U.S. patent application number 10/383413 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-12 for flexible, inflatable packaging materials and methods of making and using same.
Invention is credited to Klemme, Michael R., Weder, Donald E..
Application Number | 20040028852 10/383413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35054664 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040028852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder, Donald E. ; et
al. |
February 12, 2004 |
Flexible, inflatable packaging materials and methods of making and
using same
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to packaging materials
for packaging articles, and more particularly, but not by way of
limitation, to a packaging material which includes, in one
embodiment, a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of
material bondably connected to the exterior surface of a flexible,
inflatable substrate to form a cohesive inflatable cushioning unit
for use as a packaging material.
Inventors: |
Weder, Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) ; Klemme, Michael R.; (Maryville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dunlap, Codding & Rogers, P.C.
Attn: Douglas J. Sorocco
P. O. Box 16370
Oklahoma City
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
35054664 |
Appl. No.: |
10/383413 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10383413 |
Mar 7, 2003 |
|
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09934301 |
Aug 21, 2001 |
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6534136 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/35.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/05 20130101;
B31D 5/0073 20130101; B31D 2205/0023 20130101; B65D 81/052
20130101; B31D 5/0078 20130101; Y10T 428/1334 20150115; B65B 9/00
20130101; B31D 2205/0082 20130101; B65B 55/20 20130101; B65D 81/03
20130101; B65D 81/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/35.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and a mass
of individual strips, strands, or units of material intertwined
with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass
disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
bag.
2. The packaging material of claim 1, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
3. The packaging material of claim 2, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
4. The packaging material of claim 2, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
5. The packaging material of claim 3, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
6. The packaging material of claim 5, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
7. The packaging material of claim 6, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
8. The packaging material of claim 7, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
9. The packaging material of claim 6, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
10. The packaging material of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface
of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative effect.
11. A method for making a flexible, inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable bag having
an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface
defining an expandable interior inflation space; and providing a
mass of individual strips, strands, or units of material
intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft,
the mass being disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible
inflatable bag to form a flexible, inflatable packaging
material.
12. The packaging material of claim 11, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
13. The packaging material of claim 12, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
14. The packaging material of claim 12, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
15. The packaging material of claim 13, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
16. The packaging material of claim 15, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
17. The packaging material of claim 16, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
18. The packaging material of claim 17, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
19. The packaging material of claim 16, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
20. The packaging material of claim 11, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
21. A flexible, inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and
providing a mass of individual strips, strands, or units of
material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient
tuft, the mass being disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag to form a flexible, inflatable packaging
material.
22. The packaging material of claim 21, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
23. The packaging material of claim 22, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
24. The packaging material of claim 22, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
25. The packaging material of claim 23, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
26. The packaging material of claim 25, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
27. The packaging material of claim 26, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
28. The packaging material of claim 27, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
29. The packaging material of claim 26, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
30. The packaging material of claim 21, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
31. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and at
least one strip, strand, or unit of material disposed on the
exterior surface of the flexible inflatable bag.
32. The packaging material of claim 31, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
33. The packaging material of claim 32, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
34. The packaging material of claim 32, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bang.
35. The packaging material of claim 33, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
36. The packaging material of claim 35, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
37. The packaging material of claim 36, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
38. The packaging material of claim 37, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
39. The packaging material of claim 36, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
40. The packaging material of claim 31, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
41. A method of making a packaging material, comprising the steps
of: providing a flexible inflatable bag having an exterior surface
and an interior surface, the interior surface defining an
expandable interior inflation space; and providing at least one
strip, strand, or unit of material, wherein the at least one strip,
strand, or unit of material is disposed on the exterior surface of
the flexible inflatable bag to provide a packaging material.
42. The packaging material of claim 41, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
43. The packaging material of claim 42, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
44. The packaging material of claim 42, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
45. The packaging material of claim 43, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
46. The packaging material of claim 45, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
47. The packaging material of claim 46, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
48. The packaging material of claim 47, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
49. The packaging material of claim 46, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
50. The packaging material of claim 41, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
51. A flexible, inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable bag having an exterior surface and an interior surface,
the interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation
space; and providing at least one strip, strand, or unit of
material, wherein the at least one strip, strand, or unit of
material is disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible
inflatable bag to provide a packaging material.
52. The packaging material of claim 51, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
53. The packaging material of claim 52, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
54. The packaging material of claim 52, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
55. The packaging material of claim 53, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
56. The packaging material of claim 55, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
57. The packaging material of claim 56, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
58. The packaging material of claim 57, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
59. The packaging material of claim 56, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
60. The packaging material of claim 51, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
61. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and at
least one decorative effect disposed on at least one of the
exterior surface and the interior surface of the flexible
inflatable bag, wherein the decorative effect simulates the
appearance of a mass of strips, strands, or units of material
intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft
disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
bag.
62. The packaging material of claim 61, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
63. The packaging material of claim 62, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
64. The packaging material of claim 62, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
65. The packaging material of claim 63, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
66. The packaging material of claim 65, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
67. The packaging material of claim 66, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
68. The packaging material of claim 67, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
69. The packaging material of claim 66, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
70. The packaging material of claim 61, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
71. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; a
means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of the
flexible inflatable substrate; and a mass of strips, strands, or
units of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive,
resilient tuft, the mass disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable substrate.
72. The packaging material of claim 71, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
73. The packaging material of claim 72, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
74. The packaging material of claim 72, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
75. The packaging material of claim 73, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
76. The packaging material of claim 75, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
77. The packaging material of claim 76, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
78. The packaging material of claim 77, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
79. The packaging material of claim 76, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
80. The packaging material of claim 71, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
81. A method for making a flexible inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable substrate
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; providing
a means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of
the flexible inflatable substrate; and providing a mass of strips,
strands, or units of material intertwined with one another to form
a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass being disposed on the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable substrate to form a flexible
inflatable packaging material.
