Apparatus and method for forming inflated packaging cushions

(19)

(11)

EP 1 707 347 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	06.12.2006 Bulletin 2006/49

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	04.10.2006 Bulletin 2006/40

(21)	Application number: 06005631.4

(22)	Date of filing: 20.03.2006

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International Patent Classification (IPC):

B31D 5/00^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL BA HR MK YU

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Priority:

31.03.2005 US 95279

(71)	Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
	Saddle Brook NJ 07663-5291 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Garceau, Mark, R. Bethlehem CT 06751 (US) Loersch, Johannes F. 47638 Straelen (DE)

(74)	Representative: Amery, Marcus James et al
	Albihns GmbH Bayerstrasse 83 80335 München 80335 München (DE)

(54)	Apparatus and method for forming inflated packaging cushions

(57) An inflation apparatus (100) automatically inflates and seals a plurality of pockets (24) preformed in a film web (10) to form packaging cushions. As the film web is advanced, a stream of inflation gas is directed from an inflation port (282) into each of the pockets. The stream of inflation gas is directed in a flow direction having a component in the direction of travel. A sealing mechanism is positioned as close as possible to the inflation port (282) so that the opening of each pocket is almost entirely closed and sealed while the stream of inflation gas is directed into the pocket. As a result, it is possible to achieve more fully inflated packaging cushions on a consistent basis.

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