Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Plural fasteners having intermediate flaccid connector
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-20
2001-04-10
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Plural fasteners having intermediate flaccid connector
C024S304000, C053S472000, C206S521000, C206S804000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06212741
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to packaging and more particularly to devices for locating, identifying, inventorying or ensuring the retrieval of one or more packaged items within a container loaded with potentially obscuring packing materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Items placed into cardboard cartons are often simultaneously placed into packaging materials such as styrofoam peanuts, shredded or balled newspaper and other item obscuring forms of protective materials for protective transport. This method introduces several problems.
First, since items are obscured, there is a possibility of inadvertently discarding items if the person unpacking the container either does not carefully check the container or packing list if such a list even exists.
Another problem is that after items are sealed in a container, it is not possible, without having to reopen the container, to determine the actual contents of the package.
This can lead to disputes between shippers and customers when items are actually missing from the container or when fraudulent claims are made that the items were not originally included.
An additional problem, especially with styrofoam peanuts-style protective materials, is the shifting of the item to the bottom of the package due to the rigors of transport, thereby further obscuring the item and exposing it to a greater risk of shock and vibration hazard.
A device or system which reduces or eliminates some of the above-mentioned problems is therefore desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal and secondary objects of this invention are to provide and inexpensive device or system for locating, identifying, inventorying, controlling and helping to ensure the retrieval of one or more items packaged within a container loaded with potentially obscuring packaging materials.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an efficient tether-based connector dispenser or applicator.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a method for the tethered packaging of items.
These and other valuable objects are achieved by a tether-based connector wherein each tether terminates at a fastener at one end for fastening to the item, and at another end at a more easily locatable terminus which is anchored to the container or floating unobscured by the materials. The fastener may be realized by various attachment mechanisms such as a bag, elastic band, sticky tape, clips or other well-known item fastening means. The terminus may be realized by various mechanisms such as an anchorment of sticky tape, glue, or other more semi-permanent or intrusive means such as a rivet, a staple or other attachment means known in the art, or as a floating tag or hub.
Also disclosed is a single terminus which dispenses a plurality of tethers, each having a fastener. In various embodiments the multi-tethered terminus may be anchored to the inside or outside of the container.
Also disclosed is an efficient tether-based connector dispenser or applicator.
In one embodiment, an identification badge is provided for association with the item connected.
In another embodiment, an oblong foam slab is separable into terminus and fastener portions connected by the tether extendible from at least one of the portions.
Also disclosed is an inventive method for packing an item using a tether-based item locator.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2021787 (1935-11-01), Janowitz
patent: 2170147 (1939-08-01), Lane
patent: 3306483 (1967-02-01), Bellafiore
patent: 3677250 (1972-07-01), Thomas
patent: 3686717 (1972-08-01), Merser
patent: 3926399 (1975-12-01), Tendler
patent: 4432120 (1984-02-01), Sherman, Jr. et al.
patent: 4782967 (1988-11-01), Thomas
Brittain James R.
Buchaca John D.
Charmasson Henri J. A.
LandOfFree
Packaged item location, identification and control device... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Packaged item location, identification and control device..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Packaged item location, identification and control device... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2499647