Insertable inflatable bladder and method of use thereof

Abstract

A inflatable insertable bladder and method of use thereof. The bladder may be designed in any shape or size made up of an integrated bladder system that be made of any material such as mylar, plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as a bladder and have enough elasticity to provide protection to the item being shipped or stored and of suitable design able to protect the item being shipped with enough strength to hold and protect the item being shipped, stored or otherwise suspended in a box or container that is being shipped, stored or otherwise used in. The inflatable insertable bladder is uniquely designed to allow for a simple one-step process using a bladder with an integrated valve system that is used to suspend an article to be to be packaged. This completely protects the article and removes the need for peanuts, foam, bubble wrap, paper or other fillers in boxes used for shipping goods once the box is closed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates, generally, to methods of packaging and shipping items. More particularly, it relates to a method of protecting an item to be shipped.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]The use of different types of packaging for shipping articles is well known. Shipped articles can come in all sizes and shapes. These articles can be fragile or hardy (i.e., the article is considered non-fragile). There are several types and forms of packaging, including peanuts, paper, bubble plastic, foam, inflatable boxes, strings, etc. However, all of the packaging materials mentioned can cause waste disposal and recycling issues except the inflatable box technology which would have minimal affect on the waste disposal and recycling.[0005]Different attempts at providing an effective inflatable packaging material and / or system have been made, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,835 and 4,969,312 to Pivert, which are limited to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a packaging method that is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. The packaging includes an inflatable bladder system that can be easily inserted into a container or shipping box for protection and coverage of the article being shipped. The bladders have valves that allow air to pass in only one direction, ensuring that gas stays inside the bladders. The method allows for easy automation and integration of the inflatable bladder system with other protection systems. The invention provides a unique and novel way to ship and protect articles without requiring additional materials like peanuts, foam, paper, or other packaging. The patent allows for a simplified and efficient packaging process that provides added protection for the shipped items.

Problems solved by technology

However, all of the packaging materials mentioned can cause waste disposal and recycling issues except the inflatable box technology which would have minimal affect on the waste disposal and recycling.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,231 to Batsford is not shippable, and is completely separate from the box and has insurmountable limitations to automation.

The external valve (e.g. a valve or opening on the outside of a box) is a limitation of all of the prior art mentioned except the inflatable box.

While the prior art provides very limited if any protection to the articles within a box, the conventional art suffers from a number of drawbacks from cost to inherent design issues.

The inflation, insertion, and closure of the prior art devices all require multiple steps and are not simple, efficient methods of shipping articles or products using an inflatable cushion which is integrated into a box for shipping that can be or varying size and shape.

The prior art requires tedious methods for inflation.

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