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US3887068A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Modular mailing container system and process

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-08-20
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Granted: 1975-06-03
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Expires: 1993-08-20
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Abstract

Abstract A mailing container system consisting of three dimensionally standardized modules and corresponding folding paperboard cartons therefor is described. Each module is constructed of plastic material and consists of a base with a mating lid member. Both the internal and external surface planes of each module are uninterruped at the lid closure line, and each module is selfsealing and reusable. Each container is formed by the plastic module and an outer paperboard mailing carton cover. The modules are dimensioned preferably in sizes of about 3 1/2 X 5 X 1 1/2 inches; 5 X 7 X 2 1/2 inches; and 7 X 11 X 6 1/2 inches. A packaging system in kit form is also disclosed consisting of an assortment of modules disposed within a single large module, together with the appropriate folded mailing carton covers packed within for each of the two smaller-size modules. More specifically, although not necessarily limited to, A modular mailing container system for most parcels not exceeding a length and girth of 10-inches by 25-inches respectively; offering an assortment of containers in three standard sizes all modular in nature, each made of a plastic material forming a molded set-up box with separable lid cover held intact through vacuum and friction, each then packed with respectively sized paperboard mailing carton. A method of packaging as stated above, in kit form and ready for use as packed, comprised of self-sealing plastic modules with folding paperboard mailing cartons. It is organized to allow the user, regardless of his degree of familiarity, to quickly assemble anywhere sturdy and rigid packaging without additional apparatus for parcels of assorted size, ready for mailing, with assured safety to contents. Utilizing such standardized packaging parcels are able to be handled by any postal system having facilities using either a conventional or a reciprocally automated mail processing method. Sealing tape is optional for use in any postal system which requires the complete closure and sealing of parcels to qualify for mailing in classes such as registered mail. Failsafe and modular to the third dimension, each standardized container when prepared for mailing is acceptable by any postal system in the world equipped for the automated machine processing of parcels using the cubic volume method of parcel containment, and mechanical conveyancing, handling and shipment, which is the preferred application of this invention.

Inventors

  • 👤 Paul Noel Ghione

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-05 22:56
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D77/00; B65D77/04; B65D77/0413; B65D77/042; B65D2577/00; B65D2577/04; B65D2577/041; B65D2577/042; B65D2577/047

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim 117 words
A mailing container system, or kit, comprising a plurality of self-sealing, plastic modules defining no more than three different predetermined sizes and shapes and a plurality of folding cartons, each of said cartons configured to correspond to and receive one of said modules to form a complete mailing container ready for mailing; each of said modules having a lid and a base, the walls thereof defining a rectangular and cross-sectional configuration with each external and internal surface of each module lying in a single plane; a plurality of at least one of said modules adapted to be disposed within at least one other of said modules together with the corresponding folding cartons thereof to form said kit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 117 words
A mailing container system, or kit, comprising a plurality of self-sealing, plastic modules defining no more than three different predetermined sizes and shapes and a plurality of folding cartons, each of said cartons configured to correspond to and receive one of said modules to form a complete mailing container ready for mailing; each of said modules having a lid and a base, the walls thereof defining a rectangular and cross-sectional configuration with each external and internal surface of each module lying in a single plane; a plurality of at least one of said modules adapted to be disposed within at least one other of said modules together with the corresponding folding cartons thereof to form said kit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 117 words
A mailing container system, or kit, comprising a plurality of self-sealing, plastic modules defining no more than three different predetermined sizes and shapes and a plurality of folding cartons, each of said cartons configured to correspond to and receive one of said modules to form a complete mailing container ready for mailing; each of said modules having a lid and a base, the walls thereof defining a rectangular and crosssectional configuration with each external and internal surface of each module lying in a single plane; a plurality of at least one of said modules adapted to be disposed within at least one other of said modules together with the corresponding folding cartons thereof to form said kit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 117 words
A mailing container system, or kit, comprising a plurality of self-sealing, plastic modules defining no more than three different predetermined sizes and shapes and a plurality of folding cartons, each of said cartons configured to correspond to and receive one of said modules to form a complete mailing container ready for mailing; each of said modules having a lid and a base, the walls thereof defining a rectangular and crosssectional configuration with each external and internal surface of each module lying in a single plane; a plurality of at least one of said modules adapted to be disposed within at least one other of said modules together with the corresponding folding cartons thereof to form said kit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 20 words
The kit of claim 1 wherein a plurality of one of said modules are disposed within another of said modules.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 12 words
The kit of claim 1 wherein said modules comprise three different sizes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 20 words
The kit of claim 3 wherein a plurality of two of said different sized modules are disposed within a third.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 65 words
The kit of claim 3 wherein the external dimensions of a first set of said modules are about 1 1/2 X 3 1/2 X 5 inches; the external dimensions of a second set of said modules are about 2 1/2 X 5 X 7 inches; and the external dimensions of a third set of said modules are about 6 1/2 X 7 X 11 inches.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 27 words
The kit of claim 5 wherein four of said first set and three of said second set are disposed within one of said third set of modules.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 27 words
The kit of claim 5 wherein six of said first set and two of said second set are disposed within one of said third set of modules.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 125 words
The kit of claim 1 wherein each of said modules comprises a base portion having a rectangular bottom wall and upstanding integral side walls, the distal portion thereof lying perpendicular to said bottom wall and extending upwardly to form an integral rim, said rim having a height greater than the width of said side walls; and a lid portion having a rectangular top wall and downwardly extending, integral side walls, the distal portion thereof lying perpendicular to said top wall and depending to form an integral lip, the height of the lip being equal to the height of said rim so that when said lid is placed on said base a vertical surface of the rim and the lip will mate in an abutting relationship.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 26 words
The module of claim 8 wherein the average thickness of the rim and of the lip respectively is approximately one-half the thickness of said side walls.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 34 words
The module of claim 9 wherein the central portion of the abutting surfaces of said rim and lip lie in planes perpendicular to the bottom and top walls of said base and lid, respectively.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 49 words
The module of claim 10 wherein the lip and rim of said lid and base portions are formed so that when said module is assembled the lip surrounds the rim with the internal surface of the lip and the external surface of the rim juxtaposed in an abutting relationship.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 38 words
The module of claim 11 wherein the upper and lower portions of the internal surfaces of said lip and the upper and lower portions of the external surfaces of said rim define common circular segments in cross section.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 20 words
The module of claim 12 wherein the radius of each edge of said circular segment is at least 0.010 inch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 20 words
The module of claim 12 wherein the radius of each edge of said circular segment is at least 0.015 inch.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 37 words
The module of claim 12 wherein the internal and external juncture of the side walls and bottom wall of said base and the side walls and top wall of said lid define circular segments in cross section.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 34 words
The module of claim 15 wherein the internal and external radius of said segments is approximately one-half of the thickness of said side walls, and 1 1/2 the thickness of said side walls, respectively.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 20 words
The module of claim 8 wherein the side walls of said base and lid are at least one-eighth inch thick.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 45 words
The kit of claim 1 wherein each of said cartons comprises a foldable carton of ink-receptive material, said carton adapted to receive and enclose a module for mailing, the sides thereof being dimensioned to conform to the configuration defined by the walls of said module.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 16 words
The kit of claim 18 wherein each of said cartons is constructed of light gauge paperboard.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3484015A Cited
US3504787A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1978-06-02 1978-12-02 1979-06-03 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1982-06-02 1982-12-02 1983-06-03 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1986-06-02 1986-12-02 1987-06-03 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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