TW202438401A - Fluid container with check valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid container has a first and second flexible membrane forming at least one chamber, a channel configured to receive pressurized inert gas, and one or more check valve assemblies disposed therebetween. The one or more check valve assemblies is formed from a continuous third flexible membrane folded at an apex, and configured to provide the flow of pressurized fluid in one direction upon inflation, from the channel to the at least one chamber, while restricting flow in the opposite direction. The one or more check valve assemblies are characterized in that they do not require pre-printing or electronic registering, thus allowing for an inflation flow rate of at least twice that of conventional inflatable packaging systems.

Description

Fluid container with check valve

The present invention relates to containers, packaging elements and packaging which are particularly suitable for protecting the contents from mechanical damage by using an inflation element filled with a fluid.

Many industries today use inflatable packaging systems as a way to cushion and protect their goods from damage during transport. These packaging systems are typically made from flat sheets of thermoplastic plastic that are layered and joined together to form a roll. The sheets are typically oriented one over the other and then joined by heat seals at various locations along and within the perimeter to form design features therein. Once formed, the roll can be further modified to ensure that the packaging system adequately conforms to the size and shape of the specific goods once it is inflated and ready for transport. This approach allows traditional packaging systems to meet the sizes and shapes required for a variety of goods, such as consumer electronics, glassware, printer cartridges, and other products that are fragile or easily damaged during transport.

Conventional inflatable packaging systems exhibit similar structural features. In particular, the conventional design is characterized by cylindrical linearly arranged inflation chambers, and one or more check valves located at the opening of each chamber. The inflation chambers may include openings that allow fluid communication between adjacent chambers, or they may be formed as such chambers that independently contain fluids. The check valve physically separates the opening of each inflation chamber from the common inflation channel. When the packaging system is inflated, the common inflation channel receives pressurized fluid at one end of the channel and distributes the fluid evenly to each chamber through the valve. Such valves are typically used to limit the flow of fluid in one direction so that the fluid can effectively enter each air chamber but cannot escape from each air chamber. A variety of check valve designs are known in the art; these valves are typically defined by an additional plastic layer that forms a path for fluid to flow from the passage to each chamber, and are further defined by local features introduced into the air path to direct, restrict or otherwise control the flow of fluid through the valve. Local features are typically pre-printed, which involves applying a heat-resistant coating to a sheet of plastic at predetermined locations prior to heating so that thermal bonding occurs in certain areas and not others. These structural features and others are formed during the manufacturing process that produces the coil.

Fig. 1 provides the plan view of the traditional inflatable packaging system 10 representing the prior art, and it has the fluid chamber 13 of inflation channel 11, check valve 12 and a plurality of linear arrangements. The packaging system 10 is formed by the first layer 18 and the second layer 19. The fluid chamber 13 is separated by the side 14. The check valve 12 includes local features 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d, which limit the fluid flow through the valve 12 in one direction. The further feature of each fluid chamber 13 is the top 16a and the bottom 16b. In addition, the traditional inflatable packaging system 10 includes a continuous seal 16, which connects the top 16a with one or more layers 18, 19.

There are several problems with the check valves used in conventional inflatable packaging systems. First, the pre-printed local features that form the valve must be electronically aligned so that they are precisely aligned with each inflation chamber and related components. There are several factors that can cause misalignment during the roll manufacturing process; for example, heat sealing causes plastic deformation and related sheet expansion and contraction. Therefore, conventional designs cannot be used due to improper alignment, resulting in misaligned valves. Second, pre-printing requires specialized molding equipment that is not necessary in other circumstances. Third, conventional check valve designs significantly restrict fluid flow through the valve; fluid flow is particularly restricted at the valve entrance, where heat sealing elements are required to properly form the connection between the inflation channel, check valve and chamber. This restricted flow results in a longer time required to fill the inflatable packaging system.

The device, system and method according to the present invention solve the shortcomings of the prior art related to traditional inflation packaging systems.

One of the objects of the present invention is to eliminate the need for pre-printed check valve features used to manufacture conventional rolls, thereby resulting in a simpler manufacturing process and inflation packaging system that is less prone to malfunctions and non-operational features associated with incorrectly placed check valves.

One of the objects of the present invention is to eliminate the need for specialized equipment required to electronically align pre-printed valve features, thereby resulting in a simpler manufacturing process and lower capital costs required for manufacturing equipment.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an inflatable packaging device that can inflate at least twice as fast as conventional packaging systems (or at most in half the time) because its check valve design can accept higher flow rates than its conventional counterparts.

The following non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of the present invention, wherein similar element symbols refer to similar parts of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to its ideal embodiment, it should be understood that after reading and understanding the above content, certain changes of the ideal embodiment will become apparent, but such changes are still within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The terms "a" or "an" used in the present invention are defined as one or more. The term "plurality" used in the present invention is defined as two or more. The term "another" used in the present invention is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having" used in the present invention are defined as including (i.e., open-ended terms). The term "coupled" used in the present invention is defined as connected, but it is not necessarily a direct connection and is not necessarily a mechanical connection.

The "some embodiments", "one embodiment", "certain embodiments" and "an embodiment" or similar terms mentioned in the present invention refer to specific features, structures or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, such terms or terms appearing in various places in the specification of the present invention do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, specific features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

The term "or" used in the present invention should be interpreted as including or indicating any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means any of the following: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition only occurs when the combination of elements, functions, steps or behaviors is mutually exclusive in some way.

The graphic features in the figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating some implementations of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. The term "means" before the present participle of operation indicates that there are one or more desired functions of the implementations, that is, one or more methods, devices or apparatuses for realizing the desired functions, and based on the disclosure of the present invention, a person with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can choose from these or their equivalents, and the term "means" used in the present invention is not intended to be limiting.

The term "bonding" refers to joining two or more flexible membranes by applying heat sealing, welding, gluing, laser welding, or any combination thereof to form an impenetrable fluid barrier between the two or more flexible membranes.

The term "flexible membrane" most commonly refers to plastics, particularly thermoplastics such as laminates of polyethylene and laminates of polyethylene and nylon, but also includes any membrane capable of forming an impenetrable barrier.

The term "pre-printing" refers to the application of a highly heat-resistant fluid material to predetermined portions of the surface of the thermoplastic sheets after heat sealing has occurred to form local isolation points between adjacent thermoplastic sheets.

The term “register” refers to the precise positioning of the pre-treated surface of the thermoplastic sheet relative to the two joined parts forming either side of the fluid chamber so that the check valve and related components operate in the manner intended.

As shown in Figures 2 to 17, the fluid container device, system and method are generally shown as element 100. The fluid container 100 can take the form of a coil as shown in Figures 5 and 12, or can take the form of a modified coil implemented as a rectangular fluid container product 190 as shown in Figure 17 to insert the goods to be transported therein. Referring to Figure 6, the fluid container 100 can include one or more chambers 140, a channel 160, a first check valve assembly 130, and a second check valve assembly 131. Referring to Figure 13, the fluid container 100 can alternatively include a continuous flexible diaphragm 171. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the fluid container 100 can further include a first, second and third flexible diaphragms, which are 101, 102 and 103, respectively. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the fluid container 100 may include a continuous flexible diaphragm 170 and a third flexible diaphragm 103. In addition, to facilitate manufacturing convenience, the third flexible diaphragm 103 may be used interchangeably, including but not limited to being formed from independent sheets and bonding them together. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the fluid container 100 may include a flexible diaphragm material from hydrocarbons, or an alternative material, such as a renewable bio-sourced substance. Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the fluid container 100 can be inflated using any inert gas, including air.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 6 , a fluid container 100 may be formed from prefabricated flat sheets of flexible diaphragms, namely first, second and third flexible diaphragms, 101, 102 and 103, respectively. The initial flat sheets may be cut to size and stacked in the manner shown in FIG. 2 , fed in a manufacturing flow direction as indicated by arrow M. On one side, the first flexible diaphragm 101 may include a first inner chamber surface 101a, a first inner valve surface 101c and a first inner channel surface 101e. On the opposite side, the first flexible diaphragm 101 may include a first outer chamber surface 101b, a first outer valve surface 101d and a first outer channel surface 101f. An upper outer edge 105 may be disposed at one end of the first flexible diaphragm 101. In a similar manner, one side of the second flexible diaphragm 102 may include a second inner chamber surface 102a, a second inner valve surface 102c, and a second inner channel surface 102e. On the opposite side, the second flexible diaphragm 102 may include a second outer chamber surface 102b, a second outer valve surface 102d, and a second outer channel surface 102f. In addition, a lower outer edge may be provided at one end of the second flexible diaphragm 102. Similarly, one side of the third flexible diaphragm 103 may include a third upper chamber surface 103a, a third lower chamber surface 103c, and a third intermediate chamber surface 103e. On the opposite side, the third flexible diaphragm 103 may include a third upper valve surface 103b, a third lower valve surface 103d, and a third intermediate channel surface 103f. In addition, the third flexible membrane 103 may include an upper inner edge 104 at one end and a lower inner edge 106 formed at an opposite end.

