US5247747A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Recycle shipping container
Assignee: ReSource America Inc
•
Filing: 1991-10-10
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Granted: 1993-09-28
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Expires: 2011-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Grey
- 👤 Wayne Williams
- 👤 William H. Shaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 07:52
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D81/00; B65D81/02; B65D81/05; B65D5/00; B65D5/42; B65D5/4212; B65D5/4233; B65D5/44; B65D5/50; B65D5/5028; B65D5/5088; B65D5/509; B65D5/56; B65D5/563; B65D81/107; B65D85/00; B65D85/02; B65D2565/00; B65D2565/38; B65D2565/381; B65D2565/384; B65D2565/385; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W30/00; Y02W30/50; Y02W30/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A process for providing a recyclable or reprocessable cushioned shipping container, comprising the steps of: a. providing a container comprising a carton and non-foam shipping elements selected from the group consisting of elastomeric films, bubble wrap, expanded mica and inflatable plastic bladders; b. shipping the container and cushioning elements with a product provider's product cushioned therein to a customer with directions for returning the carton to a fabricator or third party after receipt by the customer of the provider's product; c. at the fabricator or third party, inspecting and refurbishing or replacing the carton or cushioning elements to make the container like new, and reprocessing the elements replaced; and d. repeating steps (b) and (c) during a useful lifetime of the container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
A process for providing a recyclable or reprocessable cushioned shipping container, comprising the steps of: a. providing a container comprising a carton and non-foam shipping elements selected from the group consisting of elastomeric films, bubble wrap, expanded mica and inflatable plastic bladders; b. shipping the container and cushioning elements with a product provider's product cushioned therein to a customer with directions for returning the carton to a fabricator or third party after receipt by the customer of the provider's product; c. at the fabricator or third party, inspecting and refurbishing or replacing the carton or cushioning elements to make the container like new, and reprocessing the elements replaced; and d. repeating steps (b) and (c) during a useful lifetime of the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the carton and cushioning elements are comprised substantially entirely of recyclable or reprocessable material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 where in the carton comprises a reclosable plastic carton.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the third party comprises a resource center.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-09-27 | 1997-03-29 | 1997-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-27 | 2001-03-29 | 2001-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-27 | 2005-03-29 | 2005-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |