U.S. patent application number 13/891811 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for inflatable box and method of use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jack V. Smith. Invention is credited to Jack V. Smith.
Application Number | 20140224699 13/891811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51296738 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140224699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Jack V. |
August 14, 2014 |
INFLATABLE BOX AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
An inflatable box or tube container and method of use are
disclosed. The inflatable container may be designed in any shape or
size and be made up of any rigid material. The box is uniquely
designed to allow for a simple one-step process using a box with an
integrated inflating tube and bottom liner to expand internally by
inflation with a gaseous fluid, thereby three-dimensionally
cushioning an article to be shipped. This completely protects the
article and removes the need for peanuts, paper or other fillers in
boxes used for shipping goods once the box is closed. The box may
further include a bleed valve that releases the gaseous fluid if
the inflating tube and/or bottom liner are over-inflated.
Inventors: |
Smith; Jack V.; (Arden,
NC) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Smith; Jack V. |
Arden |
NC |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
51296738 |
Appl. No.: |
13/891811 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13605262 |
Sep 6, 2012 |
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13891811 |
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09898958 |
Jul 3, 2001 |
8281928 |
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13605262 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/522 ;
53/474 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 5/06 20130101; B65B
55/20 20130101; B65D 81/052 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/522 ;
53/474 |
International
Class: |
B65B 5/06 20060101
B65B005/06; B65D 81/02 20060101 B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. A shipping package, comprising: a box or tube container; wherein
the tube container further comprises: a bottom wall having an
interior face, an exterior face, and a circular edge; a side
tubular wall having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom
edge, and a top edge, wherein the bottom edge of the side tubular
wall is attached to the circular edge of the bottom wall; a top
wall having an interior face, an exterior face, and a circular
edge, wherein the top wall is attached to the side tubular wall at
at least one point on the top edge; wherein the box further
comprises: a bottom wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
at least a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth
edge; a first side wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side
edge, wherein the bottom edge is in physical communication with the
first edge of the bottom wall when assembled; a second side wall
having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom edge, a top
edge, a third side edge and a fourth side edge, wherein the bottom
edge is in physical communication with the second edge of the
bottom wall and the third side edge is in physical communication
with the first side edge of the first side wall when assembled l; a
third side wall having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom
edge, a top edge, a fifth side edge and a sixth side edge, wherein
the bottom edge is in physical communication with the third edge of
the bottom wall and the fifth side edge is in physical
communication with the fourth side edge of the second side wall
when assembled; a fourth side wall having an interior face, an
exterior face, a bottom edge, a top edge, a seventh side edge and a
eighth side edge, wherein the bottom edge is in physical
communication with the fourth edge of the bottom wall, the seventh
side edge is in physical communication with the sixth edge of the
third side wall and the eighth side edge is in physical
communication with the second side edge of the first side wall when
assembled; at least one top wall panel having an interior face and
an exterior face, wherein the at least one top wall panel is in
physical communication with the top edge of at least one of the
first side wall, second side wall, third side wall, or fourth side
wall; at least one fluid bladder disposed on the interior of the
box or tube container, where for the box, the at least one fluid
bladder is disposed on the interior face of the bottom wall, first
side wall, second side wall, third side wall, fourth side wall, and
at least one top wall panel of the box; where for the tube
container, the at least one fluid bladder is disposed on the
interior face of the bottom wall, the side tubular wall, and the
top wall; and a fluid inflation valve in fluid communication with
an interior lumen of the fluid inflation bladder, wherein the fluid
inflation valve is disposed on the fluid bladder, on the interior
face of a side wall, on the interior face of a top wall panel, on
the exterior face of a side wall, on the exterior face of a top
wall panel, in a side wall, or in a top wall.
2. The shipping package of claim 1, wherein the fluid inflation
valve comprises a rubber gasket valve or plastic duckbill valve;
wherein the rubber gasket valve further comprises a rubber sealing
member and a septum disposed in the rubber sealing member; and
wherein the plastic duckbill valve further comprises: a first
plastic sheet having a first longitudinal edge, a second
longitudinal edge, and a mounting edge; a second plastic sheet
having a third longitudinal edge, a fourth longitudinal edge, and a
mounting edge; wherein the first longitudinal edge is fixed along
its length or substantially along its length to the third
longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge is fixed along
its length or substantially along its length to the fourth
longitudinal edge to form an valve lumen; wherein the plastic
duckbill valve is attached using its mounting edge.
3. The shipping package of claim 2, wherein mounting tabs are
disposed on the mounting edge of the first plastic sheet and the
second plastic sheet of the plastic duckbill valve.
4. The shipping package of claim 2, further comprising an inflation
tube disposed adjacent to the mounting edge of the first plastic
sheet and the second plastic sheet and in fluid communication with
the valve lumen.
5. The shipping package of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid
bladder further comprises: a first fluid bladder having a plurality
of edges and at least one fluid channel disposed on at least one of
the plurality of edges; a second fluid bladder having a plurality
of edges and at least one fluid channel disposed on at least one of
the plurality of edges, wherein the at least one fluid channel on
the second fluid bladder is in fluid communication with the at
least one fluid channel on the first fluid bladder.
6. The shipping package of claim 1, further comprising a bleed
valve disposed on the fluid bladder and in fluid communication with
the interior of the fluid bladder.
7. The shipping package of claim 1, further comprising at least one
overlapping top wall panel disposed on the top edge of at least one
side wall.
8. The shipping package of claim 7, wherein the fluid bladder is
disposed on the interior face of the least one overlapping top wall
panel.
9. The shipping package of claim 1, wherein the fluid bladder is
formed of rubber, plastic, graphene, mylar, or suitable
material.
10. The shipping package of claim 1, wherein the box or tube
container is formed of cardboard, paper, plastic, graphene, wood,
corrugated paper, or suitable material.
11. A method for cushioning a package for an item being shipped,
comprising the steps of: providing a box or tubular container,
wherein the tube container further comprises: a bottom wall having
an interior face, an exterior face, and a circular edge; a side
tubular wall having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom
edge, and a top edge, wherein the bottom edge of the side tubular
wall is attached to the circular edge of the bottom wall; a top
wall having an interior face, an exterior face, and a circular
edge, wherein the top wall is attached to the side tubular wall at
at least one point on the top edge; wherein the box further
comprises: a bottom wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
at least a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth
edge; a first side wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side
edge, wherein the bottom edge is in physical communication with the
first edge of the bottom wall when assembled; a second side wall
having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom edge, a top
edge, a third side edge and a fourth side edge, wherein the bottom
edge is in physical communication with the second edge of the
bottom wall and the third side edge is in physical communication
with the first side edge of the first side wall when assembled l; a
third side wall having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom
edge, a top edge, a fifth side edge and a sixth side edge, wherein
the bottom edge is in physical communication with the third edge of
the bottom wall and the fifth side edge is in physical
communication with the fourth side edge of the second side wall
when assembled; a fourth side wall having an interior face, an
exterior face, a bottom edge, a top edge, a seventh side edge and a
eighth side edge, wherein the bottom edge is in physical
communication with the fourth edge of the bottom wall, the seventh
side edge is in physical communication with the sixth edge of the
third side wall and the eighth side edge is in physical
communication with the second side edge of the first side wall when
assembled; at least one top wall panel having an interior face and
an exterior face, wherein the at least one top wall panel is in
physical communication with the top edge of at least one of the
first side wall, second side wall, third side wall, or fourth side
wall; at least one fluid bladder disposed on the interior of the
box or tube container, where for the box, the at least one fluid
bladder is disposed on the interior face of the bottom wall, first
side wall, second side wall, third side wall, fourth side wall, and
at least one top wall panel of the box; where for the tube
container, the at least one fluid bladder is disposed on the
interior face of the bottom wall, the side tubular wall, and the
top wall; a fluid inflation valve in fluid communication with an
interior lumen of the fluid inflation bladder, wherein the fluid
inflation valve is disposed on the fluid bladder, on the interior
face of a side wall, on the interior face of a top wall panel, on
the exterior face of a side wall, on the exterior face of a top
wall panel, in a side wall, or in a top wall; introducing an item
into the box or tube container; closing the box or tube container;
attaching the fluid inflation valve to a source of fluid under
pressure; and flowing fluid into the at least one fluid bladder,
such that the fluid inflates the at least one fluid bladder around
the item.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid under pressure is a
gaseous fluid.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing the source
of fluid under pressure.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the deflating the at
least one fluid bladder prior to removal of the item from the box
or tube container.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid inflation valve
comprises a rubber gasket valve or plastic duckbill valve; wherein
the rubber gasket valve further comprises a rubber sealing member
and a septum disposed in the rubber sealing member; and wherein the
plastic duckbill valve further comprises: a first plastic sheet
having a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and a
mounting edge; a second plastic sheet having a third longitudinal
edge, a fourth longitudinal edge, and a mounting edge; wherein the
first longitudinal edge is fixed along its length or substantially
along its length to the third longitudinal edge and the second
longitudinal edge is fixed along its length or substantially along
its length to the fourth longitudinal edge to form an valve lumen;
wherein the plastic duckbill valve is attached using its mounting
edge.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein mounting tabs are disposed on
the mounting edge of the first plastic sheet and the second plastic
sheet of the plastic duckbill valve.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising an inflation tube
disposed adjacent to the mounting edge of the first plastic sheet
and the second plastic sheet and in fluid communication with the
valve lumen.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one fluid bladder
further comprises: a first fluid bladder having a plurality of
edges and at least one fluid channel disposed on at least one of
the plurality of edges; a second fluid bladder having a plurality
of edges and at least one fluid channel disposed on at least one of
the plurality of edges, wherein the at least one fluid channel on
the second fluid bladder is in fluid communication with the at
least one fluid channel on the first fluid bladder. The method of
claim 11, wherein the box or tube container further comprises a
bleed valve disposed on the fluid bladder and in fluid
communication with the interior of the fluid bladder.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/605,262, Sep. 6, 2012, entitled "Inflatable
Box and Method of Use Thereof", which is a divisional of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/898,958, filed Jul. 3, 2001,
entitled "Inflatable Box", the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates, generally, to methods of packaging
and shipping items. More particularly, it relates to a method of
cushioning an item to be shipped.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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, etc.
However, all of the packaging materials mentioned can cause waste
disposal and recycling issues.
[0004] 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 a
rectangular box with inflatable structures that are inserts into
the box, thereby requiring multiple steps for use, from insertion
of the inflatable structures to closure of the box. In addition,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,533 to Farison provides an inflatable cushion
through a single inflation valve, which must be inserted into the
box with the article. U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,677 to Pozzo is a
shipping container and inflatable packaging cushion that must be
partially filled, then the article is inserted, and following steps
are required.
[0005] Hollingsworth, et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,534) discloses a
package having foam cushions coated in a cover with an air flow
controlling vent, permitting air to escape from the cushion upon
impact. Sperry (U.S. Pat. No. 6, 253,919) discloses a single air
bladder design. Kim (U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,035) discloses a carrying
case having inflation sections and air interconnect conduits. Pharo
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,123) discloses an inflation bladder that can
be wrapped around an item and inflated.
[0006] While the prior art provides protection to the articles
within a box, the conventional art suffers from a number of
drawbacks. 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. The prior art requires tedious methods for inflation. For
instance, the prior art requires that certain cushions be inflated
before others in a specific sequence, that cushions be inflated
before insertion into the box, and complex sequences of events for
closure of box flaps and/or self-locking flaps. They require
optimal inflation to work properly and finally require multiple
cushions to provide adequate protection to the article shipped. The
present invention is designed to address these shortcomings by
providing a package as described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is designed to advance the art of
packaging past the drawbacks of the prior art and provide packaging
that is simple to use, requires minimal instruction, has the
minimum number of parts, and is cost-effective. Another object of
the present invention is to provide a method that allows for an
easily automated process.
[0008] Certain embodiments of the present invention include a
packaging device comprising a box or tube container having at least
one fluid bladder disposed on the interior of the package. The at
least one fluid bladder is optionally fixed by adhesive, tape,
welding, or other means to the interior face of the box or tube
container walls. For example, for the box the at least one fluid
bladder is disposed on the interior face of the bottom wall, first
side wall, second side wall, third side wall, fourth side wall, and
at least one top wall panel of the box. For the tube container, the
at least one fluid bladder is disposed on the interior face of the
bottom wall, the side tubular wall, and the top wall. As an
alternative, the at least one fluid bladder may include more than
one fluid bladder. For example, the packaging may include a first
fluid bladder having a plurality of edges and at least one fluid
channel disposed on at least one of the plurality of edges and a
second fluid bladder having a plurality of edges and at least one
fluid channel disposed on at least one of the plurality of edges,
wherein the at least one fluid channel on the second fluid bladder
is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid channel on
the first fluid bladder. The fluid bladder may be formed of rubber,
plastic, graphene, or Mylar.TM.. The fluid bladder may be connected
to the interior wall of the container using glue, tape, staples,
heat, welding or other connection found acceptable by one of skill
in the art. An option bleed valve is disposed on the fluid bladder
and in fluid communication with the interior of the fluid
bladder.
[0009] A fluid inflation valve is disposed on the fluid bladder, on
the interior face of a side wall or top wall panel, on the exterior
face of a side wall or top wall panel, or in the side wall or top
wall, for example attached to the corrugation material. Regardless
of how the fluid inflation valve is attached, the valve is in fluid
communication with an interior lumen of the fluid inflation
bladder. Optional fluid inflation valves include, without limiting
the invention, a rubber gasket valve, plastic duckbill valve, a
pressure valve, a gas-piston pressure regulated flow valve, a stem
valve, a tire valve, a snap-in tire valve, a free flow inflation
valve, a non-return inflation valve, a fixed plug inflation valve,
a pressure inflation valve, a free flow inflation valve without
plug, a non-return no plug inflation valve, a Leafield valve, a
Halkey-Roberts valve, a Riken-Achilles military valve, a military
valve, a summit valve, a float bag valve, and a balloon valve, as
seen in FIG. 1. The rubber gasket valve further comprises a rubber
sealing member and a septum disposed in the rubber sealing member.
The plastic duckbill valve is formed of a first plastic sheet
having a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and a
mounting edge fixed to a second plastic sheet having a third
longitudinal edge, a fourth longitudinal edge, and a mounting edge
along its length or substantially along its length. The attachment
of the two plastic sheets forms a valve lumen which inflates to
form a tube to permit air flow and collapses flat to seal the
valve. The plastic duckbill valve is attached using its mounting
edge or optionally using mounting tabs are disposed on the mounting
edge of the first plastic sheet and the second plastic sheet of the
plastic duckbill valve. The connection of the valve to the
packaging, the valve to the fluid bladder, or the valve opening or
to the interior or exterior wall of the container can be glued,
taped, stapled, heated, welded or connected in any acceptable
manner. Further, an inflation tube is optionally disposed adjacent
to the mounting edge of the first plastic sheet and the second
plastic sheet and in fluid communication with the valve lumen. For
example, the inflation tube may extend from the valve, which is
attached to the interior face of a package wall or to a fluid
bladder, through the packaging to the exterior, thereby
facilitating simple inflation of the fluid bladder. The valve may
be formed of metal, graphene, rubber, plastic, or Mylar.TM..
[0010] The packaging is any shape used to ship product, such as
dolls or circuit boards, such as round, rectangular or other shape.
Optionally the package is a tube container having a bottom wall
having an interior face, an exterior face, and a circular edge,
with a side tubular wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
a bottom edge, and a top edge attached to the bottom wall. A top
wall having an interior face, an exterior face, and a circular edge
is attached at a least one point to the side tubular wall. The box
comprises a bottom wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
at least a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth
edge. A first side wall having an interior face, an exterior face,
a bottom edge, a top edge, a first side edge and a second side
edge, wherein the bottom edge is in physical communication with the
first edge of the bottom wall when assembled. A second side wall
having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom edge, a top
edge, a third side edge and a fourth side edge, wherein the bottom
edge is in physical communication with the second edge of the
bottom wall and the third side edge is in physical communication
with the first side edge of the first side wall when assembled. A
third side wall having an interior face, an exterior face, a bottom
edge, a top edge, a fifth side edge and a sixth side edge, wherein
the bottom edge is in physical communication with the third edge of
the bottom wall and the fifth side edge is in physical
communication with the fourth side edge of the second side wall
when assembled. A fourth side wall having an interior face, an
exterior face, a bottom edge, a top edge, a seventh side edge and a
eighth side edge, wherein the bottom edge is in physical
communication with the fourth edge of the bottom wall, the seventh
side edge is in physical communication with the sixth edge of the
third side wall and the eighth side edge is in physical
communication with the second side edge of the first side wall when
assembled. At least one top wall panel having an interior face and
an exterior face is in physical communication with the top edge of
at least one of the first side wall, second side wall, third side
wall, or fourth side wall. The packaging is optionally made of
cardboard, paper, plastic, wood, corrugated paper, graphene or
other suitable materials. Optionally, the packaging includes at
least one overlapping top wall panel disposed on the top edge of at
least one side wall. In some variations, a fluid bladder is
disposed on the interior face of the least one overlapping top wall
panel.
