Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an inflatable flexible
pouch that has a valve element which enables the pouch to be
inflated by month or with a tube, such as a straw, and the
valve element acts as a check valve to -automatically seal
the inflated pouch and thus retain it in an inflated
condition.
Description of Prior Art
Convf:ntional flat check valves including two or
more layers of film are known. Such conventional check
valves are attached, usually heat sealed, at a peripheral
edge of a plastic balloon. However, such conventional
valves are manufactured at a location separate from the
balloon manufacaurer and require additional labor and
machinery to install them in the plastic balloon.
U.S. Patent 4,983,138 discloses an inflatable
container with a self-sealing valve. The container has two
heat sealed film layers joined at the perimeter of the two
layers. An exterior slit is formed in one of the layers. A
valve film layer is positioned between the two surface
layers. The valve layer is heat sealed to the bottom
surface film 1<<yer from a transition point across to a stem
area, leaving ~~ gap between the seal and the transition
point. Such heat seal runs in close proximity to the body
edge so as to form a narrow channel, the upper boundary of
which is formed by the valve layer and the lower boundary of
which is formed by the bottom surface layer. Perpendicular
creases which form along the container surfaces, when the
container is inflated, cross the fluid channel to help seal
the container.
Even in view of the known conventional flat valves
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and the flexible container taught by U.S. Patent 4,983,138,
it is apparent that there is still a need for a relatively
inexpensive flat cheek valve that effectively seals an
inflated plastic balloon, particularly over an extended time
period.
SUf~iARY OF THE INVENTION
It i;s one object of this invention to provide a
flat check valve that: is installed by an automated machine
process as an integral part of an inflatable flexible pouch,
so as to reduce material and labor costs associated with
manufacturing.
It is another object to this invention to provide
an inflatable :Elexibl.e pouch that uses internal pressure,
when in an inflated condition, to seal the flat check valve
and to firmly :retain a tube or straw where positioned within
a channel of a neck portion of the flexible pouch.
It is still. another object of this invention to
provide an inf:Latablee flexible pouch that has at least one
inner inflatab:Le chamber positioned within an outer
inflatable chamber, the combination of which increases the
rigidity of this inner structure of the pouch, when inflated,
which thus helps to maintain a fill tube in a fixed position
with respect to the overall structure of an inflated
flexible pouch. Fixing the fill tube in a fixed position
relative to the overall structure of the inflated flexible
pouch is import=ant since the fill tube is often used as a
support for th<~ inflatable flexible pouch when the pouch is
displayed, for example with an advertisement or message
printed on the pouch.
The above a.nd other objects of this invention are
accomplished with an inflatable flexible pouch that has two
inner webs and two outer webs. According to one preferred
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embodiment of this invention, the two inner webs are
attached to each other so as to form a channel, preferably a
channel with a tortuous path, between both inner webs. Both
inner webs are positioned between the two outer webs. The
four webs are :Layered together so that a neck portion or
throat opening of each web is aligned. The body portion of
each web can have any desired peripheral shape.
Each outer web is preferably heat sealed to a
respective inner web across the neck portion or throat
opening. The i~wo outer webs are heat sealed about a general
periphery of both outer webs and along both side sections of
the neck portion or throat opening. The two inner webs are
also heat seal<:d, with the same peripheral heat seal of the
two outer webs,, from an upper edge or a free edge of each
inner web to and along both side sections of the neck
portion or throat opening. Such peripheral heat seal
extends along :such neck portion or throat opening at least
as far as the treat seals between the inner and outer webs.
Thus, an approximately semi-annular space is formed between
each inner web and its respective outer web, along at least
a portion of the length of the neck portion or throat
opening.
A portion of the peripheral heat seal of the
flexible pouch, within the neck portion, forms a throat
opening between both inner webs. In a deflated condition of
the inflatable flexible pouch, the channel is in
communication with an inflatable chamber between both outer
webs. In an inflated condition of the inflatable flexible
pouch, both inner webs are forced against each other and
thus form a seal whicih prevents communication between the
channel and the. inflatable chamber between both outer webs.
The throat opening is also in communication with the channel
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and an ambient: atmosphere surrounding the inflatable
flexible pouch.
According to another preferred embodiment of this
invention, they two inner webs form at least one inner
inflatable chamber between the two inner webs which when
inflated is positioned between both outer webs, within the
outer inflatable chamber. In such preferred embodiment, the
channel through which the fluid flows for inflating the
flexible pouch is pre ferably designed so that the inner
inflatable chamber inflates before the outer inflatable
chamber inflates. However, it is apparent that given a
suitable design of the inner webs and the corresponding
channels formed between such inner webs, according to one
preferred embo~~iment of this invention, the outer inflatable
chamber may inflate before the inner inflatable chamber.
Each inner inf.Latable chamber adds rigidity to the inner
webs and thus the inner pouch structure, when inflated.
It i:~ apparent that the body of the inflatable
flexible pouch can have any suitable and desired overall
shape. It is <~lso apparent that the body portion can merge
into the neck portion or throat opening and form any
suitable shape.. Thus., the overall perimeter of the
inflatable flexible pouch can form many different shapes.
It is further apparent that the inflatable flexible pouch
can have one or more neck portions or throat openings and
thus one or more channels for inflating the inflatable
flexible pouch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This invention and the various embodiments will be
described in further detail in conjunction with the drawings
wherein:
Fig. 1 is a front view of an inflatable flexible
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pouch having an overall round shape, according to one
preferred embodiment of this invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2,
of the inflatable flexible pouch as shown in Fig. 1, in a
deflated condition;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3,
of the deflated flexible pouch, according to the embodiment
as shown in Fic~. 1;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4,
of the deflated flexible pouch, according to the embodiment
as shown in Fid. 1;
Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5,
of the deflated flexible pouch, according to the embodiment
as shown in Fid. 1;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2,
of the inflatable flexible pouch, according to the
embodiment as :shown in Fig. 1, in an inflated condition:
Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3,
of the inflated flexible pouch, according to the embodiment
as shown in Ficl . 1;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4,
of the inflated flexible pouch, according to the embodiment
as shown in Fic~. 1;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5,
of the inflated flexible pouch, according to the embodiment
as shown in Fid. 1p
Fig. 10 is a front view of an inflatable flexible
pouch having an overall heart shape, according to another
preferred embodiment of this invention;
Figs. 11-18 are front views of configurations of
pairs of inner webs, according to various embodiments of
this invention;
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Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of
the inflatable flexible pouch showing two outer webs forming
an edge seal, according to yet another preferred embodiment
of this invention:
Fig. 20 is a front view of an inflatable flexible
pouch according to another preferred embodiment of this
invention;
Fig. 21 is a front view of an inflatable flexible
pouch according to yet another preferred embodiment of this
invention;
Fig. 22 is a front view of an inflatable flexible
pouch according to still another preferred embodiment of
this invention;
Fig. 23 is a front view of an inflatable flexible
pouch accordin~~ to another preferred embodiment of this
invention;
Fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-
24, of the inflated flexible pouch as shown in Fig. 23;
Fig. 25 is a sectional view, somewhat distorted,
taken along line 25-25, of the inflated flexible pouch as
shown in Fig. 23;
Figs.. 26-29 show various front views of an
inflatable fle5:ible pouches, each according to a different
preferred emboctiment of this invention: and
Fig. 30 also shows a front view of an inflatable
flexible pouch according to still another preferred
embodiment of this inivention.
DES;CRIPTI~ON OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Fig. 1, inflatable flexible pouch 20
is shown in a front view. According to the preferred
embodiment as shown in Fig. 1, inflatable flexible pouch 20
comprises two inner mebs 30 and two outer webs 40. It is
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apparent that each outer web 40 can have any suitable shape
in order to achieve a desired overall form of inflatable
flexible pouch 20, such as an oval balloon, a heart-shaped
balloon, a box--shaped balloon, or the like.
Attachment means are used to attach both inner
webs 30 to each other, so as to form channel 34 between both
inner webs 30. As shown in Fig. 1, heat seal 32 is used to
attach both inner webs 30 to each other and thereby form
channel 34. A7_though heat seal 32 is preferably shown as a
continuous seal., heat seal 32 can also comprise a non-
continuous, skiLp or broken heat seal or other bonding of
both inner webs 30. However, continuous heat seals 32 force
all entering apLr, or other fluid, to flow through channel
34. Likewise, with continuous heat seals 32, all
backflowing air must pass through channel 34 and because of
the particular path such escaping air must follow, a better
seal is formed.. It is apparent that heat seal 32 can form
any suitable shape of channel 34, such as those shapes shown
in Fig. 11-13. The uppermost heat seal 32 as shown in Figs.
1, 10, 11 and 7~.2 can be used to stop a straw or fill tube 49
from passing through inner webs 3o beyond free edge 36 or
into inflatable: chamber 50. The shape of heat seals 32 as
shown in the preferred embodiment of Figs. 20 and 21 can
also be used for such purpose. Channel 34 preferably has a
tortuous path, which enhances those sealing capabilities
between inner webs 30 used to close communication between
channel 34 and inflatable chamber 50, as shown in Figs. 6
and 8, when ini=latable flexible pouch 20 is in an inflated
condition.
Figs. 20 and 21 show other preferred arrangements
of channel 34. Heat seals 32 can be designed to have a
throat diameter "D" that is small enough to act as a stop
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for fill tube 49 and large enough to accommodate the
insertion of a smaller diameter tube for deflation purposes.
Such smaller diameter tube would preferably extend beyond
free edge 36, as shown in Fig. 20, to deflate inflatable
flexible pouch 20 by removing the fluid between outer webs
40 and within inflatable chamber 50.
Although the attachment means between both inner
webs 30 preferably comprises a heat seal, it is apparent
that other bonding materials, such as adhesives and the
like, can be used to form channel 34. As discussed in
further detail later in this specification, the fluid that
is used to inflate inflatable flexible pouch 20 flows
through channel 34 and then either directly into inflatable
chamber 50 or between both inner webs 30 and then into
inflatable chamber 50. Figs. 12 and 13 show channel 34
extending to free edge 36 of each inner web 30. Figs. 1, 10
and 11 show channel 34 not extending as far as free edge 36.
The sealing capabilities may differ depending upon channel
34 extending or not extending to free edge 36. The precise
shape and length of channel 34 may also depend upon the
particular fluid that is used to inflate inflatable flexible
pouch 20 and upon whether it is desired to deflate an
inflated flexit>le pouch 20 by inserting a straw or tube
within inflatable chamber 50.
Both inner 'webs 30 are positioned between both
outer webs 40. Both outer webs 40 and both inner webs 30
are positioned with respect to each other so that each neck
portion 24 is aligned. Sealing means are used to sealably
attach a first outer 'web 40 to a corresponding or adjacent
first inner web 30 and to sealably attach a second outer web
40 to a corres~~onding or adjacent second inner web 30.
According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, the
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first sealing means comprise heat seal 28, as shown in Figs.
1, 2 and 6. However, it is apparent that other attachment
methods apparent to those skilled in the art can be used,
such as a suitable adhesive or other bonding material or
process. Heat seal 28 can extend across the entire width 26
of neck portion 24. It is apparent that heat seal 28 can
also extend only partially across neck portion 24; however,
it is important: for heat seal 28 to intersect the portions
of heat seal 2~' that extend along both edges or side
sections of neck portion 24, as shown in Figs. 1 and 10.
Also shown in figs. 1 and 10, heat seal 28 is preferably
positioned approximately perpendicular to the centerline
axis of neck portion 24, but it is also apparent that heat
seal 28 can be positioned at any suitable angle with respect
to such centerline axis. It is also important for heat seal
28 to be a continuous heat seal so that in its inflated
condition, inflatable flexible pouch 20 is leak-proof.
Other sealing means are used to sealably attach
both outer webs: 40, as well as the interpositioned inner
webs 30, about a general periphery of body portion 22 and
along both side: sections of neck portion 24, and at least as
far as heat seal 28. By extending heat seal 27 as far as
heat seal 28 on each aide of neck portion 24, an
approximately semi-annular space 46 is formed between the
first inner web 30 and the first outer web 40 and another
approximately semi-annular space 46 is formed between the
second inner web 30 and the second outer web 40, as most
clearly shown in Fig. 9. It is apparent that by varying the
length and shape of neck portion 24 and the position of heat
seal 28, the length and shape of semi-annular space 46 can
be varied.
The second aealing means also forms throat opening
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48 within neck: portion 24, between both inner webs 30. In a
deflated condition of inflatable flexible pouch 20, throat
opening 48 is in conumunication with channel 34 and an
ambient atmosphere wlhich is external to or surrounding
inflatable flexible pouch 20. It is apparent that by
varying the dimensions of neck portion 24 and the
positioning of heat aeals 27 and 28, throat opening 48 and
semi-annular space 4i5 can have various dimensions and
shapes.
Figs. 2-5 :show various sectional views taken along
the respective lines as shown in Fig. 1, in a deflated
condition of inflatable flexible pouch 20. Likewise, Figs.
6-9 show sectional views of the same respective lines as
shown in Fig. 1, with inflatable flexible pouch 20 in an
inflated condition. For clarity purposes, Figs. 2-9 may not
show each and every visible line as seen in the respective
sectional views when taken along the corresponding lines
shown in Fig. L.
Referring t:o Figs. 2-5 and the deflated condition
of inflated flexible pouch 20, channel 48 is in
communication with .inflatable chamber 50 which is defined
between both outer webs 40. When inflatable flexible pouch
20 is inflated to a condition as shown in Figs. 6-9, it is
apparent that i=hroat opening 48, channel 34 and the space
between both inner webs 30 closes to form a seal which
prevents pressurized fluid within inflatable chamber 50 from
backflowing to the ambient atmosphere outside of or external
to inflatable i:lexible pouch 20. Thus, in the inflated
condition, both inner webs 30 are forced against each other
to form a seal which prevents communication between channel
34 and inflatak>le chamber 50.
As shown in Fig. 9, when in the inflated
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condition, semi-annular space 46 is filled with pressurized
fluid and thus. forces outer webs 40 outward and forces inner
webs 30 against each other. Fig. 9 shows inner webs 30
closing throat opening 48 to the extent that inner webs 30
surround fill tube 4!~. It is apparent that fill tube 49 can
be a conventional plastic straw or any other suitable fill
tube known to those :killed in the art. As the fluid
pressure within inflatable chamber 50 increases, the forces
acting against inner webs 30 which tend to close inner webs
30 and throat 48 create an increased frictional fit between
an external surface of fill tube 49 and inner webs 30,
including the portion of inner webs 30 that form throat
opening 48. Tlaus, once inflatable flexible pouch 20 is
inflated to a desiredl pressure, fill tube 49 is snugly
secured within throat, opening so that the inflated
inflatable fle:{ible pouch 20 is somewhat securedly attached
to fill tube 4~~. It is thus apparent that fill tube 49 can
act as a stem :support for displaying inflated inflatable
flexible pouch 20 as a plastic balloon, or the like.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 10, neck portion 24 of one
of the two inner webs 30 preferably is longer than the other
inner web 30, at bottom area 25. Such arrangement
accommodates easy insertion of fill tube 49 within throat
opening 48. Also as shown in Figs. 1 and 10 and according
to one preferred embodiment of this invention, within neck
portion 24, heat seal 27 flares out toward peripheral edge
43 of neck portion 24. Although such arrangement of heat
seal 27 is preferred, it is not necessary for heat seal 27
to flare outward in such manner. It is only important for
purposes of sealing inflatable flexible pouch 20 that heat
seal 27 intersect heait seal 28, in order to complete the
peripheral seal. However, the extension of heat seal 27
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into the flared arrangement also accommodates initial entry
of fill tube 49 within throat opening 48. Certain materials
promote easy insertion of a straw or fill tube 49, even
without a flared arrangement and with all four edges of
inner webs 30 and outer webs 40 even with each other,
thereby eliminating the loading lip at bottom area 25.
As shown in Figs. 1-9, heat seal 27 is positioned
inward from peripheral edge 43 of either outer web 40. In
another preferred embodiment according to this invention,
heat seal 27 iso positioned at peripheral edge 43 of both
outer webs 40. Such peripheral heat seal, as shown in Fig.
19, is known tc~ those skilled in the art as an edge seal.
In another :preferred embodiment according to this
invention, the total area of body portion 22 of both inner
webs 30 is less: than a total sealed area of body portion 22
of both outer webs 40. Such arrangement ensures that the
fluid which flows through throat opening 48, channel 34 and
between both inner webs 30 eventually flows into inflatable
chamber 50, between both outer webs 40. It is apparent that
inner webs 30 c:an have the same area as the sealed area of
the corresponding body portion 22 of outer webs 40; however,
in such preferred embodiment, each inner web 30 must
comprise either a slit or an opening, similar to slit 37 as
shown in Fig. 16 or opening 38 as shown in Figs. 17 and 18.
As shown in Figs. 1, 10, 11, 12, and 14, it is necessary for
inner webs 30 t.o form free edge 36 along at least a portion
of the uppermost edge, with respect to the position as shown
in Fig. 1, of inner webs 30. In a preferred embodiment
according to this inva_ntion, inner webs 30 preferably extend
from neck portion 24 upward to approximately one-half of the
distance between neck portion 24 and uppermost portion 41 of
heat seal 27, as shown in Fig. 1. However, depending upon
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the overall size of :inflatable flexible pouch 20 and whether
a straw or fill tube 49 is used, the extension of inner webs
30 can significantly vary. In the embodiments that have
folded edge 35, it i:: apparent that one or both inner webs
3o can extend .as far as uppermost portion 41.
Fig. 20 shows another preferred embodiment of
inflatable flexible pouch 20 according to this invention.
As shown, dimensions A-F can vary according to the preferred
design and purpose of this invention. Dimension A is
preferably of :~uffici.ent length to allow the pressure within
inflatable chamber 50~ to force inner webs 30 against fill
tube 49 and thus firmly secure fill tube 49 in a fixed
position with respect to inflatable flexible pouch 20. It
is apparent th<~t as the length of dimension A is increased,
the frictional forces retaining fill tube 49 are increased.
Also, as dimension A is increased with respect to dimension
E, inflatable i:lexible pouch 20 becomes more rigid, with
respect to fill. tube 49.
Dimension B is preferably of sufficient length to
allow inner wets 30 to collapse against each other so that a
proper seal is formed, even with fill tube 49 fully
positioned within channel 34. Dimension C is preferably
sized to accommodate the desired design of inflatable
flexible pouch 20. For example, if conserving web material
is a concern, then dimension C is minimized. If dimension C
is equal to dimension E, then slit 37 and/or opening 38, as
shown in Fig. 21, must be positioned within at least one
inner web 30 im order to inflate flexible pouch 20.
Dimension D is preferably small enough to prevent
fill tube 49 from passing through the entire channel 34, as
shown in Fig. 21, yet small enough to allow a smaller tube
or straw to be inserted through channel 34 and preferably
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into inflatable chamber 50. Such design accommodates
deflation procedures.,
Fig. 22 shows still another preferred embodiment
of flexible inflatable pouch 20, according to this
invention. In such embodiment, throat opening 48 is formed
between both inner webs 30 within body portion 22. Such
embodiment doea not necessarily require an extended neck
portion 24, as shown and discussed with respect to previous
preferred embodiments, of this invention: as shown in Fig.
22, neck portion 24 is built-in to body portion 22. In this
preferred embodiment, it remains important for heat seal 27
to intersect with heat seal 28, so that leakage does not
occur.
Because at least a portion of inner webs 30 are
attached to outer webs 40 at periphery 42 of body portion
22, the flat check valve according to this invention will
not be backed out of the inflatable pouch by the relative
backpressure within inflatable chamber 50 and/or by
frictional forces when removing a straw or fill tube 49 from
within throat opening 48.
Figs. 23-30 show various preferred embodiments of
inflatable flexible pouch 20, according to this invention.
In such preferred embodiments, as clearly shown in Figs. 23
and 25, inflatable flexible pouch 20 comprises at least one,
preferably two inner inflatable chambers 50A positioned
between both outer webs 40. Fig. 25 shows the true inflated
condition of such pre:Eerred embodiment of inflatable
flexible pouch 20. A:Lthough Fig. 24 shows inflatable
flexible pouch 20 in <~n inflated condition, the cross-
sectional drawing is :somewhat distorted for clarification
purposes, as discussed later in this specification. When
inflated, inner webs 30 are forced against each other and
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thereby close or sea:L-off channel 34, as well as channel
34A, as clearly shown in Fig. 23.
The embodiments shown in Figs. 26-30 include many
of the same elements as the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, for
example. However, for clarification purposes, Figs. 26-30
do not contain many of the element reference numerals shown
in Fig. 23, for example.
Referring t:o Figs. 23-25, heat seals 32A are
arranged on inner wek>s 30, so as to form channel 34A and
bypass channels 33 between heat seals 32 and heat seals 32A.
Heat seals 32B, as shown in Fig. 23, are arranged at the
mid-region of body portion 22 for the purpose of forming
inflatable chamber 50A only in the upper portion of and
between both inner webs 30. It is apparent that with heat
seals 32, 32A and 32H, configured differently, the lower
portion of body portion 22 could as well form inner
inflatable charnbers 50A, one on each side of channel 34, and
accomplish the same result of this invention.
