Inflatable shipping device and method of forming and using same

Abstract

An assembly, carrier, and method configured to protect items during shipping and storage is disclosed. The assembly includes inflatable cells to protect the items. The assembly may also include additional protective layers to prevent puncture of the cells.

1 . A golf bag assembly comprising: 
 a plurality of inflatable cells for encasing shafts and heads of golf clubs;    a sealable opening, formed between at least two of the plurality of inflatable cells, to provide access to the golf clubs; and    a fluid input valve coupled to at least on of the plurality of inflatable cells to allow cushioning fluid into one or more of the inflatable cells.    
   
   
       2 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of inflatable cells forms an integral part of a container.  
   
   
       3 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 2  wherein the container is a soft-shell golf bag.  
   
   
       4 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective surface proximate the plurality of inflatable cells.  
   
   
       5 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the protective surface is a golf bag.  
   
   
       6 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the protective surface is welded to a surface of at least a portion of the plurality of inflatable cells.  
   
   
       7 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sealable opening comprises at least one of a, zipper, Velcro, buttons, and snaps.  
   
   
       8 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a pump to introduce the cushioning fluid into the plurality of inflatable cells.  
   
   
       9 . The golf bag assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a check valve between two of the plurality of inflatable cells.  
   
   
       10 . An assembly for protecting items, the assembly comprising 
 an inflatable cell formed of polyurethane material;    a sealable opening to provide access to an inner cargo area; and    a fluid input valve to allow cushioning fluid into the inflatable inner layer.    
   
   
       11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a bag of golf clubs.  
   
   
       12 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a set of skis.  
   
   
       13 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a snowboard.  
   
   
       14 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate an electronic device.  
   
   
       15 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a wine bottle.  
   
   
       16 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the polyurethane material has a thickness of about 5 to about 120 mils.  
   
   
       17 . The assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising a protective material adjacent the cell.  
   
   
       18 . The assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the protective material is welded to a surface of the cell.  
   
   
       19 . A method for protecting an item during storage and transport comprising: 
 placing the item in an inner cargo area defined by an interior portion of an inflatable cell;    sealing an opening that provides access to the inner cargo area; and    introducing a cushioning fluid into the inflatable inner layer.