Web and method for making fluid filled units

Abstract

The present invention concerns a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge. In a first embodiment, the machine includes a guide pin, a drive, a blower, and a sealing element. The guide pin is insertable between the transverse seals and the inflation edge. The guide pin defines a path of travel of the web. The drive moves the web along the path of travel. The blower is positioned with respect to the path of travel for inflating the preformed pouches. The sealing element is positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units. The disclosed examples of machines for converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units including various improvements to existing machines.

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         15 . A method of converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units, the pouches being defined by seals between top and bottom layers that have ends that are disposed a predetermined distance from an inflation edge, such that a pocket of the web is bounded by the top and bottom layers, the inflation edge of the web, and ends of the pouch defining seals, the method comprising:
 moving the web along a path of travel;   opening the pocket of the web on one side of and spaced apart from the inflation edge;   inflating the preformed pouches; and   sealing the web across the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of engaging a formed seal with a cooling element to cool the formed seal. 
     
     
         17 . A method of converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units, the pouches being defined by seals between top and bottom layers that have ends that are disposed a predetermined distance of from a perforated inflation edge, such that a pocket of the web is bounded by the top and bottom layers, the perforated inflation edge of the web, and ends of the pouch defining seals, the method comprising:
 moving the web along a path of travel;   opening the web at the perforated inflation edge by engaging the perforated inflation edge with a blunt surface to thereby open the web for inflation;   inflating the preformed pouches; and   sealing the web across the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising the step of engaging a formed seal with a cooling element to cool the formed seal. 
     
     
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         41 . A method of converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units, the pouches being defined by transverse seals that extend from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance of an inflation edge, the method comprising:
 a) moving the web along a path of travel;   b) opening the web for inflation;   c) inflating the preformed pouches;   d) forming a longitudinal seal across the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units; and   e) pinching two layers of the preformed web together to inhibit air under pressure in the inflated webs from applying force to the longitudinal seal while the longitudinal seal is molten.   
     
     
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         43 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said pocket is opened by cutting. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 15  wherein said pocket is opened by breaking preformed perforations. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the pocket is opened at an angle with respect to said path of travel. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 43  wherein said pocket is cut open at an angle with respect to said path of travel. 
     
     
         47 . A method of converting a web of preformed pouches to dunnage units, the pouches being defined by seals between top and bottom layers that have ends that are disposed a predetermined distance from an inflation edge, such that a pocket of the web is bounded by the top and bottom layers, the inflation edge of the web, and ends of the pouch defining seals, the method comprising:
 inserting a guide pin into said pocket;   moving the web along the guide pin;   inflating the preformed pouches;   sealing the web across the pouch defining seals to close the preformed pouches and form inflated dunnage units;   opening the pocket of the web on one side of and spaced apart from the inflation edge.   
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said pocket is opened by cutting. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 47  wherein said pocket is opened by breaking preformed perforations. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 47  wherein the pocket is opened at an angle with respect to said path of travel. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50  wherein said pocket is cut open at an angle with respect to said path of travel.