Reusable packaging system

Abstract

Disclosed is a reusable packaging and delivering system including: a foldable outer layer configured to form a box or to collapse for storage; and, an inflatable inner layer configured to fit within the foldable outer layer and to secure the content when inflated or deflated. Also disclosed is a method for packaging a content using a reusable packaging system and returning the reusable packaging system, the method including: unfolding a foldable outer layer, forming a box; inflating an inflatable inner layer within the box via a valve; placing the content within the inflated inner layer; securing the packaging system with security seals on rims of the box and a fastening element; placing a delivery note within a transparent pocket; and removing the content and the delivery note upon delivery by a delivery person and returning the packaging system to the delivery person thereafter or until next delivery.

1 . A reusable packaging and delivering system comprising:
 a foldable outer layer configured to form a box for packaging a content or to collapse for storage; and   an inflatable inner layer configured to fit within the foldable outer layer and to secure the content when inflated or deflated.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable outer layer is designed to be tapeless and made of a durable, thin layer of paper including but not limited to Kraft paper. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable inner layer is configured to provide an airtight cushion for shock protection and to waterproof the content in the packaging system. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the foldable outer layer and the inflatable inner layer form a pair that are customizable to pre-determined specifications to fit different sizes of the content. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable inner layer further comprises a valve for inflation and deflation. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the inflatable inner layer is manually or electrically inflatable via the valve. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the deflated inflatable inner layer can be folded and stored within the foldable outer layer for subsequent use. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable inner layer is removable and reusable for another packaging system of same size. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable inner layer is made of flexible material including but not limited to polymeric or elastomeric materials. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises:
 a transparent pocket affixed to the outer layer for holding notes;   an identification label affixed to the outer layer for recording a safe return of the packaging system;   a plurality of security seals configured to secure rims of the packaging system, ensuring content protection and indicating tampering; and   a fastening element configured to secure the packaging system in folded or unfolded state.   
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a deposit system to encourage return of the packaging system. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the deposit system utilizes the identification label including but not limited to an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or a barcode to record safe return of the packaging system. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the holding notes placed inside the transparent pocket include but are not limited to delivery notes with personal information, removable by the recipient upon returning the box for protection of the personal information without damaging the packaging system. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of security seals is small, self-adhesive seals configured to be torn or cut when the packaging system is opened and the seals are to remain adhered to the outer layer after initial cut, such that the torn or cut on the seals indicate tampering with the packaging system. 
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of security seals are placed over the torn or old cut seals when the packaging system is being reused. 
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the fasting element is manufactured from a resilient material with high tensile strength. 
     
     
         17 . A method for packaging a content using a reusable packaging system and returning the reusable packaging system, the method comprising:
 unfolding a foldable outer layer, forming a box;   placing the content within a deflated inner layer;   inflating the inflatable inner layer within the box via a valve forming a cushion and securing the content by blowing air;   securing the packaging system with a plurality of security seals on rims of the box and a fastening element;   placing a delivery note within a transparent pocket affixed to the outer layer of the box; and   removing the content and the delivery note upon delivery by a delivery person and returning the packaging system to the delivery person thereafter or until next delivery.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein upon returning the packaging system to the delivery person, safe return of the packaging system is confirmed. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 17 , the step of returning the reusable packaging system further comprising:
 deflating the inner layer within the box;   collapsing and folding the outer layer together with the deflated inner layer;   securing the packaging system with the fastening element;   returning the folded packaging system to a designated location; and,   receiving a refund for a deposit associated with the returned packaging system via a deposit system upon scanning of an identification label on the outer layer.