You can freely build on How Bubble Wrap Is Manufactured
This patent expired in 1981. Every claim — 1 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Sealed Air Corp
Patent granted
1964
Expired
1981
Forward citations
185
What this patent covers
The patent describes a continuous manufacturing process for creating air-filled cushioning material. A thermoplastic film is heated to a specific temperature—soft enough to be shaped but not hot enough to melt—and pressed into a roller with discrete depressions to form bubbles. A second film is then heated and sealed over the first, trapping air within the embossed pockets to create a protective, flexible material.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 3142599 are in the public domain. Specifically:
Claim 1: THE METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS FABRICATION OF CUSHIONING MATERIAL — 1 specific element
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover the use of non-thermoplastic materials like paper or fabric.
Does not cover methods that do not use a female molding roller with discrete depressions.
Does not cover the specific chemical composition of the plastic used, only the mechanical process of forming and sealing.
Who is building on this today
Sealed Air Corporation remains the primary manufacturer and holder of the Bubble Wrap trademark. Various global packaging firms continue to refine the material's durability and sustainability by using recycled plastics.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Bubble Wrap brand packaging material
Standard protective shipping mailers
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Sealed Air Corp. US Patent 3142599. Method for making laminated cushioning material. Granted 1964, expired 1981. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.