Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SECURE DISPOSAL OF AN ARTICLE
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
The present Application claims priority to co-pending provisional application
US
61/621,729, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
DESCRIPTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a method and device for the
disposal of
an article. In particular, the present invention relates to a secure disposal
container and
method of disposal thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates
to a device
and method for safely and securely destroying and, if desired, recycling
electronic data
storage devices such as hard drives, computers, cell phones or other
electronic data-
containing devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Description of the Related Art
The inventors have found that there is a need for the safe and secure
destruction
of electronic data storage devices such as computers, computer and server hard
drives,
and other electronic data storage devices including, but not limited to, CD
ROM discs,
DVD discs, thumb drives and cell phones. These devices frequently contain a
great deal
of sensitive infoimation which should be kept confidential and securely
destroyed when
no longer needed. In the absence of a secure disposal method, and with the
appropriate
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knowledge, technology, and protocols, this information is easily retrievable
and can lead
to identity theft, the exposure of sensitive personal and professional
information, and
other adverse effects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, and other, exemplary problems, drawbacks, and
disadvantages of the conventional systems, it is an exemplary feature of the
present
invention to provide a structure, system and method for the secure disposal of
articles
such as electronic data storage devices.
In a first aspect of the present invention, to achieve the above and other
features,
and purposes, described herein is a storage device including a front shell
including a
locking mechanism, and a back shell including a locking mechanism
complementary to
the locking mechanism of the front shell and configured such that, once
engaged with the
locking mechanism of the front shell, a cavity foimed between the front shell
and the
back shell is closed and the front shell and the back shell cannot be
separated without
damaging the storage device.
Through the use of an electronics destruction container, which cannot be
opened
without visible signs of tampering or damage, it becomes possible to verify
that sensitive
information on electronic data storage devices placed therein has not been
accessed from
the time when the destruction container is closed by the user to the time when
the
destruction container reaches its destination and is disposed of.
Another exemplary aspect of the invention includes a method of disposing of an
electronic data storage device. The method including providing to a user a
disposal
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container having a front shell and a back shell which include a locking
mechanism
configured so that once engaged the front and back shell cannot be separated
without
damage to the disposal container, the disposal container including a chamber
within
which is closed when the front and back shell are engaged together, placing an
electronic
data storage device into the chamber, joining the front shell to the back
shell so as to
engage the locking mechanism, transporting the disposal container to a
disposal location,
and disposing of the disposal container and the electronic data storage device
therein
without opening the disposal container.
Through the use of such a procedure, it can be ensured that sensitive
information
in electronic data storage devices has not been accessed before disposal.
Another exemplary aspect of the invention includes a system for securely
disposing of an article. The system includes assigning an identification
number to a
disposal container, the disposal container including a chamber for storing the
article and
configured such that once closed the disposal container cannot be opened
without
damage, receiving registration information on the article including contact
infoimation
from a user, receiving tracking information during transit of the disposal
container from
the user to a disposal facility, communicating the tracking infoimation to the
user,
recording images of an inspection of the disposal container during receipt at
the disposal'
facility, communicating the images of the inspection to the user, recording an
image of
the disposal container as it is being destroyed, and communicating the image
of the
disposal container as it is being destroyed to the user.
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Such a system can allow a user to verify visually that their electronics
disposal
container and the electronic data storage device(s) placed therein have not
been accessed
before disposal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other purposes, aspects and advantages will be better
understood from the following detailed description of exemplary non-limiting
embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figures la, lb and lc illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a disposal
container
1;
Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary locking member (9, 10);
Figure 3 illustrates a cross section including a locking mechanism (9, 10) of
the
exemplary storage container 1 of Figure 1;
Figures 4a and 4b illustrate an exemplary spacer 23 for the exemplary storage
container 1 of Figure 1;
Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary close-up view of lips 17 and side walls 6 of
the
exemplary storage container 1 of Figure 1;
Figures 6a and 6b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the invention
where multiple article cavities are present in the disposal container;
Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a cross-section of an exemplary locking mechanism
of
the exemplary storage container 201 of Figure 6;
Figures 8a and 8b illustrate an exemplary alignment mechanism of the exemplary
storage container 201 of Figure 6;
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Figure 9 illustrates cross-sections of the exemplary storage container 201 of
Figure 6;
Figures 10a, 10b and 10c illustrate an exemplary plug 14 used to cover a hole
at
the locking mechanism (209, 210).
Figures 11 a and llb illustrate a top view and a side view of tray 350 of
Figure 6;
Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary method of disposing of an electronic data
device; and
Figures 13a and 13b illustrate an exemplary shell with an identification label
501.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronics
disposal container 1 provides safe and secure destruction or recycling of
electronic data
storage devices 2 such as computer and server hard drives and other data
storage devices
including, but not limited to, CD ROM discs, DVD discs, thumb drives and cell
phones.
The electronics disposal container 1 includes a hollow container made of, for
example,
recyclable plastic or metal into which electronic data storage devices 2 are
placed.
Single-unit 1 (e.g., Figure 1) and multi-unit 201 (e.g., Figure 6) containers
can be
manufactured. The containers are manufactured with a locking mechanism that,
once
closed, cannot be opened without the device showing obvious signs of
tampering.
The electronics disposal container 1 is a secure shipping and disposal device
that
remains tightly closed once the electronic data storage device(s) 2 are placed
within it.
The electronics disposal container 1 and the electronic data storage device(s)
2 therein
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may then be shredded, burned or otherwise disposed of without the electronics
disposal
container 1 ever being opened once it has been closed.
The electronics disposal container 1 can be made of materials that are 100%
recyclable through common recycling shredders (e.g., plastic, metal, resin,
etc.).
As can be seen in Figures la-lc, in an exemplary embodiment, the device
includes two ends. For the sake of simplicity, one is referred to as a front
shell 3 and the
other as a back shell 4. Of course, the front shell 3 and back shell 4 may be
structurally
the same. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment the front shell 3 and back shell
4 are
structurally the same or identical.
= Each of the front shell 3 and back shell 4 includes a base portion 5, side
walls 6
extending around the perimeter of the shell from the base portion 5, and
interior walls 8.
When joined the respective interior walls 8 of each shell define a cavity 7
inside (e.g.,
See Figure 1).
As can be seen in Figures 2, 3a and 3b, each of the front shell 3 and the back
shell
4 includes locking members. An exemplary embodiment of the locking members
include
a male locking pin 9 having an arrow head style locking mechanism which can
fit into a
female locking slot 10.
The length of the shaft 11 from the base 12 to the tapered head 13 of the male
portion of the locking pin 9 is slightly longer than the depth of the female
locking slot 10
of the locking mechanism prior to a locking surface/ridge 21, so that the
tapered head 13
can clear the ridge 21. When the male and female portions of the locking
mechanism are
fully engaged, they assume their original dimensions and they cannot be
withdrawn from
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one another. The electronics disposal container 1 is designed so as to never
be reopened
after its initial closure.
In an exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism may include a tapered head
13 on a distal end of the male locking pin 9 which is configured to fit into a
female
locking slot 10. The female locking slot 10 includes a hollow cavity 19. The
space
between the side walls 20 of the hollow cavity 19 is slightly wider than the
thickness of
the shaft 11 of the male locking pin 9 and narrower that the base of the
tapered head 22.
The sidewalls of the female locking slot 10 are pliable and are designed so
that the space
between them can widen as the tapered head 13 passed between them on closure
but they
return to their original configuration once the tapered head 13 passes ridge
21 thus
preventing removal of the male portion of the locking mechanism from the
female
portion of the locking mechanism once locking system is closed. The female
locking slot
10 may end where the female portion of the locking mechanism widens to create
a ridge
21 beyond which the tapered head 13 can be passed so as to lock the locking
system. The
tapered head 13 tapers toward the distal end of the male locking pin 9. The
base 22 of the
tapered head 13 connects to the shaft 11 of the male locking pin 9. The base
22 of the
tapered head 13 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of
the male
locking pin 9 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner
ridge 21 of the
female locking slot 10.
When folined, both the front and back shells can have the base of the male and
female locking members open to an outside of the respective shell. This
improves
molding efficiency. The holes are then covered with plug 14. An exemplary plug
14 is
illustrated in Figures 11A-11C.
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In an exemplary embodiment, the front shell 3 and back shell 4 can fit
together to
form a single chamber 7 therein. This single chamber 7, optionally, may be the
size of a
hard drive or other electronic data storage device 2. Alternatively, the
electronics
disposal container 1 can have a front shell 3 and back shell 4 formed with
multiple
chambers 7. In one aspect of the invention, the depth of the complementary
sides of
chamber 7 in each of the front and back shell (3, 4) are the same.
In order to prevent the shells from locking together prematurely, the front
and
back shell (3, 4) may have a spacer 23 placed between them prior to use, as
shown in
Figure 1. As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, such a spacer 23 maybe formed
with holes
24 complementary to the male locking pins. The spacer 23 can have raised lips
70 on its
outer perimeter to engage with the perimeter edges of the front and back shell
(3, 4). The
spacer 23 can include a tab 26 which is an extension of the spacer 23 above
the perimeter
lips and include instructions and a hanging hole 27 for storage in a store
display. This
can also allow a simple shrink wrap band to enclose the container for
packaging which
can produce substantial packaging savings.
As shown in Figure 5, for increased security, the front and back shells (3, 4)
can
include lip(s) 17 which extend toward the opposite shell. Such lip(s) 17 may
be arranged
in a spaced manner or continuously around the perimeter of the side walls 6 so
as to
completely seal the perimeter between the front shell 3 and the back shell 4
when they are
locked together. Such a configuration may include a recess(es) 18 in side wall
6 of the
opposite shell into which the lip(s) 17 may be accommodated. The lip(s) 17 and
the
opposing recess(es) 18 may be located on the interior side of the side wall 6.
In areas
where the lip(s) 17 is an extension of the exterior portion of side wall 6,
the opposing
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recess(es) is located on the exterior portion of side wall 6 of the opposing
shell and in
areas where the lip(s) 17 is an extension or the interior portion of side wall
6, the
opposing recess(es) is located on the interior portion of side wall 6 of the
opposing shell.
Because the shells are identical and complementary when they are locked
together, this
provides a lip around the entire perimeter of the shell preventing access to
its interior
without showing signs of damage.
As shown in Figures 6a-9, another exemplary embodiment of the invention
includes a disposal container with multiple layers with multiple cavities per
layer.
Exemplary embodiments of the multi-layered / multi-cavity unit 201 can be the
same as
those of the single unit 1 except the front shell 203 and the back shell 204
have multiple
cavities within their interior walls 273 and the number of cavities within the
unit can be
increased with the addition of an inteimediate tray 350 or trays.
In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-layered / multi-cavity unit 201 has two
ends with a front shell 203 and the back shell 204 formed with a locking
mechanism in
each corner. Each locking mechanism is made with a male locking pin 209 that
can fit
into a female locking slot 210 on an opposing and complementary shell.
In addition, the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 can include male
alignment
pins 215 that fit into female alignment slots 216 on an opposing and
complementary
shell. These male alignment pins 215 may be alternated with the male locking
pins 209
and the female locking slots 210 may be alternated with the female aligning
slots 216
around a perimeter of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204.
Thus, in an exemplary embodiment the front shell 203 can be connected directly
to the back shell 204 to produce a complete unit with, for example, six
cavities foimed by
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the front shell 203 and the back shell 204. When engaged, the alignment pin(s)
and
locking pin(s) on one shell engage with the opposing alignment slot(s) and
locking slot(s)
on the opposing and complementary shell and the shells cannot be separated
without
showing signs of tampering.
In an exemplary embodiment, an intermediate tray (or trays) 350 is placed
between the front shell 203 and the back shell 204. Each tray 350 also has
multiple
cavities within their interior walls 373 that align with the interior walls of
each shell 273
or other trays 373.
As illustrated in exemplary Figure 11A and 11B, the intermediate tray 350 may
be
formed so as to have male locking pins 309, female locking slots 310, male
alignment
pins 315, and female alignment slots 316 that can engage respectively with the
female
locking slots 210/310, male locking pins 209/309, female alignment slots
216/316, and
male alignment pins 215/315 on opposing and complementary shells 203/204 or
trays
350. The multiple layer system allows the front shell 203 to lock onto an
intermediate
tray 350, intermediate trays 350 to lock into each other, and similarly allows
the back
shell 204 to lock on to an opposite side of an intermediate tray 350.
