Apparatus for Inflating an Inflatable mailer

摘要

The invention is an inflatable mailer (10) having a liner (20) that can be inflated at the point of use. The liner (20) includes a series of inflatable chambers (116) that are in fluid communication with a common channel (104). A controlled volume of gas is disposed in the liner (20). The gas is sufficient to inflate the common channel (104) but is not sufficient to appreciably inflate the inflatable chambers (116). As a result, the inflatable mailer (10) is in a relatively compact state. The invention includes an apparatus (200) for inflating the mailer (10). The apparatus includes a nip (202) for moving the controlled volume of gas into the common channel (104); an inflation nozzle (230) adapted to pierce the inflated common channel (104) and introduce a second portion of gas into the liner until the liner is inflated to a desired level; and a sealing device (270) to seal the inflated liner.