Modular inflated supporting structure

A modular supporting structure for positioning and supporting a product within an outer packing container, wherein said product to be supported has predetermined external dimensions, and said outer packing container forms a chamber of predetermined internal dimensions;

• and wherein said supporting structure is such that, at least when in use in combination with said product and said outer packing container, said supporting structure comprises:
• a plurality of modules interconnected one to another, each module in turn comprising an at least partially inflated bladder, and a connecting portion that is attached to said bladder of each respective module;
• wherein each of said bladders has a first compartment for receiving and retaining an inflating gas;
• wherein each module has an exterior surface that is generally shaped and sized so as to correspond to a portion of said predetermined internal dimensions of a said outer packing container;
• wherein each of said modules has an inwardly directed receiving surface that is generally shaped and sized so as to correspond to a portion of said predetermined external dimensions of a said product;
• said plurality of modules being separably connected one to another by way of said connecting portions so as to form said modular supporting structure, said modular supporting structure having a predetermined shape product-receiving socket defined by said inwardly directed surfaces of said plurality of modules;
• and wherein said modules are maintained physically separated from each other by said connecting portions being interconnected, whereby said modules act independently of each other in terms of the load supported by each.