82. The packaging material of claim 81, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
83. The packaging material of claim 82, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
84. The packaging material of claim 82, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
85. The packaging material of claim 83, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
86. The packaging material of claim 85, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
87. The packaging material of claim 86, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
88. The packaging material of claim 87, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
89. The packaging material of claim 86, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
90. The packaging material of claim 81, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
91. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable substrate having an exterior surface and an interior
surface, the interior surface defining an expandable interior
inflation space; providing a means for inflating the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable substrate; and
providing a mass of strips, strands, or units of material
intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft,
the mass being disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible
inflatable substrate to form a flexible inflatable packaging
material.
92. The packaging material of claim 91, further including means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
93. The packaging material of claim 92, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
94. The packaging material of claim 92, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
95. The packaging material of claim 93, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
96. The packaging material of claim 95, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
97. The packaging material of claim 96, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
98. The packaging material of claim 97, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
99. The packaging material of claim 96, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
100. The packaging material of claim 91, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
101. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; a
means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of the
flexible inflatable substrate; and at least one strip, strand, or
unit of material disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible
inflatable substrate to provide a packaging material.
102. The packaging material of claim 101, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
103. The packaging material of claim 102, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
104. The packaging material of claim 102, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
105. The packaging material of claim 103, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
106. The packaging material of claim 105, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
107. The packaging material of claim 106, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
108. The packaging material of claim 107, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
109. The packaging material of claim 106, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
110. The packaging material of claim 101, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
111. A method for making a flexible inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable substrate
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; providing
a means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of
the flexible inflatable substrate; and providing at least one
strip, strand, or unit of material, wherein the at least one strip,
strand, or unit of material is disposed on the exterior surface of
the flexible inflatable substrate to provide a flexible inflatable
packaging material.
112. The packaging material of claim 111, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
113. The packaging material of claim 112, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
114. The packaging material of claim 112, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
115. The packaging material of claim 113, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
116. The packaging material of claim 115, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
117. The packaging material of claim 116, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
118. The packaging material of claim 117, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
119. The packaging material of claim 116, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
120. The packaging material of claim 111, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
121. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable substrate having an exterior surface and an interior
surface, the interior surface defining an expandable interior
inflation space; providing a means for inflating the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable substrate; and
providing at least one strip, strand, or unit of material, wherein
the at least one strip, strand, or unit of material is disposed on
the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable substrate to
provide a flexible inflatable packaging material.
122. The packaging material of claim 121, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
123. The packaging material of claim 122, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
124. The packaging material of claim 122, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
125. The packaging material of claim 123, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
126. The packaging material of claim 125, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
127. The packaging material of claim 126, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
128. The packaging material of claim 127, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
129. The packaging material of claim 126, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
130. The packaging material of claim 121, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
131. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; a
means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of the
flexible inflatable substrate; and at least one decorative effect
disposed on at least one of the exterior surface and the interior
surface of the flexible inflatable substrate, wherein the
decorative effect simulates the appearance of a mass of strip,
strand, or units of material intertwined with one another to form a
cohesive, resilient tuft disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable substrate.
132. The packaging material of claim 131, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
133. The packaging material of claim 132, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
134. The packaging material of claim 132, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
135. The packaging material of claim 133, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
136. The packaging material of claim 135, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
137. The packaging material of claim 136, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
138. The packaging material of claim 137, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
139. The packaging material of claim 136, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
140. The packaging material of claim 131, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
141. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and at
least one organic item disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag.
142. The packaging material of claim 141, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
143. The packaging material of claim 142, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
144. The packaging material of claim 142, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
145. The packaging material of claim 143, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
146. The packaging material of claim 145, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
147. The packaging material of claim 146, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
148. The packaging material of claim 147, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
149. The packaging material of claim 146, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
150. The packaging material of claim 141, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
151. A method for making a flexible inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable bag having
an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface
defining an expandable interior inflation space; and providing at
least one organic item, the at least one organic item being
disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable bag to
form a flexible inflatable packaging material.
152. The packaging material of claim 151, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
153. The packaging material of claim 152, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
154. The packaging material of claim 152, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
155. The packaging material of claim 153, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
156. The packaging material of claim 155, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
157. The packaging material of claim 156, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
158. The packaging material of claim 157, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
159. The packaging material of claim 156, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
160. The packaging material of claim 151, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
161. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable bag having an exterior surface and an interior surface,
the interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation
space; and providing at least one organic item, the at least one
organic item being disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible
inflatable bag to form a flexible inflatable packaging
material.
162. The packaging material of claim 161, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
163. The packaging material of claim 162, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
164. The packaging material of claim 162, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
165. The packaging material of claim 163, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
166. The packaging material of claim 165, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
167. The packaging material of claim 166, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
168. The packaging material of claim 167, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
169. The packaging material of claim 166, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
170. The packaging material of claim 161, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
171. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable bag having an exterior surface and an interior surface,
the interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation
space; and providing at least one organic item, wherein the at
least one organic item is disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag to provide a flexible inflatable packaging
material.
172. The packaging material of claim 171, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
173. The packaging material of claim 172, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
174. The packaging material of claim 172, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
175. The packaging material of claim 173, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
176. The packaging material of claim 175, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
177. The packaging material of claim 176, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
178. The packaging material of claim 177, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
179. The packaging material of claim 176, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
180. The packaging material of claim 171, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
181. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and at
least one organic item disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag, wherein the at least one organic item
simulates the appearance of a mass of strip, strand, or units of
material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient
mass disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
bag.
182. The packaging material of claim 181, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
183. The packaging material of claim 182, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
184. The packaging material of claim 182, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
185. The packaging material of claim 183, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
186. The packaging material of claim 185, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
187. The packaging material of claim 186, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
188. The packaging material of claim 187, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
189. The packaging material of claim 186, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
190. The packaging material of claim 181, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
191. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; a
means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of the
flexible inflatable substrate; and at least one organic item
disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
substrate.
192. The packaging material of claim 191, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
193. The packaging material of claim 192, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
194. The packaging material of claim 192, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
195. The packaging material of claim 193, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
196. The packaging material of claim 195, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
197. The packaging material of claim 196, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
198. The packaging material of claim 197, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
199. The packaging material of claim 196, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
200. The packaging material of claim 191, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
201. A method for making a flexible inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable substrate
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; providing
a means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of
the flexible inflatable substrate; and providing at least one
organic item, the at least one organic item being disposed on the
exterior surface of the flexible inflatable substrate to form a
flexible inflatable packaging material.
202. The packaging material of claim 201, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
203. The packaging material of claim 202, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
204. The packaging material of claim 202, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
205. The packaging material of claim 203, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
206. The packaging material of claim 205, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
207. The packaging material of claim 206, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
208. The packaging material of claim 207, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
209. The packaging material of claim 206, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
210. The packaging material of claim 201, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
211. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable substrate having an exterior surface and an interior
surface, the interior surface defining an expandable interior
inflation space; providing a means for inflating the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable substrate; and
providing at least one organic item, the at least one organic item
being disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
substrate to form a flexible inflatable packaging material.
212. The packaging material of claim 211, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
213. The packaging material of claim 212, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
214. The packaging material of claim 212, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
215. The packaging material of claim 213, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
216. The packaging material of claim 215, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
217. The packaging material of claim 216, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
218. The packaging material of claim 217, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
219. The packaging material of claim 216, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
220. The packaging material of claim 211, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
221. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; a
means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of the
flexible inflatable substrate; and at least one organic decorative
effect disposed on at least one of the exterior surface and the
interior surface of the flexible, inflatable material, wherein the
at least one organic decorative effect simulates the appearance of
a mass of strip, strand, or units of material intertwined with one
another to form a cohesive, resilient mass disposed on the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag.
222. The packaging material of claim 221, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
223. The packaging material of claim 222, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
224. The packaging material of claim 222, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
225. The packaging material of claim 223, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
226. The packaging material of claim 225, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
227. The packaging material of claim 226, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
228. The packaging material of claim 227, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
229. The packaging material of claim 226, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
230. The packaging material of claim 221, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
231. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and at
least one inorganic item disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag.
232. The packaging material of claim 231, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
233. The packaging material of claim 232, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
234. The packaging material of claim 232, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
235. The packaging material of claim 233, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
236. The packaging material of claim 235, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
237. The packaging material of claim 236, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
238. The packaging material of claim 237, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
239. The packaging material of claim 236, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
240. The packaging material of claim 231, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
241. A method for making a flexible inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable bag having
an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface
defining an expandable interior inflation space; and providing at
least one inorganic item, the at least one inorganic item being
disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable bag to
form a flexible inflatable packaging material.
242. The packaging material of claim 241, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
243. The packaging material of claim 242, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
244. The packaging material of claim 242, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
245. The packaging material of claim 243, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
246. The packaging material of claim 245, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
247. The packaging material of claim 246, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
248. The packaging material of claim 247, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
249. The packaging material of claim 246, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
250. The packaging material of claim 241, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
251. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable bag having an exterior surface and an interior surface,
the interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation
space; and providing at least one inorganic item, the at least one
inorganic item being disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag to form a flexible inflatable packaging
material.
252. The packaging material of claim 251, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
253. The packaging material of claim 252, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
254. The packaging material of claim 252, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
255. The packaging material of claim 253, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
256. The packaging material of claim 255, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
257. The packaging material of claim 256, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
258. The packaging material of claim 257, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
259. The packaging material of claim 256, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
260. The packaging material of claim 251, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
261. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable bag
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; and at
least one inorganic item disposed on the exterior surface of the
flexible inflatable bag, wherein the at least one inorganic item
simulates the appearance of a mass of strip, strand, or units of
material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient
mass disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
bag.
262. The packaging material of claim 261, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
263. The packaging material of claim 262, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
264. The packaging material of claim 262, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
265. The packaging material of claim 263, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
266. The packaging material of claim 265, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
267. The packaging material of claim 266, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
268. The packaging material of claim 267, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
269. The packaging material of claim 266, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
270. The packaging material of claim 261, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
271. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space;
means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of the
flexible inflatable substrate; and at least one inorganic item
disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable
substrate.
272. The packaging material of claim 271, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
273. The packaging material of claim 272, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
274. The packaging material of claim 272, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
275. The packaging material of claim 273, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
276. The packaging material of claim 275, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
277. The packaging material of claim 276, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
278. The packaging material of claim 277, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
279. The packaging material of claim 276, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
280. The packaging material of claim 271, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
281. A method for making a flexible inflatable packaging material,
comprising the steps of: providing a flexible inflatable substrate
having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior
surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; providing
a means for inflating the expandable interior inflation space of
the flexible inflatable substrate; and providing at least one
inorganic item, the at least one inorganic item being disposed on
the exterior surface of the flexible inflatable substrate to form a
flexible inflatable packaging material.
282. The packaging material of claim 281, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
283. The packaging material of claim 282, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
284. The packaging material of claim 282, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
285. The packaging material of claim 283, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
286. The packaging material of claim 285, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
287. The packaging material of claim 286, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
288. The packaging material of claim 287, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
289. The packaging material of claim 286, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
290. The packaging material of claim 281, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
291. A flexible inflatable packaging material produced according to
the process comprising the steps of: providing a flexible
inflatable substrate having an exterior surface and an interior
surface, the interior surface defining an expandable interior
inflation space; providing a means for inflating the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable substrate; and
providing at least one inorganic item, the at least one inorganic
item being disposed on the exterior surface of the flexible
inflatable substrate to form a flexible inflatable packaging
material.
292. The packaging material of claim 291, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
293. The packaging material of claim 292, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
294. The packaging material of claim 292, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
295. The packaging material of claim 293, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
296. The packaging material of claim 295, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
297. The packaging material of claim 296, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
298. The packaging material of claim 297, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
299. The packaging material of claim 296, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
300. The packaging material of claim 291, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
301. A packaging material, comprising: a flexible inflatable
substrate having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the
interior surface defining an expandable interior inflation space; a
means for inflating the expandable interior space of the flexible
inflatable substrate; and at least one inorganic decorative effect
disposed on at least one of the exterior surface and the interior
surface of the flexible inflatable substrate, wherein the at least
one inorganic decorative effect simulates the appearance of a mass
of strip, strand, or units of material intertwined with one another
to form a cohesive, resilient mass disposed on the exterior surface
of the flexible inflatable bag.
302. The packaging material of claim 301, further including means
for inflating the flexible inflatable bag.
303. The packaging material of claim 302, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is disposed in the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible inflatable bag.
304. The packaging material of claim 302, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag is associated with the
exterior surface of the flexible bag and is in fluid communication
with the expandable interior inflation space of the flexible
inflatable bag.
305. The packaging material of claim 303, wherein the means for
inflating the flexible inflatable bag includes an exothermic
reaction assembly, wherein when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space of the flexible bag.
306. The packaging material of claim 305, wherein the exothermic
reaction assembly further includes at least two chambers, wherein
at least one of the at least two chambers contains a weak basic
composition, and at least one of the at least two chambers contains
a weak acid composition.
307. The packaging material of claim 306, wherein the weak basic
composition is a composition including a Group I or II element.
308. The packaging material of claim 307, wherein the weak basic
composition is selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof.
309. The packaging material of claim 306, wherein the weak acid
composition is vinegar.
310. The packaging material of claim 301, wherein the exterior
surface of the flexible inflatable bag includes a decorative
effect.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Serial
No. 09/934,301, filed on Aug. 21, 2001, the contents of which are
expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to packaging
materials for packaging articles, and more particularly, but not by
way of limitation, to a packaging material which includes, in one
embodiment, a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of
material bondably connected to the exterior surface of a flexible,
inflatable substrate to form a cohesive inflatable cushioning unit
for use as a packaging material.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0005] In the process of shipping an article from one location to
another, the article is typically placed in a container along with
a protective packaging material to fill the voids about the article
and to cushion the article during the shipping process. One common
protective packaging material is comprised of a plurality of
plastic foam, peanut-shaped members which are commonly known as
"Styrofoam peanuts." An advantage in using Styrofoam peanuts is the
ease with which they may be disposed about an article positioned in
a container by simply pouring the Styrofoam peanuts from a
dispenser.
[0006] While Styrofoam peanuts have been widely accepted in the
packaging industry, they are not without disadvantages. For
example, their light weight and flowability results in heavier
objects gravitating through the peanuts to the bottom of the
container where the heavier objects can be damaged. Also, while the
flowability of the Styrofoam peanuts facilitates the introduction
of the peanuts into a container, the receiver of the package is
left with having to deal with cleaning up the mess left by the
peanuts which are easily scattered upon removal of the article from
the container.
[0007] These and other disadvantages associated with the disposal
of Styrofoam peanuts, has made paper protective packaging material
a popular alternative. Paper is biodegradable, recyclable, and
renewable therefore making it an environmentally responsible
choice. However, like styrofoam peanuts, paper packaging materials
is not without disadvantages. Paper, particularly shredded paper,
can be inconvenient to clean up and to dispose of due to the lack
of cohesiveness of the packaging material. Due to the lack of
resiliency in paper products, large amounts of paper are typically
required to provide the bulk needed to adequately cushion an
object.
[0008] Strips of sheet material formed into tufts have also been
used for many years as a packaging material. More specifically,
material known as decorative grass has been used in fruit baskets,
Easter baskets, picnic baskets, and for other packaging and
decorative purposes. The decorative grass of the prior art has been
produced by numerous methods and from a variety of materials such
as polymeric materials, paper, cellophane or the like. Typically,
such materials are cut and shredded to produce segments having
predetermined dimensions. As such, decorative grass, like styrofoam
peanuts and paper materials described above, can be inconvenient to
clean up. Furthermore, the decorative grass can compress and lose
its cushioning ability. Large amounts of decorative grass are
necessary, therefore, in order to overcome such compression and/or
compaction deficiencies.
[0009] To this end, a packaging material is needed that includes or
mimics a plurality of resilient individual strips, strands, or
units of material 30 intertwined with one another or other organic
or inorganic materials that may be bondably connected to a flexible
inflatable substrate so as to form a unitary cushioning unit which
overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior art packaging
materials. It is to such a packaging material that the present
invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates, in general, to a packaging
material for use in filling boxes, baskets, and in any container
used to protect, store, and/or ship articles or objects. In one
embodiment, the packaging material includes an inflatable flexible
bag having an interior surface and an exterior surface wherein the
exterior surface has attached thereto a mass of individual, thin,
flexible strips, strands, or units of material intertwined with one
another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft. The mass of individual
strips, strands, or units of material may also be attached to one
another as well as being disposed on the exterior surface of the
inflatable flexible bag. Other embodiments are also contemplated
for use and are disclosed herein. In an alternate embodiment the
inflatable flexible bag is exchanged or replaced by a flexible
inflatable substrate.
[0011] The packaging material formed according to the methods
disclosed herein may be incorporated into a package which
additionally includes a container, such as a box or basket, and an
object positioned within the container and on top of the packaging
material. The packaging material is arranged in the container to
support the object when the object is disposed in the container.