[0011] A method is also provides for cushioning a package for an
item being shipped using the box or tubular container described
above. The box is uniquely designed to allow for a simple one-step
process using a box with an integrated inflating tube and bottom
liner to expand internally by inflation. An item is introduced into
the box or tube container and the box or tube container closed. The
fluid inflation valve is then attached to a source of fluid under
pressure, such as a gaseous fluid like air, and the fluid flowed
into the at least one fluid bladder, such that the fluid inflates
the at least one fluid bladder around the item. Optionally, the
source of fluid under pressure is then removed from the inflation
valve. The inflating tube and bottom liner cushion the article to
be shipped three-dimensionally. This completely protects the
article and removes the need for peanuts, paper or other fillers in
boxes used for shipping goods once the box is closed, thus
increasing the safety of using the inflatable devices. This would
also lighten the weight of the package considerably. The package
may then be shipped, stored or otherwise handled. When the packed
item is to be retrieved, the at least one fluid bladder may be
deflated the prior to removal of the item from the box or tube
container.
[0012] Because the packaging is inflated after the item is inserted
into the packaging, the invention increases safety by eliminating
the hazard of the inflatable bladder (i.e., air cushion) exploding
in the face of the user if over-inflated. Where a bleed valve is
provided in the packaging, the packaging further avoids this by
releasing air when pressure reaches a certain level. This would
allow for automated and manual air filling without worry of
over-inflating.
[0013] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention appear
more clearly from reading the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and
made with reference to the accompanying drawings, such as the
determination of which end of the box is the bottom or top. This is
determined by which end of the box is closest to the inflatable
bottom part of the cushion.
[0014] Certain aspects of the present art can be found in the prior
art, but the prior art has failed to overcome its deficiencies and
has failed to advance the state of the art in the inflatable
packaging industry. Specifically, the current invention provides
the user with the unexpected benefits of simplicity, efficiency and
safety by placing an article(s) for shipment into a box, closing
the box, filling it with air, and shipping it. The prior art
appears to teach away from the present invention in that it teaches
the use of multiple cushions, multiple steps to closure, inflation
of cushions (bladders) before closure of the box, etc. Thus, the
current invention advances the state of the art through its novel,
useful, and nonobvious apparatus and methodology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] 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:
[0016] FIGS. 1(A) through (H) are schematics of some exemplary
valves. (A) a pressure valve; (B) a gas-piston pressure regulated
flow valve, (C) a tire valve; (D) a free flow inflation valve; (E)
a non-return inflation valve; (F) a pressure inflation valve; (G) a
free flow inflation valve without plug; and (H) a non-return no
plug inflation valve.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of the inflatable box
made in accordance with this invention, shown prior to closure of
the bottom and prior to inflation.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of an embodiment of the
inflatable box, showing air bladder channels extending from one air
bladder to another.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the
inflatable valve made in accordance with this invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional side view of an embodiment of
the inflatable box made in accordance with this invention, shown
with an inflation tube extending from the inflation valve to the
exterior of the inflatable box.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the box in FIG. 1
folded into an assembled state, and prior to closure of the top
flaps.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of the
inflatable box made in accordance with this invention, shown prior
to closure of the bottom and prior to inflation.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the assembled box of FIG. 1,
shown prior to closure of the bottom and prior to inflation.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of the box in FIG. 1
folded into an assembled state, exhibiting the bladder being
inflated with a needle through the air valve on the side of the
box.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] 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 a box, the optional addition
of a bleed valve, or the addition of a small hand pump integrated
into the sidewall of the box.
[0026] As used herein "substantially along" means that at least a
majority of the distance is connected. For example, at least 75%,
80%, or 90% of the distance is connected.
