Reinforced reusable shipping device with reversible label holder

Abstract

Reinforced reusable shipping containers with reversible label holders and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. A reinforced reusable shipping container may have a base enclosure having a payload region configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload. The base enclosure may also have an exterior surrounding the payload region. The exterior may include a plurality of walls. One of the plurality of walls may define a recess. A reinforced reusable shipping container may have a plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate may be configured to be removably inserted into the recess and display one or more visual data on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 868,088, filed on July 19, 2022, entitled “REINFORCED REUSABLE SHIPPER WITH Flippable Label Holder,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects and embodiments described herein relate to shipping containers, particularly reinforced reusable shipping containers with reversible labels and methods of using the same. Background Art

[0005] In the health, medical, pharmaceutical and / or life science industries, it is very important to safely store and quickly transport payloads in a temperature-controlled and watertight environment. When transporting temperature-sensitive payloads in such industries, it is desirable to have a reinforced reusable shipping container that can maintain, regulate or control the temperature of the payload area. The payload area temperature can be maintained by using phase change materials (e.g., dry ice) and / or cryogenic liquids (e.g., liquid nitrogen). Due to the temperature-sensitive nature of the shipment, shipping problems that lead to delivery delays may cause the payload to expire, deteriorate, degrade or be damaged. Therefore, shipping labels must be displayed in a clear, concise and organized manner, including different shipping labels for each segment of transportation, shipping instructions such as care and handling related information, and payload-specific information such as whether the payload is hazardous, sensitivity to certain conditions, etc. Therefore, there is a need for improved reinforced reusable shipping containers to convey different shipping addresses, instructions and payload-specific information to the handlers of the reinforced reusable shipping containers, thereby mitigating or eliminating delivery delays and preventing payload damage. Summary of the invention

[0006] Disclosed herein are reinforced, reusable shipping containers and methods of using the same. The reinforced, reusable shipping container may have a base enclosure having a payload area that may receive and store a payload. The temperature of the environment surrounding the payload may be maintained, regulated, and / or controlled by various systems including cryogenic liquids and / or phase change materials. The base enclosure may have an exterior surrounding the payload area. The exterior may include multiple walls. The reinforced, reusable shipping container may have a plate that may be removably attached to the base enclosure. Specifically, the plate may be removably attached to one of the exterior walls. The plate may be double-sided, or in other words, display one or more visuals on opposite surfaces. The visuals may include information related to the payload or shipment. Each of the opposite surfaces may display visuals that are different from the other surface, such as shipping information for a first segment shipment and a second segment shipment.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure is implemented as a reinforced reusable shipping container. The reinforced reusable shipping container has a base enclosure. The base enclosure has an exterior including a plurality of walls. The base enclosure has a payload area. The plurality of walls surround the payload area. The payload area is configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload. One of the plurality of walls defines a recess. The reinforced reusable shipping container also has a plate. The plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate is removably inserted into the recess and displays one or more visual materials on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0008] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The reinforced reusable shipping container may also include a handle. When in the lower position, the handle may be received in a recess defined in the lid. The handle may selectively extend from the recess to the upper position. Therefore, the handle is configured to move between the upper position and the lower position and be grasped in the upper position to transport the reinforced reusable shipping container. The plate may also be configured to be slidably removed from the recess when the handle is in the upper position and not removable when the handle is in the lower position. The reinforced reusable shipping container may also include a lid. The lid may be configured to be coupled to the base enclosure and to be openable and closable. The lid may define a recess. The recess may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle. The recess may be configured to receive the handle when the handle is in the lower position. The recess may include relative tracks. The track may engage with the plate and may hold the plate at least partially in the recess. Therefore, the plate may be configured to engage with the track to be held by the track. The wall may also define an opening in the recess. The opening can be configured to provide a path for the plate to be slidably inserted into the recess. The reinforced reusable shipping container can also include a cover. The cover can be fixed to the reinforced reusable shipping container and can cover the opening to retain the plate in the recess.

[0009] In another aspect, the present disclosure is implemented as a reinforced reusable shipping container. The reinforced reusable shipping container has a base enclosure. The base enclosure has a payload area. The payload area is configured to receive a payload and maintain the temperature of the environment surrounding the payload. The base enclosure also has an exterior surrounding the payload area. The exterior includes a plurality of walls. One of the plurality of walls defines a recess. The reinforced reusable shipping container also has a lid. The lid is attached to the base enclosure and can be opened and closed. The reinforced reusable shipping container also has a panel. The panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The panel is disposed in the recess and displays information related to the payload or shipment on the first surface and / or the second surface.

[0010] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The lid may have a blocking edge that mechanically blocks the plate from being removed from the recess when the lid is closed, and does not mechanically block the plate from being removed from the recess when the lid is open. In this way, the plate can be retained in the recess when the lid is closed. The plate can be removed from the recess when the lid is open. The reinforced reusable shipping container may also include a handle. The handle is configured to move between an upper position and a lower position and be gripped in the upper position to transport the reinforced reusable shipping container. The plate may also be configured to be slidably removed when the handle is in the upper position and not removable when the handle is in the lower position. The lid may define a recess. The recess may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle. The recess may be configured to receive the handle when the handle is in the lower position. The recess may include opposing tracks. The opposing tracks are slidably engaged with the plate and hold the plate at least partially in the recess. The wall may also define an opening in the recess. The opening may be configured to provide a path for slidably inserting the plate into the recess. The reinforced reusable shipping container may further include a cover. The cover may be configured to cover the opening so that the panel is retained in the recess.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the present invention is implemented as a method for using a reinforced reusable shipping container. The method includes providing a base enclosure having a payload area that is configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload. The base enclosure also has an exterior surrounding the payload area. The exterior includes a plurality of walls. One of the plurality of walls defines a recess. The method also includes providing a plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate is configured to display shipping information associated with a first destination on the first surface and to display shipping information associated with a second destination on the second surface. The method also includes inserting the plate into the recess during transporting the reinforced reusable shipping container to the first destination based on the shipping information associated with the first destination so that the first surface faces away from the wall. The method also includes inserting the plate into the recess during transporting the reinforced reusable shipping container to the second destination based on the shipping information associated with the second destination so that the second surface faces away from the wall.

[0012] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The method may also include moving a handle of the reusable shipping container from a lower position to an upper position to slide the plate into or out of the recess, and moving the handle from an upper position to a lower position to retain the plate in the recess. The method may also include aligning and engaging opposing sides of the plate with opposing tracks disposed within the recess, and sliding the plate through the tracks to allow the tracks to retain the plate. The method may also include removing a cover covering an opening in the recess to slide the plate into or out of the recess, and covering the opening with the cover to retain the plate in the recess. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] By reading the following drawings and detailed description, other devices, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be enlarged to better illustrate important features of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 a perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container having a handle in an upper position;

[0016] Figure 3A According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 a front view of a first surface of a panel of a reinforced reusable shipping container;

[0017] Figure 3B According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 3A a front view of a second surface of the plate;

[0018] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating a method of using a reinforced reusable shipping container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Disclosed herein are reinforced, reusable shipping containers (or "shippers") and methods of using the same. A shipper can maintain, regulate, or control a temperature or temperature range within a payload area. A system including a cryogenic liquid and / or a phase change material can be used in conjunction with a shipper to set or maintain the temperature within the payload area to a desired temperature or temperature range. The desired temperature or temperature range can be a temperature or temperature range at which a payload is maintained within the payload area before, during, and / or after shipping. The shipper may be made of a reinforced material (e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene, etc.) that protects the payload from environmental factors such as shock and vibration. In addition, the shipper can be decontaminated and cleaned, thereby allowing reuse of the shipper.

[0022] Some shippers can maintain, regulate, or control the temperature or temperature range within the payload area for a limited time. Therefore, smooth delivery of the payload is important to prevent the temperature within the payload area from changing to an undesirable temperature or temperature range that could damage the payload. Errors such as mishandling or improper delivery by the shipper can cause or contribute to delays in shipments, thereby jeopardizing the payload. A shipper having a reversible plate or label holder with shipping and handling instructions for one segment of shipment on one side and shipping and handling instructions for another segment of shipment on the other side can mitigate or prevent errors during the shipping process. Thus, the shipper can ship and handle as specified for each segment of shipment and deliver the shipper without damaging the payload.

[0023] Figure 1 A perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container 100 or shipper 100 is shown. Shipper 100 can have a base enclosure 102, a cover 104, and a plate 106. Base enclosure 102 can have a payload area 108. Payload area 108 can be configured to receive a payload 110. For example, payload area 108 can be defined within shipper 100 so as to be surrounded on all sides by reinforced reusable shipping container 100 and thereby insulated. Payload area 108 can be configured to maintain the temperature of the environment surrounding payload 110. Base enclosure 102 can additionally have an exterior 112 surrounding payload area 108. Exterior 112 can include a plurality of walls 114. One of the plurality of walls 114 can define a recess 116. In the Figure 1 In the embodiment, the recess 116 is defined, for example, by a rear wall of the plurality of walls 114. In other examples, the recess 116 may be defined by any other wall of the plurality of walls 114.

