WO2012052997A2

WO2012052997A2 - Inflatable article and method for its manufacturing

Info

Publication number: WO2012052997A2
Application number: PCT/IL2011/000819
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erling Vangedal-Nielsen; Guy Finfter; Yair Gellis
Original assignee: D.I.P. Plastic Industries Ltd.
Priority date: 2010-10-20
Filing date: 2011-10-11
Publication date: 2012-04-26
Also published as: WO2012052997A3

Abstract

An inflatable article of manufacture including a first and a second external sheet layer securely sealed together, defining an inflatable space therebetweeen, further include a fluid one-way inlet port. The first and second sheets configured to receive a print, such as advertising material. The article is furthermore configured to be a single use article, constituted substantially entirely from environmentally friendly materials.

Description

INFLATABLE ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURING

FIELD OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable article, a process of its manufacture and a method of using the same.

Long distance travelers, whether the mode of travel be a plane, train, bus or automobile, are all plagued with a common problem - getting comfortable in a seat for hours on end. Often, travelers wish to snooze or sleep during these journeys and find that they are either jerked awake when the head lolls forward, or fall asleep in an uncomfortable position and wake up with neck pain.

Airlines and railway services have spent money effort and energy in solving this discomfort, but none of the adjustable and otherwise improved headrests provide an adequate solution. The use of inflatable neck pillows has become quite ubiquitous, especially amongst frequent travelers. In an effort to increase comfort, neck or travel pillow manufacturers have created inflatable pillows covered with clever contours and pleasing fabric.

Advertisers have been excluded from using this article as a vehicle for advertising due to the high cost of printing and difficulty in printing on the standard/existing inflatable pillows. Embossing or printing logos on the pillows is either impractical (as contact with the head and neck rubs the printing / lettering off) or uncomfortable (imprinting on the pillow fabric changes the topography of pillow fabric and makes the fabric less comfortable). Only small areas of the pillow are used (such as the ends protruding outwards on each side of the neck), if at all, for printing logos and other advertising material.

It would be highly advantageous to have an inflatable article which is configured in such a manner so as to maximize the advertising potential thereof. With a low manufacture cost, the inflatable article can be freely distributed by an airline, railway or bus company, where the costs for manufacture are covered by the advertisers. Furthermore, providing a single-use and substantially completely recyclable advertising platform increases the manufacturing demand and hence potential for profit. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to an inflatable article and a method for forming the same. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a process of using the article for marketing, advertising purposes is disclosed.

An article in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter comprises: a first external sheet material having an outside face and an inside face;

a second external sheet material configured with a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the first sheet material, having an outside face and an inside face;

first and second sheet materials are sealingly secured to one another along a predetermined shape defining between them a sealed, inflatable space;

a fluid inlet port for admitting fluid into the space and an arrangement for preventing fluid outflow; and

a treated printing area, located on at least a portion of the first external sheet and said second external sheet, where the printing area has been treated, for example by Corona treatment, in order to enhance reception of a print on the desired area.

in some embodiments, at least one intermediate layer of binding agent disposed between the first and second sheet material along the predetermined shape configured for facilitating a sealing attachment of the first sheet material to the second sheet material.

The sheet material may be attached to one another by heat welding, adhesion or a combination thereof, etc. Where heat welding is applied, molten material may be the inner surfaces of the sheet material or the at least one intermediate layer.

In accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter at least one of the first and second layers of sheet material bear a print at the inside face, i.e. applied by a reverse printing for which there is no chance that the print will rub off on a user. According to yet an embodiment, the print may be applied on the outer surface of the at least one of the first and second layers of sheet material.

According to the presently disclosed subject matter, the article is configured as a pillow, neck pillow, limb support or any other type of cushioning articles. The article in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter may for example be a pillow, suitable for use by a user on airplanes or other vehicles.

