Reusable shipping container and systems thereof

Abstract

A container system includes a container for shipping a parcel and a labeling system for providing information about the shipping of the container, such as to/from information. The container system further includes a closure mechanism for closing the lid of the container, a protection system for protecting the item housed in the container, and a rail system for supporting the container and maintaining its structure.

1 . A container system comprising:
 a container comprising:
 a first side; 
 a second side; 
 a third side; 
 a fourth side; 
 a fifth side; 
 a sixth side comprising a lid; 
 the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides defining an interior for receiving an item; 
   a closure mechanism comprising a first latched state and a second unlatched state, the closure mechanism adapted to latch the lid in a secured state;   a protection system disposed within the interior of the container for protecting the item contained therein; and   a rail system adapted to frame a top portion of the container and maintain the structure of the container.   
   
   
       2 . The container system of  claim 1 , the closure mechanism comprising a manual closing mechanism. 
   
   
       3 . The container system of  claim 2 , the manual closing mechanism comprising a swell latch assembly. 
   
   
       4 . The container system of  claim 2 , the manual closing mechanism comprising a quarter turn latch assembly. 
   
   
       5 . The container system of  claim 1 , the closure mechanism comprising an automatic closing mechanism. 
   
   
       6 . The container system of  claim 5 , the automatic closing mechanism comprising a rotary latch mechanism. 
   
   
       8 . The container system of  claim 1 , the protection system comprising a media-receiving bladder. 
   
   
       9 . The container system of  claim 8 , the media-receiving bladder adapted to receive air. 
   
   
       10 . The container system of  claim 8 , the protection system further comprising polyurethane-containing foam. 
   
   
       11 . The container system of  claim 8 , the protection system further comprising polyethylene-containing foam. 
   
   
       12 . The container system of  claim 1 , the rail system comprising a rail insertable atop and coupled to the first, second, third and fourth sides. 
   
   
       13 . The container system of  claim 1 , the lid of the container defining an aperture that is adapted to receive and maintain a shipping label assembly. 
   
   
       14 . The container system of  claim 13 , the shipping label assembly comprising a label panel attached to the lid of the container. 
   
   
       15 . The container system of  claim 14 , the shipping label assembly further comprising a releasable adhesive material that is adherable to the label panel. 
   
   
       16 . The container system of  claim 1 , further comprising a protection layer in the interior of the container. 
   
   
       17 . The container system of  claim 1 , further comprising a tracking system to identify the status and location of the container. 
   
   
       18 . A container system comprising:
 a shipping container comprising:
 a first side; 
 a second side; 
 a third side; 
 a fourth side; 
 a fifth side comprising a bottom; 
 a sixth side comprising a lid; 
 the first, second, third, and fourth sides extend upwardly from the fifth side; 
 the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sides defining an interior for receiving an item; 
   a closure mechanism comprising a first latched state and a second unlatched state;   a protection system disposed within the interior of the shipping container for protecting the item contained therein;   a rail system adapted to frame a top portion of the shipping container and maintain the structure of the shipping container; and   a tracking system for identifying characteristics of the shipping container.   
   
   
       19 . A reusable container system for protecting an item comprising:
 a container comprising
 a bottom wall; 
 at least one side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and defining an interior for receiving the item; and 
 a lid supported by the at least one side wall and moveable between an open state, permitting access into the interior of the container, and a closed state, enclosing the container and preventing access into the interior of the container; 
   a protection system comprising:
 an inflatable bladder disposed in the interior of the container, the inflatable bladder comprising a valve mechanism for receiving a filling medium, such that when at least partially filled the inflatable bladder is positioned between the item in the container and at least one of the bottom wall and the at least one side wall; and 
 a insert disposed in the interior of the container, the insert positioned between the item in the container and at least one of the bottom wall and the at least one side wall for protecting the item and for receiving a portion of the vibration the container is exposed; and 
   a securing system adapted to retain the lid of the container in the closed state.