3m Innovative Properties Company

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

William A Peper

Joseph T Bartusiak

Gerald E Mueller

Bruce D Stambaugh

Charles R Kleissler

Ralph H Bland

Kevin W Anderson

John T Peterson

An inflatable packaging system comprised of an inflation channel that feeds a plurality of inflatable cells prevents buckling of the inflation header as the inflatable cells inflate by relieving stress along a seal line that separates the inflation header from the inflatable cells.

Inflatable packaging system

A multi-chambered inflatable member formed by connecting the perimeters of two polymeric film layers includes a seal line spaced from the perimeter that interconnects the two film layers to form a perimeter inflatable channel along a portion of the perimeter. A plurality of inflatable cells extend between opposing portions of the inflatable channel and are in communication with one of the opposing portions of the inflatable channel. A check valve communicates with the inflatable channel to inflate the inflatable member. Articles being shipped or stored in a container can be placed between two or more inflatable members, the perimeter inflatable channels of which provide perimeter protection between the article and the container.

Low profile inflatable package protection system

A one-way valve is formed by connecting a third layer of a polymeric film to one of two film layers that are sealed about the perimeter to form an inflatable member. A series of spaced seals connect the third layer so as to form a serpentine flow path across the inflatable member. The serpentine flow path communicates at one end with an inlet and at an opposite end with an outlet in communication with an interior of the inflatable member. Inflation pressure within the inflatable member forces together the adjacent film layers forming the one-way valve so as to maintain the inflatable member in an inflated state.

One-way valve for inflatable package

A dispensable multilayer film having alternating layers of a ductile material, a brittle material, and optionally an intermediate layer. The film has excellent strength in its longitudinal and transverse directions but can be transversely cut by forces of less than 9 Newtons on the cutters of commercially available table top tape dispensers. At least one surface of the sheet material can be coated with a functional material.

Growing community of inventors

Maplewood, MN, United States of America

William A Peper