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.

Claims

1. A method for protecting an item being packaged in a box otherwise comprising the steps of providing a bladder having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; adapting said bladder to accept said item which may be introduced into, placed on top of or removed from said bladder prior to or after inflation; placing said item into said bladder and inflating said bladder; placing said bladder and item which are in fluid communication into said box allowing and said box is closed.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: of said bladder having an additional valve inside the said bladder; allowing said bladder to stay inflated if another section of the said bladder becomes deflated.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: said bladder may be inflated prior to or after it has come into fluid communication with said item; said bladder may be placed in said box for shipping or storage after or prior to inflation.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: said bladder and valve can be made from any suitable material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become obvious from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the insertable inflatable bladder made in accordance with this invention, shown with an article to be shipped inside of the said bladder;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a Top view of FIG. 1 with article to be packaged inside the bladder inside of a box;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of FIG. 1 after placing insertable inflatable bladder in a box and prior to inflation of the bladder illustrating the article being packaged is placed in communication with the bottom of said bladder inside of the box and or shipping container;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of FIG. 1 of the insertable Inflatable bladder made in accordance with this invention, after inflation while inside the box with an article inside the bladder;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the insertable inflatable bladder made in accordance with this invention, shown with an article to be shipped on top or in communion with the said bladder prior to inflation;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cut-away side view of FIG. 5 after inflation of the bladder prior to placing in the box or shipping container;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a cut-away side view of the bladder and with an article being shipped placed inside of said bladder;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of FIG. 7 after inflation of the said bladder with the item to be shipped prior to placing the inflated bladder with an article inside into a box, shipping or storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] The present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. It is understood from the embodiments that a person skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such variations and modifications may include changing the size or shape of the insertable inflatable bladder or box, tube, cube, or other container used for shipping, the material that the box or shipping container can be made up of can be any material like cardboard, paper product, plastic, etc, that can be used for shipping, the insertable inflatable bladder that inflates which can then be is inserted containers or box, etc., prior to or after inflation. There no need to attach the said insertable inflatable bladder(s) to the inside walls of the box or be attached by just the valve or port that allows inflation of the bladder from the outside of the box which because this invention is no required and or needed. That is to say no attachment to the interior of the wall of the box (or shipping container), valve, etc., is required by this device. The inflatable insertable bladder can be made of and suitable material that can be inflated and or material that can be used which will inflate such as nylon, plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, cardboard, paper, metal, aluminum, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as a bladder that can be used for shipping, storage, or otherwise that will suitably suspend the object being shipped, stored or otherwise with enough strength to hold the item while being shipped, stored or otherwise. The novelty of this invention is that the bladder does not need to be attached at angles relative to the article being shipped, stored or otherwise and walls or opposite sides or some of the corners and/or walls/or sections of the box or container being used for shipping or the bottom or top of box or to the sides of a tube and/or bottom of a tube or tube like shipping container and the boxbasically does not need to be attached in any way to any inside section of the shipping container at any angle to the article as long as the article is being suspended so as not to touch the walls of the container such that the bladder does not need to be integrated into the box (e.g. container) while still having all have internal ports and or valves that will prevent the bladder(s) from deflating and or losing pressure and or gas which can be of any type of gas that is suitable for inflation such as air, nitrogen, oxygen mixes, etc, that would be safe and suitable for shipping, storage or otherwise.

[0031] Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 as shown with the insertable inflatable bladder prior to inflation and placement into a shipping container as shown. The cut-away view of FIG. 1 shows the bladder 1 in a deflated position with item 7 to be shipped inside the bladder 1 for illustration purposes. Also illustrated are the self sealing valves 2, 3 and 6 that will close as the pressure in the bladder 1 builds up or as in illustration valve 6 for illustration purposes will seal at the site of the valve 6 not along the length of the valve 2 as shown by the valve examples of 2. Any valve will do the job as long as it allows entry of the gas for inflation and sealing after inflation, however, the foregoing are the preferred embodiments. Only one valve 2, 3 or 6 for example will be necessary such as valves 2, 3 or 6 but the other valves and or multiple valves 2 can be inside the bladder 1 as extra security that if one part of the bladder 1, 4 or 5 is punctured or deflates the other sections will remain inflated offering added insurance that the item 7 being shipped will not be damaged.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2 a top view of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 prior to inflation illustrating the item 7 to be shipped in the center area of the insertable bladder 1 while the bladder 1 is resting inside of a box 10 to be used for shipping or storage, etc. The box 10 shows that it is the flaps 8 and 9 are open allowing insertion of the bladder 1 into the box containing the item to be shipped 7 prior to inflation. The self sealing valve 3 is shown extending out of the top of the box 10 prior to inflation and sealing of the box 10 with flaps closed. The valve alternate or other valve if desired but not required is shown as well as the side walls 4 and 5 of the insertable bladder.

[0033] Now referring to drawings FIGS. 3 and 4 which both illustrates the a cross section view of the item to be shipped 7 in the box 10 position in the middle of the shipping container on top of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 prior to inflation. Notice the valve 3 rising above box flap 8 prior to inflation and closing of the box flaps 8 and 9 after inflation or prior to inflation. One could have the valve 3 extend outside the box 10 after closing of the box and flaps and then sealing the box 10 and then inflating the bladder 1 through the valve 3. This valve 3 as suggested could be used to deflate the bladder 1 after shipping and or storage for repeat usage. A Valve such as 3 or any other valve type that is suitable could be used to deflate the bladder 1 after usage. In fact a valve such as 3 is not necessary but a sealing flap 11 as shown in FIG. 4 such that after usage of the bladder 1 the flap 11 could be opened to let the gas escape then resealed so prevent gas leakage next time the insertable inflatable bladder 1 is used for shipping and or storage, etc. This self sealable valve 3 can be inflated by mouth, air pump, gas generator, etc., any means that is suitable that will cause a suitable gas such air, nitrogen, etc., to be forced into the valve 3 resulting in the bladder 1 to be inflated. The valve 3 as shown in FIG. 4 is self sealable and pressed against the upper side of the bladder 1. The bladder section shown for illustration purposes only the different sections 1, 4 and 5 are shown prior to inflation and the internal self sealing valve(s) 2 which are not required for the insertable inflatable bladder 1 to work but enhance the art by providing added protection for the item 7 to be shipped and or stored. It is noted that only 1 valve(s) 3 or internal self sealing valve 2 is necessary for to provide the added insurance against the deflation of the one section of the bladder 1. The Device as show by FIGS. 1, 2 3, and 4 could be made using one insertable inflatable bladder 1 using one self sealing valve 3 for purposes of this invention.

[0034] Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 5 a cross sectional view is shown with the insertable inflatable bladder 1 uninflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting on top of the bladder 1 prior to placing in a box 10 as shown in FIG. 4 or container for shipping or storage or prior to shipping or storage of the device 7 without a box 10 or container. The valve 3 is shown prior to inflation with a suitable gas.

[0035] It is obvious that from the illustrations that either of the FIGS. 5 and 6 could be as illustrated placed into a box 10 or shipping container prior to or after inflation with or without the item 7 to be shipped.

[0036] Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 6 a cross sectional view showing the insertable inflatable bladder 1 inflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting in the center of the bladder 1 prior to placing in a box 10 as shown in FIG. 4 or container for shipping or storage or prior to shipping or storage of the device 7 without a box 10 or container. The valve 3 is shown prior to inflation with a suitable gas is illustrated pressed against the upper side of the bladder as result of the increased pressure inside of the bladder and the self sealing valve 3 extending outside the bladder 1.

[0037] Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 7 shows a cross sectional view of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 uninflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting inside the center of the cylindrical shape of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 with openings at both ends of the cylindrical shape of the bladder 1 prior to inflation. The self sealing valve 3 is shown inside and outside of the bladder 1 prior to inflation with a suitable gas.

[0038] Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the insertable inflatable bladder I inflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting inside the center of the cylindrical shape of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 with openings at both ends of the cylindrical shape of the bladder 1 after inflation. The self sealing valve 3 is shown inside and outside of the bladder 1 after inflation illustrating the self sealable valve 3 being presses against the side of the bladder 1 with a suitable gas as discussed.

[0039] The Internal valves 2 and or ports that are inside each bladder 1 as illustrated in all of the FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 will allow the flow of gases in only one direction. Once the bladder(s) 1, 4 or 5 are inflated the valves 2 or ports will prevent escape of the gas used for inflation back. through the valve 2 or port it came in through thus offering continued protection of the article 7 being shipped in case one of the bladder(s) 1, 4 or 5 are deflated before during or after inflation and or shipment and or opening of the box 9. In it understood that any valve is suitable for this purpose as long as it will prevent the gas from escaping from the bladder 1 and will of course allow the gas to enter the bladder.

[0040] The materials used for the insertable inflatable bladder 1 can range from rubber to 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 1 and have enough elasticity to keep the items to be stored or shipped from being damage from impact (e.g. such as dropping of a box, etc.) that can be used for shipment or storage. The materials for the valve(s) of 1 and or 8 can range from rubber to plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as valve 8 or port of 2 and 3.

[0041] A method of inserting or using an inflatable bladder for cushioning article 7 to be shipped or stored as contemplated by the current invention. The basic steps are as follows: [0042] a) Placing and item 7 to be shipped or stored onto or inside of the bladder 1; [0043] b) Placing the bladder 1 prior to or after inflation into a box 10 or container; [0044] c) Closing the box 10.

[0045] The simplicity and novelty of the present invention has not been taught in the conventional art. The unexpected results of the present invention teaches away from any prior art. it is contemplated that packaging of boxes and or containers can be automated using the insertable inflatable bladder. For example, an assembly line may have boxes traversing a conveyor belt with the bottom of the boxes already closed, leaving the top open. Then the insertable inflatable bladder can either be placed in the box with the item to be shipped placed on top of the insertable inflatable bladder or inside of the bladder prior to or after inflation so that an article or item to be shipped or stored can simply be placed with the bladder then inside of the box through automated means (via a machine) or manual means (via an operator). Then the box would continue traversing the conveyor belt to inflation station where an automated or manual means could be utilized to put a gas suitable for inflating the bladder which is in fluid communication with a valve which allows access to the bladder for inflation. The current invention provides an apparatus and methodology that significantly improves cost efficiency within the packaging industry, for example in shipping cost, time, weight, and labor. To further explain an example of the insertable inflatable bladder, it comprises a bladder made up of any suitable material that does not required attachment to the inner wall or sections or corners or valves of the box or container or through the inner wall of section of the box or container making this invention truly patentable versus the prior art. The bladder with the item to be shipped is either on top of the bladder or inside the bladder and then the combination of the item and bladder can be placed in the box for shipping then inflated or inflated prior to placement in the box. To further explain the method of the insertable inflatable bladder for protecting an item being packaged otherwise comprising the steps of: providing a bladder having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; said item may be introduced into said bladder; placing said bladder inside of the interior of a box, said bladder is then inflated and box is sealed for shipment or storage. A further description is a method for protecting an item being packaged otherwise comprising the steps of providing a container having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; adapting said container to be opened and closed so that said bladder may be introduced into or removed from said container; said bladder is to become inflated after said item is placed in container and said container is closed. This new and novel method further comprises the steps of forming an additional valve inside the said bladder; allowing said bladder to stay inflated if another section of the said bladder becomes deflated. in addition the method further comprises said bladder and valve can be made from any suitable material and the box and or container can further be comprised of a semi-rigid material or suitable material and that the said bladder can be shipped without the use of a box and or shipping container. To further explain the A method for protecting an item being packaged in a box otherwise comprising the steps of providing a bladder having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; adapting said bladder to accept said item which may be introduced into, placed on top of or removed from said bladder prior to or after inflation; placing said item into said bladder and inflating said bladder; placing said bladder and item which are in fluid communication into said box allowing and said box is closed. The method as described further comprises the steps of said bladder having an additional valve inside the said bladder; allowing said bladder to stay inflated if another section of the said bladder becomes deflated. The method also further comprises said bladder may be inflated prior to or after it has come into fluid communication with said item said bladder may be placed in said box for shipping or storage after or prior to inflation. The method as described in detail can further comprise that said bladder and valve can be made from any suitable material.

[0046] The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment and the operation thereof, and it is understood that variations, modifications, and substitution of equivalent means can be effected and still remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations are to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.