Inflatable air cushion
An inflatable air cushion is a bag of fabric or plastic that can be inflated to provide cushioning. Unlike bubble wrap, inflatable air cushions have a check valve to allow the cushion to be inflated or sometimes deflated.
History[edit]
Several constructions have been developed, some as early as the 1970s.[1] In the 1980s, a number of inflatable cushion systems were documented.[2][3][4][5][6] Before 2000, most inflatable air cushions used a single check valve.[7] However if one part of the cushion was punctured then this packaging would completely deflate. In 2002, several types of continuously independent one way air valve films were introduced.[8] These patents incorporated a one way air valve film, which can be produced continuously and independently. If one air tube is punctured, the other air tubes will still remain inflated.
Concept[edit]
- A modern cushion is made out of two layers of PE films [citation needed] with air valve film in between, and heat pressed with high temperature mold to melt them together and create air tubes and shapes, so inflatable air cushions can have a variety of styles and types.
- The cushion can be shipped flat and inflated as needed. Once inflated the continuous check valve seals each tube from the others.
- The air pressure inside each of the inflated air cushions is greater than the atmosphere pressure, providing strong compressive strength and flexibility.
Applications[edit]
- Protective and void filling materials, including block and brace, corner protection, wrapping, interleaving, top and cross layering.
- Shipping container cushioning
- Thundersticks
- Water resistant seat cushion
- Inflatable bags
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ US 3521743, Sposito Jr., Carlo J., "Cushion package", published 1970-07-28
- ^ US 4240556, Field, Andrew S., "Inflatable package and method of manufacture", published 1980-12-23
- ^ US 4465188, Soroka, Walter G. & Galda, Michael P., "Inflatable packaging structure", published 1984-08-14, assigned to Barbecon Inc.
- ^ US 4872558, Pharo, Daniel A., "Bag-in-bag packaging system", published 1989-10-10
- ^ US 4591519, Liebel, Henry L., "Cargo air bag", published 1986-05-27, assigned to Signode Paper Products Co.
- ^ US 4541136, Graebe, Robert H., "Multicell cushion", published 1985-09-17
- ^ US 5445274, Pharo, Daniel A., "Inflatable package insert", published 1995-08-29
- ^ US 6913803, Peper, William A., "One-way valve for inflatable package", published 2005-07-05, assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Co.
- Yam, K. L., "Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology", John Wiley & Sons, 2009, ISBN 978-0-470-08704-6