The inflatable flexible bag may be caused to bond to the container
and the object may be caused to bond to the packaging material. In
use, the packaging material is substantially inflated so as to take
up excess room in the container and protect and/or cushion the
object.
[0012] The objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable packaging
material (in its uninflated configuration) constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the inflatable packaging
material of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inflatable packaging
material of FIG. 1 in its inflated configuration.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a strip, strand, or unit of
material used to form the tuft of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a system for making
the strip, strand, or unit of material of FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a basket having the
inflatable packaging material disposed therein with a plurality of
objects or articles displayed or cushioned thereon.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
inflatable packaging material constructed in its inflated
configuration in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tall package illustrating
the inflatable packaging material of FIG. 6 cushioning an article
during a shipping process.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the
packaging material constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable packaging
material of FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a basket showing the
inflatable packaging material of FIG. 9 inserted therein.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a strip, strand, or unit of
material used to form a tuft of the inflatable packaging material
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out
in various ways and as such all such embodiments and/or equivalents
are to be considered as being encompassed within the scope and
description of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood
that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, and more specifically to
FIGS. 1-3, an inflatable packaging material 10 constructed in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The
inflatable packaging material 10 includes a tuft 20 comprised of a
plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material 30
(FIG. 3) bondably connected to a flexible inflatable substrate 40.
The plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material
30 can be fabricated from any flexible sheet of material, including
paper, crepe paper, polymeric film, laminated polymeric film, and
waxed paper, for example. The flexible sheet of material from which
the plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material
30 are fabricated may have printed matter and/or one or more
embossed patterns on at least one side thereof, and the one or more
embossed patterns may be either in register or out of register with
the printed pattern.
[0027] The plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of
material 30 may also be organic or inorganic materials, including
leaves, tree bark, branches, dirt, sand, sea shells, or any other
type of organic or inorganic material that is capable of being
bondably connected to the flexible inflatable substrate 40 to
provide a decorative and/or cushioning effect. Furthermore, when
the plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material
30 are fabricated from a flexible sheet of material, additional
inorganic and/or organic materials may be attached onto or be
incorporated into or within the flexible sheet of material prior to
or after its being used to fabricate the plurality of individual
strips, strands, or units of material 30.
[0028] The printed pattern on the flexible sheet of material from
which the plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of
material 30 are fabricated can be printed in a conventional matter
so that, when the sheet of material is slit and cut to produce the
strips, strands, or units of material 30, at least a substantial
portion of the strips, strands, or units of material 30 contain at
least a portion of the printed pattern. Further, different colors
can be employed to provide the printed pattern on the sheet of
material from which the plurality of individual strips, strands, or
units of material 30 are fabricated.
[0029] The sheet of material can also have one or more embossed
patterns to provide the sheet of material with an embossed pattern.
Further, the sheet of material can be provided with an embossed
pattern as well as a printed pattern, and the embossed pattern can
be either in register or out of register with the printed material
and/or printed design.
[0030] The plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of
material 30, as described above, in one embodiment are commonly
referred to as strands, or units of "Easter grass" or "decorative
grass", and such, decorative grass has been used for many years for
filling fruit baskets, Easter baskets, and picnic baskets and for
other decorative and packaging purposes. The decorative grass of
the prior art has been produced by numerous methods and from a
variety of materials, such as those listed above. Typically, such
materials are shredded and cut to produce segmented strips having
predetermined dimensions. While the prior art methods for making
decorative grass have been widely accepted, new techniques for
facilitating the use of decorative grass as a packaging material
have been sought in view of the fact that decorative grass and
other loose shredded packaging material readily fall onto the
floor, cling to various objects making them awkward and
inconvenient to clean up, and compact and thereby no longer
adequately cushion and/or protect the items placed thereon.
[0031] By connecting the tuft 20 (composed of a plurality of the
strips, strands, or units of material 30) to the flexible
inflatable substrate 40, the clean up problems associated with
loose fill materials are alleviated and, because the flexible
inflatable substrate 40 is capable of being inflated, the
compacting problems with loose fill are also alleviated and lesser
amounts of material are required. The flexible inflatable substrate
40 can also be caused to adhere or cohere to an object and/or the
container in which it is placed thereby resulting in an enhanced
packaging effect. That is, with loose packaging materials, the
object being packaged has a tendency to gravitate through the
packaging material to the bottom of the container thereby reducing
the effectiveness of the packaging material. By using the
inflatable packaging material 10 disclosed herein, the cohesiveness
of the inflatable packaging material 10 surrounding the object
prevents the object from gravitating through the container and
coming to rest in the bottom of the container.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 2, the flexible inflatable substrate
40, in one embodiment, is fabricated of a first sheet of material
50 and a second sheet of material 60. It will be appreciated that
the dimensions of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 may be
further varied and the shape of the flexible inflatable substrate
40 may also, therefore, be variable--e.g. a circle, square,
triangle, heart, an animal shape, a floral shape, etc. The flexible
inflatable substrate 40 can be any flexible sheet of material, such
as paper, crepe paper, wax paper, polymeric film, laminated
polymeric film, fabric, cellulose, and foil. The flexible
inflatable substrate 40 may have printed matter and/or one or more
embossed patterns on at least one side thereof, and the one or more
embossed patterns can be either in register or out of register with
the printed pattern. Different colors can be employed to provide
the printed pattern on the flexible inflatable substrate 40. For
example, the printed pattern may be a pictoral representation or
color or shape of the plurality of individual strips, strands, or
units of material 30 such that when a small amount of the plurality
of individual strips, strands, or units of material 30, forming the
tuft 20 are bonded to the flexible inflatable substrate 40, the
printed pattern fills in the voids between the plurality of
individual strips, strands, or units of material 30 such that it
appears that there are few or no actual voids of the plurality of
individual strips, strands, or units of material 30 on the flexible
inflatable substrate 40 thereby resulting in an aesthetically
pleasing inflatable packaging material 10 that appears to be fully
covered with the individual strips, strands, or units of material
30.
[0033] The flexible inflatable substrate 40 can also be embossed so
as to provide the flexible inflatable substrate 40 with an embossed
pattern. Further, the flexible inflatable substrate 40 can be
provided with one or more embossed patterns as well as a printed
pattern, and the one or more embossed patterns can be either in
register or out of register (or partially both) with the printed
material.
[0034] The first sheet of material 50 and the second sheet of
material 60 of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 may be
constructed of a single layer of material or a plurality of layers
of the same or different types of materials. In addition, any
thickness of the first sheet of material 50 and the second sheet of
material 60 of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 may be utilized
with the present invention. The first sheet of material 50 has an
outer peripheral edge 70 and the second sheet of material 60 has an
outer peripheral edge 80. The outer peripheral edge 70 of the first
sheet of material 50 is bonded via a bonding material 90 to the
outer peripheral edge 80 of the second sheet of material 60 to
provide and define an expandable interior inflation space 100.
Means for inflating 110 the flexible inflatable substrate 40 is
placed within the expandable interior inflation space 100.
[0035] The means for inflating 110 the flexible inflatable
substrate 40 may be any composition or assembly capable of
inflating the expandable interior inflation space 100 to provide
and place the inflatable packaging material 10 in its inflated
configuration. For example, the means for inflating 110 the
flexible inflatable substrate 40 may be associated with an exterior
surface 120 of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 and be in fluid
communication with the expandable interior inflation space
100--e.g. a tube capable of being sealed off after air and/or other
gases and/or liquids are passed into the expandable interior
inflation space 100.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment the means for inflating 110 the
expandable interior inflation space 100 is an exothermic reaction
assembly wherein, when the exothermic reaction assembly is
activated, an exothermic reaction takes place thereby producing a
gas capable of filling at least a portion of the expandable
interior inflation space 100 of the flexible inflatable substrate
40. The exothermic reaction assembly may further include at least
two chambers wherein at least one other chamber contains a weak
basic composition and at least one chamber contains a weak acid
composition that, when brought into reactive contact with one
another (e.g. breaking each open to intermix the weak acid
composition with the weak basic composition), react and form a
gaseous reaction product that substantially fills the expandable
interior inflation space 100 of the flexible inflatable substrate
40. The weak basic composition may in one embodiment include a
Group I or Group II element. For example, the weak basic
composition may be selected from the group consisting of sodium
carbonate, calcium carbonate, and combinations thereof. The weak
acid may be vinegar. Although certain compositions have been set
forth as being included in the exothermic reaction assembly, any
combination of compositions that, when placed in reactive contact
with one another, produce a gaseous reaction that substantially
fills the expandable interior inflation space 100 of the flexible
inflatable substrate 40 are considered for use.
[0037] Although the flexible inflatable substrate 40 is shown in
FIGS. 1-2 as being square, the flexible inflatable substrate 40 may
be any shape. For example, the flexible inflatable substrate 40 may
be square, rectangular, circular or any other geometric or fanciful
shape. The shape of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 may even
have an irregular, capricious or decorative shape.
[0038] To receive the tuft 20, the exterior surface 120 of the
flexible inflatable substrate 40 is coated with a bonding material
130 (which may be the same as the bonding material 90) such as an
adhesive or cohesive whereby the tuft 20 is caused to bond to the
exterior surface 120 of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 as
illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the bonding material 130
is disposed on the entire exterior surface 120 of the flexible
inflatable substrate 40--i.e. on each of the first sheet of
material 50 and the second sheet of material 60. Alternatively, the
bonding material 130 may be applied in such a manner as to
substantially coat only one of the first sheet of material 50 or
the second sheet of material 60 of the flexible inflatable
substrate 40. It will be further appreciated that the bonding
material 130 may be disposed on the first sheet of material 50
and/or the second sheet of material 60 in any of a variety of
patterns such as strips, circles, dots or any other geometric or
biomorphic shape, including decorative designs, so long as the
bonding material 130 is positioned to function in accordance with
the present invention.
[0039] The term "bonding material" as used herein can mean an
adhesive, frequently a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive
or any adhesive/cohesive combination, having adhesive qualities
(i.e., qualities of adhesion or adhesion/cohesion, respectively)
sufficient to effect the connection between portions of the tuft 20
brought into engagement with the flexible inflatable substrate 40.
It will be appreciated that both adhesives and cohesives suitable
for the purposes described herein are well known in the art, and
both are commercially available.
[0040] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a system 140 for making the
individual strips, strands, or units of material 30 in accordance
with the present invention. The system 140 includes a roll of
material 150 supported on a shaft 160 having a brake assembly 170
operably connected thereto for controlling the rate of withdrawal
of the roll of material 150.
[0041] The roll of material 150 provides a web of sheet material
180 which is passed through a slitter 190. The slitter 190 includes
a plurality of spaced apart, stationary knives or other
conventional cutting mechanism, which slit or cut the web of sheet
material 180 into the individual strips, strands, or units of
material 30 of into a desired width.
[0042] The slitted web of sheet material 180 is thereafter passed
into a cutter 200 where the slitted web of sheet material 180 is
cut into predetermined lengths so as to form the individual strips,
strands, or units of material 30. From the cutter 200, the
individual strips, strands, or units of material 30 are conveyed by
a conveyor unit 210, which is in the form of a centrifugal blower,
to a storage area (not shown) which may be in the form of a
suitable bin, packaging machine, or the like.
[0043] As an alternative to forming the individual strips, strands,
or units of material 30 from the roll of material 150, it will be
appreciated that the individual strips, strands, or units of
material 30 may be formed from a polymeric film discharged from a
film extrusion die which is then chilled prior to the slitting
process. Such a method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,266,
entitled "Process for Making Decorative Grass", issued to Weder et
al. on Sep. 29, 1981, which is hereby expressly incorporated herein
in its entirety by reference.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the individual strips, strands, or
units of material 30 tend to curl and form folds during the forming
process. It will be appreciated that these curls and folds
contribute to the resiliency and bulkiness or fluffiness of the
tuft 20 produced by amassing and intertwining a plurality of the
individual strips, strands, or units of material 30. It will be
further appreciated that the degree to which the individual strips,
strands, or units of material 30 are curled and folded can vary
dependant on several factors, such as the type of material used to
form the individual strips, strands, or units of material 30.
[0045] To assemble the inflatable packaging material 10, the
individual strips, strands, or units of material 30 are amassed and
intertwined to form the tuft 20 and then the tuft 20 is bondably
connected to the flexible inflatable substrate 40 (FIG. 2).
Thereafter, and as shown in FIG. 2A, the means for inflating 110 is
activated such that the expandable interior inflation space 100 is
inflated and the inflatable packaging material 10 is provided.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates one use of the inflatable packaging
material 10 described above. The inflatable packaging material 10
is shown in its inflated configuration after the means for
inflating 110 has been activated (i.e. the expandable interior
inflation space 100 is inflated) and is disposed in a basket 220 to
support a plurality of articles or objects 230, such as candies or
Easter eggs, for display. More specifically, the inflatable
packaging material 10 is positioned in an interior 240 of the
basket 220 such that the flexible inflatable substrate 40
substantially conforms to the contour of the interior 240 of the
basket 220 thereby lining the interior 240 of the basket 220 with
the individual strips, strands, or units of material 30 forming the
tuft 20 that is bonded to the flexible inflatable substrate 40 to
form the inflatable packaging material 10. If the second sheet of
material 60 of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 is provided
with the bonding material 22, the second sheet of material 60 of
the flexible inflatable substrate 40 can be bondably connected to
the interior 240of the basket 220. In addition, the bonding
material 22 on the second sheet of material 60 of the flexible
inflatable substrate 40 causes the inflatable packaging material 10
to remain in place in the basket 220. If the second sheet of
material 60 of the flexible inflatable substrate 40 is not provided
with the bonding material 22, the flexible inflatable substrate 40
simply rests in the interior 240 of the basket 220.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a modified inflatable packaging material
10a which is identical in construction to the inflatable packaging
material 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 with the exception that the
inflatable packaging material 10a has elongated sidewalls 250 that
upon activating the means for inflating 110 the expandable interior
inflation space 100 provide the inflatable packaging material 10a
with a height 260. The tuft 20 may be connected to the first sheet
of material 50 and/or the second sheet of material 60 and/or the
elongated sidewalls 250. It will be appreciated that such a
configuration will facilitate insertion of the inflatable packaging
material 10a into a tall square container. For example, FIG. 7
illustrates the inflatable packaging material 10a disposed in a
tall square container 270 so as to provide an interior 240a of the
tall square container 270 with an inflatable packaging material
10a. The inflatable packaging material 10a is being used as a
packaging material for protecting an article 46 disposed in the
tall square container 270. In this manner, the tuft 20 of the
inflatable packaging material 10a functions to cushion the
plurality of articles or objects 230 during transport.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, an inflatable packaging
material 300 constructed in accordance with the present invention
is illustrated. The inflatable packaging material 300 includes a
tuft or mass 310 of individual, thin, flexible strips, strands or
units of material 320, commonly referred to as decorative grass or
Easter grass (although the tuft 310 may be fabricated from the same
or similar material as tuft 20 disclosed hereinabove), disposed
upon an exterior surface 330 of an flexible inflatable bag 340. It
will be appreciated that tufts of decorative grass are often
packaged loosely in a bag whereby when it is desired to utilize the
decorative grass, the bag is opened and the grass removed. The
inflatable packaging material 300 is unique in that the flexible
inflatable bag 340 is used in conjunction with the tuft 310 on the
exterior surface 330 in a manner similar to that described above in
relation to the inflatable packaging material 10. That is, in
addition to functioning as a substrate for the tuft 310, the
flexible inflatable bag 340 is capable of being inflated while
holding the tuft 310 to thereby clean up the problems associated
with loose fill materials and provide a more economical and
cushioning packaging material.
[0049] The structure of the flexible inflatable bag 340 can be that
of any flexible inflatable bag suitable for being used in a
packaging manner. For example, the flexible inflatable bag 340 can
be fabricated from a sheet of material having a relatively small
thickness and being of the type commonly referred to in the art as
a "film". More particularly, the sheet of material can be a
processed, man-made organic polymer film selected from the group of
films consisting of polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or
combinations thereof. However, it is to be noted that the sheet of
material may also be constructed from a material selected from a
group of materials consisting of plastic film, cellophane, paper,
cloth, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the flexible
inflatable bag 340 may be of the type used typically to package
sandwiches, such as a Glad (TM) sandwich bag. The flexible
inflatable bag 340 may also be a corsage bag, a balloon, a water
storage bag, or any flexible bag or container that is capable of
being inflated.
[0050] The flexible inflatable bag 340 is characterized as having
the exterior surface 330 as well as an interior surface 350 with
the interior surface 350 defining an expandable interior inflation
space 360. As best shown in FIG. 10, the exterior surface 330 of
the flexible inflatable bag 340 is coated with a bonding material
370, such as an adhesive or cohesive, whereby the tuft 310 is
caused to bond to the exterior surface 330 of the flexible
inflatable bag 340 upon being disposed on the flexible inflatable
bag 340. The flexible inflatable bag 340 illustrated in FIG. 10 has
the bonding material 370 disposed on substantially the entire
exterior surface 330. Alternatively, the bonding material 370 may
be applied in such a manner as to substantially coat only a portion
of the exterior surface 330 of the flexible inflatable bag 340. It
will be further appreciated that the bonding material 370 may be
disposed on the exterior surface 330 of the flexible inflatable bag
340 in any of a variety of patterns such as strips, circles, dots
or any other geometric or biomorphic shape, including decorative
designs, so long as the bonding material 370 is positioned to
function in accordance with the present invention. The tuft 310 is
disposed on the flexible inflatable bag 340 in any manner which is
known in the art, such as automatically passing the tuft 310
through a tube (not shown) which is disposed generally above the
flexible inflatable bag 340, or the flexible inflatable bag 340 may
be dipped, rolled, or dropped into a plurality of tufts 310 such
that the tufts 310 stick to the exterior surface 330 of the
flexible inflatable bag 340.
[0051] Upon the tuft 310 being placed onto the flexible inflatable
bag 340, the tuft 310 will bondingly connect to the exterior
surface 330 of the flexible inflatable bag 340 via the bonding
material 370. After the tuft 310 has been disposed onto the
flexible inflatable bag 340, the flexible inflatable bag 340 may be
inflated via a means for inflating 380 the flexible inflatable bag
340 disposed in the expandable interior inflation space 360 to form
the inflatable packaging material 300. The means for inflating 380
the flexible inflatable bag 340 is the same as the means for
inflating 110 the flexible inflatable substrate 40 of the
inflatable packing material 10 as described hereinabove. It should
be appreciated that with the tuft 310 disposed on the flexible
inflatable bag 340, the flexible inflatable bag 340 can be stored,
transported, and displayed in a conventional manner when it is in
its inflated configuration or in its non-inflated
configuration.
[0052] In addition to, or as an alternative to coating the exterior
surface 330 of the flexible inflatable bag 340 with the bonding
material 370, the tuft 310 may be connected to the exterior surface
330 of the flexible inflatable bag 340 via a bonding material 390
(FIG. 13) provided on the individual strips, strands, or units of
material 320 making up the tuft 310. The bonding material 390 may
be an adhesive or cohesive whereby the individual strips, strands,
or units of material 320 are caused to stick together when a
plurality of the strips, strands, or units of material 320 are
amassed to form the tuft 310. The strips, strands, or units of
material 320 may be spot coated wherein the bonding material 390 is
disposed as randomly disposed spots on the individual strips,
strands, or units of material 320. It will be appreciated, however,
that the bonding material 390 may be applied in such a manner as to
substantially cover the strips, strands, or units of material 320.
Further, the bonding material 390 may be disposed on the strips,
strands, or units of material 320 in any of a variety of other
patterns such as circles, dots or any other geometric or biomorphic
shape, including decorative designs, so long as the bonding
material 390 is positioned to function in accordance with the
present invention.
[0053] FIG. 11 illustrates one use of the inflatable packaging
material 300 described above. The inflatable packaging material 300
is shown disposed in a basket 400 and supporting a plurality of
articles or objects 410, such as candies or Easter eggs, for
display. More specifically, a portion of the flexible inflatable
bag 340 has been removed so as to expose the tuft 310 while the
tuft remains connected to the exterior surface 330 of the flexible
inflatable bag 340.
[0054] With the flexible inflatable bag 340 inflatable, the
inflatable packaging material 300 may then be positioned in an
interior 420 of the basket 400 such that the flexible inflatable
bag 340 substantially conforms to the contour of the interior 420
of the basket 400 and thereby lines the interior 420 of the basket
400 with the plurality of articles or objects 230 being supported
by the tuft 310 and the tuft 310 being held in the basket 400.
[0055] It will be appreciated that coating the tuft 310 with a
bonding material in the manner discussed above provides an
additional advantage of improved object support. That is, with
loose packaging materials, objects being packaged often have a
tendency to gravitate through the packaging material to the bottom
of the container thereby reducing the effectiveness of the
packaging material. By providing a bonding material on the
individual strips, strands, or units of material 320 making up the
tuft 310, the cohesiveness of the tuft 310 supporting the plurality
of articles or objects 410 prevent the plurality of articles or
objects 410 from gravitating through the tuft 310.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, the exterior surface 330 of the flexible
inflatable bag 340 may also be provided with a bonding material
430. In this instance, the bonding material 430 would be provided
with a backing or release strip 440 to protect the bonding
qualities of the bonding material 430 and to prevent adjacent bags
from bonding to one another during shipping and storage. By
providing the exterior surface 330 of the flexible inflatable bag
340 with the bonding material 430 (as shown in FIG. 9), the
exterior surface 330 of the flexible inflatable bag 340 can be
bondably connected to an interior 420 of the basket 400 to hold the
inflatable packaging material 300 in the basket 400. In addition,
the bonding material 430 on the exterior surface 330 of the
flexible inflatable bag 340 will cause overlapping portions of the
flexible inflatable bag 340 to be bondably connected so as to
retain the shape of the flexible inflatable bag 340 after it has
been shaped to conform to the contour of the interior 240 of the
basket 400. If the exterior surface 330 of the flexible inflatable
bag 340 is not provided with the bonding material 430, the flexible
inflatable bag 340 is simply shaped to conform to the contour of
the interior 420 of the basket 400.
[0057] In using the inflatable packaging material 300 described
above, it should be appreciated that a single unit of the
inflatable packaging material 300 can be used in a container or on
a surface or multiple units of the inflatable packaging material
300 can be used by either nesting one inflatable packaging material
300 into another inflatable packaging material 300 or otherwise
layering one inflatable packaging material 300 on top of another
inflatable packaging material 300, thereby increasing the volume
and/or density of the inflatable packaging material 300.
[0058] From the above description it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be
understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are
accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed and as
defined in the appended claims.
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