Inflatable air cushion

Updated on Nov 12, 2023

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An inflatable air cushion is a bag of fabric or plastic that can be inflated to provide cushioning. Unlike Bubble Wrap, inflatable air cushions have a check valve to allow the cushion to be inflated or sometimes deflated.

History

Before 2002, inflatable air cushions used a single check valve as described in US patent 5445274 . However if one part of the cushion was punctured then this packaging would completely deflate. In 2002, several types of continuously independent one way air valve films were introduced, such as US patent 6913803, "One-way valve for inflatable package" by 3M. These patents incorporated a one way air valve film, which can be produced continuously and independently. If one air tube is punctured, the other air tubes will still remain inflated.

Concept

A modern cushion is made out of two layers of PE films with air valve film in between, and heat pressed with high temperature mold to melt them together and create air tubes and shapes, so inflatable air cushions can have a variety of styles and types.

The cushion can be shipped flat and inflated as needed. Once inflated the continuous check valve seals each tube from the others.

The air pressure inside each of the inflated air cushions is greater than the atmosphere pressure, providing strong compressive strength and flexibility.