Method of forming an inflatable insulating panel

Abstract

Abstract of Disclosure A method of forming an inflatable insulating panel consisting of a plurality of sheetform polyolefin layers is provided. A pair of sheetform outer layers and a plurality of intermediate sheetform layers are assembled in a vertically overlying manner. An array of metal stripes are formed on at least one surface of each intermediate layer and are collectively arranged such that the arrays of metal stripes on vertically adjacent layers are parallel to and laterally offset from one another. An array of alternating seams of attachment are formed joining adjacent layers, with the outer layers joined to one another about their respective outer peripheries. Upon inflation of the panel, the interconnected adjacent layers form a web that expands to create a plurality of individual baffle chambers.

Claims 
     
         1. A method of making an inflatable insulating panel comprising: 
       providing a plurality of sheetform layers; 
       assembling said plurality of sheetform layers in a vertically overlying manner; 
       forming an array of alternating seams of attachment joining adjacent sheetform layers; and 
       sealing said vertically assembled plurality of sheetform layers about their respective outer peripheries forming an inflatable panel, 
       whereby, upon inflation said array of alternating seams of attachment forms a plurality of individual baffle chambers. 
     
     
         2. A method as recited in  Claim 1 , wherein said sheetform layers are of a heat-sealable material and said forming and sealing steps use heat. 
     
     
         3. A method as recited in  Claim 2 , wherein said forming and sealing steps occur simultaneously. 
     
     
         4. A method as recited in  Claim 3 , wherein said forming and sealing steps comprise pressing a heated tool against said vertically assembled plurality of sheetform layers. 
     
     
         5. A method of making an inflatable insulating panel comprising the steps of: 
       providing a pair of sheetform outer layers and a plurality of intermediate sheetform layers, said intermediate sheetform layers having an array of metal stripes formed on at least one surface of each said intermediate sheetform layer; 
       assembling said plurality of intermediate sheetform layers in a vertically overlying manner, with said arrays of metal stripes on vertically adjacent sheetform layers parallel to and laterally offset from one another; 
       receiving said vertically assembled plurality of intermediate layers between said pair of sheetform outer layers; 
       forming an array of alternating seams of attachment joining adjacent intermediate layers and adjacent outer and intermediate layers; and 
       sealing together said pair of sheetform outer layers about their respective outer peripheries forming an inflatable panel, 
       whereby, upon inflation of said inflatable panel said array of alternating seams of attachment forms a plurality of individual baffle chambers. 
     
     
         6. The method of  Claim 5 , including the additional step of sealing said vertically assembled plurality of intermediate layers about their respective outer peripheries. 
     
     
         7. The method of  Claim 6 , wherein said sealing of said pair of sheetform outer layers and said sealing of said vertically assembled plurality of intermediate layers occurs in a single step. 
     
     
         8. The method of  Claim 7 , wherein said sealing step comprises forming a single peripheral seal joining said pair of sheetform outer layers and said vertically assembled plurality of intermediate sheetform layers.