Inflatable packaging

Abstract

A packaging for all kinds of objects with an at least partially flexible cover, which at least partially surrounds the object to be packaged, wherein the flexible cover at least partially limits or encloses one or more gas chambers, which are filled with a gaseous medium and preferably may be emptied such that they are refillable, wherein the gas chamber(s), define a packaging space in which the object to be packaged may be accommodated, wherein an outer cover made from a rigid or from an inherently flexible material is provided, which is dimensionally stable under stress in the inflated state, such that compressive forces may be accommodated via the outer cover, wherein the packaging space is largely retained in the empty state under compressive load. The invention further concerns a method for packaging objects with a packaging of this kind as well as a method for manufacturing such packaging.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 773,833 filed Feb. 16, 2006 entitled INFLATABLE PACKAGING.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns packaging and a method for packaging all kinds of objects with such packaging and a method for producing such packaging.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Diverse types of packaging for all kinds of objects are known from the prior art, wherein the different packagings are matched to the corresponding requirements. Aside from simple cardboard packaging with polystyrene inserts, paper inlays and the like, so-called air-chamber mats are known in which a plurality of air chambers are arranged in a plastic film, such that, when such an air-chamber mat is used as packaging, the packaged object is protected against direct impact by the air chambers.[0004]However, for use in packaging, such air-chamber mats must be wrapped around the objects to be packaged...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]An aspect of the present invention starts with the knowledge that effective packaging in which air or gas chambers are used for the protection and damping of the object to be packaged can be achieved by forming one or more gas chambers with the packaging purpose in mind in order that a packaging space for accommodating the object to be packaged may be defined. Accordingly, in accordance with an aspect of the packaging of the invention, a flexible cover is at least partially provided, which partially limits or surrounds the gas chamber(s) at least on the packaging space side in order that it may be inflated accordingly by filling with a gaseous medium. The outer cover here may either be inherently rigid or also formed by a flexible cover, which derives its stability from filling with a gaseous medium combined with corresponding extension due to the pressure of the gaseous medium. The gas chamber(s) are designed such that the packaging can accommodate compressive forces, which are accommodatable via the outer cover or the gas chambers, without the packaging space totally losing its contour when empty. In other words, the contours and shapes of the gas chamber(s) and especially their mutual arrangement, ensures that conventional compressive loads are accommodated by the outer cover or the gas chambers, without the packaged object itself being exposed to the compressive load. The gas chamber(s) can therefore form(s) a self-supporting structure around the packaging space. For example, this proceeds by forming the gas chambers in the shape of walls for the packaging in the manner of a can or a box. Additional gas chambers may tightly envelop the packaged object at the packaging space side. Overall, therefore, the packaging space is formed as a dimensionally stable cavity.

[0017]The packaging of the invention enables objects to be packaged in such a way that the packaging is initially provided in an uninflated state, with when the outer cover and packaging space limitation are completely flexible, a highly space-saving possibility for transporting the packaging to the point of use being feasible.

Problems solved by technology

This involves considerable outlay on work and leads to thoroughly unattractive packaging.

Moreover, these are hard to handle, such that they mostly have to be incorporated into additional packaging, such as a box and the like.

The disadvantage here, however, is that only small, flat objects can be packaged which furthermore cannot withstand large compressive loads, because the packaged object then has to accommodate the compressive forces directly.

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