Inflatable, encapsulating packaging insert
First Claim
1. An inflatable packaging insert for protecting an article within an enclosed container, said packaging insert comprising:
- a first outer sheet and a second inner sheet each comprised of a flexible, gas-impervious material, wherein said first outer sheet is for contacting an inner surface of the container and said second inner sheet is for disposition about and contact with the article;
sealing means for coupling said first and second sheets in a sealed manner to form a plurality of interconnected inflatable chambers; and
valve means for inflating said packaging insert, wherein said second inner sheet comprises gusset means for connecting said second inner sheet to said first outer sheet and for allowing said second inner sheet to uniformly and linearly move away from said first outer sheet during inflation of the packaging insert whereby said second inner sheet securely engages and encapsulates corners and edges of the article in a generally uniform manner.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inflatable packaging insert as adapted for positioning around and encapsulating an article disposed in a closed box when inflated for providing support and protection for the article during shipping. The packaging insert includes a pair of spaced, opposed V-shaped or triangular inserts forming a gusset on its inner surface allowing the packaging insert when inflated to securely engage the corners and edges of the article. The gusset allows the inner article-engaging surface of the packaging insert to expand as a generally flat surface so that it engages the entire facing surface of the object including its edges and corners in a generally uniform manner. The packaging insert is preferably comprised of a strong, pliable, gas-impervious material such as polyethylene and includes an integral self-sealing valve for inflation and deflation as well as interconnected compartments or chambers formed by heat, pressure or radio frequency (RF) formed seals. The packaging insert may assume various forms such as: a unitary, six section arrangement for lining a closed box; a pair of complementary multi-section inserts also adapted for lining the inside of a closed six-sided container; or an elongated, linear arrangement adapted for wrapping around the sides of an object and maintained in tight-fitting engagement therewith by means of a cinch-type locking feature integral with the inflatable member.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. An inflatable packaging insert for protecting an article within an enclosed container, said packaging insert comprising:
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a first outer sheet and a second inner sheet each comprised of a flexible, gas-impervious material, wherein said first outer sheet is for contacting an inner surface of the container and said second inner sheet is for disposition about and contact with the article; sealing means for coupling said first and second sheets in a sealed manner to form a plurality of interconnected inflatable chambers; and valve means for inflating said packaging insert, wherein said second inner sheet comprises gusset means for connecting said second inner sheet to said first outer sheet and for allowing said second inner sheet to uniformly and linearly move away from said first outer sheet during inflation of the packaging insert whereby said second inner sheet securely engages and encapsulates corners and edges of the article in a generally uniform manner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A shipping container for an article, said shipping container comprising:
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an outer generally rectangular closed box of cardboard or the like, wherein the article is disposed in said box; an insert disposed within said box and about the article, said insert comprised of a pliable, gas-impervious material and including an inner layer engaging the article, an outer layer engaging an inner portion of said box, and a plurality of interconnected inflatable chambers disposed intermediate said inner and outer layers, wherein said inner layer comprises expandable gusset portions for connecting said inner layer to said outer layer and for facilitating engagement of the inner layer with the article; and valve means for inflating and deflating said insert, wherein said gusset portions allow for generally planar inward movement of said inner layer away from said outer layer during inflation of said insert to facilitate secure and generally uniform engagement of the inner layer with the sides, edges and corners of the article.
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15. An inflatable packaging insert comprising:
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an elongated, in flatable member having first and second facing sheets of a flexible, gas-impervious material joined together in a sealed manner to form plurality of interconnected chambers, wherein with said inflatable member disposed in a closed shipping box containing an article said first sheet engages an inner portion of said box and said second sheet engages the article; gusset means for connecting said second sheet to said first sheet and for providing generally uniform inward displacement of said second sheet away from said first sheet upon inflation of said member; and coupling means disposed on opposed ends of said inflatable member for connecting the ends of said inflatable member together to form a sleeve-like closed member, wherein said second sheet faces inwardly for engaging lateral portions as well as corners and edges of the article by means of said uniform displacement of said second sheet. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification