Environmentally sustainable, dunnage-free, and reusable packaging system with integrated shock absorption and content protection

Abstract

A packaging system 100 comprises: a container 102 with one or more inflatable pillows 106 inside. The pillows can be inflated during and / or after accommodating the contents (200, fig. 2B) of the conta

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of packaging systems. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an environmentally sustainable, dunnage-free, reusable packaging system (container) having an integrated shock absorption and content protection capability, along with a configurable information display module. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] There are a wide variety of containers used for holding, storing, and shipping goods (contents). Such containers include a large variety of cartons, and boxes, all of which are known in the art and each having particular features that make the container suitable for desired applications based on the type and dimension of the contents to be stored.

[0004] Perhaps the most common type of container or boxes employed by the shipping industry is one-time use carton constructed, for example, of paperboard or cardboard. The content to be shipped is placed within the interior of the container that is then filled with loose dunnage materials, such as polystyrene chips, shredded paper, or other paper-based filler, to name a few. Sometimes the dunnage material may be moulded into pre-formed shapes to precisely complement the contours and size of the contents to fully enclose the item. Thereafter, the carton is sealed with packaging tape, staples, twine, or a similar mechanism. Still, the protection materials and dunnage used in existing packaging systems or containers are limited to protect the non-delicate contents up to a certain degree of impact only, as frequently contents get damaged during transportation.

[0005] Once these containers reach their shipping destination, the recipient typically discards both the container and the associated cushioning materials and dunnage. Besides, these cushioning materials and dunnage are majorly non-recyclable. Typically, the existing packaging containers additionally require and are provided with address labels and shipping labels, customs, and other declaration papers, adhesive tapes, and seals for transporting the container to its destination. Generating these components has a significant energy footprint. While most of these components such as cardboard for the container may be recyclable, some are not. However, the use of labels, papers, adhesive tapes, and seals on such recyclable container materials makes them non-reusable. Recyclable components do not always get recycled. Even recycling can be done so only a small number of times, and recycling itself has an energy footprint. Non-recycled and non-recyclable elements add to a different type of environmental burden, namely pollution.

[0006] Patent document number US20080203090A1 discloses a reusable shipping system comprising a closable shipping container and a packing ensemble disposed of in the container's interior which includes an expandable cushioning assembly and a reusable packing accessory. The expandable cushioning assembly is a layered arrangement having at least one foam layer and an inflatable bladder, while the packing accessory may be one or more cushioned bags or the like. However, the cushioning assembly in this descrption may not completely surround the stored objects or fill the vacant space within the container, thereby making them prone to damage.Another patent document number US2007221530A1 discloses a packing box equipped with an airbag for shockabsorbing and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the airbag consisting of a plurality of air cells is integrally formed with an inner surface of the packing box by means of heat and pressure, instead of installing a separate shock-absorbing member in the packing box, and then air is injected into the airbag, wherein the air cells of the airbag have their own one-way valves, respectively, so the shockabsorbing function of the airbag is continuously maintained even if some air cells are broken, and additionally support square bars are integrally formed with a lower surface of the packing box, thereby further absorbing impact applied to the packing box. The product described here is neither reusable nor recyclable due to its construction.

[0007] Another patent document number CN215754172 discloses a fragile product packaging box which comprises a box body, a box cover, an inner box, a first spring, an air cushion, and a fixing assembly. The box cover is arranged on the box body, where the fixed component comprises a movable plate, an elastic telescopic rod, a mounting plate, a screw rod, and a fixed block. In the utility model, the spring and the air cushion are arranged, so that the inner box is damped and protected, the impact is absorbed, and the fragile products are prevented from being damaged by an external force. This is an elaborate and complex construction which is not practicable for mass use.

[0008] Another patent document number discloses US2019062027A1 discloses a shock-absorbing packing box, in which a pair of inner shells are partially fused between a pair of outer shells to constitute a shock-absorbing packing material having a plurality of air cells, and when air is filled into the air cells, the plurality of air cells filled with the air are connected in an overall boxshaped structure. However, such packaging boxes are content-specific and cannot be used for other contents having a different shape and size.

[0009] Yet another patent document number CN209765657 discloses an express box device capable of being recycled. The recyclable express box device comprises a system module, a door lock control module, a man-machine interaction module, a network module, and a positioning communication module. The door lock control module, the man-machine interaction module, and the network module are connected to the system module and the positioning communication module is connected with the system module and the network module. The unlocking of a box body is achieved through the door lock control module, an electronic device..

[0010] The above-cited patent documents suggest the use of a reusable shipping container or boxes, however, the use of address labels and shipping labels, customs, and other declaration papers, adhesive tapes, and seals, which is required for transporting the disclosed (or any) shipping container to its destination, would make the above-disclosed reusable containers and boxes non- reusable after one use. Even when these reusable containers or boxes are recycled by removing the labels and seals, recycling can be done so only a small number of times, and recycling itself has an energy footprint. Non-recycled and non- recyclable elements add to a different type of environmental burden, namely pollution.

[0011] There are additional limitations to the products in use or described elsewhere. There is no provision for manually regulating the pressure within the bladders or airbags of the disclosed containers or boxes from outside once they are sealed. Thus, pressure in the bladders could cause unwanted surprise or injury at the time of opening the container and conversely, a loss in pressure in the bladders or airbags of a closed container in transit may reduce their ability to protect the stored contents from damage.

[0012] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above drawbacks, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing packaging systems and packaging containers, and provide an environmentally sustainable, dunnage-free, reusable packaging system having an integrated shock absorption and content protection capability, along with a configurable information display module. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing packaging systems (containers) and the non-reusable information labels provided on such containers. Another object of the present disclosure is to safely store and transport contents or objects, without damaging them. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an environmentally and fully recyclable or reusable packaging container that can be used multiple times in a sustainable manner. Another object of the present disclosure is to lower the energy footprint and environmental issues caused by the existing packaging system. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a shock absorption feature in the packaging system (containers), which protects the stored contents from impact and damage. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a packaging system (container) that is easily and completely collapsible, making it easy to be stored or transported when not in use. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a dunnage-free packaging system for storing multiple contents in a secured and sustainable manner. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, and easy-to-use packaging system, which can be easily commissioned by a user for storing and transporting contents. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a packaging system with a configurable information display module that provides all necessary information about the contents as well as the shipping and transit information. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a packaging system (container) that can be easily stacked over one another in an efficient and space-saving manner.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is a delivery container comprising a container adapted to accommodate one or more contents, and at least one inflatable pillow which is able to be inflated and deflated and is disposed within the container, the inflatable pillow being configured to be inflated within the container to achieve a predefined shape to surround the contents, or to compliantly fill a vacant space around the contents within the container in order to surround and protect the contents, and a display module configurable to display information pertaining to the container, the contents and / or a transport service provider, the container being able to be switched between a collapsed state and an in-use state, and the deflated inflatable pillow being accommodated, in the collapsed state, between panels of the container.

[0015] Thus, the use of an inflatable pillow may completely replace the requirement of non-recyclable cushioning materials and dunnage in the present invention, thereby making the present invention environmentally sustainable and reusable.

[0016] In an aspect, the container may include multiple compartments that may be adapted to receive and accommodate the multiple contents within the container. Further, each of the compartments may be configured with at least one inflatable pillow that upon inflation protects the corresponding contents within each compartment.

[0017] The inflatable pillows may be fluidically coupled with each other and to a fluid source through a pumping unit that enables the flow of the fluid between the fluid source and the corresponding inflatable pillows, which may enable inflation of the inflatable pillows to fill the vacant space around the stored contents. In an aspect, a pressurized canister filled with the fluid may be fluidically coupled with the inflatable pillows. The pressurized canister may be easily accessible to a user, which allows the user to adjust the fluidic pressure within the inflatable pillows in an event of loss of pressure, even when the container is sealed for transportation. Thus, the pressurized canister may help maintain the required pressure within the inflatable pillows from the packaging stage up to the destination, thereby protecting the stored objects from damage in the event of loss of pressure within the inflatable pillows.

[0018] A set of valves may be configured with each of the inflatable pillows and pressure-control ports associated with these valves may be accessible from outside of the container. The ports of the valves may allow the user to manually control the pressure within the inflatable pillows without opening the container. The valves may also help reduce the volume and fluidic pressure of the inflatable pillow before opening the container so that the inflatable pillow and the contents may be easily removed from the container.

[0019] The information displayed by the display module may include, but is not limited to, shipping labels, transit labels, carrier’s operational labels, customs and waybill type of information, and content related information comprising dimension, weight of the content, and type of the content selected from hazardous material, fragile, heavy, batteries / risk of explosion, and inflammable.