[0024] The cover 104 can be coupled to the base enclosure 102 and can be opened and closed to control access to the payload area 108. For example, the cover 104 can be coupled to the base enclosure 102 via one or more hinges. In other examples, such as Figure 4 In the example shown in , the cover 104 can be placed on the base enclosure 102 above the payload area. Clips, buckles, ties, hooks, male and female connectors, etc. can secure the cover 104 to the base enclosure 102.

[0025] Renewed focus Figure 1 , the base enclosure 102 and the cover 104 can be made of the same one or more materials. The one or more materials can be reinforced materials, including but not limited to polycarbonate and polyethylene. The shape and size of the cover 104 can be designed so that the cover 104 is at least partially within the constraints of the base enclosure 102 when in the closed position.

[0026] The plate 106 may have a first surface 118 and a second surface 120 opposite the first surface 118. The first surface 118 and / or the second surface 120 may display one or more visuals 122. The visuals 122 on the first surface 118 may be different from the visuals 122 on the second surface 120. For example, the visuals 122 on the first surface 118 may include shipping information associated with a first destination, while the visuals 122 on the second surface 120 may include shipping information associated with a second destination. Additionally or alternatively, the visuals 122 may include handling and care instructions. For example, the visuals 122 may include a "no x-ray" warning, a temperature sensitive payload warning, a personal protective equipment warning label, an exemption label, a class number (e.g., Class 9), or a hazardous material warning (e.g., a UN label). The visuals 122 may include graphics, text, numbers, and / or bar codes. The visuals 122 may be labels, inscriptions, stickers, writing, etchings, etc. In some embodiments, the first surface 118 and / or the second surface 120 may have etchings, writings, or other indicators to indicate the location of each visual 122. The visuals 122 may be attached to the first surface 118 and / or the second surface 120 at designated locations using adhesives and / or other conventional fasteners. The visuals 122 may be temporarily attached to the plate 106 so that the plate 106 may be reused in more than one shipment.

[0027] The plate 106 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, or glass. The plate 106 may have a generally square, rectangular, circular, or any other shape. The plate 106 may have one or more notches 124. The one or more notches 124 may create space for other visuals to be displayed on the shipper 100 instead of on the plate 106, such as shipper visuals 127. The shipper visuals 127 may include, for example, Figure 1 The bar code or other visual information shown in . The shape and size of the plate 106 can be designed to fit in the recess 116. The fit can be a tight fit to reduce or prevent lateral and back and forth movement and / or rattling of the plate 106 in the recess 116.

[0028] The recess 116 may include opposing tracks 126. The tracks 126 may be an integral part of the base enclosure 102 or a separate part that is coupled to the base enclosure 102 by conventional fastening means such as snap fittings, screws, conventional fasteners, hermaphroditic connectors, adhesives, welding, or the like. The tracks 126 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, or glass. The tracks 126 may be located on opposing sides 128 of the recess 116. The tracks 126 may extend completely or partially along the length of the sides 128. In some embodiments, the tracks 126 may be interrupted to create multiple shorter tracks along the length of each side 128.

[0029] The plate 106 can slidably engage the track 126 for insertion into and removal from the recess 116. The track 126 can retain the plate 106 within the recess 116. The track 126 can mitigate or prevent the plate 106 from moving back and forth within the recess 116. The plate 106 can be biased against the track 126. The plate 106 biased against the track 126 can allow the plate 106 to be tightly secured and minimize movement of the plate 106 within the recess 116, thereby minimizing rattling of the plate 106. Thus, the track 126 can engage the plate 106 and can retain the plate 106 at least partially in the recess 116.

[0030] In some embodiments, the track 126 may be coupled directly to one of the walls 114, rather than within the recess 116. In such embodiments, the track 126 and / or the wall 114 may have extensions or protrusions that may prevent the plate 106 from sliding from below to retain the plate 106. In some embodiments, the track 126 may be made of a flexible material so that the track 126 may be pried open to insert the plate 106 under the track 126 and return to its original shape once the plate 106 is inserted to retain the plate 106. In some embodiments, the plate 106 may be coupled to the wall 114 by conventional fastening means such as snap fittings, screws, conventional fasteners, hermaphroditic connectors, adhesives, welding, or the like.

[0031] The shipper 100 may also include a handle 130. The handle 130 may be in an upper position (see Figure 2 ) and Figure 1 100. In the upper position, the handle 130 can be grasped to transport the shipper 100. In the lower position, the handle 130 can be positioned above at least a portion of the panel 106 within the recess 116 and / or the track 126 to prevent the panel from sliding out of the recess 116 and / or the track 126. Thus, when the handle 130 is in the upper position (see Figure 2 ), the plate 106 may be slidably removed from the recess 116 and / or the track 126, and when the handle 130 is Figure 1104. In the embodiment of the present invention, the plate 106 can be removed when the handle 130 is in the lower position. When the handle 130 is in the lower position, the handle 130 can be received by the recess 132 of the cover 104. The shape of the recess 132 can be designed so that it has a shape corresponding to the shape of the handle. Similarly, the shape and size of the handle 130 can be designed to fit tightly in the recess 132. When the handle 130 is in the lower position, the handle 130 can be flush with the cover 104. Therefore, the handle 130 can be integrated with the cover 104 and looks integrated with the cover 104. In other words, the handle can be received in the recess defined in the cover and can be selectively extended from the recess to the upper position. In some embodiments, in the lower position, the handle 130 can be adjacent to the cover 104, rather than in the recess 132 of the cover 104. In these embodiments, the handle 130 can extend along the entire wall 114 of the base enclosure 102.

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view of the shipper 100 is shown with the handle 130 in an up position. The handle 130 may be attached to the top of one or more legs 134. Figure 2 102 and 104. Two legs 134 are shown by way of example. The legs 134 can be housed within the wall 114 of the base enclosure 102 and extend out of the wall 114 when the handle 130 is pulled up. In some embodiments, the handle 130 can automatically switch between the upper position and the lower position. For example, a motor can be used to automatically extend and retract the legs 134. In some embodiments, the legs 134 can be spring biased so that when a downward force toward the handle 130 is applied and released, the handle 130 pops up. In some embodiments, the legs 134 can be spring biased so that when an upward force away from the handle 130 is applied, the handle 130 pops up. The legs 134 can be telescoping legs that extend the legs 134.

[0033] When the handle 130 is in the Figure 2116, the opening 136 of the recess 116 is no longer blocked by the handle 130. Therefore, when the handle 130 is in the upper position, the plate 106 can have a clear path in and out of the recess 116 through the opening 136. Therefore, the handler can align and engage the opposite side 138 of the plate 106 with the track 126 and slide the plate 106 into the recess 116 so that the first surface 118 faces away from the wall 114 to expose the first surface 118 when desired and display the visual material 122 on the first surface 118. The handler can then push the handle 130 downward to the lower position to retain the plate 106 in the recess 116. The handle 130 may include a blocking edge 137 that mechanically interferes with the movement of the plate 106 out of the recess 116 when the handle 130 is in the lower position. When the handle is in the lower position, the blocking edge 137 mechanically blocks the plate 106 from being slidably removed from the recess 116, and when the handle 130 is in the upper position, the blocking edge 137 does not mechanically block the plate 106 from being slidably removed from the recess 116. After the handler has transported the shipper 100 based on the information provided by the visual 122 on the first surface 118, the handler can lift the handle 130 to the upper position, slide the plate 106 out of the recess 116, and slide the plate 106 into the recess 116 so that the second surface 120 faces away from the wall 114 to expose the second surface 120 and display the visual 122 on the second surface 120. The visual 122 on the second surface 120 can include information related to subsequent shipping segments or how to return the shipper 100 to its original position. The handler may push handle 130 downward to the lower position to retain plate 106 in the recess and transport shipper 100 based on the information provided by visual material 122 on second surface 120 .

[0034] Figure 3A A front view of the first surface 118 of the plate 106 is shown. Figure 3B 1 shows a front view of the second surface 120 of the board 106. The first surface 118 includes a first set of visual data 122a, and the second surface 120 includes a second set of visual data 122b. The first set of visual data 122a and the second set of visual data 122b include different information from each other. For example, Figure 3A - Figure 3B As shown in , visual material 122a can include a first shipping address and visual material 122b can include a second shipping address. In another example, visual material 122a can illustrate that the shipper 100 (see Figure 1 - Figure 2 ) contains a hazardous or temperature sensitive payload, and visual data 122b can indicate that the shipper is empty.

[0035] Figure 4A perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container 200 or shipper 200 is shown. In addition to replacing handle 130 (see FIG. Figure 1 - Figure 2 ) to hold the plate 106 in the recess 116, the shipper 200 may have a similar configuration to the shipper 100 (see Figure 1 - Figure 2 ) of the same specifications. The cover 202 can be removably attached to the shipper 200 to cover the opening 136 of the recess 116. Once attached to the shipper 200, the cover 202 can be at least partially positioned above the plate 106 within the recess 116 to prevent the plate 106 from sliding out of the recess 116. Therefore, when the cover 202 is removed from the shipper 200, the plate 106 can be slidably removed from the recess 116, while when the cover 202 is attached to the shipper 200, the plate 106 cannot be removed from the recess 116. When the cover 202 is attached to the shipper 200, the cover 202 can be received by the recess 132 of the lid 104. The shape and size of the cover 202 can be designed to fit tightly in the recess 132. When the cover 202 is attached to the shipper 200, the cover 202 can be flush with the lid 104. Thus, the cover 202 can be integral with the lid 104 and appear to be integral with the lid 104. In some embodiments, when the cover 202 is attached to the shipper 200, the cover 202 can be adjacent to the lid 104 rather than within the recess 132 of the lid 104. In such embodiments, the cover 202 can extend along the entire wall 114 of the base enclosure 102. The cover 202 can be fastened to the lid 104 and / or the base enclosure 102 by conventional fastening means such as snap fittings, screws, conventional fasteners, hermaphroditic connectors, adhesives, welding, or the like.

[0036] Figure 5 A perspective view of a reinforced reusable shipping container 300 or shipper 300 is shown. In addition to replacing handle 130 (see FIG. Figure 1 - Figure 2 ) to hold the plate 106 in the recess 116, the shipper 300 may have a similar configuration to the shipper 100 (see Figure 1 - Figure 2) of the same specifications. The cover 304 can be removably attached to the base enclosure 102 to cover the payload area 108 and the opening 136 of the recess 116. Once attached to the base enclosure 102, the cover 304 can be at least partially seated on the plate 106 within the recess 116 so that the blocking edge of the cover 304 prevents the plate 106 from sliding out of the recess 116. Therefore, when the cover 304 is removed from the base enclosure 102, the plate 106 can be slidably removed from the recess 116, while when the cover 304 is attached to the base enclosure 102 in a manner covering the opening 136, the plate 104 cannot be removed from the recess 116. The cover 304 can be attached to the base enclosure 102 by conventional fastening means such as snap fittings, screws, conventional fasteners, hermaphroditic connectors, adhesives, welding, etc. In some embodiments, the cover 304 can be attached to the base enclosure 102 by a hinge. In such an embodiment, the recess 116 may be located on the wall 114 of the base enclosure 102 on a side of the shipper 300 that does not coincide with the side where the hinge is located, such that the recess 116 is accessible through the opening 136 when the lid 304 is open.

[0037] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method 400 for using a reinforced reusable shipping container 100, 200, 300 or shipper 100, 200, and 300 is shown. Method 400 may begin at block 402.

[0038] In block 402, the method 400 may include providing a base enclosure 102 having a payload area 108 configured to receive a payload 110 and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload 110 and a temperature of an exterior 112 surrounding the payload area 118. (See Figure 1 - Figure 2 , Figure 4 - Figure 5 ). The exterior 112 may include a plurality of walls 114 (see Figure 1 - Figure 2 , Figure 4 - Figure 5 ). A wall 114 of the plurality of walls 114 may define a recess 116 (see Figure 1 - Figure 2 , Figure 4 - Figure 5 ).

[0039] In block 404, the method 400 may include providing a plate 106 having a first surface 118 and a second surface 120 opposite the first surface (see Figure 3A - Figure 3B). The panel 106 may be configured to display shipping information associated with a first destination on the first surface 118 and to display shipping information associated with a second destination on the second surface 120. The shipping information associated with the first destination and the shipping information associated with the second destination may be conveyed by visual material 122 (see Figure 3A - Figure 3B ).

[0040] In block 406, method 400 may include inserting panel 106 into recess 116 such that first surface 118 faces away from the wall during transport of shipper 100, 200, 300 to the first destination based on the shipping information associated with the first destination. Once inserted, panel 106 may be removed by handle 130 (see FIG. Figure 1 ), cover 202 (see Figure 4 ) or cover 304 (see Figure 5 ) is held in recess 116. The shipping information may also include handling and care instructions. The handling and care instructions may be for shipment to a first destination.

[0041] In block 408, method 400 may include inserting plate 106 into recess 116 such that second surface 120 faces away from wall 114 during transport of shipper 100, 200, 300 to the second destination based on the shipping information associated with the second destination. Plate 106 may be removed from recess 116 prior to reinsertion to flip plate 106 by bringing handle 130 to an upper position or removing cover 202 or lid 304. The shipping information may also include handling and care instructions. The handling and care instructions may be specific to the shipment to the second destination.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments of the method / system have been disclosed in an illustrative manner. Therefore, the terms used throughout this article should be interpreted in a non-restrictive manner. Although those skilled in the art will make minor modifications to the teachings herein, it should be understood that it is intended to be limited within the scope of this granted patent to all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of this contribution to the advancement of the art, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited except in accordance with the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A reinforced reusable shipping container comprising: a base enclosure having an exterior including a plurality of walls surrounding a payload area configured to receive a payload, the plurality of walls configured to maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload within the payload area, wherein a wall of the plurality of walls defines a recess; and A panel is removably insertable into the recess defined by the wall and includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and one or more visual materials displayed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

2. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 1, wherein: Also included is a handle that is received in a recess defined in the cover when in a lower position and is selectably extendable from the recess to an upper position.

3. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 2, wherein: The handle includes a blocking edge that mechanically blocks slidable removal of the plate from the recess when the handle is in the lower position, and does not mechanically block slidable removal of the plate from the recess when the handle is in the upper position.

4. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 2, wherein: Also included is a cover configured to be coupled to the base enclosure and configured to open and close.

5. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 4, wherein: The cover defines a recess having a shape corresponding to a shape of the handle to receive the handle when the handle is in the lower position.

6. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 1, wherein: The recess includes opposing tracks that engage the plate and at least partially retain the plate in the recess.

7. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 6, wherein: The wall also defines an opening in the recess, the opening being configured to provide a path for slidable insertion of the plate into the recess.

8. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 7, wherein: Also included is a cover secured to the reinforced reusable shipping container and covering the opening such that the panel is retained in the recess.

9. A reinforced reusable shipping container comprising: a base enclosure including a plurality of walls surrounding a payload area to receive the payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload, wherein a wall of the plurality of walls defines a recess; a cover attached to the base enclosure and configured to open and close; as well as A plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface is disposed in the recess and displays information related to the payload or shipment on at least one of the first surface and the second surface.

10. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 9, wherein: The cover includes a blocking edge that mechanically blocks removal of the plate from the recess when the cover is closed and does not mechanically block removal of the plate from the recess when the cover is open, such that the plate remains in the recess when the cover is closed.

11. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 9, wherein: Also included is a handle configured to move back and forth between an upper position and a lower position and to be grasped in the upper position to transport the reinforced reusable shipping container.

12. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 11, wherein: The plate is also configured to be slidably removable from the recess when the handle is in the upper position and to be non-removable when the handle is in the lower position.

13. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 11, wherein: The cover defines a recess having a shape corresponding to a shape of the handle, wherein the recess receives the handle when the handle is in the lower position.

14. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 9, wherein: The recess includes opposing tracks that slidably engage the plate and at least partially retain the plate in the recess.

15. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 14, wherein: The wall also defines an opening in the recess, the opening being configured to provide a path for slidable insertion of the plate into the recess.

16. The reinforced reusable shipping container of claim 15, wherein: Also included is a cover secured to the reinforced reusable shipping container and covering the opening such that the panel is retained in the recess.

17. A method of using a reinforced reusable shipping container comprising: Providing a base enclosure having: (i) a payload area for receiving a payload and maintaining a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload, and (ii) an exterior surrounding the payload area, the exterior including a plurality of walls, a wall of the plurality of walls defining a recess; providing a board having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the board being configured to display shipping information associated with a first destination on the first surface and to display shipping information associated with a second destination on the second surface; inserting the panel into the recess such that the first surface faces away from the wall during transport of the reinforced, reusable shipping container to the first destination based on shipping information associated with the first destination; as well as The panel is inserted into the recess such that the second surface faces away from the wall during transport of the reinforced reusable shipping container to the second destination based on shipping information associated with the second destination.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that Also includes: The handle of the reusable shipping container is moved from a lower position to an upper position to slide the panel into or out of the recess, and the handle is moved from the upper position to the lower position to retain the panel in the recess.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that Also includes: Opposing sides of the panel are aligned and engaged with opposing tracks disposed within the recess, and the panel is slid through the tracks to allow the tracks to retain the panel.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that Also includes: A cover covering the opening in the recess is removed to slide the plate into or out of the recess, and the opening is covered with the cover to retain the plate in the recess.

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