Inflatable Packaging Device

Abstract

Packaging is provided that inflates within the interior and exterior of a desired article, such as a pair of shoes. The pack is sized to the article's height, width, depth and in the case of shoes, has two distinct inserts that fit inside each one of a pair of shoes. When the package is inflated, both the interior and exterior of the shoes are cushioned and supported for shipment and storage. This invention allows the user to deflate the packaging, fold it to a reduced size, and either store the packaging or mail it back to the manufacturer to be repurposed for a continued life cycle.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package for an article, comprising:
 a base wall, the base wall including two layers that are connected together to form a first sealed air space therebetween, the two layers shaped to form an opening and a protruding portion defining a portion of the opening, the opening shaped to hold an article therein with the protruding portion arranged and shaped to fit into a concavity present in the article, wherein the first sealed air space is inflatable such that the protruding portion fills a portion of the concavity.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising a back cover connected to the base wall and comprising two layers that are connected together to form a second sealed air space therebetween, wherein the back cover overlies the opening and the second sealed air space is inflatable to protect a first surface of the article otherwise exposed in the opening. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 2 , further comprising a front cover connectable to the base wall, wherein the front cover comprises two layers connected together to form a third sealed air space therebetween, wherein when the third sealed air space is inflated and the front cover is positioned over the opening on a side opposite the back cover, a second surface of the article opposite the first surface is protected. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 3 , wherein the front cover is hinged to the base wall, to be alternately aligned to cover or reveal the article held in the opening in the base wall. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 3 , comprising an air valve on the back cover to allow for inflation and deflation of the back cover. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 3 , comprising a handle for carrying the package. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 3 , wherein the front cover is selectively secured to the base wall, and the package includes a handle for carrying the package in a closed configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said front cover and said back cover are composed of clear flexible material for easy visibility of the article inside the package. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 3 , wherein one of said front cover and said back cover comprises a pocket which covers a height of the package and has an open interior wherein a more rigid card can be slipped into and out of said pocket, serving as a reinforced cover for said package. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 2 , comprising an air valve on the front cover to allow for inflation and deflation of the front cover. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 1 , comprising an air valve on the base wall to allow for inflation and deflation of the base wall. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising a pocket on the front cover. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 1 , comprising a pocket on the interior or exterior of the package.