Shipping container and method of forming and using same

Abstract

A container configured to protect items during shipping and storage is disclosed. The container includes a cover, a liner, and an inflatable bladder between the liner and the cover. The container further includes a protective plate, which optionally houses one or more pumps to inflate the bladder. The container may also include a retractable handle, which may form part of the pump.

1 . A golf bag container comprising:
 a cover;   a liner for receiving golf clubs, the liner coupled to the cover;   an inflatable bladder interposed between the liner and the cover; and   a protective plate.   
   
   
       2 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , further comprising a pump fluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder. 
   
   
       3 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , further comprising a retractable handle coupled to the protective plate. 
   
   
       4 . The golf bag container of  claim 3 , wherein the handle forms part of the pump. 
   
   
       5 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , further comprising a manual pump integrated into the protective plate. 
   
   
       6 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a sealable opening. 
   
   
       7 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , further comprising a second pump fluidly coupled to the bladder. 
   
   
       8 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , further comprising a check valve fluidly coupled to the bladder. 
   
   
       9 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , wherein the bladder is coupled to the cover. 
   
   
       10 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , wherein the cover is coupled to the protective plate using a device selected from the group consisting of snaps, Velcro, rivets, glues, and screws. 
   
   
       11 . The golf bag container of  claim 1 , wherein the bladder is formed of a material selected from the groups consisting of polyurethane, a resilient plastic, and rubber. 
   
   
       12 . A container comprising:
 a cover;   a liner attached to the cover having an inner cargo area;   an inflatable bladder between the cover and the liner;   a sealable opening to provide access to an inner cargo area;   a protective plate attached to the cover; and   a pump integrally formed in the plate, the pump fluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder.   
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a bag of golf clubs. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a set of skis. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate a snowboard. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the inner cargo region is configured to accommodate an electronic device. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the inflatable bladder comprises polyurethane material. 
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the inflatable bladder has a thickness of about 5 to about 120 mils.