The article in accordance with one embodiment may be formed to assume a generally C-like shaped configuration, e.g. a shape of a neck pillow. From hereon reference will be made to the C-like shaped, neck pillow; however it should be appreciated that other geometrical shapes of the article are envisioned.

In accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the sheet material forming the first and second sheet materials may be made of or applied with a plastic material substantially impermeable to fluid. The sheet material may be polyethylene, LDPE, MDPE or HDPE or any other adherable or weldable foil material, plastics or polymer foil material or aluminum foil material or combinations of such materials.

In accordance with yet an embodiment of the invention, the at least one intermediate layer of sheet material is sandwiched between the first and second layers of the article. According to yet an embodiment, the article may be provided with two additional layers of sheet material. Such an intermediate layer may be provided to facilitate welding of the layers of the article. Such a layer may be a LDPE, which may have a lesser thickness than the outer layers of the article, so as not to compromise the flexibility of the article. The one or more intermediate layers may assume the shape of the first and second sheet materials or may extend only at portions of the article where the first and second layers are attached to each other.

In a deflated state the article in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter is substantially flat and volumeless and may be conveniently carried, folded or stored in a minimal space. However, when the intermediate layer co-extends between the first and second sheet materials, small, residual amount of fluid may extend therebetween, imparting the article in its inflated state with a softening effect.

The article may be configured at its fluid inlet opening/port with a self sealing valve, adapted to seal the inflation port following the inflation of the article. The sealable valve in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may be constituted by prolongations or extensions of the first and second layers of the sheet material, said prolongations defining turned-in parts extending into said inflatable chamber and being joined together for providing two pockets for establishing a self-sealing valve at said inflation port. According to another embodiment, self sealing valve may be similar to the valves described in EP 1170225, EP 131 1441 and EP 1834546, contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, there may be provided a valve rendering the article a multi use article. According to one particular embodiment, an inflating tube is integrally configured for inflation of the article, where following inflation, fluid pressure is retained within the article e.g. by knotting the tube.

The article in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may further comprise a pressure regulating arrangement adapted to relieve excessive pressure applied to the article, e.g. due to changes in atmospheric pressure.

The article in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may comprise a free edge (with the layers of the sheet material unattached) at least partially surrounding the periphery thereof formed by joining the layers inwards from the outer edges of the sheet material.

In accordance with one embodiment perforations or cuttings may be formed on the edge of the article such as to facilitate easy rupture and deflation thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the pressure regulating arrangement is a bladder being in flow communication with the inner space of the article through a relief valve extending therebetween and designed to spontaneously open and facilitate fluid flow from the inner space into the bladder. In accordance with one particular embodiment, the bladder is open to the environment directly or through a flow retarding arrangement, such as a labyrinth, a micro puncture or a valve. The relief valve may be for example a weakened weld portion between the layers.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the pillow may be at least partially fitted with a convenience layer configured to enclose at least a portion of the pillow coming in contact with the user during its use. Such a convenience layer may be of a fabric such as cotton, synthetic material, woven or non woven material.

According to an embodiment, such a convenience layer may be applied to the pillow during the manufacturing process. According to this embodiment, such convenience layer may be provided at the inner section of the C-like shape of the pillow and may be configured to overlap the inner rim of the pillow in contact with a neck of the user.

According to an embodiment, the convenience layer at the inner section is in a form of at least two ply flaps, which when in use are opened to extend over the inner rim of the C-like shaped pillow, so as to at least partially enclose the surface area in contact with a neck of a user.

According to yet an embodiment of the invention, the convenience layer constitutes an innermost layer, at least partially coextending over the first and second sheet materials, sandwiched therebetween and the intermediate bonding agent. In accordance with yet an embodiment, at least a portion of the surface area of the pillow and/or its edges may further be provided with an advertising material. According to one embodiment, the advertising material is visible on the outer surface of the pillow. Such a material may be printed on either or both sides of the pillow. According to another embodiment, advertising material is applied to the sheet material on the inside. The advertising material may be applied over inflatable surfaces of the article or over flap portions detachable from the article serving as coupons to be used by the user or a combination thereof. The coupons may be detachable by forming perforations or cuttings around the periphery thereof.

The advertising material may for example be printed on the sheet material prior to, during or following the manufacturing process. The sheet material at the inner section formed by the C-like shape may be provided with one or more of such coupons.

In accordance with any of the embodiments mentioned herein, the inflatable article is constituted substantially entirely from "environmentally friendly" materials and provide a low volume of waste. The term "environmentally friendly" refers to materials that can be cheaply and easily recycled and/or are [therefore] commonly recycled.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method of manufacturing the inflatable article is provided. The method comprising:

i) providing a continuous web of a sheet material;

ii) providing a binding agent;

iii) moving the sheet material and the binding agent in register along the longitudinal direction of the sheet material;

iv) folding at least the sheet material parallel to the longitudinal direction of the web into a two-ply assembly defining two layers of substantially identical shape and sandwiching the binding agent therebetween;

v) attaching the layers of the assembly to one another such as to form the desired shape of the article while forming an inlet port with an outflow preventing arrangement.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the layers may be attached by welding, through application of an adhesive or a glue or in a combination of a welding and adhesive application.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, the inlet port of step v is faci litated by providing prolongations of the sheet material layers, said prolongations defining turned-in parts extending into an inflatable chamber formed by the attachment of the layers, the prolongations being joined together for providing two closure pockets for establishing a self-closure valve at the inlet port.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the method may further comprise the step of applying print at least over a portion thereof. In accordance with this embodiment, in order to facilitate application of the print on the sheet, the sheet is partially treated prior to step i or iii of the method. Such a treatment may for example be achieved by a Corona treatment. In order to allow the layers of the sheet material to be attached together, e.g. by welding, the areas to be attached are essentially not treated or treated at a lesser degree.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the binding agent may be constituted by at least one layer of an untreated material provided between the two layers of the sheet material. Such at least one layer may be used to facilitate attachment of the edges of the two layers.

According to another example, at least one layer of a convenience layer, e.g. a non- woven sheet material is provided to coextend over at least a portion of the secured edge.

The web of sheet material may be constituted by a single layer or a multilayer plastic material substantially impermeable to fluid, or alternatively the continuous sheet material web may be composed of more than one layer of sheets of the same or different plastic material.

According to yet an embodiment, the article may be provided with at least partially extending thereon seal. The seal is provided to attach the layers of the article so as to at least partially compartmentalize the inflatable space of the article. In accordance with this embodiment, when in the inflated state, the inflation fluid is compartmentalized so as to afford additional flexibility to compartmentalized sections in order to enhance comfort to the user and in addition, so as not to exert pressure on the outer rims of the article when in use. In accordance with an example, the compartments may be not fully sealed and inflation fluid may circulate therethrough. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. 1A-1B are illustrations of an article in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 2 is an illustration of an article in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 3A is an illustration of a layout of a sheet material in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 3B is an illustration of a step in the process of forming the article in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 3C is an illustration of a further step in the process of forming the article in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 4A is an illustration of a sheet material web in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 4B is an illustration of a layout of a sheet material for forming the article in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter; and Figs. 5 A and 5B illustrate an article in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Presently disclosed subject matter is directed to inflatable article, a process of producing the article and a method of using the same for marketing/advertising purposes.

Figs. 1A and IB are illustrations of an article, generally designated 100, in accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The article 100 is in a form of a C-like shape, neck pillow.

The article 100 comprises a first external sheet material 102 having an outside face and an inside face 103 (visible as first external sheet material 102 is transparent prior to receiving a print, such as and advertising print) and a second external sheet material 104 configured with a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the first sheet material 102, having an outside face and an inside face 105. The first 102 and second 104 sheet materials are sealingly secured to one another along a predetermined shape defining between them a sealed, inflatable space. The article 100 is configured with a fluid inlet port 120 for admitting fluid into the space and an arrangement for preventing fluid outflow. The article in accordance with this example is further provided with a two intermediate layers 106 and 108 of sheet material constituting a binding agent disposed between the first 102 and second 104 sheet materials.

The first 102 and second 104 layers are welded together to form the C-like shape of the article except for a peripheral area 130 constituting an inlet opening 120. The inlet opening 120 according to this example is configured to function as a self sealing valve.

The valve in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter may be constituted by prolongations or extensions of said layers of the sheet material, turned-in to extend into the inflatable chamber of the article for providing two pockets for establishing a self-sealing valve at said inflation port. Self sealing valve may be similar to the valves described e.g. in EP 1 170225, EP 1311441 and EP 1834546, contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with this example, the article 100 is further fitted with two layers of convenience sheet material 150A and 150B sandwiched between the layers of the intermediate material 106 and 108. The layers may be welded along the predetermined shape or may be attached by means of an adhesive material or a combination thereof.

As seen in Fig. IB, the layers forming the article, extend towards the inward section 150 of the C-like shape. In accordance with this example, the extending portions are in a form of flaps 154A, 154B and 154C. In use the flaps may either be removed or folded at least over a rim 140 of the inner section of the pillow so as to overlap at least a portion thereof, as indicated by the dotted lines 152.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of an article 200 in accordance with yet an example of the invention, differing from the article 100 in that it comprises a pressure regulating arrangement 220.

In accordance with this example, the pressure regulating arrangement 220 is in the form of a bladder 225 in a flow communication with the inner space of the article through a relief valve 226A in a form of a weakened weld portion. The bladder 225 in accordance with this example is formed with a gradually decreasing diameter.

The pressure regulating mechanism 220 in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter is such that when the relative air pressure between the inside and the outside of the article 200 remains at an equilibrium state no air will exit through the channel bladder. When the equilibrium is obstructed, e.g. due to altitude or cabin pressurization changes, pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the relief valve 226B is activated and air will be slowly released through the bladder 225 so as to regulate the air pressure within the space and will stop when reaching equilibrium, thus preventing explosion of the article 200.

The article 200 is further fitted with an advertising material at least on the flaps 250 of the sheet material formed at the inner space 240 defined by the C-like shape of the article 200.

The advertising material according to the disclosed subject matter may be provided on any portion of the article (the sheet material or the convenience layer material or both) at a designated print area. The advertising material may be provided before, during or after the manufacturing process. The advertising material may for example be in a form of a detachable coupon for the use of the user, as illustrated in Fig. 2. In order to facilitate tearing off of such a coupon, perforations or cuttings 260 are formed around it.

In accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, the article may be made from a plastic material substantially impermeable to liquid and/or gas. The sheet material may be polyethylene, LDPE, MDPE or HDPE or any other adherable or weldable foil material, plastics or polymer foil material or aluminum foil material or combinations of such materials.

The article in accordance with an example of the invention is a disposable article. The article is configured to be deflated in a manner that precludes inflation. To deflate the article 200, an opening should be formed at the welded portions thereof. For such a purpose, the article may for example be provided with perforations or cuttings 215 (seen in Fig. 2) which in operation are torn to deflate the article.

It is clear that the advertising materials and features mentioned in regard to article 200 can be partially or equally applied to article 100. The same is true for the types materials mentioned and the features provided to allow easy deflation of the article.

The article in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter may be formed from a printed sheet material. In accordance with an example the article is formed from a multiple polyethylene material. To facilitate better printing effect, a printable portion of the sheet is treated prior to the application of the print, e.g. by corona treatment. In order to facilitate welding of the edges of the sheet material, only part of the sheet is treated and the rest of the area is either treated to a lesser extent or is left untreated, as the treatment renders the sheet substantially un-weldable. One example of a layout of the treated sheet material 300 is illustrated in Fig. 3. In accordance with this example, only the central section 320 of the sheet 300 is treated so as to receive a print thereon. As seen in Fig. 3, the side portions 330A and 330B are left untreated and constitute the prolongations that form the self-sealing valve at the inflation port. The print may cover any portion of the sheet material and may be of any desired shape and size. Fig. 4B illustrates a sheet material which is configured with a printed area to suit a C-shaped neck pillow.

In operation, the sheet 300 is cut of a sheet material web 488 seen in Fig. 4A. The sheet 300 is then folded in half over the dotted line 350 in the direction of arrow A. As illustrated in Fig. 3B, the untreated areas 330A and 330B are turned-in in the direction of arrow B to extend between the two layers of the folded sheet 300. The edges 315 of the sheet are then welded together in a desired shape, such that the turned- in portions of the sheet constitute two pockets (not seen) on the inside of the folded sheet. As seen in Fig. 3C, the two layers are partially joined at the edge 316 constituted by the edge 316 of the turned in portions so as to form an opening 360 constituting an inflation port and establishing a self-sealing valve at the inflation port.

In accordance with an example of the invention, prior to welding of the edges 315 and 316, at least one additional layer of sheet material is sandwiched between the outer layers of the article (not shown). Such an inner layer is provided to facilitate better welding of the layers of the article, which were treated to facilitate printing on the surface thereof. Such a layer may be a LDPE, which may have a lesser thickness than the outer layers of the article so as not to compromise the flexibility of the article. In a further example, two inner layers are added, sandwiched in between the two outer layers which have been treated for (and potentially received) printing. In this example, the two inner layers define the inflatable area into which the inflation port admits fluid/gas. The two inner layers may also be a single sheet folded in the same manner is sheet 300.

Yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated in Figs. 5A and 5B. In accordance with this example, an article, generally designated 400 is substantially similar in structure to the article 200 described in Fig 2. The article 400 differs in that it is provided with two diagonal seals 480 and 490 provided thereon and attaching the layers of the article, e.g. by welding. The seals in accordance with the illustrated example do not extend over the entire diagonal of the article but rather are provided over a portion thereof so as to allow the inflation fluid to circulate through the inner space of the article. The diagonal attachments 480 and 490 are provided so as to compartmentalize the inflatable space of the article 400. Such seals may be provided for example to reduce the pressure exerted by the inflation fluid within the inflatable space of the article 400 over the over the rim 445 of the inner section 440 of the article. Although the example illustrates two diagonal seals, it will be appreciated that the number and orientation of seals may vary. Fig. 5B depicts the article 400 an in inflated state. According to another example, at least one seal may be provided so as to contact at least two edges of the article, e.g. extending vertically, horizontally, diagonally or in a combination thereof. In accordance with such an example, the compartments that result from such a seal may each be provided with a separate inflation valve and release valve (not shown).

Whilst some examples have been described and illustrated with reference to some drawings, it will be appreciated that many changes may be made therein without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention, mutatis, mutandis.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a. a first external sheet material having an outside face and an inside face;

b. a second external sheet material, configured with a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of said first external sheet, having an outside face and an inside face, wherein said first and said second sheet materials are sealingly secured to one another along a predetermined shape, defining a sealed, inflatable space therebetween;

c. a fluid inlet port for admitting fluid into said space including an arrangement for preventing fluid outflow; and

d. a treated printing area, located on at least a portion of said first and second sheets, said treated printing area being an area treated so as to enhance reception of a print on said area.

2. The article^' of claim 1, wherein said sheet material forming said first and second sheet materials is substantially impermeable to fluid.

3. The article of claim 1 , wherein said first and second sheet material includes material selected from the group including: polyethylene, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, adherable foil material, weldable foil material, plastic foil material, polymer foil material, aluminum foil material, a combination of at least two of the aforementioned materials.

4. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape is a C-like shape, configured to support a neck when in an inflated state, providing said article with an inflatable portion and at least one flap portion.

5 The article of manufacture of claim 4, wherein a print advertising material is applied at least to said at least one flap portion provided in an inner section of said C-like shaped inflatable portion.

6. The business method of claim 5, wherein said at least one printed flap portion is detachable from said article, serving as at least one coupon.

7. The article of claim 4, further comprising:

e. at least one intermediate layer of binding agent disposed between said first and second sheet material along said predetermined shape configured to facilitate a sealing attachment of said first sheet material to said second sheet material.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein said sealing attachment is effected using a method selected from the group including: heat welding, adhesion, a combination thereof.

9. The article of claim 8, wherein said sealing attachment is effected by said heat welding, said at least one intermediate layer of binding agent disposed between said first and second sheet material includes material selected from the group including: polyethylene, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, adherable foil material, weldable foil material, plastic foil material, polymer foil material, aluminum foil material, a combination of at least two of the aforementioned materials.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein a residual amount of fluid extents between said at least one intermediate layer and said first and second external sheets, imparting the article in an inflated state with a softening effect.

1 1. The article of claim 9 wherein, two of said intermediate layers of binding agent disposed between said first and second sheet material, sealingly secured to one another along said predetermined shape, define a further sealed, inflatable space therebetween.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein said treated printing area bears a print at said inside face, i.e. applied by a reverse printing.

13. The article of claim 4, further comprising:

f. a convenience layer, at least partially fitted therein, said convenience layer configured to enclose at least a portion of the article coming in contact with a user during use.

14. The article of claim 13, wherein said convenience layer is a fabric including material selected from the group including: cotton, synthetic material, woven material and non-woven material.

15. The article of manufacture of claim 14, wherein said article having said C- like shape is further at least partially fitted with a convenience layer configured to enclose at least a portion of said article coming in contact with a user during use.

16. The article of manufacture of claim 15, wherein said convenience layer is provided at an inner section of said C-like shape of said article wherein said convenience layer is configured to overlap an inner rim of said inflatable portion coming in contact with a neck of said user during use.

17. The article of manufacture of claim 16, wherein said convenience layer constitutes an innermost layer, at least partially coextending over said first and second sheet materials, sandwiched therebetween.

18. The article of claim 1, wherein said arrangement for preventing fluid outflow includes a self sealing valve, adapted to seal said inflation port following inflation of the article.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein said self sealing valve is constituted at least by prolongations of said first and second layers of said external sheet material, said prolongations defining turned- in parts extending into said inflatable space and being joined together for providing two pockets for establishing said self-sealing valve at said inflation port.

20. The article of claim 18, wherein said self sealing valve includes an inflating tube integrally configured for inflation of the article, where following inflation, fluid pressure is retained within the article by sealing said inflating tube.

21. The article of claim 1, wherein said treated printing portion covers a surface area of between 5% and 95% of the article.

22. The article of claim 1 , wherein said treated printing portion is transparent prior to receiving a print.

23. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a. a first external sheet material having an outside face and an inside face;

b. a second external sheet material, configured with a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of said first external sheet, having an outside face and an inside face, wherein said first and said second sheet materials are sealingly secured to one another along a predetermined shape, defining a sealed, inflatable space therebetween; and

c. a fluid inlet port for admitting fluid into said space including an arrangement for preventing fluid outflow;

wherein the article is configured to be deflated in a manner that precludes inflation.

24. The article of claim 23, wherein the article further includes perforations which in operation are torn to deflate the article.

25. The article of claim 23, wherein said sheet material forming said first and second sheet materials is substantially impermeable to fluid.

26. The article of claim 23, further comprising:

d. at least one intermediate layer of binding agent disposed between said first and second sheet material along said predetermined shape configured to facilitate a sealing attachment of said first sheet material to said second sheet material.

27. The article of claim 26, wherein said sealing attachment is effected using a method selected from the group including: heat welding, adhesion, a combination thereof.

28. The article of claim 27, wherein said sealing attachment is effected by said heat welding, said at least one intermediate layer of binding agent disposed between said first and second sheet material includes material selected from the group including: polyethylene, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, adherable foil materia], weldable foil material, plastic foil material, polymer foil material, aluminum foil material, a combination of at least two of the aforementioned materials.

29. The article of claim 28 wherein, two of said intermediate layers of binding agent disposed between said first and second sheet material, sealingly secured to one another along said predetermined shape, define a further sealed, inflatable space therebetween.

30. The article of claim 23, further comprising:

d. a treated printing area, located on at least a portion of said first external sheet and said second external sheet, said treated printing area being an area treated so as to enhance reception of print on said area.

31. The article of claim 30, wherein said treated printing area bears a print at said inside face, i.e. applied by a reverse printing.

32. The article of claim 23, further comprising:

d. a convenience layer, at least partially fitted therein, said convenience layer configured to enclose at least a portion of the article coming in contact with a user during use.

33. The article of claim 32, wherein said convenience layer is a fabric including material selected from the group including: cotton, synthetic materia], woven materia] and non-woven materia].

34. The article of claim 23, wherein said arrangement for preventing fluid outflow includes a self sealing valve, adapted to seal said inflation port following inflation of the article.

35. The article of claim 34, wherein said self sealing valve is constituted at least by prolongations of said first and second layers of said external sheet material, said prolongations defining turned-in parts extending into said inflatable space and being joined together for providing two pockets for establishing said self-sealing valve at said inflation port.

36. The article of claim 30, wherein said treated printing portion covers a surface area of between 5% and 95% of the article.

37. The article of claim 23, wherein the article provided with at least partially extending thereon seal, said seal provided to attach said first and second external layers so as to at least partially compartmentalize said inflatable space of the article.

38. The article of claim 37, wherein, when in an inflated state, inflation fluid is compartmentalized so as to enhance flexibility of the article.

39. A business method, comprising the steps of:

a. treating at least a portion of a first external sheet material having an outside face and an inside face and a second external sheet material having an outside face and an inside face, so as to enhance reception of a print on said treated portion, wherein said print includes advertising material;

b. manufacturing an inflatable article, wherein said manufacturing includes, sealingly securing said first and second sheet materials to one another along a predetermined shape, defining a sealed, inflatable space therebetween; and

c. providing a fluid inlet port for admitting fluid into said space including an arrangement for preventing fluid outflow, wherein said article is configured to be deflated in a manner that precludes inflation.

40. The business method of claim 39, wherein said predetermined shape is a C- like shape, configured to support a neck when in an inflated state, providing said article with an inflatable portion and at least one flap portion.

41. The business method of claim 40, wherein said print advertising material is applied to said inflatable portion.

42. The business method of claim 41, wherein said print advertising material is applied at least to said at least one flap portion provided in an inner section of said C-like shaped inflatable portion.

43. The business method of claim 42, wherein said at least one printed flap portion is detachable from said article, serving as at least one coupon.

44. The business method of claim 43, wherein said at least one coupon is detachable by forming perforations or cuttings around a periphery thereof.

45. The business method of claim 39, wherein said treated portion is on said inside face of said first and second sheet material and wherein said advertising material is printed on said treated portion prior to manufacture of said article.

46. An article of manufacture, comprising:

a. a first external sheet material having an outside face and an inside face;

d. a pressure regulating arrangement adapted to relieve excessive pressure applied to the article.

47. The article of claim 46, wherein said pressure regulating arrangement is a bladder being in flow communication with said inner space of the article through a relief valve extending therebetween, wherein said relief valve is designed to spontaneously open in order to facilitate fluid flow from said inner space into said bladder.

48. The article of claim 47, wherein said bladder is open to an environment via at least one arrangement selected from the group including: a direct arrangement, a flow retarding arrangement including a labyrinth, a flow retarding arrangement including a micro puncture, and a flow retarding arrangement including a valve.

49. The article of claim 47, wherein said relief valve is a weakened weld portion between at least said first and second sheet material.