Importantly, the above surfaces of the first flexible diaphragm 101, the second flexible diaphragm 102, and the third flexible diaphragm 103 are defined by the orientation of each diaphragm and the overlap relative to each other. Depending on the specific application and the desired end result, these defined surfaces may vary in area and linear dimensions. For example, the first overlap portion 110 is determined by the linear dimension defined between the upper inner edge 104 and the lower outer edge 107. Similarly, the second overlap portion 111 is determined by the linear dimension defined between the upper outer edge 105 and the lower inner edge 106. In addition, the middle overlap portion 112 is determined by the linear dimension defined between the upper outer edge 105 and the lower outer edge 107.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a plurality of upper bonding portions 134a may be formed on the first overlapping portion 110, and a plurality of lower bonding portions 134b may be formed on the second overlapping portion 112. These bonding portions 134a, 134b are shown as linear segments oriented so that the width of each segment faces the direction of fluid flow, which will be described in more detail. The bonding portions 134a, 134b may be of any shape, oriented relative to the direction of any fluid flow, and arranged in any manner on the first and second overlapping portions 110, 112. The bonding portions 134a, 134b may be formed between respective diaphragms to couple the diaphragms in a localized portion to form an impenetrable barrier to inhibit the flow of fluid in the localized portion.

4, the third flexible diaphragm 103 is shown to be folded so that the upper inner edge 104 is substantially overlapped with the lower inner edge 106 and forms a front end 164 along a portion of the third intermediate chamber surface 103e. Thus, the first flexible diaphragm 101 is substantially overlapped with the second flexible diaphragm 102 so that the upper outer edge 105 can be placed adjacent to the lower outer edge 107.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first and second flexible membranes 101, 102 are joined along a perimeter 108 which may include a channel inlet 161. The first and second flexible membranes 101, 102 may further form at least one chamber 140 and a channel 160. It should be noted that FIG. 5 shows one version of the coil, which may be further modified by the manufacturing process to include one or more sides 142, one or more channels 143, one or more middle joints 144, and one or more side joints 145; the coil may or may not include these features. In another embodiment, the one or more middle joints 144 may extend across the entire width of the cavity 140 to prevent fluid from entering portions of the cavity. The side 142 may form a continuous bond through all of the diaphragms located therein, with the side terminating at one end defined by the intersection of the side 142 and the front end 164. In another embodiment, the side 142 forms a non-linear bond, including but not limited to a bond forming an arcuate, an elliptical, and a shape that is generally non-orthogonal relative to the fluid container 100. In one embodiment, a plurality of chambers 140 may include respective sides 142 spaced a similar distance apart so that the respective volumes of each chamber 140 are approximately the same. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a wide chamber 148 may be formed with the sides 142 spaced at different sizes from the sides forming the narrow chamber 149. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the side portion 142 may be formed in any manner suitable for the desired application and may be well stored within the fluid container 100 .

Referring now to FIG. 6 , a fluid container 100 is shown. As indicated by the flow arrows in the figure, the fluid container 100 can be configured to receive compressed fluid from a channel inlet 161. The channel 160 includes a baffle 162 formed by a third intermediate channel surface 103f, a first inner channel surface 101e, and a second inner channel surface 102e. In one embodiment, the upper outer edge 105 and the lower outer edge 107 are joined together to form an end 163; in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , the channel 160 is a pre-connected channel 172 formed by a continuous flexible diaphragm 170, wherein the end 163 is formed by a single sheet from first, second and third folds 173, 174 and 175, respectively. In the latter embodiment, related components such as the chamber 140 are also formed using a continuous flexible diaphragm 170. FIG. 6 also shows first and second valve assemblies 130 and 131, which may include first and second valve bodies 132 and 133, respectively. The first valve body 130 may be formed by a third upper valve surface 103b, a first inner valve surface 101c, and may include a plurality of upper coupling portions 134a. The second valve body 131 may be formed by a third lower valve surface 103d, a second inner valve surface 102c, and may include a plurality of lower coupling portions 134b. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , a valve body including a plurality of joint portions 134 a is formed on one side of the fluid container 100; then, the other side of the fluid container 100 may include a continuous joint seal 171 that restricts fluid flow through that side. One or more chambers 140 may similarly be formed by the first inner chamber surface 101 a, the third upper chamber surface 103 a, the third intermediate chamber surface 103 e, the third lower chamber surface 103 c, and the second inner chamber surface 102 a. In addition, the one or more chambers terminate along the closed bottom portion 141.

