U.S. patent application number 12/952538 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-26 for inflatable mailing package.
Invention is credited to Leif B. Sorensen.
Application Number | 20110120899 12/952538 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44061308 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110120899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sorensen; Leif B. |
May 26, 2011 |
INFLATABLE MAILING PACKAGE
Abstract
A sealable mailing package and a process for mailing an article
are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sealable mailing package
includes an enclosure having an open end and a compartment for
receiving an article. The enclosure includes an exterior surface
and an interior surface. The sealable mailing package further
includes at least one inflatable bladder positioned adjacent to the
interior surface of the enclosure, and a manual pumping device
integrated into the compartment of the enclosure. The manual
pumping device is in fluid communication with the at least one
inflatable bladder. The sealable mailing package further includes a
one way valve located between the pumping device and the at least
one inflatable bladder that only allows gas flow from the pumping
device to the at least one inflatable bladder, and a sealing member
for sealing the open end of the enclosure.
Inventors: |
Sorensen; Leif B.; (Cape
Canaveral, FL) |
Family ID: |
44061308 |
Appl. No.: |
12/952538 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61264063 |
Nov 24, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/522 ;
53/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/522 ;
53/403 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. A sealable mailing package comprising: an enclosure having an
open end and a compartment for receiving an article, the enclosure
including an exterior surface and an interior surface: at least one
inflatable bladder positioned adjacent to the interior surface of
the enclosure; a manual pumping device integrated into the
compartment of the enclosure, the manual pumping device being in
fluid communication with the at least one inflatable bladder; a one
way valve located between the pumping device and the at least one
inflatable bladder that only allows gas flow from the pumping
device to the at least one inflatable bladder; and a sealing member
for sealing the open end of the enclosure.
2. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 1, wherein the
manual pumping device comprises a collapsible chamber, the
collapsible chamber including a vent that permits airflow into the
chamber after the chamber has been collapsed, wherein by collapsing
the chamber, airflow is forced through the one way valve and into
the inflatable bladder.
3. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 2, wherein the
collapsible chamber contains a resilient member that expands the
chamber after the chamber has been collapsed.
4. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 3, wherein the
resilient member comprises a foam material.
5. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 3, wherein the
resilient member comprises a spring.
6. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 4, wherein the
foam materials substantially fills the chamber.
7. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 1, wherein the
package includes a plurality of interconnected inflatable
bladders.
8. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 3, wherein the
package includes a plurality of interconnected inflatable
bladders.
9. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 7, wherein the
enclosure includes a first panel opposite a second panel and
wherein a plurality of interconnected bladders are positioned
adjacent the first panel on the interior surface and a plurality of
interconnected bladders are also positioned adjacent the second
panel on the interior surface.
10. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 9, wherein the
pumping device is in fluid communication with the plurality of
interconnected bladders adjacent the first panel and wherein the
package includes a second manual pumping device integrated into the
compartment of the enclosure, the second pumping device being in
fluid communication with the plurality of interconnected bladders
positioned adjacent the second panel.
11. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 2, wherein the
vent that is included in the collapsible chamber extends from the
chamber and through the enclosure defining a vent opening on the
exterior surface of the enclosure.
12. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 11, further
comprising a covering device located on the exterior surface of the
enclosure over the vent opening, the covering device preventing air
from flowing through the vent opening and into the collapsible
container once the container has been collapsed, the covering
device being removable.
13. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 11, wherein the
covering device comprises an adhesive label.
14. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 12, wherein the
covering device comprises a weakened portion on the enclosure, the
weakened portion being configured to be punctured by a user for
opening the vent.
15. A sealable mailing package comprising: an enclosure having an
open end and a compartment for receiving an article, the enclosure
including an exterior surface and an interior surface; a plurality
of inflatable bladders covering a substantial portion of the
interior surface of the enclosure; a manual pumping device
integrated into the compartment and in fluid communication with at
least certain of the inflatable bladders, the pumping device
comprising a collapsible chamber containing a resilient member
wherein compressing the collapsible chamber causes air to flow into
the inflatable bladders, the resilient member causing the chamber
to expand back into an uncollasped state after the chamber has been
compressed; a one way valve located between the pumping device and
the inflatable bladders that is configured to only allow fluid flow
from the pumping device to the bladders; and a sealing member for
sealing the open end.
16. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 15, wherein the
resilient member comprises a foam material.
17. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 16, wherein the
collapsible chamber includes a vent that permits airflow into the
chamber after the chamber has been collapsed, wherein the vent that
is included in the collapsible chamber extends from the chamber and
through the enclosure defining a vent opening on the exterior
surface of the enclosure.
18. A sealable mailing package as defined in claim 17, further
comprising a covering device located on the exterior surface of the
enclosure over the vent opening, the covering device preventing air
from flowing through the vent opening and into the collapsible
container once the container has been collapsed, the covering
device being.
19. A process for mailing an article: placing an article into a
compartment of a sealable mailing package through an open end of
the package, the sealable mailing package including an exterior
surface and an interior surface, the mailing package including a
plurality of deflated bladders positioned adjacent to the interior
surface, the sealable mailing package further including a manual
pumping device integrated into the interior compartment of the
enclosure, the manual pumping device being in fluid communication
with the inflatable bladders; manually pumping the pumping device
causing the bladders to inflate around the article; and sealing the
open end of the mailing package for shipping.
20. A process as defined in claim 19, wherein the pumping device
comprises a collapsible chamber containing a resilient member, the
collapsible chamber further including a vent between the chamber
and the exterior of the package, the vent being initially covered
by a covering device and the chamber being in a collapsed state
prior to inserting the article into the package and wherein the
process further includes the step of removing the covering device
causing the chamber of the pumping device to expand with air.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/264,063, filed on Nov. 24, 2009.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many and various different breakable and/or perishable items
are mailed in packages on a daily basis. Various efforts have been
undertaken to protect the items during shipping. For instance,
those skilled in the art have used corrugated boxes in combination
with foam materials. For smaller items, the items are typically
wrapped in a "bubble wrap" material and inserted into a box or
envelope. The bubble wrap material is typically made from polymer
films and is comprised of a network of small bubbles inflated with
air. The inflated bubbles protect the items during shipping
providing an air cushion around the item.
[0003] Some envelopes or other packages are manufactured such that
inflated bubbles or bubble wrap material is integrated into the
package. For instance, various envelopes are commercially available
that have an interior lining made from inflated bubbles.
[0004] Although bubble wrap and the above describe packages have
been found well suited to protecting items during shipping, the
packages themselves are somewhat bulky which presents various
problems to the manufacturer of the packages and/or to the supplier
of the packages. For instance, since the packages are filled with
air, shipping a plurality of empty packages together requires a
significant amount of space. In addition, suppliers of the package
typically need a significant amount of shelf space for storing the
packages.
[0005] In view of the above, a need exists for an improved package
capable of protecting items during shipping. In particular, a need
exists for a package containing air bladders that takes up a
minimal amount of space prior to use.
SUMMARY
[0006] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a mailing
package that includes at least one inflatable bladder. Prior to use
of the package, the bladder is in a deflated condition allowing for
the package to be stored in a flat configuration. In accordance
with the present disclosure, the package includes an integrated
pumping device that then can be used to inflate the bladder after
the package has been loaded with an item for protecting the item
during shipping.
[0007] For instance, in one embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to a sealable mailing package comprising an enclosure
having an open end and a compartment for receiving an article. The
enclosure includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. At
least one inflatable bladder is positioned adjacent to the interior
surface of the enclosure. In accordance with the present
disclosure, a manual pumping device is integrated into the
compartment of the enclosure and is in fluid communication with the
inflatable bladder. A one way valve is located between the pumping
device and the inflatable bladder that only allows a gas such as
air to flow from the pumping device to the inflatable bladder. The
package further includes a sealing member for sealing the open
end.
[0008] The design of the pumping device incorporated into the
package can vary depending upon the particular application. In one
embodiment, for instance, the pumping device may comprise a
collapsible chamber that includes a vent for permitting airflow
into the chamber after the chamber has been collapsed. By
collapsing the chamber, such as by compressing the chamber, airflow
is forced through the one way valve and into the inflatable
bladder.
[0009] Thus, a user can press on the pumping device to collapse the
chamber and cause air to inflate the bladder. Once pressure is
removed from the chamber, air rushes into the chamber from the
external vent. In one embodiment, a resilient member can be located
in the chamber that causes the chamber to expand and fill with air
after the chamber has been compressed. The resilient member may
comprise, for instance, a foam material, such as an open cell foam.
In other embodiments, the resilient member may comprise a
spring.
[0010] In one embodiment, the package can be in the shape of an
envelope and can include a first panel attached to a second panel.
A plurality of interconnected bladders can be located along the
interior surface of each of the panels. The pumping device can be
in fluid communication with all of the inflatable bladders, or
alternatively, the package may include multiple pumping devices.
For instance, a first pumping device may be used to inflate the
plurality of bladders located adjacent to the first panel and a
second pumping device can be used to inflate a plurality of
bladders located adjacent to the second panel.
[0011] As described above, the pumping device can include a chamber
that is vented to the exterior environment. The vent, for instance,
may extend from the chamber to the outside of the package forming
an opening on an exterior surface of the package. Prior to use of
the package, the vent opening can be covered and sealed by a
covering device. For instance, the chamber of the pumping device
can first be collapsed and the vent opening can be sealed so that
the pumping device takes up little or no additional space prior to
use of the package. Once the package is ready for use, the covering
device can then be removed from the package to expose the vent
opening in order to operate the pumping device. In one embodiment,
for instance, the covering device may comprise an adhesive label
that can be removed by a user. In another embodiment, the covering
device may comprise a weakened area of the enclosure that can be
punctured by a user for accessing the vent opening.
[0012] The inflatable package of the present disclosure can be
shipped and sold to consumers in a deflated condition. When it is
time to use the package, a consumer can then load an article in to
the package while the package is still deflated. One or more vent
openings can then be exposed for operating the pumping device for
inflating the plurality of bladders contained within the package.
Of particular advantage, the inflatable bladders, in one
embodiment, will surround the article loaded in to the package
during inflation. Once the package is inflated, the package can
then be sealed and shipped.
[0013] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are
discussed in greater detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set
forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification,
including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a package
made in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the package illustrated
in FIG. 1; and
[0017] FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrate one embodiment of a pumping
device that may be incorporated into a package made in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0018] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present discussion is a description of exemplary
embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader
aspects of the present invention.
[0020] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a mailing
package containing at least one inflatable bladder. In accordance
with the present disclosure, the mailing package includes a pumping
device that has been integrated into the package. The pumping
device is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for
inflating the bladder during use of the package to ship one or more
items.
[0021] Prior to use of the package, however, the bladder can remain
in the deflated position so that the package takes up a minimum
amount of space. In one embodiment, even the pumping device can be
stored in a collapsed condition prior to use for further minimizing
the size of the package. In this manner, the package is not only
capable of protecting items during shipping by providing an air
mattress around items contained in the package, but can be stored
in a completely collapsed state so that the package does not become
burdensome to ship and store prior to use.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a package 10 made in
accordance with the present disclosure is shown. In this
embodiment, the package 10 includes a first panel 12 attached to or
integral with a second panel 14. For instance, the first panel 12
can be attached to the second panel 14 along the side edges and
along a bottom edge. Alternatively, the first and second panels 12
and 14 can be constructed from a single piece of material that has
been folded along the bottom edge or along one of the side edges.
When made from a single piece of material, the remaining edges can
be attached together using any suitable technique.
[0023] In the embodiment illustrated, the package 10 is generally
in the shape of a large envelope defining an interior space that is
configured to receive one or more items or articles for shipping.
It should be understood, however, that the package 10 can have any
of a wide variety of shapes depending upon the particular
application. For instance, in one embodiment, the package 10 may
include side panels that increase the depth of the package. The
side panels, for instance, may be straight or fluted.
[0024] In order to close the package 10 for shipping, the package
includes a sealing member 16 that, in this embodiment, comprises a
flap that can be folded over onto the first panel 12. The sealing
member 16 can include any suitable adhesive element 18 for securely
attaching the sealing member 16 to the first panel 12. The adhesive
element 18, for instance, may comprise a pressure sensitive
adhesive, double-sided tape, or an adhesive that becomes active
when wetted. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the adhesive
element 18 is covered by a release liner 20 that protects the
adhesive element prior to use. The release liner 20 is designed to
be removed and discarded thereby exposing the adhesive element 18
for attachment to the first panel 12.
[0025] The first panel 12 and the second panel 14 can be made from
any suitable material. For instance, the panels can be made from
polymer films, a paper, other nonwoven materials, woven materials,
knitted materials, foils, or the like. In one embodiment, the
package 10 can be made from a nonwoven web formed from synthetic
fibers, such as olefin fibers. For example, in one embodiment, the
package 10 can be made from a TYVEK material. TYVEK materials are
produced by DuPont and are made from flash spun high density
polyethylene fibers. The materials comprise spunbond webs. In other
embodiments, however, meltblown webs may also be used.
[0026] In accordance with the present disclosure, the package 10
further includes at least one inflatable bladder in combination
with a pumping device. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for
instance, the interior surface of the package 10 is lined with a
plurality of interconnected inflatable bladders 22. As shown, the
bladders 22 are interconnected by a network of conduits. The
interconnected bladders are positioned adjacent to the interior
surface of the first panel 12 and adjacent to the interior surface
of the second panel 14.
[0027] In accordance with the present disclosure, the package 10 is
initially manufactured such that the bladders 22 are in a deflated
condition. In order to inflate the bladders 22, at least one
pumping device can be incorporated into the package 10. For
example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
package 10 includes a first pumping device 24 and a second pumping
device 26. Both pumping devices 24 and 26 can be in fluid
communication with all of the bladders 22. Alternatively, the
pumping devices 24 and 26 can be configured to inflate different
sections of the interconnected bladders. For example, in one
embodiment, the first pumping device 24 may be configured to
inflate the bladders positioned adjacent to the first panel 12,
while the second pumping device 26 can be configured to inflate the
interconnected bladders adjacent the second panel 14.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3C, the pumping device 24 is
shown in greater detail. In accordance with the present disclosure,
the pumping device 24 can be initially incorporated into the
package 10 in a collapsed or deflated condition. When the package
10 is used to ship an article, the pumping device can be configured
to assume an expanded condition for injecting a gas, such as air,
into the inflatable bladders.
[0029] For instance, as shown in FIG. 3A, the pumping device 24, in
one embodiment, includes a resilient member 28 contained in a
vented chamber 30. As shown, the chamber 30 includes a vent opening
32 that is covered by a covering device 34. The pumping device 24
is also in communication with a one-way valve 36.
[0030] In FIGS. 3A through 3C, the pumping device 24 is illustrated
in an isolated condition. The pumping device 24 can be incorporated
into the package 10 using any suitable technique. In one
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the pumping device 24 may be placed
in one of the corners of the package. When incorporated into a
package as shown in FIG. 1, the first panel 12 is positioned in
between the covering device 34 and the vent opening 32. In
addition, the first panel 12 will define an opening that
corresponds with the vent opening so that air can enter the chamber
30 from the outside environment. As shown in FIG. 1, in this
embodiment, the covering device 34 is positioned over the first
panel 12.
[0031] In FIG. 3A, as described above, the pumping device 24 is
generally shown in a collapsed condition. In this regard, the
chamber 30 is made from a flexible material that will allow the
pumping device to expand and contract. The one-way valve 36 allows
a fluid, such as air, to exit the pumping device but does not allow
air to enter the pumping device. Thus, when the covering device 34
covers the vent opening 32, a substantially fluid tight seal is
formed with respect to the chamber 30. During production, the
pumping device 24 is compressed into a contracted condition and the
covering device 34 is then placed over the vent opening 32. In this
manner, the pumping device 24 remains in a collapsed state.