[0027] As used herein "plastic" means any of various organic
compounds produced by polymerization, capable of being molded,
extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into
filaments. A plastic can either be a thermosetting polymer or a
thermoplastic polymer, such as acetals, acrylics,
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, alkyds, cellulosics,
coumarone-indene, diallyl phthalate, epoxy, fluoropolymer,
melamine-formaldehyde, nitrile resins, nylon, petroleum resins,
phenolics, polyamide-imide, polyarylates, polybutylene,
polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyimides, polyphenylene oxide,
polyphenylene sulfide, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethanes,
polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl chloride, styrene acrylonitrile,
styrene butadiene latexes, sulfone polymers, thermoplastic
polyester, unsaturated polyester, urea-formaldehyde,
hexachloroethane, or any combination thereof. Useful plastics
include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high impact
polystyrene (HIPS), acrylic (PMMA), cellulose acetate, cyclic
olefin copolymer (COC), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene
vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylfluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene
fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), fluorinated ethylene-propylene
(FEP), perfluoroalkoxy polymer (PFA),
polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE),
polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), perfluoropolyether (PCPE),
acrylic/PVC polymer, aromatic polyester polymers (liquid crystal
polymer), polyoxymethylene (acetal), polyamide (PA, nylon),
polyamide-imide (PAI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polybutadiene
(PBD), polybutylene (PB), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),
polycaprolactone (PCL), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylene dimethylene
terephthalate (PCT), polycarbonate (PC), polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA), polyketone (PK), polyester, polyethylene (PE),
polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone
(PES), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), polyimide (PI), polylactic
acid (PLA), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyphenylene oxide (PPO),
polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene
(PP), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polytrimethylene
terephthalate (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC),
styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN).
EXAMPLE 1
[0028] Inflatable box 1, seen in FIG. 2, is shown as a flat,
unassembled box composed of five walls, first wall 3a, second wall
3b, third wall 3c, fourth wall 3d, fifth wall 3e. In addition, top
flaps are attached to the walls such that first top flap 4a is
attached to first wall 3a and second top flap 4b is attached to
third wall 3c. In the example, inflatable box 1 also includes first
top overlap panel 5a attached to second wall 3b, and second top
overlap panel 5b attached to fourth wall 3d. A plurality of air
bladders are attached to the interior wall of the walls and top
flaps, with first wall air bladder 6a attached to first wall 3a,
second wall air bladder 6b attached to second wall 3b, third wall
air bladder 6c attached to third wall 3c, fourth wall air bladder
6d attached to fourth wall 3d, and fifth wall air bladder 6e
attached to fifth wall 3e. The top flaps also include air bladders,
with sixth air bladder 6f attached to first top flap and seventh
air bladder 6g attached to second top flap 4b.
[0029] The plurality of air bladders are interconnected by bladder
channels, as seen in FIG. 3. Each air bladder is connected to at
least one other air bladder by two bladder channels. For example,
in FIG. 3, first wall air bladder 6a is connected to seventh air
bladder 6g by left first bladder air channel 9a.sub.1 and right
first bladder air channel 9a.sub.2.
[0030] Valve 7 comprises first inflation valve half 12 and second
inflation valve half 13 heat sealed on longitudinal edges 14, as
seen in FIG. 4. This forms collapsible inflation tube 15. The
exterior edges of first inflation valve half 12 and second
inflation valve half 13 end in first mounting tab 10 and second
mounting tab 11. In the present example, first inflation valve half
12 and second inflation valve half 13 are strips of plastic heat
sealed on longitudinal edges 14 and first mounting tab 10 and
second mounting tab 11 heat sealed to an air bladder.
Alternatively, valve 7 can be glued, taped, stapled, heated, welded
or connected in any other manner which one of skill in the art
would find acceptable. To inflate the air bladder, gas is applied
inside collapsible inflation tube 15, thereby inflating the tube
into a cylinder. Once gas pressure is reduced, pressure inside the
air bladder pushes against the collapsible inflation tube 15,
causing the tube to collapse on itself, i.e. flatten, and push it
against the side of the bladder. This seals the valve, preventing
gas from escaping from the air bladder.
EXAMPLE 2
[0031] Valve 7 is in communication with the exterior of inflatable
box 1 using tube 30, seen in FIG. 5. Tube 30 is a hollow lumen,
long or short tube or tube or tube of any size or shape and may be
made of plastic, rubber, or other similar material known in the
art. In the present embodiment, valve 7 is connected directly to
the interior face of a panel of inflatable box 1 by gluing or
otherwise fixing first mounting tab 10 and second mounting tab 11
to the panel face. After assembling inflatable box 1, as seen in
FIG. 6, and preparing the box for shipping or storage, gas is
applied to tube 30, thereby inflating collapsible inflation tube 15
into a cylinder as described in Example 1 and inflating the air
bladders.
EXAMPLE 3
[0032] Valve 7 is connected directly to the exterior face of a
panel of inflatable box 1 for inflation of the box. An opening is
formed in a panel of inflatable box 1 and collapsible inflation
tube 15 is inserted into the opening. First mounting tab 10 and
second mounting tab 11 were fixed to the exterior panel face using
glue, tape, staples, heat sealing, welding, or other means known in
the art.
EXAMPLE 4
[0033] Inflatable box 40 is shown is as a flat, unassembled unit in
FIG. 7. Box body 41 includes extensions for top flaps 42 and bottom
flaps 43, and have scoring 47 for folds, which run along the bottom
and top of box body 41. Air bladder 44 is connected to inflatable
box 40 by means such as adhesive, heat bonding, or other means
known in the art. Air valve 7, shown as a rubber gasket having
septum 42 to allow an inflation needle to pass through, is attached
to air bladder 44, such as shown in FIG. 7. The air valve may vary
from 1 psi to as much as 100 psi, for example a maximum allowable
air pressure of 25 psi. The amount of pressure allowed is directly
proportional to the strength of the material used in air bladder
44, inflatable box 40, and the durability of the shipping item.
Hence, the stronger the materials used, the higher the air pressure
that can be allowed. This is of course in reference to extreme
levels. In most cases, air pressure as little as about 10 psi to
about 25 psi will typically be adequate, and a device as simple as
a basketball air pump can be used to achieve this pressure. The
material used in air bladder 44 can range from rubber to plastic of
any types or other suitable material capable of holding air and
conforming to the shape of the article(s) shipped in inflatable box
40.
EXAMPLE 5
[0034] Inflatable box 1 is assembled by folding first wall 3a,
second wall 3b, third wall 3c, and fourth wall 3d, vertically, i.e.
at a 90 degree angle from fifth wall 3e. The edges of first wall 3a
are attached to second wall 3b using method or materials known in
the art. Second wall 3b is then attached to third wall 3c, and so
forth, forming an open box, as seen in FIG. 8.
[0035] Inflatable box 1 is shown with top flaps 4a and 4b and top
overlap panels 5a and 5b opened. Inflatable box 1 is assembled and
ready for preparing the box for shipping or storage. Item 45 is
placed into the interior lumen of inflatable box 1 and top flaps 4a
and 4b bent over to close over item 45. Top overlap panels 5a and
5b are subsequently folded over top flaps 4a and 4b, securing the
top of inflatable box 1. Air inflation needle 40 is then inserted
into valve 7 and fluid flow F1 applied through air inflation needle
40, as seen in FIG. 9. The fluid exits valve 7 as fluid flow F2,
entering third wall air bladder 6c. As fluid fills third wall air
bladder 6c, the fluid flows through fifth bladder air channel 9e
and into fifth air bladder 6e. Fluid continues to flow into
subsequent air bladders through the bladder air channels until all
the air bladders are filled, thereby securing item 45 in inflatable
box 1.
[0036] The air bladders inflate to provide protection on the
bottom, top and sides of item 45 within the interior of inflatable
box 1. After inflation, air inflation needle 40 is withdrawn from
valve 7. Optional bleed valve 8 allows fluid to escape from the air
bladders in the instance where inflatable box 1 is overfilled or
over-inflated with the fluid.
[0037] The inflatable packing may be shipped. As such, packing of
inflatable box 1 and inflation of bladders 6a through 6f or bladder
46 can be automated. For example, an assembly line may have boxes
traversing a conveyor belt with the bottom of the boxes closed,
leaving the top open. Then an article can simply be placed 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 an air filling station where an automated or
manual means could be utilized to inflate the box to the desired
pressure. The current invention provides an apparatus and
methodology that significantly improves cost efficiency within the
packaging industry, for example in shipping time, weight, and
labor.
[0038] In the preceding specification, all documents, acts, or
information disclosed do not constitute an admission that the
document, act, or information of any combination thereof was
publicly available, known to the public, part of the general
knowledge in the art, or was known to be relevant to solve any
problem at the time of priority.
[0039] The disclosures of all publications cited above are
expressly incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety,
to the same extent as if each were incorporated by reference
individually.
[0040] While there has been described and illustrated specific
embodiments of methods for the detection of grouper meat, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations,
modifications, and substitution of equivalent means can be effected
and still remain within the spirit and scope of the invention and
without deviating from the broad spirit and principle of the
present invention. It is also to be understood that the following
claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific
features of the invention herein described, and all statements of
the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be
said to fall therebetween.
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