US20130264224A1 - Method and device for secure disposal of an article - Google Patents

Method and device for secure disposal of an article Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130264224A1
US20130264224A1 US13/859,571 US201313859571A US2013264224A1 US 20130264224 A1 US20130264224 A1 US 20130264224A1 US 201313859571 A US201313859571 A US 201313859571A US 2013264224 A1 US2013264224 A1 US 2013264224A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
shell
front shell
locking mechanism
disposal container
back shell
Prior art date
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Abandoned
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US13/859,571
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English (en)
Inventor
Erik Brian Young
Matthew Brian Young
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Akooba Inc
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Akooba Inc
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Publication date
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Priority to US13/859,571 priority Critical patent/US20130264224A1/en
Assigned to Akooba, Inc. reassignment Akooba, Inc. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YOUNG, MATTHEW BRIAN, YOUNG, ERIK BRIAN
Publication of US20130264224A1 publication Critical patent/US20130264224A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/10—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material of polygonal cross-section and all parts being permanently connected to each other

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method and device for the disposal of an article.
  • the present invention relates to a secure disposal container and method of disposal thereof.
  • the present invention relates to a device and method for safely and securely destroying and, if desired, recycling electronic data storage devices such as hard drives, cell phones or other electronic data-containing devices.
  • the inventors have found that there is a need for the safe and secure destruction of electronic data storage devices such as computer and server hard drives and other electronic data storage devices including, but not limited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cell phones. These devices frequently contain a great deal of sensitive information which should be kept confidential and securely destroyed when no longer needed. In the absence of a secure disposal method, and with the appropriate knowledge, technology, and protocols, this information is easily retrievable and can lead to identity theft, the exposure of sensitive personal and professional information, and other adverse effects.
  • a storage device including a front shell including a locking mechanism, and a back shell including a locking mechanism complementary to the locking mechanism of the front shell and configured such that, once engaged with the locking mechanism of the front shell, a cavity formed between the front shell and the back shell is closed and the front shell and the back shell cannot be separated without damaging the storage device.
  • Another exemplary aspect of the invention includes a method of disposing of an electronic data storage device.
  • the method including providing to a user a disposal container having a front shell and a back shell which include a locking mechanism configured so that once engaged the front and back shell cannot be separated without damage to the disposal container, the disposal container including a chamber within which is closed when the front and back shell are engaged together, placing an electronic data storage device into the chamber, joining the front shell to the back shell so as to engage the locking mechanism, transporting the disposal container to a disposal location, and disposing of the disposal container and the electronic data storage device therein without opening the disposal container.
  • Another exemplary aspect of the invention includes a system for securely disposing of an article.
  • the system includes assigning an identification number to a disposal container, the disposal container including a chamber for storing the article and configured such that once closed the disposal container cannot be opened without damage, receiving registration information on the article including contact information from a user, receiving tracking information during transit of the disposal container from the user to a disposal facility, communicating the tracking information to the user, recording images of an inspection of the disposal container during receipt at the disposal facility, communicating the images of the inspection to the user, recording an image of the disposal container as it is being destroyed, and communicating the image of the disposal container as it is being destroyed to the user.
  • Such a system can allow a user to verify visually that their electronics disposal container and the electronic data storage device(s) placed therein have not been accessed before disposal.
  • FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a disposal container 1 ;
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary locking member ( 9 , 10 );
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section taken along line I-I, including a locking mechanism ( 9 , 10 ) of the exemplary storage container 1 of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate an exemplary spacer 23 for the exemplary storage container 1 of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of lips 17 and side walls 6 of the exemplary storage container 1 of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the invention where multiple article cavities are present in the disposal container
  • FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate a cross-section taken along lines II-II of an exemplary locking mechanism of the exemplary storage container 201 of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIGS. 8 a and 8 b illustrate an exemplary alignment mechanism of the exemplary storage container 201 of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIGS. 9 a and 9 b illustrate cross-sections taken along lines III-III and IV-IV of the exemplary storage container 201 of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIGS. 10 a , 10 b and 10 c illustrate views of an exemplary plug 14 used to cover a hole at the locking mechanism ( 209 , 210 ).
  • FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and 11 d illustrate a top view and side views of tray 350 of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary method of disposing of an electronic data device
  • FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate an exemplary shell with an identification label 501 .
  • an electronics disposal container 1 provides safe and secure destruction or recycling of electronic data storage devices 2 such as computer and server hard drives and other data storage devices including, but not limited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cell phones.
  • the electronics disposal container 1 includes a hollow container made of, for example, recyclable plastic or metal into which electronic data storage devices 2 are placed.
  • Single-unit 1 (e.g., FIG. 1 ) and multi-unit 201 (e.g., FIG. 6 ) containers can be manufactured.
  • the containers are manufactured with a locking mechanism that, once closed, cannot be opened without the device showing obvious signs of tampering.
  • the electronics disposal container 1 is a secure shipping and disposal device that remains tightly closed once the electronic data storage device(s) 2 are placed within it.
  • the electronics disposal container 1 and the electronic data storage device(s) 2 therein may then be shredded, burned or otherwise disposed of without the electronics disposal container 1 ever being opened once it has been closed.
  • the electronics disposal container 1 can be made of materials that are 100% recyclable through common recycling shredders (e.g., plastic, metal, resin, etc.).
  • the device includes two ends.
  • one is referred to as a front shell 3 and the other as a back shell 4 .
  • the front shell 3 and back shell 4 may be structurally the same.
  • the front shell 3 and back shell 4 are structurally the same or identical.
  • Each of the front shell 3 and back shell 4 includes a base portion 5 , side walls 6 extending around the perimeter of the shell from the base portion 5 , and interior walls 8 . When joined the respective interior walls 8 of each shell define a cavity 7 inside (e.g., See FIG. 1 ).
  • each of the front shell 3 and the back shell 4 includes locking members.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the locking members include a male locking pin 9 having an arrow head style locking mechanism which can fit into a female locking slot 10 .
  • the length of the shaft 11 from the base 12 to the tapered head 13 of the male portion of the locking pin 9 is slightly longer than the depth of the female locking slot 10 of the locking mechanism prior to a locking surface/ridge 21 , so that the tapered head 13 can clear the ridge 21 .
  • the locking mechanism may include a tapered head 13 on a distal end of the male locking pin 9 which is configured to fit into a female locking slot 10 .
  • the female locking slot 10 includes a hollow cavity 19 .
  • the space between the side walls 20 of the hollow cavity 19 is slightly wider than the thickness of the shaft 11 of the male locking pin 9 and narrower that the base of the tapered head 22 .
  • the sidewalls of the female locking slot 10 are pliable and are designed so that the space between them can widen as the tapered head 13 passed between them on closure but they return to their original configuration once the tapered head 13 passes ridge 21 thus preventing removal of the male portion of the locking mechanism from the female portion of the locking mechanism once locking system is closed.
  • the female locking slot 10 may end where the female portion of the locking mechanism widens to create a ridge 21 beyond which the tapered head 13 can be passed so as to lock the locking system.
  • the tapered head 13 tapers toward the distal end of the male locking pin 9 .
  • the base 22 of the tapered head 13 connects to the shaft 11 of the male locking pin 9 .
  • the base 22 of the tapered head 13 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 9 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 21 of the female locking slot 10 .
  • both the front and back shells can have the base of the male and female locking members open to an outside of the respective shell. This improves molding efficiency.
  • the holes are then covered with plug 14 .
  • An exemplary plug 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 11 a - 11 d.
  • the front shell 3 and back shell 4 can fit together to form a single chamber 7 therein.
  • This single chamber 7 optionally, may be the size of a hard drive or other electronic data storage device 2 (EDC).
  • the electronics disposal container 1 can have a front shell 3 and back shell 4 formed with multiple chambers 7 .
  • the depth of the complementary sides of chamber 7 in each of the front and back shell ( 3 , 4 ) are the same.
  • the front and back shell ( 3 , 4 ) may have a spacer 23 placed between them prior to use, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a spacer 23 maybe formed with holes 24 complementary to the male locking pins.
  • the spacer 23 can have raised lips 70 on its outer perimeter to engage with the perimeter edges of the front and back shell ( 3 , 4 ).
  • the spacer 23 can include a tab 26 which is an extension of the spacer 23 above the perimeter lips and include instructions and a hanging hole 27 for storage in a store display. This can also allow a simple shrink wrap band to enclose the container for packaging which can produce substantial packaging savings.
  • the front and back shells ( 3 , 4 ) can include lip(s) 17 which extend toward the opposite shell.
  • Such lip(s) 17 may be arranged in a spaced manner or continuously around the perimeter of the side walls 6 so as to completely seal the perimeter between the front shell 3 and the back shell 4 when they are locked together.
  • Such a configuration may include a recess(es) 18 side wall 6 of the opposite shell into which the lip(s) 17 may be accommodated.
  • the lip(s) 17 and the opposing recess(es) 18 may be located on the interior side of the side wall 6 .
  • the opposing recess(es) is located on the interior of the opposing shell and in areas where the lip(s) 17 is an extension or the interior portion of side wall 6 , the opposing recess(es) is located on the exterior of the opposing shell. Because the shells are identical and complementary when they are locked together, this provides a lip around the entire perimeter of the shell preventing access to its interior without showing signs of damage.
  • FIGS. 6A-9 another exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a disposal container with multiple layers with multiple cavities per layer.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the multi-layered/multi-cavity unit 201 can be the same as those of the single unit 1 except the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 have multiple cavities within their interior walls 273 and the number of cavities within the unit can be increased with the addition of an intermediate tray 350 or trays.
  • Each of the front shell 203 and back shell 204 includes a base portion 205 , side walls 206 extending around the perimeter of the shell from the base portion 205 , and interior walls 208 .
  • the multi-layered/multi-cavity unit 201 has two ends with a front shell 203 and the back shell 204 formed with a locking mechanism in each corner.
  • Each locking mechanism is made with a male locking pin 209 that can fit into a female locking slot 210 on an opposing and complementary shell.
  • front shell 203 and the back shell 204 can include male alignment pins 215 that fit into female alignment slots 216 on an opposing and complementary shell. These male alignment pins 215 may be alternated with the male locking pins 209 and the female locking slots 210 may be alternated with the female aligning slots 216 around a perimeter of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • the front shell 203 can be connected directly to the back shell 204 to produce a complete unit with, for example, six cavities formed by the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • the alignment pin(s) and locking pin(s) on one shell engage with the opposing alignment slot(s) and locking slot(s) on the opposing and complementary shell and the shells cannot be separated without showing signs of tampering.
  • an intermediate tray (or trays) 350 is placed between the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • Each tray 350 also has multiple cavities within their interior walls 373 that align with the interior walls of each shell 273 .
  • Each of the intermediate trays may include a base portion 305 , side walls 306 extending around the perimeter of the shell from the base portion 305 , and interior walls 308 .
  • the intermediate tray 350 may be formed so as to have male locking pins 309 , female locking slots 310 , male alignment pins 315 , and female alignment slots 316 that can engage respectively with the female locking slots 210 / 310 , male locking pins 209 / 309 , female alignment slots 216 / 316 , and male alignment pins 215 / 315 on opposing and complementary shells 203 / 204 or trays 350 .
  • the multiple layer system allows the front shell 203 to lock onto an intermediate tray 350 , intermediate trays 350 to lock into each other, and similarly allows the back shell 204 to lock on to an opposite side of an intermediate tray 350 .
  • the front shell 203 may be locked directly to an intermediate tray 350 independent of any other intermediate tray 350 or back shell 204
  • multiple intermediate trays 350 may be locked to other intermediate trays 350 independent of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 and the back shell 204 may be locked to the final intermediate tray 350 independent of any other intermediate tray 350 or the front shell 203 .
  • the intermediate trays 350 can optionally be locked into place one by one as each layer is filled. This may provide increased stability and security.
  • the shells 203 , 204 and the tray(s) 350 with complementary elements it is possible to stack multiple intermediate trays 350 between the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • the front shell 203 can lock onto a first intermediate tray 350 which in turn locks onto a second intermediate tray 350
  • the second intermediate tray 350 locks onto a third intermediate tray 350
  • the last intermediate tray 350 opposite the front shell 203 locks onto the back shell 204 creating a fully sealed structure with the front and back shells ( 203 , 204 ) disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate trays 350 .
  • the front and back shells can be made interchangeable.
  • the shells are positioned so that the male and female locking members ( 209 , 210 ) and the male and female alignment members ( 215 , 216 ) are aligned.
  • only one form of an intermediate tray 350 is needed.
  • Such uniformity can reduce production and logistical costs by limiting the number of different parts needed to be manufactured and inventoried. For instance, in a multiple layer device 201 only three types of parts may need to be molded for the enclosure shells/trays (e.g., the front/back shell part, the intermediate tray(s) part, and plugs).
  • the multi-layer electronics disposal container 201 can utilize a locking system which, in the case of the front and back shells 203 / 204 , includes a male locking pin 209 with a tapered head 213 on its distal end which is configured to fit into a female locking slot 210 of a shell 203 / 204 or a female locking slot 310 of a tray 350 .
  • the locking system also includes a female locking slot 210 .
  • the female locking slot 210 includes a hollow cavity 219 .
  • the cavity 219 can be formed by side wall 220 .
  • the female locking slot 210 may end at a ridge 221 past which the tapered head 213 can be inserted so as to lock the locking system.
  • the length of the shaft 211 of the male locking pin is greater than a length of the female locking slot 210 so that the tapered head 213 extends past the ridge 221 when the locking system is closed.
  • the tapered head 213 can taper toward the distal end of the male locking pin 209 to ease closure.
  • the base 222 of the tapered head 213 connects to the shaft 211 of the male locking pin 209 .
  • the base 222 of the tapered head 213 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 209 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 221 of the female locking slot 210 .
  • the tapered head 213 and the distal portion of the shaft 211 may include a slit portion 271 disposed, for example, in a center thereof and extending in the axial direction.
  • the slit portion 271 allows the tapered head and shaft to compress inward when inserted into the female locking slot 210 , and to expand when the tapered head passes beyond ridge 211 .
  • the base 222 of the tapered head 213 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 209 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 221 of the female locking slot 210 .
  • the intermediate tray 350 also utilizes a locking system which includes a male locking pin 309 with a tapered head 313 on its distal end which is configured to fit into a female locking slot 210 of a shell 203 / 204 or the female locking slot 310 of a tray which is a compliment to the system of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • This locking system also includes a female locking slot 310 which is configured receive a male locking pin 209 of a shell 203 / 204 or a male locking pin 309 of a tray which is a compliment to the system of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • the female locking slot 310 includes a hollow cavity 319 .
  • the cavity 319 can be formed by side wall 320 .
  • the female locking slot 310 may end at a ridge 321 past which the tapered head 313 can be inserted so as to lock the locking system.
  • a length of the shaft 311 of the male locking pin 309 is greater than a length of the female locking slot 310 so that the tapered head 313 extends past the ridge 321 .
  • the tapered head 313 can taper toward the distal end of the male locking pin 309 to ease closure.
  • the base 322 of the tapered head 313 connects to the shaft 311 of the male locking pin 309 .
  • the base 322 of the tapered head 313 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 309 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 321 of the female locking slot 310 .
  • the tapered head 313 and the distal portion of the shaft 311 may include a slit portion 371 disposed, for example, in a center thereof and extending in the axial direction.
