US20030168449A1 - Sealed freight enclosure - Google Patents
Sealed freight enclosure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030168449A1 US20030168449A1 US10/385,994 US38599403A US2003168449A1 US 20030168449 A1 US20030168449 A1 US 20030168449A1 US 38599403 A US38599403 A US 38599403A US 2003168449 A1 US2003168449 A1 US 2003168449A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lock
- freight
- top portion
- bottom portion
- enclosure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
- B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/0088—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D71/0092—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck provided with one or more rigid supports, at least one dimension of the supports corresponding to a dimension of the load, e.g. skids
- B65D71/0096—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck provided with one or more rigid supports, at least one dimension of the supports corresponding to a dimension of the load, e.g. skids the dimensions of the supports corresponding to the periphery of the load, e.g. pallets
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00009—Materials
- B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
- B65D2519/00174—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
- B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
- B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
- B65D2519/00497—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of one piece
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
- B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
- B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
- B65D2519/00587—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls directly connected to each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
- B65D2519/00616—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures not intended to be disassembled
- B65D2519/00621—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures not intended to be disassembled sidewalls directly connected to each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
- B65D2519/00641—Structures intended to be disassembled
- B65D2519/00661—Structures intended to be disassembled side walls maintained connected to pallet by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00547—Connections
- B65D2519/00706—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts
- B65D2519/00716—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts non-removable lid or covers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/0081—Elements or devices for locating articles
- B65D2519/00815—Elements or devices for locating articles on the pallet
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/0086—Protection against environmental hazards, e.g. humidity, bacteria, fire
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00736—Details
- B65D2519/0098—Dismountable elements
- B65D2519/0099—Dismountable elements single dismountable pallet element, e.g. for replacement
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00006—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D2571/00055—Clapping elements, also placed on the side
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00006—Palletisable loads, i.e. loads intended to be transported by means of a fork-lift truck
- B65D2571/00111—Arrangements of flexible binders
Definitions
- This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for packaging, transport, and delivery of freight.
- the receiving agent At each point in the pallet's journey, the receiving agent must sign for the freight and indicate, upon inspection, that the freight is intact—i.e. none of the goods are missing or damaged. The inspection, however, is almost never thorough. This is due to the fact that in order to reasonably conclude that the goods are intact, the receiving agent would have to remove the packaging material and examine every box. This is hardly practical as there are both time and manpower constraints, as well as the need for additional packaging upon the removal and therefore necessary disposal of this packaging.
- the present invention in one embodiment includes an apparatus comprising a freight enclosure comprising a top portion and a bottom portion.
- the top portion is connected to the bottom portion by a connection device.
- the connection device is locked by a lock which prevents the top portion from being separated from the bottom portion.
- the lock has a code or serial number which uniquely identifies the freight enclosure.
- connection device may be comprised of a first set of zipper teeth located on the top portion which is linked to a second set of zipper teeth located on the bottom portion.
- the connection device may be further comprised of a first zipper which has a first loop which is connected to the lock and the lock prevents the first zipper from unlinking the first set of zipper teeth from the second set of zipper teeth.
- the connection device may be further comprised of a second zipper which has a second loop which is connected to the lock and the lock connects the first zipper with the second zipper and prevents the first and second zippers from unlinking the first set of zipper teeth from the second set of zipper teeth.
- the lock may be a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock, and after the lock is opened, the lock can not be locked again.
- the lock may be a metal seal.
- the top portion of the freight enclosure may have a box structure comprised of first, second, third, and fourth sides and a top side which enclose a first area.
- the bottom portion may have a box structure comprised of a first, second, third, and fourth sides and a bottom side which enclose a second area.
- the second area enclosed by the bottom portion may be smaller than the first area enclosed by the top portion so the top portion can fit over the bottom portion.
- the top portion When the top portion is connected to the bottom portion, the top portion may at least partially overlaps over the bottom portion.
- connection device may be comprised of a first part connected to the top portion, which may be a first set of zipper teeth and a second part connected to the bottom portion of the freight enclosure which may be a second set of zipper teeth.
- the first and second sets of teeth may be causes to connect by one or more zippers.
- the first part of the connection device is connected to the top portion so that it lies within the first enclosed area of the top portion.
- a first sealing section which may be VELCRO (trademarked), may be located on the top portion of the freight enclosure and a second sealing section, which may be VELCRO (trademarked), may be located on the bottom portion of the freight enclosure.
- the first and second sealing sections can be joined together to seal the freight enclosure.
- a method comprising the steps of applying a serial number to a lock, wherein the lock is a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock, using the lock to lock a freight enclosure, transporting the freight enclosure, and checking the lock after transport of the freight enclosure to see if the lock has been broken. If the lock has been broken, an indication may be placed in a log book that the lock has been broken and an indication may be placed in the log book of the entity who last sent the freight enclosure.