[0032] The one-way valve 36 can comprise any suitable device
capable of only allowing air flow in one direction. In the
embodiment illustrated, for instance, the one-way valve comprises a
pair of overlapping flaps. The flaps can be made from any suitable
flexible material, such as a rubber material or plastic material.
In alternative embodiments, the one-way valve 36 may comprise a
single flap that only opens in a single direction, may comprise a
membrane containing a slit for allowing gas flow, or may comprise
any other suitable configuration.
[0033] The resilient member 28, on the other hand, comprises any
suitable device capable of expanding and contracting when
compressed and then released. In one embodiment, for instance, the
resilient member may comprise a foam material, such as an open cell
foam. Alternatively, the resilient member may comprise one or more
springs.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3B, in order to inflate the inflatable
bladders 22 as shown in FIG. 1, the covering device 34 is first
removed in order to expose the vent opening 32. Exposing the vent
opening 32 allows air to enter the chamber 30 causing the resilient
member 28 to expand. The covering device 34 can comprise any
suitable device capable of removably covering the vent opening 32.
The covering device 34, for instance, may comprise a peelable
label. Alternatively, the covering device 34 may comprise a
weakened portion on the package that can be punctured for allowing
access to the vent opening.
[0035] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C, the chamber
30 includes a single vent opening 32. It should be understood,
however, that the chamber may contain multiple vent openings as
desired.
[0036] Once the pumping device 24 assumes an expanded configuration
as shown in FIG. 3B, a user can then cover the vent opening 32 and
compress the pumping device causing air to flow through the one-way
valve 36 and into the plurality of bladders 32. In one embodiment,
for instance, a user can put his or her hand or fingers over the
vent opening for compressing the pumping device and inflating the
interconnected bladders. Once the pumping device 24 has been
compressed, a user can then remove his or her hand or fingers from
the vent opening thereby allowing the chamber of the pumping device
to expand. The motion of compressing the pumping device can then be
repeated as desired until all of the interconnected bladders have
been inflated to a desired pressure.
[0037] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
inflatable bladders 22 appear as rectangular squares. It should be
understood, however, that the bladders can have any suitable shape
and can have any suitable size. The size or pattern of the
bladders, for instance, can be modified depending upon the type of
article being shipped.
[0038] In one embodiment, for instance, the package 10 can be
constructed so as to contain only a few inflatable bladders that
have much larger dimensions. In one embodiment, for instance, the
package may only contain a single inflatable bladder positioned on
opposite sides of the interior of the package.
[0039] In another embodiment, the bladders 22 can have different
sizes depending upon the particular application. For instance, in
one embodiment, the package can have relatively larger sized
bladders along the edges and smaller bladders within the center of
the package. In still another embodiment, the bladders appearing
adjacent to the first panel 12 can have a different size than the
bladders positioned adjacent to the second panel 14. In still
another embodiment, the bladders can have a shape that corresponds
to the shape of an article or item to be placed in the package. For
instance, relatively small bladders can form a pattern inside the
package that corresponds to the shape of an article to be shipped.
Larger bladders can then surround the smaller bladders so that the
article does not move during shipment.
[0040] When using the package, in one embodiment, the article or
item to be shipped is first placed within the interior space of the
package. Once the article is loaded in the package, the covering
device can be removed from the pumping device for inflating the
inflatable bladders. Loading the article into the package prior to
inflating the bladders can, in some embodiments, cause the bladders
to surround the article when inflated. Once the bladders are
inflated, the package can be sealed and shipped.
[0041] In one embodiment, the bladders can have sizes and shapes
that fix any articles contained in the package into position when
the bladders are inflated. Many prior envelopes containing bubble
wrap, for instance, allow the items or articles to move within the
package freely during shipment. The package of the present
disclosure, however, can be configured such that the bladders
surround the article or item loaded into the package and prevent
the article or item from moving during shipment. In this manner,
the article or item is better protected.
[0042] These and other modifications and variations to the present
invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art,
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended
claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the
various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part.
Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is
not intended to limit the invention so further described in such
appended claims.
* * * * *