Still referring to FIG. 6 , when the compressed fluid enters the fluid container 100, the passage 160 begins to inflate. As the compressed fluid continues to enter the fluid container 100, the fluid penetrates through the first and second valves 132 and 133, and then flows into the space defined by one or more chambers 140, inflating and pressurizing the one or more chambers 140. Once the one or more chambers 140 are fully filled, the pressurization of the chambers 140 causes the valves to close along the fluid path, which restricts the flow of the fluid by prohibiting the fluid from seeping out through the first and second check valve assemblies. In general, the directional arrows shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 13 represent the fluid streamlines that penetrate through the fluid container 100 when it is inflated. Importantly, the design of the fluid container 100 avoids the need for the continuous seal 17 shown in the prior art in FIG. 1, thereby providing a check valve assembly 130, 131 with at least double the air flow (e.g., cubic feet per minute, or CFM) capacity, and correspondingly reducing the required inflation time to at most half the time required for conventional inflation packaging. The fluid container 100 is a product or product that can be manufactured by the method of the present invention. Advantageously, the fluid container device, system and method 100 eliminate layers and structures, thereby reducing material costs, waste and additional steps of manufacturing.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-16 , in another embodiment, the fluid container 100 may include first, second and third layers of membranes, which are labeled 101, 102 and 103, respectively. In addition, referring to FIGS. 14-16 , the fluid container 100 may include a continuous sheet with a third membrane 103 disposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 14 , as part of the manufacturing process, the first membrane 101, the second membrane 102 and the third membrane 103 may be stacked on top of each other. The first membrane 101, also as part of the manufacturing process, may be disposed at a specific angle, with portions of the membrane 101 having a specific angle relative to the edge 105 to provide exposure to the second and third membranes 102, 103 to create a connection near the lower inner edge 106 when heating and other manufacturing process applications are applied, such as a continuous flexible membrane 171. Importantly, before the manufacturing step shown in Figure 14, the first and second membranes 101, 102 can be arranged in a manner consistent with the arrangement shown in Figure 8, thereby forming the bonding portion 134a. Also in this embodiment, relative to the first and second membranes 101, 102, the arrangement can take the form of a continuous sheet.

The alternative embodiment reflected in Figures 14 to 16 is characterized in that the third flexible diaphragm 103 forms an "S" shaped cross-sectional profile, rather than the characteristic of the alternative embodiment of the present invention which may be a "U" shaped cross-sectional profile. In this way, the lower inner edge 106 can conform to the second layer of diaphragm 102 in a manner as shown in Figure 14, and the upper inner edge 104 can conform in another direction, thereby forming an "S" shaped cross-sectional profile in the assembled and/or inflated configuration as shown in Figure 16. In addition, a portion of the third flexible diaphragm 103 can include a continuous joint seal 171 on the portion coupled to the second flexible diaphragm 102, and a plurality of upper joint portions 134a can be formed on the first flexible diaphragm 101. Alternatively, this arrangement can be switched. In addition, this arrangement may include two valve components, that is, a plurality of upper coupling portions 134a may be formed on the two coupling portions of the third flexible diaphragm 103. Any combination of forming an "S" or "U" or other cross-sectional profiles is contemplated and considered within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B , an optional fluid communication function may be employed in the context of an uninflated modular fluid container 100, in an embodiment showing a port coupled to a channel inlet 161 of a channel 160. The port 180 may include a body 181 extending between a first end 182 and a second end 183. The body 181 may take any general shape or configuration, including cylindrical, tapered cylindrical, elliptical, square, rectangular, and/or may be multiple pieces or portions, for example, coupled to the channel inlet 161 by threaded connections, compression, etc. between the components. As shown, the body 181 is a tapered cylindrical profile and is coupled to the channel inlet 161 and/or the channel 160 proximate the inlet 161 by heating. Any known method of coupling or otherwise securely attaching the port 180 to the passage 160 may be employed, such as sonic welding, heat welding, adhesives, crimping, and/or coupling by a plurality of parts. The port 180 may further include a flange 184 to facilitate the inflation process, such as providing a surface or portion to clip or otherwise secure the nozzle thereto. The nozzle (not shown) may provide air or fluid to the fluid container 100 by a manual inflation method, such as using a stick, or a machine-driven method, such as using a table-top inflator. Thus, the flange 184 may be any feature disposed on the first end 182 to provide nozzle coupling so that the inflation hose and the nose tip are maintained in a desired position during the inflation process without the need for manual gripping. The port 180 may be made of any suitable material; ideally polyethylene (PE). Ideally, a single port 180 is used, but other ports 180 may be used at convenient locations, such as at the opposite end of the channel 160, or at the same end of the channel 160 and near the initial port 180. Non-limiting alternatives to PE include polycarbonate (PC) polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and recyclable products such as paper-based materials, biodegradable materials, etc. In addition, the port 180 can be formed into a rigid or semi-rigid portion by heating or otherwise manipulating the channel 160 and/or the channel inlet 161 to be suitable for receiving and accommodating a nozzle for inflating the fluid container 100. The port 180 may further include a plurality of ribs 185 disposed within at least a portion of the body 181. The ribs 185, in the embodiment of the tapered cylindrical body 181, may be adapted to form a seal at a particular depth of the nozzle and/or around the ribs 185. In this manner, nozzles of various shapes, etc. may be inserted therein to form a substantial seal as described above. Substantial herein means a seal sufficient to provide fluid to the fluid container 100 so that it is inflated within a desired time.

In operation, the port 180 may be formed or otherwise coupled to the fluid container 100 at any suitable step in the manufacturing process. The port 180 is ideally intended to remain coupled to the fluid container 100 throughout its lifespan and has the advantage of reducing the packaging time of the product protected by the fluid container 100. To inflate the fluid container 100 or fluid container product 190 (discussed below), a user or robotic machine/assembly device connects a fluid inflation source, i.e., a manual or machine-driven device, to the port 180, ensuring that it is fully penetrated to obtain the desired substantial seal. It is then inflated to the desired level, wherein an optional flange 184 may facilitate coupling the nozzle to the port 180. Once sufficient inflation is achieved, the nozzle is decoupled from the port 180 and the passage 160 equalizes pressure with the surrounding environment, inflating the chamber or chambers 140. The port 180 can then remain in the fluid container 100 or product 190 throughout its useful life. Alternatively, the port 180 can be reusable, such as in embodiments of the port 180 that include multiple parts that unscrew or are otherwise reusable.

Referring to FIG. 18 , a rectangular fluid container product 190 is shown in an inflated configuration, wherein the plurality of chambers 140 are fully inflated. As previously explained with reference to FIG. 5 , the rectangular fluid container product 190 may include modifications to the web, such as having one or more sides 142 and one or more intermediate joints 144. The plurality of joints 134, the third flexible membrane 103, and related components may be substantially located as shown, but may also be located at different portions along the rectangular fluid container product 190. Goods may be stored in the interior space surrounded by the chambers 140 through an opening (not shown) formed near the passage 160.

The fluid packaging product described in the present invention can be used for various products in various industries. For example, the flexible packaging described in the present invention can be used for the transportation of the entire consumer product industry, including but not limited to the following products: cleaning products, disinfectants, dishwashing compositions, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, fabric dyes, surface protectants, cosmetics, skin care products, hair treatment products, soaps, body scrubs, exfoliants, astringents, scrubbing detergents, depilatories, antiperspirant compositions, deodorants, shaving products , pre-shave products, after-shave products, toothpaste, mouthwash, personal care products, baby care products, feminine care products, insect repellents, food, beverages, electronic products, medical devices and products, pharmaceuticals, supplements, toys, office supplies, household products, automotive supplies, aviation supplies, agricultural supplies, clothing, shoes, jewelry, industrial products, and any other items that you may wish to ship via the mail or other package services.

In another embodiment of the present invention, packaging materials, packaging bags, packaging articles and packaging methods are used to contain food and beverages such as eggs, tofu, vegetables, fruits or milk, or daily necessities such as clothing or furniture, or fragile items such as electronic parts, precision instruments or semiconductors, and more specifically, the present invention is related to the addition of a buffer function to the packaging material itself, making it easier to pack and remove the packaging of the packaging, and also simplifying the disposal after use. Traditionally, such packaging can be referred to as cold chain transportation, which provides further insulation properties by reducing or eliminating radiant heat transfer. Such buffering may be applied to any portion of any layer or surfaces of any one or more reflective layers described herein.

Although certain structural configurations have been described in order to present the basic structure of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations are possible, and such variations still fall within the scope of the appended claims of the present invention. Other advantages and improvements are also readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative implementations shown and described herein. Therefore, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

10: Inflatable packaging system 11: Inflatable channel 12: Check valve 13: Fluid chamber 14: Side 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d: Local features 16: Continuous seal 16a: Top 16b: Bottom 17: Continuous seal 18: First layer 19: Second layer 100: Fluid container 101: First flexible diaphragm 101a: First inner chamber surface 101b: First outer chamber surface 101c: First inner valve surface 101d: First outer valve surface 101e: First inner channel surface 101f: First outer channel surface 102: Second flexible diaphragm 102a: second inner chamber surface 102b: second outer chamber surface 102c: second inner valve surface 102d: second outer valve surface 102e: second inner channel surface 102f: second outer channel surface 103: third flexible diaphragm 103a: third upper chamber surface 103b: third upper valve surface 103c: third lower chamber surface 103d: third lower valve surface 103e: third middle chamber surface 103f: third middle channel surface 104: upper inner edge 105: upper outer edge 106: lower inner edge 107: lower outer edge 108: periphery 110: first overlapping portion 111: Second overlapping part 112: Middle overlapping part 130: First check valve assembly 131: Second check valve assembly 132: First valve body 133: Second valve body 134: Joint part 134a: Upper joint part 134b: Lower joint part 140: Chamber 141: Bottom part 142: Side part 143: Channel 144: Middle joint 145: Side joint 148: Wide chamber 149: Narrow chamber 160: Channel 161: Channel entrance 162: Partition 163: End part 164: Front end 170: Flexible diaphragm 171: Continuous bond seal/continuous flexible diaphragm 172: channel 173: first fold 174: second fold 175: third fold 180: port 181: body 182: first end 183: second end 184: flange 185: rib 190: rectangular fluid container product M: arrow

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, like element symbols refer to like parts in the various drawings.

In order to better understand the present invention, the following embodiments of the present invention will be referred to and read together with the drawings, which are incorporated into the specification of the present invention and constitute a part thereof, showing certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed by the present invention and helping to explain some principles related to the disclosed embodiments together with the specification of the present invention, wherein: [Figure 1] is a plan view of a conventional inflatable packaging system according to the prior art; [Figure 2] is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of stacked flexible membrane sheets according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of multiple bonding parts according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] is a schematic perspective view of a folding direction of a third flexible membrane sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] is a schematic perspective view of a coil manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] is a schematic perspective view of an inflated fluid container having a check valve product according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of stacked flexible membranes according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of a plurality of joining parts according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] is a schematic perspective view of a partially formed coil having a continuous outer membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer membrane having a saw-toothed end portion arranged along a channel; [Figure 10] is a schematic perspective view showing the folding direction of a third flexible membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] is a schematic perspective view showing the folding direction of the third flexible diaphragm according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] is a schematic perspective view showing the coil produced according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] is a view showing an inflated fluid container with a check valve product according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] is a schematic perspective view showing the folding direction of the third flexible diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] is a schematic view showing the same, wherein the first and second flexible diaphragms are stacked relative to each other; [Figure 16] is a view showing an inflated fluid container with a check valve product; [Figure 17] Figures 17A and 17B depict an embodiment of a fluid container and/or a fluid container product including a port according to the present invention; and [Figure 18] depicts a perspective view of a rectangular fluid container product.

100: Fluid container

140: Chamber

160: Channel

161: Passage entrance

180:Port

181: Subject

182: First End

183: Second end

184: flange

Claims (24)

A fluid container device that can be inflated with compressed inert gas to protect the product therein, comprising: First and second flexible diaphragms, the first and second flexible diaphragms are stacked on each other, each of the flexible diaphragms comprising: An outer surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, and An inner surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of the portions of the outer surface corresponds to a similar portion of the inner surface, each of the inner surfaces of the first and second flexible diaphragms are oriented to face each other, and wherein the diaphragms are sealed along a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive the compressed inert gas; A third flexible diaphragm, comprising: An upper surface, and A device having an upper valve portion and a lower surface of a lower valve portion, and an intermediate channel portion disposed therebetween, the upper valve portion having an upper inner edge, the lower valve portion having a lower inner edge disposed opposite to the upper inner edge, wherein the upper valve portion is coupled with the valve portion of the first flexible diaphragm, the third flexible diaphragm is folded so that the lower valve portion faces and is coupled with the valve portion of the second flexible diaphragm, and wherein the folding of the third flexible diaphragm forms a front end that divides the channel portion into two; at least one chamber formed by the chamber portions of the first and second diaphragms and the upper surface of the third flexible diaphragm, a channel formed by the channel portions of the first and second diaphragms, the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm, and the channel inlet; and at least one first check valve assembly, including a first valve body, the first valve body being formed by the upper valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm and the valve portion of the first flexible diaphragm, the check valve assembly being further characterized by a plurality of upper coupling portions being disposed in at least a portion of the valve body, wherein the check valve assembly is configured to allow compressed inert gas to flow from the channel to the at least one chamber when the fluid container device is inflated, and wherein the check valve assembly inhibits compressed inert gas from flowing from the at least one chamber to the channel once the fluid container device is inflated. A fluid container device as described in claim 1, further comprising a port coupled to the channel inlet. A fluid container device as described in claim 1, wherein the first and second flexible diaphragms are joined together at predetermined sides to form a plurality of chambers. A fluid container device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of chambers form independent chambers and are configured to inhibit fluid communication between the plurality of chambers. A fluid container device as described in claim 1 or 3, wherein at least one of the side portions further comprises a passage configured to allow fluid communication between adjacent chambers of the plurality of chambers. A fluid container device as described in claim 1 or 3, wherein at least one chamber among the plurality of chambers includes a side located at a first distance, and another chamber among the plurality of chambers includes a side located at a second distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance. A fluid container device as described in claim 1 or 3, wherein at least one chamber among the plurality of chambers further comprises an intermediate joint. A fluid container device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the intermediate joint extends to a portion of at least one chamber among the plurality of chambers. A fluid container device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the intermediate joint extends to the entirety of at least one chamber among the plurality of chambers. A fluid container device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the middle joint forms a convex angle relative to the outer surface of the fluid container. A fluid container device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the middle joint forms a concave angle relative to the outer surface of the fluid container. A fluid container device as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one second check valve assembly, comprising a second valve body formed by the lower valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm and the valve portion of the second flexible diaphragm, wherein the check valve assembly is further characterized in that a plurality of lower coupling portions are arranged in at least a portion of the second valve body. A fluid container device as described in claim 1, further comprising a continuously bonded seal disposed between at least a portion of the lower valve portion and the valve portion of the second flexible diaphragm. The fluid container device as described in claim 1 further comprises at least one second check valve assembly, which includes a second valve body formed by the lower valve part and the valve part of the second flexible diaphragm. A fluid container device as described in claim 1, further comprising a continuous joint seal disposed between at least a portion of the lower valve portion and the valve portion of the second half. The fluid container device as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one second check valve assembly, which includes a second valve body formed by the lower valve part and the valve part of the second half. A method for manufacturing a coiled material comprises the following steps: Providing a first and a second flexible diaphragm, each of the flexible diaphragms comprising: An outer surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, and An inner surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of the portions of the outer surface corresponds to a similar portion of the inner surface, and wherein the inner channel portion of the first flexible diaphragm has an upper outer edge, and the inner channel portion of the second flexible diaphragm has a lower outer edge; Providing a third flexible diaphragm, comprising: An upper surface, and A device having an upper valve portion and a lower surface of a lower valve portion, and an intermediate channel portion disposed therebetween, the upper valve portion having an upper inner edge, the lower valve portion having a lower inner edge disposed opposite to the upper inner edge, The first, second and third flexible diaphragms are stacked to form: A first overlapping portion, which includes the upper valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm overlapped with the inner valve portion of the first flexible diaphragm, A second overlapping portion, which includes the lower valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm overlapped with the inner valve portion of the second flexible diaphragm, and a middle overlapping portion, comprising the channel portion of the outer surface of the first flexible diaphragm overlapping the channel portion of the inner surface of the second flexible diaphragm, wherein the middle channel portion of the lower surface of the third flexible diaphragm is defined by the distance between the upper outer edge of the first flexible diaphragm and the lower outer edge of the second flexible diaphragm; Joining the first overlapping portion at a plurality of upper joining positions to form a first check valve assembly; Joining the second overlapping portion at a plurality of lower joining positions to form a second check valve assembly; Folding the upper surface to overlap the upper inner edge on the lower inner edge to form a front end that divides the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm into two; and The first and second flexible diaphragms are joined along