag includes a flexible bag body having an open end with inflatable means located at the open end of the bag for maintaining the open end of the bag in an open position so that matter can be easily deposited into the bag through the bag's open end. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable means includes a chamber-defining, inflatable rim which extends substantially around the open end of the bag body. An inflating means such as a valve or sealable stem-like member is also provided in communication with the chamber of the inflatable rim for receiving air to inflate the inflatable rim. The inflatable rim, when inflated, significantly enhances the ease with which matter may be deposited into the bag by defining an opening for receiving such matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable container suitable for use as a portable aquarium. The inflatable container has an upper open end and side walls which are easily and economically constructed from a single sheet of flexible film material. The sheet is folded upon itself into substantially two overlapping half sections with portions of each half section being sealed together to form four side panels. The remaining portions of the overlapping half sections form an inflatable tubular, flexible framework including an upper and a lower tubular rim and at least four upstanding tubular columns which surround the side panels. The tubular framework and side panels are formed with only two sealed seams joining the longitudinal and lateral edges of the film sheet, one of which extends longitudinally along the surface of the lower tubular rim and the other of which extends laterally along the surface of one of the upstanding tubular columns.

Abstract: An interlocking structure and a method of testing wherein the structure includes spaced interlocked rib and groove members with a compartment therebetween exposed to one side of each of the interlocked ribs and grooves and the ribs and grooves submerged beneath water while the compartment is pressurized with air so that any leakage past the interlocked rib and grooves will be detected by bubbles rising through the water.

Abstract: A roll of continuous laminated web product usable for forming a flexible package includes a first continuous flexible web formed of a gas barrier material adapted to form an inner bag of the package, and a second continuous flexible web adapted to form an outer bag of the package. The first and second webs are adhered together by adhesive bonds in the form of a discrete pattern of bonded areas which repeats in the machine-direction of the laminated web construction to define a plurality of sequentially disposed, dual walled sheets between such discrete patterns of bonded areas. Each of the discrete patterns of bonded areas includes discrete bonds which are spaced-apart from each other in the cross-machine-direction of the roll to define at least one passageway between the discrete bonds.

Abstract: In the dish-shaped hub body of a steering wheel between two concentric cylindrical walls and a bottom wall connecting them an annular cavity is formed into which the propellent charge of a gas generator is introduced. This cavity is sealed by an outwardly arched closure plate provided with gas passage openings. An inflatable gas bag in the form of a hose ring is secured with its opening edges to a support plate which is secured at its peripheral edge to the steering wheel body. A separate gas generator housing can be dispensed with.

Abstract: The flexible bag comprises a container of flexible plastics material having an internal sheet and an external sheet which define a sealed chamber which can be filled with air at low pressure. The sealed chamber is composed of a series of tubes separated by welded seams but in communication with each other. The air causes the container to assume a substantially parallelepipedic external shape and produces an internal housing which is defined by the internal flexible sheet and which is capable of housing an office machine, for example a portable typewriter. The container comprises two handles projecting from the parallelepipedic shape, for facilitating transportation of the container itself, and a valve to permit the container to be inflated only when it is to be used for the protection or transportation of the machine. The container may be easily deflated and in that case can be re-folded on to itself in order substantially to reduce its bulk.

Abstract: This invention comprises an inflatable cooler having an inflatable container and an inflatable lid. Secured to the bottom wall of the inflatable container is a reinforcing member for supporting the weight of objects carried by the container. The reinforcing member may be removable and foldable, to facilitate storage when the cooler is deflated. The shape of the container and lid is maintained as desired by one or more support strips secured within the walls of the container and within the lid.

Abstract: An inflatable insert is receivable in an item of luggage, such as a suitcase, for protecting fragile articles as they are transported in the item of luggage. The insert includes an inflatable wall portion which is receivable in an item of luggage so that it extends along the inner side of the sidewall thereof and a pocket element on the inner side of the inflatable wall portion for receiving and containing a fragile article in the item of luggage so that it is protected by the inflatable wall portion of the insert. The insert preferably further includes inflatable top and bottom flaps on the upper and lower ends of the inflatable wall portion which are positionable so that they extend inwardly adjacent the upper and lower ends of the pocket element, respectively, for further protecting a fragile article contained in the pocket element.