Inflatable package cushioning and method of using same
First Claim
1. A method for charging an inflatable cushion systems, said system having a plurality of inflatable chambers having one-way inflation valves aligned in rows along a common tool guideway, said method comprising:
- inserting into said common tool guideway a tool comprising;
1) a main hollow body having an axis, a tapered closed first end and a plurality of paired openings spaced in the direction of the axis at a distance corresponding to the spacing of said chambers;
2) a second body portion attached to said main hollow body at an angle to said first axis and having a longitudinal opening communicating with said hollow portion of said main hollow body;
introducing a fluid through said second body portion and through said main hollow body into said inflatable chambers; and
separating said rows of inflatable chambers along said common tool guideway to advance said tool along said plurality of inflatable chambers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inflatable cushioning system with separate inflatable cushioning chambers a common tool guideway and a common air inlet. The inflatable cushioning chambers each have an inflation port. The common air inlet is in fluid communication with each of the inflatable cushioning chambers. During inflation, pressurized air is inserted into the common air inlet. The pressurized air then enters the individual cushioning chambers through the inflation ports. The inflatable cushioning system is inflated using a multi-purpose inflation tool having a body with a main portion and a second portion, the second portion being connected to the main portion and both portions having hollow interiors. The second portion of the tool having a connecting means for connecting the tool to an external pressurized air source. The tool also having a blade connected to said main portion for cutting the tool guideway as the tool is advanced through the tool guideway. The tool also has a plurality of apertures in the main portion for providing fluid into the inflatable cushioning system.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for charging an inflatable cushion systems, said system having a plurality of inflatable chambers having one-way inflation valves aligned in rows along a common tool guideway, said method comprising:
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inserting into said common tool guideway a tool comprising;
1) a main hollow body having an axis, a tapered closed first end and a plurality of paired openings spaced in the direction of the axis at a distance corresponding to the spacing of said chambers;
2) a second body portion attached to said main hollow body at an angle to said first axis and having a longitudinal opening communicating with said hollow portion of said main hollow body;
introducing a fluid through said second body portion and through said main hollow body into said inflatable chambers; and
separating said rows of inflatable chambers along said common tool guideway to advance said tool along said plurality of inflatable chambers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A multi-purpose tool for inflating an inflatable cushion system, said system having a) a plurality of inflatable chambers having one-way inflation valves and b) a common tool guideway between paired rows of chambers, said tool comprising:
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1) a main hollow body having an axis, a tapered closed first end and a plurality of paired openings spaced in the direction of the axis a distance corresponding to the spacing of said chambers;
2) a second body portion attached to said main hollow body at an angle to said first axis and having a longitudinal opening communicating with said hollow portion of said main hollow body; and
3) means for separating said common tool guideway after said chambers have been inflated. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification