On-demand inflatable packaging

Abstract

In a method of making packages, a web of preformed inflatable bags is moved along a path of travel. The preformed inflatable bags include two inflatable panels, and each inflatable panel includes a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern. Each of the preformed inflatable bags are inflated and sealed across the seals of the inflation pattern. A product is deposited into each of the preformed inflatable bags, either before or after the inflation and/or sealing. Each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product are loaded into a non-inflatable bag.

1 . A method of making packages comprising:
 moving a web of preformed inflatable bags along a path of travel, each preformed bag comprising two inflatable panels, each inflatable panel comprising a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern;   inflating each of the preformed inflatable bags as the preformed inflatable bags move along the path of travel;   sealing each of the preformed inflatable bags across the seals of the inflation pattern;   depositing at least one product into each of the preformed inflatable bags; and   loading each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product into a non-inflatable bag.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product are loaded into the non-inflatable bag by a packaging machine. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the at least one product is deposited into the each of the preformed inflatable bags before the inflating the each of the preformed inflatable bags. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the at least one product is deposited into the each of the preformed inflatable bags after the inflating the each of the preformed inflatable bags. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising closing each of the preformed inflatable bags. 
     
     
         6 . A method of making packages comprising:
 moving a web of preformed inflatable bags along a path of travel, each preformed bag comprising two inflatable panels, each inflatable panel comprising a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern;   inflating each of the preformed inflatable bags as the preformed inflatable bags moves along the path of travel;   sealing across seals of the inflation pattern to form sealed and inflated bags;   depositing at least one product into each of the sealed and inflated bags; and   loading each of the sealed and inflated bags and contained product into a non-inflatable bag.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein each of the sealed and inflated bags and contained product are loaded into the non-inflatable bag by a packaging machine. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising closing each of the sealed and inflated bags. 
     
     
         9 . A method of making packages comprising:
 moving a web of inflatable preformed bag portions along a path of travel, each inflatable preformed bag portion comprising two inflatable panels separated by a bottom edge, each inflatable panel comprising a first ply and a second ply that are sealed together to form an inflation pattern;   folding each of the preformed bag portions at the bottom edge of the preformed bag as the web of inflatable preformed bag portions moves along the path of travel, thereby forming a web of inflatable bags;   inflating each of the inflatable bags as the web of inflatable preformed bag portions moves along the path of travel;   sealing each of the inflatable bags across the seals of the inflation pattern as the web of inflatable preformed bag portions moves along the path of travel;   depositing at least one product into each of the inflatable bags as the web of inflatable preformed bag portions moves along the path of travel;   separating each of the inflatable bags and contained product from the web of inflatable bags as the web of inflatable bag portions moves along the path of travel; and   loading each of the separated inflatable bags and contained product into a non-inflatable bag.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein each of the preformed inflatable bags and contained product are loaded into the non-inflatable bag by a packaging machine. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the at least one product is deposited into the each of the preformed inflatable bags before the inflating the each of the preformed inflatable bags. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the at least one product is deposited into the each of the preformed inflatable bags after the inflating the each of the preformed inflatable bags. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising closing each of the preformed inflatable bags.