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.

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.