Importance

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Abstract

An inflatable package is adapted to be formed into a packaging system for retaining an item formed with a pair of inner panels defining an item-receiving zone. Each of a pair of outer panels overlies a respective one of the inner panels to form an inflatable chamber. Overlying edge portions of each respective pair of inner and outer panels are secured together along all overlying edge portions, and overlying edge portions of the inner panels are secured together along at least two substantially parallel edge portions so that the inner panels remain unattached to each other along at least one section to allow insertion of the item into the item-receiving zone. The inflatable chambers are at least partially inflated with a filler medium through an inflating valve. The inflatable chambers are divided into a plurality of sections by bonding each respective pair of inner and outer panels along an interior portion, so that the bonding between each respective pair of inner and outer panels is not uniform and complete, the filling medium can pass between adjacent sections, the bonding is not co-extensive with the two substantially parallel edge portions of the inner panels, and there is a portion of each inflatable chamber which is shaped to substantially enclose the item-receiving zone upon inflation. The filling medium communicates between the inflatable chambers via respective co-extensive holes in the inner panels. The inflatable chambers are sealed upon inflation by inflation pressure acting upon the inflating valve.

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First Claim