- the freight enclosure and a method of use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are particularly useful in the air freight transportation industry.
- Water damage to freight is reduced, pilferage of freight is reduced, cost of insurance claims filed subsequent to either water damage or pilferage is reduced (both the labor cost of filing claims, as well as unrecoverable increases in premium costs), and the use of non-recyclable plastic currently used as packaging for freight pallets is reduced or eliminated. There is a high cost for the non-recyclable plastic.
- the Freight enclosure serves as an ongoing insurance policy that prevents water damage, deters thieves, reduces claims, and eliminates the need for non-recyclable, and therefore environmentally dangerous, plastic wrapping. All of this leads to intact freight, reduced expenses, and satisfied clients.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a freight enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion and bottom portion separated;
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view the freight enclosure of FIG. 1 with the top and bottom portions attached together.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a freight enclosure 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including a top portion 12 and a bottom portion 100 with the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 100 shown separated.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view the freight enclosure 10 of FIG. 1 with the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 100 attached together.
- the top portion 12 has a box structure.
- the top portion 12 is comprised of side 14 (and an opposite side not shown), side 18 (and an opposite side not shown), and top side 16 .
- the side 14 (and its opposing side), side 18 (and its opposing side), and top side 16 form enclose a first area.
- the top portion 12 can be placed on top of freight, an object, or a package, so that the freight, object or package, lies inside the first area enclosed by the sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) and the top side 16 .
- Side 18 of the top portion 12 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked) section 30 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) section 30 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention.
- side 14 of the top portion 12 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked) section 32 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) section 32 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) sections 30 and 32 in the embodiment shown in FIG.
- top side 16 lie inside the first area enclosed by the sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) and top side 16 .
- the VELCRO (trademarked) sections 30 and 32 on the top portion 12 are shown in dashed lines to show that they are inside the box structure of top portion 12 .
- the top portion 12 is also comprised of a first set of zipper teeth comprised of portions 20 and 22 .
- Portion 20 of the first set of zipper teeth has a plurality of zipper teeth (such as tooth 20 a ) which are attached to the side 18 of the top portion 12 .
- the side opposing side 18 also has a plurality of corresponding zipper teeth, not shown.
- Portion 22 of the first set of zipper teeth has a plurality of zipper teeth (such as tooth 22 a ) which are attached to the side 14 of the top portion 12 .
- the side opposing side 14 also has a plurality of corresponding zipper teeth, not shown.
- the zipper teeth of portions 20 and 22 and their opposing portions not shown are seamlessly connected so that a zipper or zippers can move around the entire freight enclosure 10 along the first set of zipper teeth.
- the top portion 12 may be made of a durable waterproof fabric material, such as TYVEK (trademarked), which was created by DUPONT.
- TYVEK is a lightweight durable fabric that can withstand the punishment of the elements of the weather and of heavy usage.
- the first set of zipper teeth including teeth on the sides 14 and 18 and their opposing sides, can be sewn into the fabric material of top portion 12 .
- the first set of zipper teeth can be sewn inside the first area enclosed by the sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) and tip side 16 . I.e. the first set of zipper teeth, in one embodiment, would not normally be able to be seen from the perspective shown by FIG. 1 (unless the TYVEK material of top portion 12 is transparent), and for that reason in FIG. 1, the plurality of teeth 20 and 22 are shown in dashed lines.
- FIG. 1 also shows a first zipper 40 and a second zipper 50 .
- the zippers 40 and 50 are connected to the teeth 20 and also lie inside the enclosed first area bounded by the sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) and top side 16 . For that reason the zippers 40 and 50 are shown in dashed lines also, because normally the zippers 40 and 50 could not be seen from the perspective shown by FIG. 1.
- Zippers 40 and 50 include attachment portions 42 and 52 which attach the respective zippers to the first set of zipper teeth, for example at portion 20 .
- Zippers 40 and 50 may include loop portion 44 having an opening 46 and loop portion 54 having an opening 56 , respectively.
- the bottom portion 100 also has a box structure.
- the bottom portion 100 is comprised of sides 102 , 104 , 106 , and 110 , and bottom side 108 .
- the sides 102 , 104 , 106 , 110 , and 108 bound an enclosed area A 2 shown in FIG. 1.
- Side 110 of the bottom portion 100 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked) section 130 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) section 130 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention.
- side 102 of the bottom portion 100 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked) section 132 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) section 132 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) sections 130 and 132 lie outside the area A 2 .
- There can also be a VELCRO (trademarked) section on the side 106 near the top of the side 106 similar to opposing VELCRO (trademarked) section 132 , which also lies outside the area A 2 .
- the bottom portion 100 also includes a second set of teeth comprised of portions 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 .
- the second set of teeth (portions 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 ) on bottom portion 100 is designed to mesh with the first set of teeth on the top portion 12 comprised of portion 20 and its opposing portion not shown, and portion 22 and its opposing portion not shown as shown by FIG. 2.
