Secure package system and method

Abstract

A secure shipping parcel invention (1) is described that includes features to protect against unauthorized entry (51) and / or contamination by biological agents. Technologies employed may be tamper evident features (60) that make it obvious someone has attempted to gain entry (50), high tech materials that make it impossible to enter without destroying the parcel or its contents unless specific steps are taken, antistatic (20) additives to inhibit contact with airborne particles, and anti-microbial (5,10) additives that kill biological agents on contact.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims a benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 331,844, filed Nov. 20, 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of packages. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved parcel and delivery method that increases security and decreases the risk of contamination or theft. [0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art [0005] The shipping, transportation and postal service industries as a whole have, for years, been exposed to liability from lost, damaged or stolen goods currently estimated to impact the economy with $54 billion in losses annually. As of the Sep. 11, 2001 U.S. bombing tragedy and following anthrax scare, these industries have scrambled to investigate and develop safety mea...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a secure parcel packaging system that reduces theft and loss of valuable shipments during transit. It uses lightweight yet high-strength plastic and exotic materials to provide high security and durability. The system includes integrated technologies to prevent unauthorized entry and alerts the sender or receiver of any violations. It also addresses the unique challenges of managing and securing parcels being handled and moved within a supply chain across multiple modes of transportation. The invention can ensure that all parcels remain secure from point of origin to destination and provides immediate alerts of any unauthorized tampering or exceptions to defined security processes."

Problems solved by technology

However, there is one area that's been a longtime security problem that's just now beginning to get the kind of attention it deserves.

Historically, parcel and cargo security has been one of the weakest links in the global supply chain.

Because of limited and random security around tens of millions of shipments flowing constantly in and out of global seaports, airports, truck terminals, rail yards and across international borders, the potential for mayhem is and always has been high.

The sheer volume of international cargo traffic renders traditional security measures nearly futile.

One indication of how large the problem of cargo security has become, is the sheer amount of cargo that is stolen every year.

What is most troubling is the apparent ease with which this larceny is carried out and the lack of information on how these thefts are perpetrated.

As valuable shipments are transported around the world, there is very little visibility into how different carriers manage security or where goods are actually stolen.

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