US5542237A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Recycle shipping assembly
Assignee: ReSource America Inc
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Filing: 1995-06-05
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Granted: 1996-08-06
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Expires: 2015-06-05
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
2026-11-09 18:39
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: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A process for recycling a shipping container, comprising: (a) sending to a customer, by a product provider, a shipping container having a product packaged therein, said shipping container having a useful lifetime; (b) providing said customer with directions for returning said shipping container to a refurbisher; (c) after removal of said product, returning said shipping container to said refurbisher pursuant to said directions; (d) inspecting said shipping container; (e) refurbishing said shipping container if said shipping container is refurbishable and recycling said shipping container if said shipping container is to be replaced; and (f) repeating steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) during said useful lifetime of said shipping container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A process for recycling a shipping container, comprising: (a) sending to a customer, by a product provider, a shipping container having a product packaged therein, said shipping container having a useful lifetime; (b) providing said customer with directions for returning said shipping container to a refurbisher; (c) after removal of said product, returning said shipping container to said refurbisher pursuant to said directions; (d) inspecting said shipping container; (e) refurbishing said shipping container if said shipping container is refurbishable and recycling said shipping container if said shipping container is to be replaced; and (f) repeating steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) during said useful lifetime of said shipping container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said directions are provided with said product sent to said customer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said shipping container is returned to said refurbisher by a transport service.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said transport service is a parcel service.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said shipping container comprises an outer container and inner product supports.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 5 wherein said inner product supports are returned to said refurbisher.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
A process for recycling a shipping container, comprising: (a) providing a customer, receiving a product from a product provider in a shipping container having a useful lifetime, with directions for returning said shipping container to a refurbisher; (b) receiving said shipping container from said customer, after removal of said product, pursuant to said directions; (c) inspecting said shipping container; (d) refurbishing said shipping container if said shipping container is refurbishable and recycling said shipping container if said shipping container is to be replaced; and (e) repeating steps (a), (b), (c) (d) and (e) during said useful lifetime of said shipping container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
A process for recycling a shipping container, comprising: (a) providing a customer, receiving a product from a product provider in a shipping container having a useful lifetime, with directions for returning said shipping container to a refurbisher; (b) receiving said shipping container from said customer, after removal of said product, pursuant to said directions; (c) inspecting said shipping container; (d) refurbishing said shipping container if said shipping container is refurbishable and recycling said shipping container if said shipping container is to be replaced; and (e) repeating steps (a), (b), (c) (d) and (e) during said useful lifetime of said shipping container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 7 wherein said directions are provided with said product sent to said customer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 7 wherein said shipping container is returned to said refurbisher by a transport service.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 9 wherein said transport service is a parcel service.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 7 wherein said shipping container comprises an outer container and inner product supports.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 11 wherein said inner product supports are returned to said refurbisher.
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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) | 1999-08-06 | 2000-02-05 | 2000-08-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-08-06 | 2004-02-05 | 2004-08-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-08-06 | 2008-02-05 | 2008-08-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |