An inflatable protective packaging unit and associated inflation systems are disclosed. The unit can include an inflatable component that includes overlaid flexible plies connected to each other to define a fluid chamber therebetween. The inflatable component can define an inflation region in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to allow fluid from the inflation region into the fluid chamber. The unit can further include a receiver separably attached to the inflatable component at the inflation region and configured to direct fluid into the inflation region. The inflation system can be configured to discretely engage the inflatable protective packaging unit and provide fluid for inflation. Once inflated, the system may eject the unit, and cause the inflatable component to separate from the receiver.

Disclosed is a method for inflating packaging airbags. The method for inflating the airbags include the steps of coupling an inflation port of the airbag to a nozzle of the inflation system, wherein a collar of the airbag adjacent to the inflation port lies between the cushions of the inflation system, the cushions are a part of pair of clamps. Thereafter the inflation system can be turned on resulting in clasping of the collar by the pair of clamps. The air compressor of the system operates to supply air under pressure to the airbag through the air pressure regulator. Once the airbag is inflated, the inflation system can be turned off, resulting in releasing of the pair of clamps, thus releasing the airbag.

An inflating stick and a processing machine are provided. The inflating stick includes a body, a link rod, a cutter, and one or more inflating tubes. A front end of the body includes a guiding segment with a cone structure. A rear end of the body includes a packing segment. The body includes a gas inlet formed on the packing segment, an internal chamber allowing gas to flow into through the gas inlet, and gas outlets formed on an outer wall of the body allowing gas to flow out. The packing segment includes a first locking structure and a second locking structure. The first locking structure and the second locking structure communicate with the gas inlet. The second locking structure is detachably fastened to the first locking structure. The link rod and the cutter are disposed in rear of the body. The inflating tube is connected to the gas inlet.

A cushion package can be formed around an object. The object can be removed from and reinserted into the cushion package. The cushion package includes a cushion material (104) having a longitudinal length and two longitudinal edges (110). The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are folded into an overlapping position to form a tube of the cushion material. The cushion package includes first and second transverse seals (148,150) in the tube of the cushion material. The first and second transverse seals (148,150) respectively form first and second ends of the cushion package. Each of the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150) seals the cushion material with the two longitudinal edges (110) in the overlapping position. The two longitudinal edges (110) of the cushion material are uncoupled between the first transverse seal and the second transverse seal (148,150).

A sealing device generally includes a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface and a heating element disposed about such surface and secured thereto such that the heating element rotates therewith. The heating element is coiled about the outer surface of the cylinder in the form of an overlapping helical pattern. Juxtaposed film plies may be sealed together by bringing the sealing device into rotational contact with the juxtaposed film plies and heating the heating element to a temperature sufficient to cause the film plies to seal together.

An inflatable web is disclosed. The web includes a first film and second film ply sealed together via a plurality of generally transverse seals. The transverse seals define first and second inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers are inflatable with, and contain, a fluid. The web defines a separation region extending at least partially between the first and second inflatable chambers in a substantially transverse direction across the web and configured to facilitate separation of the first and second inflatable chambers. The separation region includes a tear initiation feature that facilitates tearing of the web to separate the first and second inflatable chambers. The separation region includes a tear propagation line at least partially longitudinally offset from the tear initiation feature, and close enough to the tear initiation feature that force imparted to the web via the tear initiation feature will tear of the web through the tear propagation line.

Information handling system packaging is formed from extruded polyethylene cut to length, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), to define an interior coupling region that fits over the information handling system housing and an outer support region that forms an ellipse compressed by a container that accepts the information handling system housing. An opening seam formed along the entire length of the outer support region provides for deflection of the packaging to absorb acceleration forces generated by the information handling system.

An inflatable web (10) includes a top film (30) heat sealed to a bottom film (32) to define sealed regions (40) and non-sealed regions (214). The non-sealed regions include inflatable regions (216) that are inflatable through one or more inflation ports. The top film (30) may have a color that differs from the color of the bottom film (32) to create a visual contrast between the sealed regions (40) and the adjacent non-sealed regions (214) when the web is viewed from the top film side. The ratio of the surface area of the inflatable regions (216) to the total surface area of the inflatable web is at least 50% and at most 95%.

A machine for producing cushioning material comprises: a frame; at least a first supply assembly preferably mounted on said frame, the first supply assembly supplying a first web-type feed material; and at least a first transformation assembly mounted on said frame which transforms the first web-type feed material into a first cushioning material. It is suggested that it further comprises: at least a second supply assembly preferably mounted on said frame, the second supply assembly supplying a second web-type feed material; and at least a second transformation assembly mounted on said frame which transforms the second web-type feed material into a second cushioning material.

A transfer and dispensing apparatus is disclosed for the conveying and separation of packaging material, cushions or pillows when needed by the operator. When a packer working over a conveyor receives a box that requires void fill, an operating switch such as a foot pedal is depressed to dispense pillows from the apparatus and into the box in a connected strip. When the operating switch is released, the apparatus stops dispensing pillows, separates the continuous strip of pillows along a transverse perforation in the strip, and ejects the end of the separated segment. The packer can then complete packing the box by placing the severed end of the pillows into the box, advance to the next box, and repeat the process. The transfer and dispensing apparatus may be positioned in any convenient location including adjacent to, above or attached to the inflation device.