Inflatable apparatus for packaging bottles

Abstract

A container for storing a plurality of bottles. The container comprises an inflatable assembly having a plurality of holes with bulging walls. Each one of the holes is configured to encircle at least one of the plurality of bottles.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 852,994 filed on Oct. 20, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for packaging bottles and, more particularly, but not exclusively to a novel container and method that can be used for packaging fragile bottles such as wine bottles and chemicals, such as acids, containing bottles.[0003]Containers have heretofore been provided for packaging bottles including bottles, such as wine bottles, during their storage and transport. Typically, such containers have corrugated or chipboard partitions inside to provide support and prevent contact of the containers or bottles with each other. The use of such vertical partitions has a number of disadvantages. One of the prominent disadvantages is that the use of vertical partitions may not provide the necessary protection whi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The present invention discloses an inflatable assembly for packaging one or more bottles, such as wine bottles. The inflatable assembly may be secured in a box made of rigid cardboard, wood or a like, by means of self-locking flaps. The inflatable assembly will be manufactured in different dimensions, and thus will fit any size box commonly used for packing fragile bottles, such as wine bottles. The inflatable assembly comprises holes having a perimeter that is approximately the perimeter of each one of the packaged bottles. The inflatable assembly further comprises a valve that facilitates the inflation and deflation of the inflatable assembly. Optionally, the center of the inflatable assembly is situated approximately equidistantly from the bottom closure and a top closure. Optionally, the circumferential edges of the inflatable assembly are coupled to the inner side of the walls of the box using hooks or alike. In use, bottles are inserted through the holes when the flexible inflatable assembly is deflated. Thereafter, the apparatus is inflated, optionally by an air pump that is connected to the valve. The inflated inflatable assembly firmly encircles the bottles, which are situated in the holes. Optionally, this encircling fixates the bottles' position.

Problems solved by technology

One of the prominent disadvantages is that the use of vertical partitions may not provide the necessary protection which is needed in order to secure the bottles.

Another disadvantage is that the labels which are glued to by the bottles' surface may be scuffed because the labels contact the partitions and the box interior during motion of the containers during transportation of the same from one location to another.

The scuffing seriously affects the appearance of the bottle, which is significant for example for wine bottles or alike.

As the appearance of the bottle is damaged the resale value of the bottles is significantly affected.

Moreover, such vertical partitions generally require assembly before placement in the containers thereby increasing the cost for packaging.

In addition, the vertical partitions may be worn out after several uses.

As worn out vertical partitions may be replaced by new partitions, packaging costs may increase.

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