The present invention is an inflatable box which can come 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 which cushions the article to be shipped 3 dimensionally thus completely protecting the article and removing the need for peanuts, paper or other fillers in boxes used for shipping goods once the box is closed.
1. A package that cushions items being shipped, comprising:
a box having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls;
an inflatable bladder affixed within said hollow interior of said box, said inflatable bladder including a bottom portion and side portions extending from said bottom portion to form an interior space having an open top when in a first deflated position, said side portions being substantially normal to said bottom portion and extending substantially along a length of said sidewalls of said box in said first deflated position;
an opening formed in said box;
a normally closed valve disposed in sealing engagement with said opening;
said normally closed valve having an inlet port external to said box;
said inlet port adapted to be connected to a source of gaseous fluid under pressure;
said inlet port being in fluid communication with said inflatable bladder so that said inflatable bladder is inflated when said source of gaseous fluid under pressure is connected to said inlet port; and
said inflatable bladder having a second inflated position when said box is in a closed position, said side portions of said inflated bladder engulf said item being shipped by filling in said open top when in said second inflated position.
2. The package of claim 1 , further comprising:
said box being made of a rigid material.
3. The package of claim 1 , further comprising:
said box being made of a semi-rigid material.
4. The package of claim 1 , further comprising:
a hand pump in fluid connection with said inflatable bladder.
5. The package of claim 1 , further comprising:
said inflatable bladder further comprises a bleed valve disposed in fluid communication with said inflatable bladder.