Shipping container along with shipping method employing the same

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful container for shipping parcels between locations.
Another object of the present invention to provide a reusable container that avoids the requirement of excessive parcel cushioning materials.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reusable container that reduces the time necessary to containerize parcels as well as one that reduces the risk of repetitive motion injury.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a reusable containers that protect parcels during shipment.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and useful method for shipping parcels from shippers to recipients that incorporates the containers noted above.
It is still a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for shipping parcels that can increases the ease of sorting and tracking such parcels.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide containers and a method for shipping parcels that offers added security and reliability so that a recipient can verify the identity of an expected or know sender.
According to one aspect of the invention, a container is provided which is adapted to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient.
Broadly, the container comprises a pouch having a pouch interior and a mouth communicating with the interior, a closure movable between open and closed positions, and a protective insert structure removably disposed in the interior of the pouch.
The protective insert structure has an associated interior adapted to substantially envelop the parcel to reduce risk of damage thereto during shipment.
The protective insert structure may include one or both of an inflatable bladder and a puncture resistant lining so that the container can be modular in construction.
Where both are employed, the puncture resistant lining is preferably disposed in the pouch interior in facing relationship to the pouch, with the inflatable bladder disposed interiorly of the puncture resistant lining