As shown in Fig. 24, inflatable flexible pouch 20
is in an inflated condition. However, Fig. 24 is somewhat
distorted sincea inner webs 30 are shown spread apart for
clarity purposes and to show bypass channel 33 and the
inside surface.c of inner webs 30. A true cross section of
Fig. 24 with inflatable flexible pouch 20 in an inflated
condition would show inner webs 30 contacting or adjacent
each other, as shown in Fig. 25, so as to close or seal-off
channel 34.
Deper.~ding upon the particular design and
configuration of channels 34 and 34A, as well as the
positioning of heat seals 32, 32A and/or 32B, inner
inflatable chamber 50A will preferably inflate first.
Pressurized fluid entering inflatable flexible pouch 20
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through throat opening 48 will flow through a path of least
resistance. DEapending upon the particular design of the
structure and channels 33, 34 and 34A, outer inflatable
chamber 50 may inflate first: however, in such preferred
embodiment, inflation of outer inflatable chamber 50 should
not completely collapse inner webs 30 and thus inner
inflatable chamber 50A. If the resistance of flow paths
from throat opening 48 to inner inflatable chambers 50A and
outer inflatab7.e chamber 50 is equal, then both inflatable
chambers 50 and 50A will simultaneously inflate.
Thus, as shown in Fig. 23, if the flow resistance
through channe7_ 34A is greater than the flow resistance
through bypass channel 33, inner inflatable chambers 50A
will inflate first. Once inflated to the point where the
backpressure creates greater resistance than the flow
resistance through channel 34A, pressurized fluid entering
channel 34 will_ then flow into outer inflatable chamber 50.
In such case, as the pressure within outer inflatable
chamber 50 increases, forces from the pressure will cause
inner webs 30 t:o collapse against each other at channels 34
and 34A. Once fully collapsed and contacting each other, as
shown in Fig. 25, channels 34 and 34A will close or be
sealed-off and thus act as a check valve for preventing the
pressurized fluid within inflatable flexible pouch 20 from
flowing back through throat opening 48. The result of
inflatable fle~;ible pouch 20 according to this invention is
a check valve effect that provides a tightly sealed and
nearly leak-proof balloon-type enclosure.
When inflated and pressurized, inner inflatable
chambers 50A create forces which act against inner webs 30
so that the inner structure of an inflated flexible pouch 20
provides significantly increased structural support or
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rigidity through inner webs 30, as compared to an inflatable
pouch or balloon without such inner chambers and inner webs.
Thus, when fil_1 tube 49 is positioned within throat opening
48 and channel. 34, as shown in Fig. 25, the inner structure
which comprises inner webs 30 provides additional structural
strength and thus neck portion 24 does not flex or bend with
respect to body portion 22 as easily as an inflatable
flexible pouch 20 without inner webs 30.
As ~;hown in Fig. 26, heat seals 32A form a
differently shaped bypass channel 33. Such arrangement
tends to inflate inner inflatable chamber 50A prior to
inflating outer inflatable chamber 50. Also, as shown in
Fig. 26, channel 34 closes and so does channel 34A, to form
a double-seal which creates the check valve effect.
Figs. 27-2!3 show other various configurations for
heat seals 32 and 3214. It is apparent from such figures, as
well as the remaining figures, that heat seals 32, 32A, 32B
can be arranged to provide various flow resistances and
various shapes of channels 34 and 34A, bypass channel 33,
and inner inflatable chambers 50A. It is apparent that in
this preferred embodiment of the invention, only one inner
inflatable chamber 50A is sufficient to provide additional
rigidity or structural support within inflatable flexible
pouch 20. However, t:wo inner inflatable chambers 50A are
preferred for obtainp.ng maximum inner structural support and
sealing capabilities. As shown in Fig. 29, throat opening
48 converges a:nd thus facilitates entry of fill tube 49
within channel 34.
According t:o the preferred embodiment shown in
Fig. 30, inflatable flexible pouch 20 comprises two outer
webs 40 and two inner webs 30. Each inner web 30 extends as
far as uppermost portion 41 of outer web 40. When filling
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inflatable flexible pouch 20 of Fig. 30, the pressurized
fluid will preferably first flow into inner inflatable
chamber 50A since such flow path preferably has least
resistance. Once inner inflatable chamber 50A is filled,
the backpressure will cause the pressurized fluid to flow
through one or more slits 51, which is shown in Fig. 30 as
being positionE:d within inner web 30 and thus in
communication with inner inflatable chamber 50A. However,
it is apparent that slit or slits 51 can be positioned at
other areas of inner web 30, as long as once inflated, the
pressurized fluid does not bleed off to the atmosphere, for
example back through channel 34.
There is preferably at least one slit 51 within
each inner web 30. However, slit 51 can be positioned
within only one' inner web 30. As shown in Fig. 30, because
inner webs 30 extend the entire distance to uppermost
portion 41, two independent and isolated outer inflatable
chambers 50 arE: formed. Thus, if slit 51 is positioned
within only one: inner web 30, then the two independent and
isolated outer inflatable chambers 50 must somehow
communicate so that inflatable flexible pouch 20 can be
completely inflated. Element reference numeral 50/50A is
shown in Fig. a0 for the purpose of identifying that the
four total web.:, two inner webs 30 and two outer webs 40,
form one inner inflatable chamber 50A and two independent
and isolated outer inflatable chambers 50.
The various components of inflatable flexible
pouch 20 are preferably constructed of a polymeric material,
such as a material comprising polyethylene or another heat
sealable polyol.efin. It is apparent that any one of the
inner webs 30 or outer webs 40 can be at least partially
coated with a metallic material, such as aluminum or an
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aluminum alloy. It i.s also apparent that any one or more of
the webs of this invention can be of a metallic foil, a
lamination or <iny other suitable material known to those
skilled in the art.
The preferred embodiments of inflated flexible
pouch 20 are most useful in relatively larger sizes of the
overall pouch structure, such as pouch structures or
balloons having a diameter greater than approximately 6
inches. As pouch structures or balloons become larger, the
inner structur<il benefits of inner webs 30 become more
apparent from t:he increased rigidity. Although inner webs
30 according to this invention provide increased rigidity in
pouch structure's or balloons less than approximately 6
inches in diamEaer, such relatively smaller pouch structures
or balloons may have sufficient rigidity for their intended
purpose even without inner webs 30.
Inflatable flexible pouch 20, according to this
invention, is manufactured by first attaching both inner
webs 30 to each other, such as with heat seal 32. It is
apparent that Moth inner webs 30 can comprise two
independent fls~xible films or one flexible film which is
folded at folds:d edge 35 of inner web 30, as shown in Figs.
15-18. By firs, forming heat seal 32 and thus channel 34,
the two inner webs 30 can be heat sealed in a continuous and
automated machine line. Once an appropriate channel 34 is
formed, both inner webs 30 are positioned between both outer
webs 40 and body portions 22 and neck portions 24 of all
webs are aligned.
Heat seal 28 is preferably the second heat seal
that is performed during the manufacturing process of
inflatable flexible pouch 20. Once heat seal 28 is formed,
heat seal 27 ca.n then be formed about general periphery 42
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of body portion 22 and within neck portion 24, as previously
described. Heat seal 27 preferably intersects heat seal 32
but such intersection is not absolutely necessary.
It i:~ apparent that the preferred embodiments of
inflatable flexible pouch 20, as shown in Figs. 23-30, can
also be easily manufactured with a similar process. It is
apparent from t:he preferred embodiments shown in Figs. 23-30
that heat seal:: 32, 32A and 32B, bypass channel 33, and
channels 34 and 34A can be arranged in various positions and
shapes that accommodate maximum sealing capabilities. It is
also apparent that by rearranging the shaped and dimensions
of such elementa, a more effective seal can be achieved.
Such manufacturing process of inflatable flexible
pouches 20 according to this invention reduces labor and
machinery costs>, as compared to conventional plastic
balloons that require manually assisted insertion, alignment
and securement of an independent flat check valve within the
balloon structure. Even if automated equipment is later
developed for t:he insertion of conventional flat check
valves, such valves would still be manufactured at a
location remotes from the balloon manufacturer. When
inflating flexible pouch 20 according to this invention, the
straw or fill tube 49 is held more securely and there is
better rigidity of the balloon or flexible pouch 20,
particularly with at least one inner inflatable chamber 50A,
relative to ths: straw or fill tube 49. Furthermore, this
invention results in a better sealing arrangement so that
the pressurized fluid within inflatable chamber 50 does not
leak or bleed-cuff through throat opening 48.
While: in the foregoing specification this
invention has teen described in relation to certain
preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been
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set forth for ~aurpose: of illustration it will be apparent to
those skilled .in the art that the invention is susceptible
to additional embodiments and that certain of the details
described herein can be varied considerably without
departing from the baaic principles of the invention.
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