- the zippers 40 and 50 are used to connect the first set of teeth of top portion 12 with the second set of teeth of bottom portion 100 to thereby cause top portion 12 to be connected to bottom portion 100 as shown in FIG. 2.
- the top portion 12 of the freight enclosure 10 has a height of HT which may be 59 inches.
- the bottom portion 100 has a height HB which may be 14 inches.
- H 0 corresponds to the approximate internal location of the first set of teeth on the top portion 12 which are located about three inches up from an edge, such as edge 19 for side 18 shown in FIG. 1.
- the freight enclosure 10 has a final height of HF which may be seventy inches.
- the side 18 of top portion 12 may have a length LT which may be one hundred and thirty inches.
- the side 110 of the bottom portion 100 may have a length LB, shown in FIG. 2 which may be slightly less than the length LT of the top portion 12 to allow the top portion 12 to overlap the bottom portion 100 .
- LB may be one hundred and twenty-nine inches. A close fit should be provided.
- the side 14 of the top portion 12 may have a width WT which may be 93 inches.
- the side 102 of the bottom portion 100 may have a width WB which may be slightly less than 93 inches, such as for example 92 inches, again to allow top portion 12 to overlap bottom portion 100 .
- the freight enclosure 10 is particularly useful for enclosing freight loaded on a large pallet.
- the freight should be placed and should be of a size so that the top portion 12 can be placed on top of the freight and joined with the bottom portion 100 as shown in FIG. 2.
- the freight will lie in the combination enclosed area of the freight enclosure 10 which is bounded by top side 16 , sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) of top portion 12 and bottom side 108 , sides 102 , 104 , 106 , and 110 of the bottom portion 100 .
- the top portion 12 is placed over the freight and then zipped together to the bottom portion 100 by sliding the zippers 40 and 50 over the teeth 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 on the bottom portion 100 until all or virtually all of the first set of teeth on top portion 12 are linked to their appropriate partners on the second set of teeth on the bottom portion 100 .
- tooth 120 a of the second set of teeth on bottom portion 100 is linked to teeth 20 a and 20 b of the first set of teeth on top portion 12 .
- the first and second sets of teeth can be considered to be part of a connection device for connecting the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 100 .
- the zippers 40 and 50 are brought closely together so that the loops 44 and 54 overlap and opening 46 is on top of opening 56 .
- a ring or lock 60 may be placed through the openings 46 and 56 and used to join the zippers 40 and 50 so that the zippers 40 and 50 are connected together.
- the lock 60 may then be locked.
- the lock 60 may have a code or serial number attached or engraved on it which may be unique for this piece of freight, or pallet, or this particular freight enclosure 10 .
- a flap is used to cover the joined first set of zipper teeth ( 20 , 22 , and those teeth opposite 20 and 22 on top portion 12 ) and the second set of zipper teeth ( 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 ).
- the “flap” is a part of the top portion 12 which may include the section on side 18 having a height H 0 from end 19 to the location where the teeth 20 are sewn (and may also include similarly located sections on side 14 , and on opposing sides opposite of side 14 and 18 ).
- the “flap” part of top portion 12 may include a VELCRO (trademarked) portion which may include VELCRO (trademarked) portions 30 and 32 on sides 18 and 14 as well as VELCRO (trademarked) portions on opposing sides not shown.
- the VELCRO (trademarked) portions such as 30 and 32 , may be located inside the box structure of the top portion 12 (i.e. bound by the sides 14 and 18 and their opposing sides and side 16 ).
- the purpose of this flap and additional VELCRO seal is to insure that no water may penetrate the joined first set of zipper teeth ( 20 , 22 , and opposing teeth) and the second set of zipper teeth ( 120 , 122 , 124 , and 126 ).
- THE VELCRO sections 30 and 32 (and opposing portions join with VELCRO sections 130 , 132 , and opposing portions respectively on the bottom portion 100 as shown by FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the lock 60 can be a metal seal of a type that once it has been opened it can not be relocked. In this manner, a person receiving the freight enclosure can tell whether the lock 60 and therefore the freight enclosure 10 contents have been tampered with or the contents removed.
- the immediately previous sending agent therefore, can be absolved of liability for any missing or damaged freight discovered at a later time.
- each receiving agent is asked to sign for the freight, he need only to check that the lock 60 is intact, that the freight enclosure 10 has does not have any rips, and that the serial number is correct. If so, that he can sign with assurances. If the lock is broken, the pallet has possibly been tampered with, and a signature is not made until an inspection is concluded, with any missing or damaged freight attributable to the previous agent. Additionally, if there are any rips in the material, the agent may assume potential damage or theft has occurred.
- an agent can check to see if the metal seal 60 or lock 60 has been tampered with. If it has not been tampered with, the agent can note this fact in a log sheet. Thus, it is possible to know during exactly what stage of transport tampering occurred. An agent receiving the enclosure 10 need only to check that the lock 60 is in tact and that the serial number is correct.
- the waterproof aspect of an embodiment of the present invention eliminates water damage to the freight inside the enclosure 10 when the freight enclosure 10 is exposed to rain, snow or other liquid accumulation. This assumes there are no lacerations to the freight enclosure 10 .
- the enclosure 10 may be comprised of Tyvek (for all the sides of both the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 100 ), which is a strong fabric used in the manufacturing of backpacks, tents and tarps. The United States military currently uses Tyvek for these and other purposes.
- Using a durable material such as Tyvek also makes the enclosure 10 reusable.
- the reusable aspect eliminates the cost, labor, and environmental hazard associated with non-recyclable plastic packaging which previously was used for air freight. With regards to labor, the Glove takes less than one minute to ready for shipment.
- the below table shows examples of the high cost of use of recyclable plastic packaging for an estimated cost of $3 and 50,000 pallets per month and an estimated cost of $5 and 60,000 pallets per month.
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Abstract
A serial number can be applied to a lock. The lock can be used to lock a freight enclosure. The freight enclosure can be transported. The serial number can be checked after transport of the freight enclosure to see if the serial number is correct. The lock may be a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock. The lock can be checked to see if the lock has been broken after transport of the freight enclosure. If the lock has been broken, an indication can be placed in a log book that the lock has been broken or of an entity who last sent the freight enclosure. The freight enclosure may be checked for rips. The serial number may be applied by engraving.
Description
- This application claims the priority of parent application Ser. No. 09/568,113, filed on May 10, 2000, applicants Jeffrey Garfinkle and Pasquale Maglione, titled “Sealed Freight Enclosure”.
- This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for packaging, transport, and delivery of freight.
- In the air freight transportation industry, before an air freight pallet is received at its final destination, it must first go through several steps. The manufacturer's initial; transportation agent wraps the pallet in plastic, tape, and in some cases chicken wire, the pallet is then sent via truck to the airport where it may stay, exposed to the elements (often rain) as well as exposed to potential theft for up to 24 hours pending being put on board a plane. Upon the plane's landing, the pallet is taken of the plane, at which point it may again remain for up to 24 hours pending pick-up by truck. After the trucking company picks up the pallet, it is delivered to another warehouse where the pallet is broken down into its deliverable parts and readied for delivery to its final destination.
- At each point in the pallet's journey, the receiving agent must sign for the freight and indicate, upon inspection, that the freight is intact—i.e. none of the goods are missing or damaged. The inspection, however, is almost never thorough. This is due to the fact that in order to reasonably conclude that the goods are intact, the receiving agent would have to remove the packaging material and examine every box. This is hardly practical as there are both time and manpower constraints, as well as the need for additional packaging upon the removal and therefore necessary disposal of this packaging.
- Since this method of inspection is impractical and therefore not utilized, the freight is merely assumed to be intact. If however, a portion has been damaged or lost, it will not be realized until the agent that breaks down the freight has prepared it for final delivery. At this point, time, manpower and considerable money has been lost, as the freight must be remanufactured and be reshipped, and insurance claims are filed by all agents claiming the theft or damage was not their responsibility.
- The present invention in one embodiment includes an apparatus comprising a freight enclosure comprising a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion is connected to the bottom portion by a connection device. The connection device is locked by a lock which prevents the top portion from being separated from the bottom portion. The lock has a code or serial number which uniquely identifies the freight enclosure.
- The connection device may be comprised of a first set of zipper teeth located on the top portion which is linked to a second set of zipper teeth located on the bottom portion. The connection device may be further comprised of a first zipper which has a first loop which is connected to the lock and the lock prevents the first zipper from unlinking the first set of zipper teeth from the second set of zipper teeth. The connection device may be further comprised of a second zipper which has a second loop which is connected to the lock and the lock connects the first zipper with the second zipper and prevents the first and second zippers from unlinking the first set of zipper teeth from the second set of zipper teeth.
- The lock may be a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock, and after the lock is opened, the lock can not be locked again. The lock may be a metal seal.
- The top portion of the freight enclosure may have a box structure comprised of first, second, third, and fourth sides and a top side which enclose a first area. The bottom portion may have a box structure comprised of a first, second, third, and fourth sides and a bottom side which enclose a second area. The second area enclosed by the bottom portion may be smaller than the first area enclosed by the top portion so the top portion can fit over the bottom portion. When the top portion is connected to the bottom portion, the top portion may at least partially overlaps over the bottom portion.
- The connection device may be comprised of a first part connected to the top portion, which may be a first set of zipper teeth and a second part connected to the bottom portion of the freight enclosure which may be a second set of zipper teeth. The first and second sets of teeth may be causes to connect by one or more zippers. The first part of the connection device is connected to the top portion so that it lies within the first enclosed area of the top portion.
- A first sealing section, which may be VELCRO (trademarked), may be located on the top portion of the freight enclosure and a second sealing section, which may be VELCRO (trademarked), may be located on the bottom portion of the freight enclosure. The first and second sealing sections can be joined together to seal the freight enclosure.
- In accordance with a method of an embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed comprising the steps of applying a serial number to a lock, wherein the lock is a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock, using the lock to lock a freight enclosure, transporting the freight enclosure, and checking the lock after transport of the freight enclosure to see if the lock has been broken. If the lock has been broken, an indication may be placed in a log book that the lock has been broken and an indication may be placed in the log book of the entity who last sent the freight enclosure.
- The freight enclosure and a method of use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are particularly useful in the air freight transportation industry. Water damage to freight is reduced, pilferage of freight is reduced, cost of insurance claims filed subsequent to either water damage or pilferage is reduced (both the labor cost of filing claims, as well as unrecoverable increases in premium costs), and the use of non-recyclable plastic currently used as packaging for freight pallets is reduced or eliminated. There is a high cost for the non-recyclable plastic.
- The Freight enclosure serves as an ongoing insurance policy that prevents water damage, deters thieves, reduces claims, and eliminates the need for non-recyclable, and therefore environmentally dangerous, plastic wrapping. All of this leads to intact freight, reduced expenses, and satisfied clients.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a freight enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion and bottom portion separated; and
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view the freight enclosure of FIG. 1 with the top and bottom portions attached together.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a
freight enclosure 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including atop portion 12 and abottom portion 100 with thetop portion 12 and thebottom portion 100 shown separated. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view thefreight enclosure 10 of FIG. 1 with thetop portion 12 and thebottom portion 100 attached together. - The
top portion 12, as shown in FIG. 1, has a box structure. Thetop portion 12 is comprised of side 14 (and an opposite side not shown), side 18 (and an opposite side not shown), andtop side 16. The side 14 (and its opposing side), side 18 (and its opposing side), andtop side 16 form enclose a first area. Thetop portion 12 can be placed on top of freight, an object, or a package, so that the freight, object or package, lies inside the first area enclosed by thesides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) and thetop side 16. -
Side 18 of thetop portion 12 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked)section 30 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system. The VELCRO (trademarked)section 30 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. Similarly,side 14 of thetop portion 12 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked)section 32 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system. The VELCRO (trademarked)section 32 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. The VELCRO (trademarked)sections sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) andtop side 16. There can also be a VELCRO (trademarked) section on the side opposite toside 18 near the bottom of that side, similar to opposing VELCRO (trademarked)section 30, which also lies inside the box structure oftop portion 12. There can also be a VELCRO (trademarked) section on the sideopposite side 14 near the bottom of that side, similar to opposing VELCRO (trademarked)section 32, which also lies inside the box structure oftop portion 12. The VELCRO (trademarked)sections top portion 12 are shown in dashed lines to show that they are inside the box structure oftop portion 12. - The
top portion 12 is also comprised of a first set of zipper teeth comprised ofportions Portion 20 of the first set of zipper teeth has a plurality of zipper teeth (such astooth 20 a) which are attached to theside 18 of thetop portion 12. The side opposing side 18 (not shown) also has a plurality of corresponding zipper teeth, not shown.Portion 22 of the first set of zipper teeth has a plurality of zipper teeth (such astooth 22 a) which are attached to theside 14 of thetop portion 12. The side opposing side 14 (not shown) also has a plurality of corresponding zipper teeth, not shown. The zipper teeth ofportions entire freight enclosure 10 along the first set of zipper teeth. - The
top portion 12 may be made of a durable waterproof fabric material, such as TYVEK (trademarked), which was created by DUPONT. TYVEK is a lightweight durable fabric that can withstand the punishment of the elements of the weather and of heavy usage. The first set of zipper teeth, including teeth on thesides top portion 12. The first set of zipper teeth can be sewn inside the first area enclosed by thesides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) andtip side 16. I.e. the first set of zipper teeth, in one embodiment, would not normally be able to be seen from the perspective shown by FIG. 1 (unless the TYVEK material oftop portion 12 is transparent), and for that reason in FIG. 1, the plurality ofteeth - FIG. 1 also shows a
first zipper 40 and asecond zipper 50. Thezippers teeth 20 and also lie inside the enclosed first area bounded by thesides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) andtop side 16. For that reason thezippers zippers Zippers attachment portions portion 20.Zippers loop portion 44 having anopening 46 andloop portion 54 having anopening 56, respectively. - The
bottom portion 100 also has a box structure. Thebottom portion 100 is comprised ofsides bottom side 108. Thesides Side 110 of thebottom portion 100 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked)section 130 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system. The VELCRO (trademarked)section 130 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. Similarly,side 102 of thebottom portion 100 is comprised of a VELCRO (trademarked)section 132 which may be comprised of hooks or loops of a VELCRO (trademarked) system. The VELCRO (trademarked)section 132 may be thought of as a section of a sealing device in accordance with the present invention. The VELCRO (trademarked)sections side 104 near the top of theside 104, similar to opposing VELCRO (trademarked)section 120, which also lies outside the area A2. There can also be a VELCRO (trademarked) section on theside 106 near the top of theside 106, similar to opposing VELCRO (trademarked)section 132, which also lies outside the area A2. - The
bottom portion 100 also includes a second set of teeth comprised ofportions portions bottom portion 100 is designed to mesh with the first set of teeth on thetop portion 12 comprised ofportion 20 and its opposing portion not shown, andportion 22 and its opposing portion not shown as shown by FIG. 2. Thezippers top portion 12 with the second set of teeth ofbottom portion 100 to thereby causetop portion 12 to be connected tobottom portion 100 as shown in FIG. 2. - The
top portion 12 of thefreight enclosure 10 has a height of HT which may be 59 inches. Thebottom portion 100 has a height HB which may be 14 inches. When thetop portion 12 and thebottom portion 100 are zipped together, as shown in FIG. 2, thetop portion 12 overlaps thebottom portion 100 by a distance H0, which may be about three inches. The distance H0 corresponds to the approximate internal location of the first set of teeth on thetop portion 12 which are located about three inches up from an edge, such asedge 19 forside 18 shown in FIG. 1. After thetop portion 12 andbottom portion 100 have been zipped together thefreight enclosure 10 has a final height of HF which may be seventy inches. Theside 18 oftop portion 12 may have a length LT which may be one hundred and thirty inches. Theside 110 of thebottom portion 100 may have a length LB, shown in FIG. 2 which may be slightly less than the length LT of thetop portion 12 to allow thetop portion 12 to overlap thebottom portion 100. For example, LB may be one hundred and twenty-nine inches. A close fit should be provided. - The
side 14 of thetop portion 12 may have a width WT which may be 93 inches. Theside 102 of thebottom portion 100 may have a width WB which may be slightly less than 93 inches, such as for example 92 inches, again to allowtop portion 12 to overlapbottom portion 100. - In operation, an individual would place the freight or package onto
bottom side 108 of thebottom portion 100. Thefreight enclosure 10 is particularly useful for enclosing freight loaded on a large pallet. The freight should be placed and should be of a size so that thetop portion 12 can be placed on top of the freight and joined with thebottom portion 100 as shown in FIG. 2. The freight will lie in the combination enclosed area of thefreight enclosure 10 which is bounded bytop side 16, sides 14 and 18 (and their opposing sides) oftop portion 12 andbottom side 108,sides bottom portion 100. - The
top portion 12 is placed over the freight and then zipped together to thebottom portion 100 by sliding thezippers teeth bottom portion 100 until all or virtually all of the first set of teeth ontop portion 12 are linked to their appropriate partners on the second set of teeth on thebottom portion 100. For example, in FIG. 2,tooth 120 a of the second set of teeth onbottom portion 100 is linked toteeth top portion 12. The first and second sets of teeth can be considered to be part of a connection device for connecting thetop portion 12 and thebottom portion 100. - After all the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are linked together, the
zippers loops opening 46 is on top of opening 56. At that point a ring or lock 60 may be placed through theopenings zippers zippers lock 60 may then be locked. Thelock 60 may have a code or serial number attached or engraved on it which may be unique for this piece of freight, or pallet, or thisparticular freight enclosure 10. - Once the
lock 60 has been sealed, a flap is used to cover the joined first set of zipper teeth (20, 22, and those teeth opposite 20 and 22 on top portion 12) and the second set of zipper teeth (120, 122, 124, and 126). The “flap” is a part of thetop portion 12 which may include the section onside 18 having a height H0 fromend 19 to the location where theteeth 20 are sewn (and may also include similarly located sections onside 14, and on opposing sides opposite ofside 14 and 18). The “flap” part oftop portion 12 may include a VELCRO (trademarked) portion which may include VELCRO (trademarked)portions sides sides VELCRO sections 30 and 32 (and opposing portions join withVELCRO sections bottom portion 100 as shown by FIGS. 1 and 2. - Following locking of the
lock 60, and the sealing of the VELCRO flap thefreight enclosure 10 is ready for transport. - The
lock 60 can be a metal seal of a type that once it has been opened it can not be relocked. In this manner, a person receiving the freight enclosure can tell whether thelock 60 and therefore thefreight enclosure 10 contents have been tampered with or the contents removed. - The immediately previous sending agent, therefore, can be absolved of liability for any missing or damaged freight discovered at a later time. As each receiving agent is asked to sign for the freight, he need only to check that the
lock 60 is intact, that thefreight enclosure 10 has does not have any rips, and that the serial number is correct. If so, that he can sign with assurances. If the lock is broken, the pallet has possibly been tampered with, and a signature is not made until an inspection is concluded, with any missing or damaged freight attributable to the previous agent. Additionally, if there are any rips in the material, the agent may assume potential damage or theft has occurred. As this is not plastic wrapping, which is easily ripped or sliced open, tears may not be concealed by mere tape, as is common with plastic wrapping. If a pilferer attempts to slice open the Glove and cover it up with tape, the next agent will see the tape as a warning that there has been tampering. This serves as an extremely effective deterrent to would-be thieves. - In accordance with a method of an embodiment of the present invention, at each stage of transport of a
freight enclosure 10, an agent can check to see if themetal seal 60 orlock 60 has been tampered with. If it has not been tampered with, the agent can note this fact in a log sheet. Thus, it is possible to know during exactly what stage of transport tampering occurred. An agent receiving theenclosure 10 need only to check that thelock 60 is in tact and that the serial number is correct. - The waterproof aspect of an embodiment of the present invention eliminates water damage to the freight inside the
enclosure 10 when thefreight enclosure 10 is exposed to rain, snow or other liquid accumulation. This assumes there are no lacerations to thefreight enclosure 10. Theenclosure 10 may be comprised of Tyvek (for all the sides of both thetop portion 12 and the bottom portion 100), which is a strong fabric used in the manufacturing of backpacks, tents and tarps. The United States military currently uses Tyvek for these and other purposes. - Using a durable material such as Tyvek also makes the
enclosure 10 reusable. The reusable aspect eliminates the cost, labor, and environmental hazard associated with non-recyclable plastic packaging which previously was used for air freight. With regards to labor, the Glove takes less than one minute to ready for shipment. The below table shows examples of the high cost of use of recyclable plastic packaging for an estimated cost of $3 and 50,000 pallets per month and an estimated cost of $5 and 60,000 pallets per month. - Annual Plastic Use and Cost on Pallets Travelling through Al Italia
Plastic per Pallet (lbs.) 1. Cost* Pallets/Month 2. Cost/Month 3. Cost/Year Plastic/Year** 3 $3 50,000 $150,000 $1,800,000 1,800,000 lbs. 3 $5 60,000 $300,000 $3,600,000 2,160,000 lbs. - These costs are devastating from a business perspective because they are unrecoverable. The plastic is used once and once only. A reusable packaging serves as an investment, the cost of which may be spread over many uses. This will lead to a lower cost per use than that of disposable plastic.
- Investment in a protective, durable, reusable, environmentally friendly packaging is desirable in order to grow profit margins as well as to aid in the preservation of our environment.
Claims (21)
1. A method comprising the steps of:
applying a serial number to a lock;
using the lock to lock a freight enclosure;
transporting the freight enclosure; and
checking the serial number after transport of the freight enclosure to see if the serial number is correct.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein
the lock is a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock;
and further comprising checking to see if the lock has been broken after transport of the freight enclosure.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising
if the lock has been broken, placing an indication in a log book that the lock has been broken.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising
If the lock has been broken placing an indication in a log book of an entity who last sent the freight enclosure.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising
checking to see if the freight enclosure has any rips.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein
the serial number is applied to the lock by fixing the serial number to the lock so that the serial number cannot be altered without defacing the lock.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein
the serial number is engraved on the lock.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein
the freight enclosure comprises a top portion and a bottom portion;
wherein the top portion is connected to the bottom portion by a connection device;
wherein the connection device is locked by the lock which prevents the top portion from being separated from the bottom portion.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein
the serial number uniquely identifies the freight enclosure.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein
the connection device is comprised of:
a first set of zipper teeth located on the top portion which is linked to a second set of zipper teeth located on the bottom portion.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein
the connection device is further comprised of a first zipper which has a first loop which is connected to the lock and the lock prevents the first zipper from unlinking the first set of zipper teeth from the second set of zipper teeth.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein
the connection device is further comprised of a second zipper which has a second loop which is connected to the lock and the lock connects the first zipper with the second zipper and prevents the first and second zippers from unlinking the first set of zipper teeth from the second set of zipper teeth.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein
the top portion has a box structure comprised of first, second, third, and fourth sides and a top side which enclose a first area;
the bottom portion has a box structure comprised of a first, second, third, and fourth sides and a bottom side which enclose a second area;
wherein the second area enclosed by the bottom portion is smaller than the first area enclosed by the top portion so the top portion can fit over the bottom portion;
and wherein when the top portion is connected to the bottom portion, the top portion at least partially overlaps over the bottom portion.
14. A method comprising the steps of:
using the lock to lock a freight enclosure;
transporting the freight enclosure; and
wherein the lock is a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock;
and further comprising checking to see if the lock has been broken after transport of the freight enclosure.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising
if the lock has been broken, placing an indication in a log book that the lock has been broken.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising
If the lock has been broken placing an indication in a log book of an entity who last sent the freight enclosure.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising
checking to see if the freight enclosure has any rips.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein
the freight enclosure comprises a top portion and a bottom portion;
wherein the top portion is connected to the bottom portion by a connection device;
wherein the connection device is locked by the lock which prevents the top portion from being separated from the bottom portion.
19. A method for enclosing freight comprising
placing the freight onto a bottom portion;
placing a top portion over the bottom portion;
attaching the top portion to the bottom portion;
and subsequently completely detaching the bottom portion from the top portion.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising
locking the top portion to the bottom portion with a lock.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein
the lock is a seal which can only be opened by breaking the lock.
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/385,994 US20030168449A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2003-03-11 | Sealed freight enclosure |
US10/648,708 US7222740B2 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2003-08-26 | Freight enclosure |
PCT/US2003/035787 WO2004045973A1 (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-11-12 | Freight enclosure |
AU2003291438A AU2003291438A1 (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-11-12 | Freight enclosure |
EP03768835A EP1578674A4 (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-11-12 | Freight enclosure |
CA002506676A CA2506676A1 (en) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-11-12 | Freight enclosure |
US11/061,047 US20050171812A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2005-02-18 | Sealed freight enclosure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US56811300A | 2000-05-10 | 2000-05-10 | |
US10/385,994 US20030168449A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2003-03-11 | Sealed freight enclosure |
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US56811300A Division | 2000-05-10 | 2000-05-10 | |
US10/112,233 Continuation-In-Part US6907712B2 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2002-03-28 | Protective freight enclosure |
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US10/648,708 Continuation-In-Part US7222740B2 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2003-08-26 | Freight enclosure |
US11/061,047 Continuation US20050171812A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2005-02-18 | Sealed freight enclosure |
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US20030168449A1 true US20030168449A1 (en) | 2003-09-11 |
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Family Applications (3)
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US10/385,994 Abandoned US20030168449A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2003-03-11 | Sealed freight enclosure |
US11/061,047 Abandoned US20050171812A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2005-02-18 | Sealed freight enclosure |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/300,518 Abandoned US20030074334A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2002-11-20 | Sealed freight enclosure |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/061,047 Abandoned US20050171812A1 (en) | 2000-05-10 | 2005-02-18 | Sealed freight enclosure |
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US20110252749A1 (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2011-10-20 | Blueye, Llc | Method and apparatus for wrapping a shipment |
US20130068357A1 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2013-03-21 | Michael James Stalker | Protective cover |
US20160326728A1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2016-11-10 | gotügo, LLC | Outdoor water system |
US10479583B1 (en) * | 2016-05-06 | 2019-11-19 | Rengo Packaging, Inc. | Method and apparatus for keeping insects out of shipment loads |
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US20070189642A1 (en) * | 2003-09-11 | 2007-08-16 | Richard Materna | Firewood container |
US8620832B2 (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2013-12-31 | The Boeing Company | Network-centric cargo security system |
US20060031987A1 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2006-02-16 | Robin Stanfield | Mars/venus/blanket/comforter |
WO2008025009A2 (en) * | 2006-08-24 | 2008-02-28 | Raine Packaging & Label, Inc. | Reusable conformable waterproof wrap |
US20090008958A1 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2009-01-08 | Jampee Yui Sebera | Automobile storage bag |
BE1018251A6 (en) * | 2008-08-12 | 2010-07-06 | Luyten Marc Jozef W | PACKING. |
US8015631B2 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2011-09-13 | Pool Cover Corporation | Safety enclosure cover for portable inflatable pool |
BR122022005675B1 (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2023-05-02 | Geissler Companies, Llc | METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A DRUG |
CN103144916B (en) * | 2013-03-19 | 2015-06-03 | 昆明维萌科技有限公司 | Quick connection sealed cover for tobacco |
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US20110252749A1 (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2011-10-20 | Blueye, Llc | Method and apparatus for wrapping a shipment |
US8499533B2 (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2013-08-06 | Blueye, Llc | Method and apparatus for wrapping a shipment |
US9889964B2 (en) | 2007-07-20 | 2018-02-13 | Blueye, Llc | Method and apparatus for wrapping a shipment |
US20130068357A1 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2013-03-21 | Michael James Stalker | Protective cover |
US20160326728A1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2016-11-10 | gotügo, LLC | Outdoor water system |
US10479583B1 (en) * | 2016-05-06 | 2019-11-19 | Rengo Packaging, Inc. | Method and apparatus for keeping insects out of shipment loads |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20030074334A1 (en) | 2003-04-17 |
US20050171812A1 (en) | 2005-08-04 |
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Legal Events
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