a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive the compressed inert gas, thereby forming: at least one chamber comprising the chamber portions of the first and second diaphragms and the upper surface of the third flexible diaphragm, and a channel comprising the channel portions of the first and second diaphragms, the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm, and the channel inlet. The method as described in claim 17, further comprising the following steps: Combining the first and second flexible membranes together at predetermined sides to form a plurality of chambers. The method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, further comprising the following steps: Coupling the port to the channel inlet. A fluid container device that can be inflated with a compressed inert gas to protect the product therein, comprising: a continuous flexible diaphragm, which includes a first half and a second half stacked on each other, each of the halves including: an outer surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, and an inner surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of the portions of the outer surface corresponds to a similar portion of the inner surface, each of the inner surfaces of the first and second halves are oriented to face each other, and wherein the diaphragm is sealed along a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive the compressed inert gas; a third flexible diaphragm, comprising: an upper surface, and A device having an upper valve portion and a lower surface of a lower valve portion, and a middle channel portion disposed therebetween, the upper valve portion having an upper inner edge, the lower valve having a lower inner edge disposed opposite to the upper inner edge, wherein the upper valve portion is coupled with the valve portion of the first half, the third flexible diaphragm is folded so that the lower valve portion faces and is coupled with the valve portion of the second half, and wherein the folding of the third flexible diaphragm forms a front end that divides the channel portion into two; at least one chamber formed by the chamber portion of the first and second halves and the upper surface of the third flexible diaphragm, a channel formed by the channel portion of the first and second halves, the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm, and the channel inlet; and At least one first check valve assembly includes a first valve body, the first valve body is formed by the upper valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm and the valve portion of the first half, the check valve assembly is further characterized by a plurality of upper joints disposed in at least a portion of the valve body, wherein the check valve assembly is configured to allow compressed inert gas to flow from the passage to the at least one chamber when the fluid container device is inflated, and wherein once the fluid container device is inflated, the check valve assembly inhibits compressed inert gas from flowing from the at least one chamber to the passage. A fluid container device as described in claim 20, further comprising a port coupled to the channel inlet. A method for producing a fluid-packaged product, comprising: Providing a web as described in claim 17; Folding the web along a portion of the chamber portion and in a transverse direction relative to the chamber portion to provide a receiving chamber for storing items therein; Selectively bonding a peripheral portion of the web; Inflating the web with a fluid introduced at the entrance of the channel. A method for manufacturing a coiled material, comprising the following steps: Providing a continuous flexible diaphragm, which includes a first half and a second half stacked on each other, each of the half comprising: An outer surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, and An inner surface having a channel portion, a chamber portion and a valve portion disposed therebetween, wherein each of the portions of the outer surface corresponds to a similar portion of the inner surface, each of the inner surfaces of the first and second halves are oriented to face each other, and wherein the diaphragm is sealed along a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive the compressed inert gas; A third flexible diaphragm, comprising: An upper surface, and A device having an upper valve portion and a lower surface of a lower valve portion, and a middle channel portion disposed therebetween, the upper valve portion having an upper inner edge, wherein the upper valve portion is coupled with the valve portion of the first half, the third flexible diaphragm is folded so that the lower valve portion faces and is coupled with the valve portion of the second half, and wherein the folding of the third flexible diaphragm forms a front end that divides the channel portion into two; at least one chamber formed by the chamber portion of the first and second halves and the upper surface of the third flexible diaphragm, a channel formed by the channel portion of the first and second halves, the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm, and the channel inlet; and At least one first check valve assembly, including a first valve body, the first valve body is formed by the upper valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm and the valve portion of the first half, the check valve assembly is further characterized by a plurality of upper joints disposed in at least a portion of the valve body, wherein the check valve assembly is configured to allow compressed inert gas to flow from the passage to the at least one chamber when the fluid container device is inflated, and wherein once the fluid container device is inflated, the check valve assembly inhibits compressed inert gas from flowing from the at least one chamber to the passage, the first half, the second half and the third flexible diaphragm are stacked to form: a first overlapping portion, comprising the upper valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm overlapping the inner valve portion of the first half, a second overlapping portion, comprising the lower valve portion of the third flexible diaphragm overlapping the inner valve portion of the second valve, and an intermediate overlapping portion, comprising the channel portion of the outer surface of the first half overlapping the channel portion of the inner surface of the second half, wherein the intermediate channel portion of the lower surface of the third flexible diaphragm is defined by the distance between the upper outer edge of the first half and the lower outer edge of the second half; combining the first overlapping portion at a plurality of upper combining positions to form a first check valve assembly; Joining the second overlapping portion at a plurality of lower joining locations to form a second check valve assembly; Folding the upper surface to overlap the upper inner edge over the lower inner edge to form a leading end that divides the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm into two; and Joining the first and second halves along a periphery having a channel inlet configured to receive the compressed inert gas to form: At least one chamber including the chamber portions of the first and second diaphragms and the upper surface of the third flexible diaphragm, and A channel including the channel portions of the first and second halves, the middle channel portion of the third flexible diaphragm, and the channel inlet. A method for producing a fluid-packaged product, comprising: Providing a web as described in claim 21; Folding the web along a portion of the chamber portion and in a transverse direction relative to the chamber portion to provide a receiving chamber for storing items therein; Selectively bonding a peripheral portion of the web; Inflating the web with a fluid introduced at the entrance of the channel.