Inflatable, reusable and leak-resistant carrier

Abstract

A protective carrier (10) for portable objects has an interior layer (30) and an exterior layer (20) welded together to form a compartment (2) that is surrounded by inflatable air chambers (3). The compartment (2) has an opening in one end (62) through which objects are inserted. The open end (62) may be closed with a fluid-resistant seal (65) that rolls and is secured by buckles (40, 70), making the compartment (2) leak-resistant. The air chambers (3) may be inflated and deflated through a valve (100).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to inflatable, reusable and leak-resistant carriers for transporting, shipping and storing liquid-containing articles and / or breakable articles.BACKGROUND ART[0002]In 2006 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) imposed a 3-ounce restriction for liquids in carry-on airline luggage. This TSA restriction has highlighted the need for a reliable means of transporting bottled liquids in checked luggage. While there are many products and technologies available to protect items against breakage and leakage during commercial transport, they are not practical for consumer use due to size, expense, complexity and / or special equipment requirements.[0003]Currently, passengers traveling with wine, alcohol, perfumes and other liquids must pack them in checked luggage or relinquish them to TSA authorities prior to boarding an aircraft. For passengers unaware or uninformed of the TSA rule, disappointing and costly losses ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a reusable carrier that can be used to transport articles safely and securely. The carrier has an exterior and interior layer that are made of different materials and are welded together. The welded layers create air chambers that allow for unobstructed air flow. The carrier can be inflated and deflated for easy transport and can be used with articles that need protection. The carrier has a dry seal to prevent leaks and can be used with various means of transportation without risking damage or leakage."

Problems solved by technology

While there are many products and technologies available to protect items against breakage and leakage during commercial transport, they are not practical for consumer use due to size, expense, complexity and / or special equipment requirements.

For passengers unaware or uninformed of the TSA rule, disappointing and costly losses are incurred.

This amounts to roughly $2.4 million annually in wasted consumer dollars in Florida alone.

However, lack of acceptable carriers to transport these items has resulted in reduced purchases made while traveling, and significant risk of breakage, leakage and damage to surrounding articles for those who transport liquids with inadequate protection.

For example, a passenger shopping in Italy may refrain from purchasing prized bottles of olive oil or wine for fear that hand-carrying the bottles would result in their confiscation by authorities, and packing the bottles in a suitcase could result in leakage or damage to clothing.

It is well known that airlines have begun to require Styrofoam boxes for wine packed in suitcases due to the frequency of broken bottles.

However, these Styrofoam containers cannot assure the integrity of bottled liquids, must be opened for inspection, and cannot contain liquids in the event a bottle breaks, cracks or leaks.

Bottled liquids are often cumbersome and heavy, making them difficult to hand-carry, especially if there are multiple units.

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