Inflatable, reusable and leak-resistant carrier

Abstract

A protective carrier ( 10 ) for portable objects has an interior layer ( 30 ) and an exterior layer ( 20 ) welded together to form a compartment ( 2 ) that is surrounded by inflatable air chambers ( 3 ). The compartment ( 2 ) has an opening in one end ( 62 ) through which objects are inserted. The open end ( 62 ) may be closed with a fluid-resistant seal ( 65 ) that rolls and is secured by buckles ( 40, 70 ), making the compartment ( 2 ) leak-resistant. The air chambers ( 3 ) may be inflated and deflated through a valve ( 100 ).

1 . A carrier, comprising:
 an exterior layer and an interior layer, the exterior layer and the interior layer welded together to form at least two inflatable air chambers that at least partially surround a compartment, the air chambers capable of inflation and deflation by means of at least a first valve, the compartment able to contain at least one object, the compartment having an insertion end that may be opened to allow insertion of an object into the compartment, the insertion end having a seal that may be closed to isolate an object within the compartment from the external environment.   
     
     
         2 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the interior and exterior layers comprise dissimilar materials. 
     
     
         3 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the seal comprises a first portion and a second portion of the interior layer welded together at least a first edge and a second edge, the first and second edges disposed on opposite sides of the first and second portions of the interior layer to form an opening in the insertion end between the compartment and the external environment. 
     
     
         4 . The carrier of  claim 3 , wherein the seal further comprises a stiffener. 
     
     
         5 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior layer and the interior layer are welded together by RF welding. 
     
     
         6 . The carrier of  claim 4 , wherein the stiffener is RF welded to at least one layer. 
     
     
         7 . The carrier of  claim 3 , wherein the first edge and the second edge taper toward the insertion end. 
     
     
         8 . The carrier of  claim 3 , further comprising a strap and a buckle to secure the seal. 
     
     
         9 . The carrier of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior layer is polished PVC. 
     
     
         10 . The carrier of  claim 9 , wherein the interior layer is frosted PVC. 
     
     
         11 . The carrier of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two stability welds. 
     
     
         12 . The carrier of  claim 11 , wherein the stability welds further comprise tear-drop-shaped welds at each end.