  • the slit portion 371 allows the tapered head and shaft to compress inward when inserted into the small width portion 326 of the female locking slot and to expand when the tapered head passes into the large width portion 375 .
  • the location where male locking pin 309 extends outward from the tray is aligned with the location where, on an opposite side of the intermediate tray, the female locking slot 310 goes onto the tray.
  • male alignment pins and female alignment slots may be included in the front 203 and back 204 shells and on the tray 350 .
  • the male locking pins 209 and female locking slots 210 can be alternately provided around a perimeter of the front 203 and back shell 204 .
  • male aligning pins 215 can be disposed near the female locking slot 210 and the female aligning slot 216 can be disposed near the male locking pin 209 (e.g., a male locking pin, is disposed in the same corner as a female alignment slot and a female locking slot is disposed in the same corner as a male locking pin).
  • male aligning pins 315 can be disposed near the female locking slot 310 and the female aligning slot 316 can be disposed near the male locking pin 309 (e.g., a male locking pin is disposed in the same corner as a female alignment slot and a female locking slot is disposed in the same corner as a male locking pin).
  • the male alignment pins 315 and female alignment slots 316 can be arranged on the intermediate tray 350 so as to be complementary with the alignment pins of the front and back shells.
  • the alignment pins can allow greater stability when locked and a more robust resistance to torsion. Such an arrangement can also allow the shells/intermediate trays to be stable when placed on a flat surface because the alternating male alignment pins 215 / 315 and male locking pins 209 / 309 rise an equal distance from the edges of the trays.
  • both the front/back shells ( 203 , 204 ) can have the base of the male or female locking portion ( 209 , 210 ) open to an outside of the respective shell. This structure improves molding efficiency and costs. The holes are then plugged with plugs 214 .
  • the front and back shells ( 203 , 204 ) can have inner walls 273 to provide multiple chambers 274 .
  • the intermediate tray(s) 350 also include inner walls 373 and on both sides which are complementary to the inner walls 273 of the front and back shells.
  • the inner walls 273 of one shell (or the inner walls 373 of an intermediate tray) align with the inner walls 273 of the opposite shell (or the inner walls 373 of an intermediate tray) so as to form the multiple chambers 274 .
  • both the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 each have inner walls 273 which form six chambers 274 .
  • the intermediate trays 350 include inner walls 373 so as to form six chambers 274 on each side thereof.
  • a combination of a front shell 203 , an intermediate tray 350 , and a back shell 204 will have twelve chambers 274 .
  • the number of chambers 274 is increased to eighteen chambers.
  • any number in chambers 274 can be formed in each shell/tray so as to suit the size of the devices stored and the size of the shells.
  • the front and back shells can include lips 217 which extend in toward the opposite shell.
  • Such lips 217 may be arranged in a spaced manner or alternately and can be arranged so as to completely seal the perimeter between the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 as shown.
  • Such a configuration may include a recess 218 in the side wall 206 of the opposite shell into which the lip 217 may be accommodated. This recess 218 may be located on the inside side of the side wall 206 .
  • intermediate tray 350 can include lips 317 and recesses 318 which are complementary with the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 .
  • a spacer may be provided between the front and back shells ( 203 , 204 ) and the intermediate tray(s) 350 prior to use to ensure the locking members do not prematurely engage.
  • the procedure for distributing and disposing of the electronics disposal container can be conducted in many ways.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary process for disposing of an article.
  • a user may purchase the electronics disposal container 1 / 201 online or at retail outlets individually or as part of an order when purchasing a new electronic device S 1 .
  • the customer would receive initial instructions directing the customer to a web site that contains more detailed instructions and a customer questionnaire, a shipping package 401 that the customer will use to return the disposal container and its contents to the destruction facility and stick-on labeling materials.
  • the customer can remove the hard drive from his/her computer personally or the customer can have the hard drive removed from their computer at a retail outlet.
  • the system/method of the present invention will be able to provide a secure chain of custody for the device through the entire logistics and recycling process.
  • the electronics disposal container may include instructions printed (stored) inside at the time of purchase or delivery.
  • instructions can be printed on the shells or the spacer 23 .
  • Such instructions can be related to the proper use of the container and may include a web address where additional information and instructions can be found.
  • the user can fill out a detailed online questionnaire requesting information such as their name, address, email address, and the product being disposed of, number of items in the container, type of the electronic data storage device being shipped, whether the device shipped includes a battery, etc S 2 and S 3 .
  • the user can find detailed information and illustrations on how to remove a hard drive from different types of computers.
  • the website may also include detailed instructions on how to print shipping label and the customer identifying label that will be affixed to the electronics disposal container including a walkthrough of the steps and information on how to set up the user's particular printer to properly print the labels. Such details can include specific instructions for the user's individual printer type and model S 4 .
  • a shipping container 401 with a pre-addressed shipping label 402 attached is included with the electronic disposal container 1 / 201 .
  • the shipping label 402 may be printed by the user and affixed to the shipping container.
  • the shipping container 401 and the electronics recycling device 1 / 201 should have matching bar codes on them for identification.
  • the purchaser When used, the purchaser will register their shipment of the electronics recycling device 1 / 201 to the recycler on-line at a secure website S 2 . Their registration number will be related to the bar code on their electronics recycling device 1 / 201 .
  • an identification label 501 is included inside the electronics disposal container.
  • the identification label 501 can be printed S 3 (e.g., see FIG. 13 ). Included on the identification label will be the shipping information and barcode.
  • a visual identifier 503 can be included on the label. Such a visual identifier can include three randomly chosen symbols. Alternatively, the user can choose the symbols to be printed from a list or matrix S 2 a. The symbols are not particularly limited and may be, for instance, a sailboat, an omega and an ampersand. Of course, any number of visual identifier characters or kinds images may be used.
  • the first symbol can identify the device as including a battery, for example, a battery symbol S 3 a. Identification of a battery is used so that the disposal facility knows that the electronics disposal container can be disposed of properly. For instance, instead of shredding an electronics disposal container 1 / 201 containing a battery, the electronics disposal container 1 / 201 containing the battery will be incinerated. Alternatively, other methods may be used to identify electronics recycling containers that contain batteries.
  • the identification labels 501 can then be placed on one or both of the front and back shells S 5 .
  • the front and back shells may include a recessed portion 35 , 235 onto which the identification label 501 is to be placed to ensure a proper or uniform label location.
  • the customer would register his or her shipment with their customer information, and their email address S 2 b.
  • the tracking number can be associated with a barcode on the device.
  • a shipping identification number used by the shipper is unique to the user and can be printed on both the shipping label and the identification label attached to the electronics disposal container to provide the shipping information and both can be easily scanned. In addition, if the shipping container were to be damage during transit, even if the electronics disposal container is separated from the shipping container, the shipping identification number printed on the identification label can be scanned to ensure the electronics disposal container is delivered.
  • a user can then place the electronics disposal container in the supplied shipping container.
  • a printed shipping label is then placed on the shipping container.
  • the user can then drop the shipping container off at the proper location for shipping S 6 .
  • the user can receive email updates when the product is received by the shipper, is in transit, and when received by the disposal facility S 7 .
  • the barcode on the shipping container can be read upon its receipt at the disposal facility S 8 .
  • the barcode on the electronics recycling device can be read when the shipping package is opened under video surveillance S 9 .
  • a communication such as an email, is sent to the user notifying them that their electronics disposal container was received by the disposal facility, either intact or that there was evidence of tampering S 10 .
  • both the shipper and the user would be notified immediately that the electronic device was received in such manner that there was a possibility of tampering.
  • the user can receive a copy of the video showing the inspection of the electronics recycling device.
  • the electronic disposal container 1 / 201 shows evidence of tampering, then further manual processes will be employed S 10 a. If the package was received intact and there is no evidence of tampering, then the electronics disposal container can be stored in a secure location and under video/image surveillance until it is to be disposed of S 11 .
  • the electronic disposal container 1 / 201 is then processed for disposal S 12 .
  • the electronics disposal container can be placed on a conveyor to the disposal device in a position so that the identification label can be scanned/read S 13 .
  • the electronics disposal container can be identified using other methods, such as radio frequency identification chip, imaging of the visual identifier, etc. If the initial scan on the conveyor can positively relate the user identification label on the disposal container to the user's file in the database S 13 , the disposal container will proceed on the conveyor to the disposal device. At the end of the conveyor, the scanned electronics disposal container will have a picture taken of the identification label just before or as the electronics disposal container is being destroyed (e.g., going into the disposal device). An image of the electronics disposal container being disposed of may be transmitted to the user (e.g., emailed) S 14 .
  • the conveyor will stop, the electronics disposal container will be removed from the conveyor, and it will be processed with a non-automated method S 13 a.
  • the electronics disposal container can be removed from the conveyor in an automated fashion.
  • the disposal device used can vary depending on the contents of the electronic disposal container 1 / 201 .
  • an electronic disposal container 1 / 201 containing a hard drive can be sent to a shredder and be shredded in a manner consistent with the applicable industry standards (e.g., NIST 800-88 and DOD 5220.32-M).
  • the electronic disposal container 1 / 201 contains a battery, it can be disposed of in an incinerator or other approved means.
  • the electronic disposal container 1 / 201 can be processed in the requested disposal manner.
  • the multi-layer electronics disposal container can include other procedures.
  • the user can catalog the electronic data storage devices paced within it individually using their own system or software provided with the device. The details of the process can then be the same as those for the single unit described in FIG. 12 or any variation to satisfy the user's needs.
  • any of the electronics disposal containers 1 / 201 can be sold individually and the end user can arrange their own disposal. This may be an attractive option for large companies who desire a secured shipping device. The company may then use their own systems for tracking or can use software provided with the purchase of the electronics disposal container for inventorying the contents of the disposal container and track its shipping to and destruction at the destruction facility.
  • the shaft of the male portion of the locking mechanism and the shape of the female portion of the locking mechanism may be circular or square
  • the front shells may be of any shape
  • the locking mechanism can be of some other form, without departing from the teachings and spirit of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
US13/859,571 2012-04-09 2013-04-09 Method and device for secure disposal of an article Abandoned US20130264224A1 (en)

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US201261621729P 2012-04-09 2012-04-09
US13/859,571 US20130264224A1 (en) 2012-04-09 2013-04-09 Method and device for secure disposal of an article

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US (1) US20130264224A1 (enExample)
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JP (1) JP2015520016A (enExample)
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US20170334591A1 (en) * 2014-08-05 2017-11-23 Robert J. Curnock Storage and protection case for thumb drives
US20190047733A1 (en) * 2017-08-11 2019-02-14 Yumyth Electronic Tech Co., LTD Vacuum sealing device
US20240150104A1 (en) * 2022-11-07 2024-05-09 Altria Client Services Llc Assembled package including tray defining ridge
WO2024102711A1 (en) * 2022-11-07 2024-05-16 Altria Client Services Llc Package including tray for consumer product

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US20170334591A1 (en) * 2014-08-05 2017-11-23 Robert J. Curnock Storage and protection case for thumb drives
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WO2024102711A1 (en) * 2022-11-07 2024-05-16 Altria Client Services Llc Package including tray for consumer product

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CN104334048A (zh) 2015-02-04
EP2836093A1 (en) 2015-02-18
RU2014144903A (ru) 2016-05-27
IN2014DN09047A (enExample) 2015-05-22
ZA201407734B (en) 2015-11-25
WO2013155095A1 (en) 2013-10-17
JP2015520016A (ja) 2015-07-16
KR20150016938A (ko) 2015-02-13
MX2014012229A (es) 2015-07-23
EP2836093A4 (en) 2015-12-02
CA2869977A1 (en) 2013-10-17

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