In other words, the front shell 203 may be locked directly to an intermediate
tray
350 independent of any other intermediate tray 350 or back shell 204, multiple
intermediate trays 350 may be locked to other intermediate trays 350
independent of the
front shell 203, other non-adjacent intermediate trays 350, and the back shell
204 and the
back shell 204 may be locked to the final intermediate tray 350 independent of
any other
non-adjacent intermediate tray 350 or the front shell 203. Thus, while the
multi-layer
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unit 201 is being filled, the intennediate trays 350 can optionally be locked
into place one
by one as each layer is filled. This may provide increased stability and
security.
As illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, by designing the shells 203, 204 and the
tray(s) 350 with complementary elements it is possible to stack multiple
inteiinediate
trays 350 between the front shell 203 and the back shell 204. For instance,
the front shell
203 can lock onto a first inteimediate tray 350 which in turn locks onto a
second
intermediate tray 350, the second interniediate tray 350 locks onto a third
intelinediate
tray 350, and so on. The last inteHnediate tray 350 opposite the front shell
203 locks onto
the back shell 204 creating a fully sealed structure with the front and back
shells (203,
204) disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate trays 350.
With the use of alternating male and female locking mechanisms 209, 210 and
alignment pins 215, 216 around a perimeter of the shells and alternating male
and female
locking mechanisms 309, 310 and alignment members 315, 316 around a perimeter
of the
trays, in an exemplary embodiment of the front and back shells (203, 204) can
be made
interchangeable. To lock the front shell 203 to the back shell 204 the shells
are
positioned so that the male and female locking members (209, 210) and the male
and
female alignment members (215, 216) are aligned. Similarly, only one folln of
an
intellnediate tray 350 is needed. Such unifoimity can reduce production and
logistical
costs by limiting the number of different parts needed to be manufactured and
inventoried. For instance, in a multiple layer device 201 only three types of
parts may
need to be molded for the enclosure shells/trays (e.g., the front/back shell
part, the
intermediate tray(s) part, and plugs).
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As illustrated in figures 7a and 7b the multi-layer electronics disposal
container
201 can utilize a locking system which, in the case of the front and back
shells 203/204,
includes a male locking pin 209 with a tapered head 213 on its distal end
which is
configured to fit into a female locking slot 210 of a shell 203/204 or a
female locking slot
310 of a tray 350. The locking system also includes a female locking slot 210.
The
female locking slot 210 includes a hollow cavity 219. The cavity 219 can be
fowled by
side wall 220. The female locking slot 210 may end at a ridge 221 past which
the tapered
head 213 can be inserted so as to lock the locking system. The length of the
shaft 211 of
the male locking pin is greater than a length of the female locking slot 210
so that the
tapered head 213 extends past the ridge 221when the locking system is closed.
The
tapered head 213 can taper toward the distal end of the male locking pin 209
to ease
closure. The base 222 of the tapered head 213 connects to the shaft 211 of the
male
locking pin 209. The base 222 of the tapered head 213 may extend in a
direction
orthogonal to the axial direction of the male locking pin 209 so as to provide
a surface
which can lock against the inner ridge 221 of the female locking slot 210. In
addition,
the tapered head 213 and the distal portion of the shaft 211 may include a
slit portion 271
disposed, for example, in a center thereof and extending in the axial
direction. The base
of the tapered head 222 may be wider than the width of the cavity 219/319 in
the female
locking slot 210/310 at the ridge 221/321. The slit portion 271 allows the
tapered head
and shaft to compress inward when inserted into the female locking slot 210,
and to
expand, optionally to its original shape, when the tapered head passes beyond
ridge 211.
The base 222 of the tapered head 213 may extend in a direction orthogonal to
the axial
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direction of the male locking pin 209 so as to provide a surface which can
lock against
the inner ridge 221 of the female locking slot 210.
The inteiinediate tray 350 also utilizes a locking system which includes a
male
locking pin 309 with a tapered head 313 on its distal end which is configured
to fit into a
female locking slot 210 of a shell 203/204 or the female locking slot 310 of a
tray which
is a compliment to the system of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204.
This locking
system also includes a female locking slot 310 which is configured receive a
male
locking pin 209 of a shell 203/204 or a male locking pin 309 of a tray which
is a
compliment to the system of the front shell 203 and the back shell 204. The
female
locking slot 310 includes a hollow cavity 319. The cavity 319 can be formed by
side wall
320.
The female locking slot 310 may end at a ridge 321 past which the tapered head
313 can be inserted so as to lock the locking system. A length of the shaft
311 of the
male locking pin 309 is greater than a length of the female locking slot 310
so that the
tapered head 313 extends past the ridge 321. The tapered head 313 can taper
toward the
distal end of the male locking pin 309 to ease closure. The base 322 of the
tapered head
313 connects to the shaft 311of the male locking pin 309. The base 322 of the
tapered
head 313 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the
male locking
pin 309 so as to provide a surface which can lock against the inner ridge 321
of the
female locking slot 310. The base of the tapered head 322 is wider than the
width of the
cavity 219/319 in the female locking slot 210/310 at the ridge 221/321.1n
addition, the
tapered head 313 and the distal portion of the shaft 311 may include a slit
portion 371
disposed, for example, in a center thereof and extending in the axial
direction. The slit
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portion 371 allows the tapered head and shaft to compress inward when inserted
into the
small width portion 326 of the female locking slot and to expand, optionally
to its
original shape, when the tapered head passes into the large width portion 375.
In an exemplary embodiment of the inteiniediate tray 350, the location where
male locking pin 309 extends outward from the tray is aligned with the
location where,
on an opposite side of the intemiediate tray, the female locking slot 310 goes
onto the
tray.
As can be seen in Figure 8A and 8B, male alignment pins and female alignment
slots may be included in the front 203 and back 204 shells and on the tray
350. In an
exemplary embodiment, the male locking pins 209 and female locking slots 210
can be
alternately provided around a perimeter of the front 203 and back shell 204.
In such a
structure, male aligning pins 215 can be disposed near the female locking slot
210 and the
female aligning slot 216 can be disposed near the male locking pin 209 (e.g.,
a male
locking pin is disposed in the same corner as a female alignment slot and a
female
locking slot is disposed in the same comer as a male locking pin). Similarly,
on the tray
350, male aligning pins 315 can be disposed near the female locking slot 310
and the
female aligning slot 316 can be disposed near the male locking pin 309 (e.g.,
a male
locking pin is disposed in the same comer as a female alignment slot and a
female
locking slot is disposed in the same comer as a male locking pin). In other
words, the
male alignment pins 315 and female alignment slots 316 can be arranged on the
intermediate tray 350 so as to be complementary with the alignment pins of the
front and
back shells.
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The alignment pins can allow greater stability when locked and a more robust
resistance to torsion. Such an arrangement can also allow the
shells/intermediate trays to
be stable when placed on a flat surface because the alternating male alignment
pins
215/315 and male locking pins 209/309 rise an equal distance from the edges of
the trays.
After being formed, for example through injection molding, both the front/back
shells (203, 204) can have the base of the male or female locking portion
(209, 210) open
to an outside of the respective shell. This structure improves molding
efficiency and
costs. The holes are then plugged with plugs 214.
In one aspect of the invention, the front and back shells (203, 204) can have
inner
walls 273 to provide multiple chambers 274. The inteimediate tray(s) 350 also
include
inner walls 373 on both sides which are complementary to the inner walls 273
of the front
and back shells. Thus, when joined the inner walls 273 of one shell (or the
inner walls
373 of an intermediate tray) align with the inner walls 273 of the opposite
shell (or the
inner walls 373 of an intermediate tray) so as to form the multiple chambers
274. For
instance, as illustrated in Figure 6, both the front shell 203 and the back
shell 204 each
have inner walls 273 which form six chambers 274.
Similarly, the intermediate trays 350 include inner walls 373 so as to foiiii
six
chambers 274 on each side thereof. Thus, a combination of a front shell 203,
an
intermediate tray 350, and a back shell 204 will have twelve chambers 274. By
adding an
additional intermediate tray 350 the number of chambers 274 is increased to
eighteen
chambers. Of course, any number in chambers 274 can be formed in each
shell/tray so as
to suit the size of the devices stored and the size of the shells.
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For increased security, the front and back shells (203, 204) can include lips
217
which extend in toward the opposite shell. Such lips 217 may be arranged in a
spaced
manner or alternately and can be arranged so as to completely seal the
perimeter between
the front shell 203 and the back shell 204 as shown. Such a configuration may
include a
recess 218 in the side wall 206 of the opposite shell into which the lip 217
may be
accommodated. The lip 217 and the recess 218 may be located on either the
interior or
exterior edge of the side wall 206.
Similarly, intermediate tray 350 can include lips 317 and recesses 318 which
are
complementary with the front shell 203 and the back shell 204.
As in the single unit, a spacer may be provided between the front and back
shells
(203, 204) and the intermediate tray(s) 350 prior to use to ensure the locking
members do
not prematurely engage.
The procedure for distributing and disposing of, the electronics disposal
container
can be conducted in many ways.
Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary process for disposing of an article. In the
exemplary embodiment, a user may purchase the electronics disposal container
1/201
online or at retail outlets individually or as part of an order when
purchasing a new
electronic device Sl. In addition to the electronics disposal container, the
customer
would receive initial instructions directing the customer to a web site that
contains more
detailed instructions and a customer questionnaire, a shipping package 401
that the
customer will use to return the disposal container and its contents to the
destruction
facility and stick-on labeling materials.
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In the exemplary case of hard drives, the customer can remove the hard drive
from his/her computer personally or the customer can have the hard drive
removed from
their computer at a retail outlet.
To maintain security for the customer, the system/method of the present
invention
will be able to provide a secure chain of custody for the device through the
entire
logistics and recycling process.
For instance, the electronics disposal container may include instructions
printed
(stored) inside at the time of purchase or delivery. In addition, instructions
can be printed
on the shells or the spacer 23. Such instructions can be related to the proper
use of the
container and may include a web address where additional infoimation and
instructions
can be found. At the web address, the user can fill out a detailed online
questionnaire
requesting information such as their name, address, email address, and the
product being
disposed of, number of items in the container, type of the electronic data
storage device
being shipped, whether the device shipped includes a battery, etc S2 and S3.
At the web
address the user can find detailed infoimation and illustrations on how to
remove a hard
drive from different types of computers. The website may also include detailed
instructions on how to print shipping label and the customer identifying label
that will be
affixed to the electronics disposal container including a walkthrough of the
steps and
inforniation on how to set up the user's particular printer to properly print
the labels.
Such details can include specific instructions for the user's individual
printer type and
model S4.
Included with the electronic disposal container 1/201 is a shipping container
401
with a pre-addressed shipping label 402 attached. Alternatively, the shipping
label 402
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may be printed by the user and affixed to the shipping container. The shipping
container
label 402 and the electronics recycling device 1/201 should have matching bar
codes on
them for identification. When used, the purchaser will register their shipment
of the
electronics recycling device 1/201 to the recycler on-line at a secure website
S2. Their
registration number will be related to the bar code on their electronics
recycling device
1/201. Also included inside the electronics disposal container is an
identification label
501.
Once the user information is determined, the identification label 501 can be
printed S3 (e.g., see Figure 13). Included on the identification label will be
the shipping
information and barcode. In addition, a visual identifier 503 can be included
on the label.
Such a visual identifier can include three randomly chosen symbols.
Alternatively, the
user can choose the symbols to be printed from a list or matrix S2a. The
symbols are not
particularly limited and may be, for instance, a sailboat, an omega and an
ampersand. Of
course, any number of visual identifier characters or kinds images may be
used.
If a battery is being shipped, then the first symbol can identify the device
as
including a battery, for example, a battery symbol S3a. Identification of a
battery is used
so that the disposal facility knows that the electronics disposal container
can be disposed
of properly. For instance, instead of shredding an electronics disposal
container 1/201
containing a battery, the electronics disposal container 1/201 containing the
battery will
be incinerated. Alternatively, other methods may be used to identify
electronics
recycling containers that contain batteries.
The identification labels 501 can then be placed on one or both of the front
and
back shells S5. The front and back shells may include a recessed portion 35,
235 onto
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which the identification label 501 is to be placed to ensure a proper or
uniform label
location.
In one exemplary aspect, the customer would register his or her shipment with
their customer infonuation, and their email address S2b. The tracking number
can be
associated with a barcode on the device.
A shipping identification number used by the shipper is unique to the user and
can
be printed on both the shipping label and the identification label attached to
the
electronics disposal container to provide the shipping infolination and both
can be easily
scanned. In addition, if the shipping container were to be damage during
transit, even if
the electronics disposal container is separated from the shipping container,
the shipping
identification number printed on the identification label can be scanned to
ensure the
electronics disposal container is delivered.
A user can then place the electronics disposal container in the supplied
shipping
container. A printed shipping label is then placed on the shipping container.
The user
can then drop the shipping container off at the proper location for shipping
S6.
During transit, the user can receive email updates when the product is
received by
the shipper, is in transit, and when received by the disposal facility S7.
The barcode on the shipping container can be read upon its receipt at the
disposal
facility S8. The barcode on the electronics recycling device can be read when
the
shipping package is opened under video surveillance S9.
Once inspected, a communication, such as an email, is sent to the user
notifying
them that their electronics disposal container was received by the disposal
facility, either
intact or that there was evidence of tampering S10.
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If there is any evidence of tampering, then both the shipper and the user
would be
notified immediately that the electronic device was received in such manner
that there
was a possibility of tampering. In addition, the user can receive a copy of
the video
showing the inspection of the electronics recycling device.
If the electronic disposal container 1/201 shows evidence of tampering, then
further manual processes will be employed SlOa. If the package was received
intact and
there is no evidence of tampering, then the electronics disposal container can
be stored in
a secure location and under video/image surveillance until it is to be
disposed of S11.
The electronic disposal container 1/201 is then processed for disposal S12.
The
electronics disposal container can be placed on a conveyor to the disposal
device in a
position so that the identification label can be scanned/read S13. Of course,
the
electronics disposal container can be identified using other methods, such as
radio
frequency identification chip, imaging of the visual identifier, etc. If the
initial scan on
the conveyer can positively relate the user identification label on the
disposal container to
the user's file in the database S13, the disposal container will proceed on
the conveyer to
the disposal device. At the end of the conveyor, the scanned electronics
disposal
container will have a picture taken of the identification label just before or
as the
electronics disposal container is being destroyed (e.g., going into the
disposal device).
An image of the electronics disposal container being disposed of may be
transmitted to
the user (e.g., emailed) S14.
In the event that the identification barcode cannot be read/scanned and
positively
related to a user in the database, the conveyer will stop, the electronics
disposal container
will be removed from the conveyer, and it will be processed with a non-
automated
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method S13a. Of course, the electronics disposal container can be removed from
the
conveyor in an automated fashion. The disposal device used can vary depending
on the
contents of the electronic disposal container 1/201. For instance, an
electronic disposal
container 1/201 containing a hard drive can be sent to a shredder and be
shredded in a
manner consistent with the applicable industry standards (e.g., NIST 800-88
and DOD
5220.32-M). If the electronic disposal container 1/201 contains a battery, it
can be
disposed of in an incinerator or other approved means. In addition, if the
customer has a
preference for disposal means, then the electronic disposal container 1/201
can be
processed in the requested disposal manner.
The above system is applicable to any electronics disposal container. However,
the multi-layer electronics disposal container can include other procedures.
In the case of
a multi-layer electronics disposal container 201, once the electronics
disposal container
201 is acquired, the user can catalog the electronic data storage devices
paced within it
individually using their own system or software provided with the device. The
details of
the process can then be the same as those for the single unit described in
Figure 12 or any
variation to satisfy the user's needs.
As an alternative, any of the electronics disposal containers 1/201 can be
sold
individually and the end user can arrange their own disposal. This may be an
attractive
option for large companies who desire a secured shipping device. The company
may
then use their own systems for tracking or can use software provided with the
purchase of
the electronics disposal container for inventorying the contents of the
disposal container
and track its shipping to and destruction at the destruction facility.
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While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described in view of
electronic data storage devices, it is possible to store any type of device
for which
security is required within the disposal container such as documents, or other
physical
articles which need to be transported in a secure manner.
While the invention has been described using exemplary components, any similar
component can be used. For instance, the shaft of the male portion of the
locking
mechanism and the shape of the female portion of the locking mechanism may be
circular
or square, the front shells and trays may be of any shape or size, and the
locking
mechanism can be of some other folin, without departing from the teachings and
sprit of
the invention.
While the invention has been described in teims of exemplary embodiments,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced
with
modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Further, it is noted that, Applicant's intent is to encompass equivalents of
all
claim elements, even if amended later during prosecution.
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