[0020] The display module may be configured to communicate with a computing device (such as a mobile phone, or computer) associated with the user through a secured communication channel, which allows the user to enter or update or configure the information on the display module. As a result, there is no requirement for address labels and shipping labels, customs, and other declaration papers, adhesive tapes, and seals to be pasted on the container of the present invention during transportation (which was required in existing prior arts). Thus, the use of a configurable display module makes the container reusable multiple times, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and any environmental issues.

[0021] The user may fold the container when not in use, thereby saving space for storing the container. Further, an outer surface of the top panel and the bottom panel of the container may include a set of ridges that facilitates the stacking of a plurality of such containers with each other when in the in-use state, in an efficient and space-saving manner.

[0022] Accordingly, the proposed packaging system with the suggested methodology can effectively reduce the usage and requirement of non-recyclable and non-reusable components, thereby reducing energy footprint and environmental issues. Further, the inflatable pillow securely surrounds the stored content in an efficient manner, thereby completely surrounding and protecting the stored object from damage. Furthermore, the use of a configurable display module eliminates the dependence on the conventional label, adhesive tape, and seal-based content information providing methods, which allows the same container to be used multiple times without recycling.

[0023] Thus, the present invention overcomes the above drawbacks, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing packaging systems and packaging containers, and provides an environmentally sustainable, dunnage-free, reusable packaging system having an integrated shock absorption and content protection capability, along with a configurable information display module.

[0024] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0026] In the figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0027] FIGs. 1A-1D illustrates exemplary views of the proposed packaging system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary view of the proposed packaging system having inflatable pillows within the container, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0029] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary view of the proposed packaging system having a content (object) secured by inflated pillows within the container, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates exemplary views of the collapsible container during the folding stage, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged view of the folded container having the fluid passage conduit (pipes) of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary computer system to implement and enable the information display module of the proposed packaging system to display the content and container information thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable, cost-effective, and automated device for efficient and rapid debriding and disinfecting of surgical and endodontic instruments, without affecting the properties and working efficiency of the instruments.

[0036] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 2B, the proposed packaging system 100 can include a container 102 (also referred to as a box) having a removable top panel 102-1 (or lid), a bottom panel 102-2, and multiple side panels 102-3 to 102-6, of predefined dimensions defining the shape of the container 102. The container 102 can receive and accommodate multiple contents 200 (also referred to as objects or items, herein) of any shape and size therewithin. In an exemplary embodiment, the container 102 can include multiple compartments to facilitate individual accommodation of each content 200 in one of the compartments or as required. Multiple removable partition walls can be placed within the container 102 in a predefined configuration to form the multiple compartments within the container 102. Further, the top panel 102-1 can be secured over the container 102 using clasps or other mechanisms.

[0037] The packaging system 100 can further include one or more inflatable pillows 106 (collectively referred to as pillows 106, herein) within the container 102. The pillows 106 are adapted to be inflated and deflated from outside of the container 102 when required. The pillows 106 can be configured to be inflated during and / or after accommodating the corresponding content 200 within the container 102, to achieve a predefined shape to surround the contents 200 effectively, or to compliantly fill a complementary vacant space around the contents 200 within the container 102 in order to surround and protect the contents 200 as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0038] The pillows 106 can be fluidically coupled with each other and to a fluid source (container 102) through a pumping unit 112 and a set of conduits (pipe) 104 that enables the flow of the fluid between the fluid source and the corresponding inflatable pillows 106, which enables inflation of the inflatable pillows 106 to a predetermined volume at a predefined pressure to achieve the predefined shape. The pumping unit 112 can also enable deflation of the pillows 106 by pumping out the fluid from them. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid can be gas or liquid, but not limited to the like.

[0039] In an embodiment, the pumping unit can include a pressurized canister 112 filled with the fluid, which can be fluidically coupled with the inflatable pillows 106 as shown in FIG. 2A. The pressurized canister 112 can allow a user to adjust the fluidic pressure within the inflatable pillows 106 in an event of loss of pressure within the inflatable pillows 106 by pumping the pressurized fluid into the pillows 106. In another embodiment, the pumping unit can include an electric pump or manual pump fluidically coupling the fluid container 102 to the pillows 106 through the pipes 104.

[0040] Referring to FIGs, 1A to ID, an isometric view of the container 102 is shown in FIG. 1 A, another isometric view of the container 102 along with the internal components (pipes 104) of the packaging system 100 is shown in FIG. IB, a top view of the container 102 without the top panel 102-1 and having the pipes 104 extending along the rim of the container 102 is shown in FIG. IC, and a side view or side panel of the container 102 is shown in FIG. ID, wherein each side panel 102-3 to 103-6 has an upper panel 102-A, and a lower panel 102-B hingedly coupled to the upper panel 102-A

[0041] The inlet of the pipes 104 can be accessed from outside and the outlet of the pipes 104 can be inside the container 102 with one pillow 108 connected to it. In an implementation, as shown in FIG. 2A, each side of the container 102 can have one pillow 108 to surround the content 200 from all sides. Further, one pipe 104 can be provided internally on each side of the container 102, with their inlet accessible from outside to fluidically couple the pipes 104 to the fluid source and the pumping unit 112. The pipe 104 can extend along the inner surface of the container 102 such that the content 200 can be efficiently positioned within the container 102 without any obstruction. As shown in FIG. 2B, once the content 200 is positioned within the container 102 or while positioning the content 200 within the container 102, the pillows 106 can be inflated to achieve a predefined shape to surround the contents 200 effectively, or to compliantly fill a complementary to a vacant space around the content 200 within the container 102, thereby completely surrounding and protecting the corresponding content 200.

[0042] It would be obvious for a person skilled in the art that while FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate a conical-shaped content and a balloon-shaped inflatable pillow connected to the pipes for the sake of simplicity and exemplary illustration purposes, however, the proposed packaging system is capable of securing contents of any shape and the pillow can also be of any other shape as required, and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure without any limitations.

[0043] Further, a set of valves can be configured at the inlet of each of the pipes 104 or directly with each of the inflatable pillows 106. The valves can be configured to control and adjust the fluid pressure within the corresponding inflatable pillow 108. In an implementation, the valves can also enable the user to reduce the volume and fluidic pressure of the inflatable pillow 108 before opening the container 102. The pressure-control ports associated with the valves can be accessed from outside of the container 102, which allows a user to manually control the pressure within the inflatable pillows 106, through the ports, without opening the container 102.

[0044] In an embodiment, the container 102 can be made of plastic, cardboard, metal, wood, or biodegradable material, but not limited to the like. Further, the inflatable pillow 108 can be made of a confirmable, fluid-impervious, stretchable, and tear-resistant material, such that the pillows 106 can be easily and efficiently inflated and deflated to cover a vacant space around the content 200, restricting tearing of the pillow by the content 200 or other things, and create a barrier between the fluid and content 200. Thus, the use of inflatable pillows 106 completely replaces the requirement of non-recyclable cushioning materials and dunnage in the proposed packaging system 100, thereby making the present invention environmentally sustainable and reusable.

[0045] In an embodiment, the packaging system 100 can include a display module 108 removably configured over the container 102. The display module 108 can be configured to display the information pertaining to the container 102, the content 200, and the transport service provider, but not limited to the like. The information can include, but is not limited to, shipping labels, transit labels, carrier’s operational labels, customs and waybill type of information, and content 200 related information comprising dimension of the content 200, weight of the content 200, and type of the content 200 selected from hazardous material, fragile, heavy, batteries / risk of explosion, and inflammable. The packaging system 100 can be used at any stage of the supply chain, for instance, retail packaging, transit packaging, single-unit packaging, multiple unit packaging, and the like.

[0046] The display module 108 can be in communication with a computing device 400 (such as a mobile phone, or computer) associated with the user through a secured communication channel, which allows the user to enter or update or configure the information on the display module 108. As a result, there is no requirement for address labels and shipping labels, customs, and other declaration papers, adhesive tapes, and seals to be pasted on the container 102 of the present invention during transportation (which was required in existing prior arts). Thus, the use of a configurable display module 108 makes the container 102 reusable multiple times, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and any environmental issues.

[0047] Referring to FIGs. ID, 3A, and 3B, the container 102 can be collapsible, The side panels 102-3 to 102-6 of the collapsible container 102 can include an upper panel 102-A, and a lower panel 102-B hingedly coupled to the upper panel 102-A. Further, the upper panel 102-A of the side panels can be hindegly coupled to a top panel 102-1 of the container 102 and the lower panel 102-B of the side panels can be hingedly coupled to a bottom panel 102-2 of the container 102, which allows the container 102 to be switched between a collapsed state and an in-use state. In the collapsed state, the container 102 can be completely folded such that the deflated pillows 106 and pipes 104 are securely adjusted between the panels, which helps save space while storing or transporting the container 102. In an embodiment, the pipes 104 connected to the inflatable pillows 106 can be flexible, which may allow easier and complete folding of the container 102 without any restriction. Further, in the in-use state, the container 102 allows accommodation and securing of the content 200 within the container 102.

[0048] In the in-use state, the upper panel 102-A and lower panel 102-B associated with each of the side panels 102-3 to 102-6 can become parallel, allowing accommodation of the content 200 within the container 102. Further, in the collapsed state, the top panel 102-1 and the bottom panel 102-2 come in contact and the inner surfaces of the upper panel 102-A and lower panel 102-B of the side panels 102-3 to 103-6 come in contact.

[0049] In an embodiment, an outer surface of any or a combination of the top panel 102-1 and the bottom panel 102-2 can include a set of ridges 110 at the corners, but not limited to the like, that can facilitate stacking of a plurality of the proposed containers 102 with each other when in the in-use state. Further, the dimension of the plurality of containers 102 can be chosen such that each container 102 can be efficiently stacked with no unutilized space between two adjacent containers 102, thereby making the overall packaging system 100 spacesaving and efficient.

[0050] Accordingly, the proposed packaging system 100 with the suggested methodology can effectively reduce the usage and requirement of non-recyclable and non-reusable components, thereby reducing energy footprint and environmental issues. Further, the inflatable pillow 106 securely surrounds the stored content 200 in an efficient manner, thereby completely surrounding and protecting the stored content 200 from damage. Furthermore, the use of a configurable display module 108 eliminates the dependence on the conventional label, adhesive tape, and seal-based content information providing methods, which allows the same container 102 to be used multiple times without recycling.

[0051] Thus, the present invention overcomes the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing packaging systems and packaging containers, and provides an environmentally sustainable, dunnage-free, reusable packaging system having an integrated shock absorption and content protection capability, along with a configurable information display module.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary computer system to implement or enable the working of the information display module 108 of the proposed packaging system 100 is disclosed. The display module 108 can be in communication with the computing system 400 associated with the user or an operator through a secured communication channel, which allows the user to enter or update or configure the information on the display module 108.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the computer system of the information display module can include an external storage device 410, a bus 420, a main memory 430, a read only memory 440, a mass storage device 450, communication port 460, and a processor 470. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system may include more than one processor and communication ports. Examples of processor 470 include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on a chip processors or other future processors. Processor 470 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present invention. Communication port 460 can be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem based dialup connection, a 10 / 100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fibre, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. Communication port 460 may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which computer system connects. The communication port 470 can help establish a secured communciaiton channel between the display module and the computer system.

[0054] Memory 430 can be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read only memory 440 can be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or BIOS instructions for processor 470. Mass storage 450 may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and / or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and / or Firewire interfaces), e.g. those available from Seagate (e.g., the Seagate Barracuda 7102 family) or Hitachi (e.g., the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g. an array of disks (e g., SATA arrays), available from various vendors including Dot Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies, Inc. and Enhance Technology, Inc.

[0055] Bus 420 communicatively couples processor(s) 470 with the other memory, storage and communication blocks. Bus 420 can be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects processor 470 to software system.

[0056] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g. a display, keyboard, and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus 420 to support direct operator or user interaction with computer system 400 and the display module 108. Other user interfaces can be provided through network connections connected through communication port 460. External storage device 410 can be any kind of external hard-drives, floppy drives, IOMEGA® Zip Drives, Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc - Re-Writable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk - Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] Thus, the computer system 400 of FIG, 4 can enable and allow the user to enter and update the information (of content 200 and container 102) to be displayed on the display module 108 of the proposed packaging system 100, which eliminates the dependence on the conventional label, adhesive tape, and seal-based content 200 information providing methods, which allows the same container 102 to be used multiple times without recycling

[0058] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[0059] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The proposed invention overcomes the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing packaging systems (containers) and the non-reusable information labels provided on such containers.

[0061] The proposed invention safely stores and helps transport contents or objects, without damaging them.

[0062] The proposed invention provides an environmentally and fully recyclable or reusable packaging container that can be used multiple times in a sustainable manner.

[0063] The proposed invention lowers the energy footprint and environmental issues caused by the existing packaging system.

[0064] The proposed invention provides a shock absorption feature in the packaging system (containers), which protects the stored contents from impact and damage.

[0065] The proposed invention provides a packaging system (container) that is easily and completely collapsible, making it easy to be stored or transported when not in use.

[0066] The proposed invention provides a dunnage-free packaging system for storing multiple contents in a secured and sustainable manner.

[0067] The proposed invention provides a simple, and easy-to-use packaging system, which can be easily commissioned by a user for storing and transporting contents.

[0068] The proposed invention provides a packaging system with a configurable information display module that provides all necessary information about the contents as well as the shipping and transit information.

[0069] The proposed invention provides a packaging system (container) that can be easily stacked over one another in an efficient and space-saving manner. 04 09 24

Claims

1. A delivery container comprising:a container adapted to accommodate one or more contents (200), and5 at least one inflatable pillow which is able to be inflated and deflated and isdisposed within the container, the inflatable pillow being configured to be inflated within the container to achieve a predefined shape to surround the contents effectively, or to compliantly fill a vacant space around the contents within the container in order to surround and protect the contents, 10 anda display module configurable to display information pertaining to the container, the contents and / or a transport service provider,the container being able to be switched between a collapsed state and an in-use state, and the deflated inflatable pillow being accommodated, in the collapsed state, 15 between panels of the container.

2. The delivery container of claim 1, which comprises a plurality of inflatable pillows and one or more compartments adapted to receive and accommodate the one or more contents, wherein there is at least one of the inflatable pillows in each of the 20 compartments.

3. The delivery container of claim 1, comprising a plurality of inflatable pillows which are fluidically coupled with each other and with a fluid source through a pumping unit that enables flow of the fluid between the fluid source and the25 inflatable pillows and which enables inflation of the inflatable pillows to apredetermined volume at a predefined pressure to achieve the predefined shape.

4. The delivery container of claim 1, comprising a pressurized canister fluidically coupled with the inflatable pillow, wherein the pressurized canister allows a user to 30 adjust fluidic pressure within the inflatable pillow in an event of loss of pressurewithin the inflatable pillows.

5. The delivery container of claim 3 or claim 4, comprising a plurality of inflatable pillows and a set of valves configured to control and adjust the fluid pressure within 35 the inflatable pillows.04 09 246. The delivery container of claim 5, wherein the set of valves enables the user to reduce the volume and fluidic pressure of the inflatable pillows before opening the container.5 7. The delivery container of claim 5, wherein pressure-control ports associated withthe set of valves are accessible from outside of the container, allowing a user to manually control the pressure within the inflatable pillows, through the ports, without opening the container.10 8. The delivery container of any preceding claim, wherein the inflatable pillow(s) is(are) made of a conformable, fluid-impervious, stretchable, and tear-resistant material.

9. The delivery container of any preceding claim, wherein the container is made of a 15 material selected from plastic, cardboard, metal, and wood.

10. The delivery container of any preceding claim, wherein the information displayed by the display module comprises any or a combination of shipping labels, transit labels, carrier's operational labels, customs and waybill-type information, and 20 content related information comprising dimension, weight of the content, and typeof the content selected from hazardous material, fragile, heavy, batteries / risk of explosion, and inflammable.

11. The delivery container of any preceding claim, wherein the display module is 25 configured to communicate with a computing device associated with a userthrough a secured communication channel, which allows the user to enter the information on the display module.

12. The delivery container of any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a 30 top panel, a bottom panel, and a plurality of side panels each comprising an upperside panel and a lower side panel hingedly coupled to the upper side panel, wherein the upper side panel of each of the side panels is hingedly coupled to the top panel and the lower side panel of each of the side panels is hingedly coupled to the bottom panel, which allows the container to be switched between the collapsed 35 state and the in-use state.

13. The delivery container of claim 12, wherein in the in-use state, the upper side panel and the lower side panel of each of the side panels are parallel in the in-use state, allowing accommodation of the contents within the container, and wherein in5 the collapsed state, the top panel and the bottom panel come in contact and innersurfaces of the upper side panel and the lower side panel of each of the side panels come in contact.

14. The delivery container of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the top panel is securable 10 over the container using clasps.

15. The delivery container of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein an outer surface of either or both of the top panel and the bottom panel comprises a set of ridges that facilitates stacking of a plurality of the containers with each other when in the in-15 use state.CM

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