Thread: Can this idea be patented?

In case anyone wants to file this patent themselves and take all the credit, I'm filming myself making this thread, so I'll have evidence.

I have an idea for a method of distribution (meaning that trade secrets, such as Coca-Cola's recipe, will not work, since it is in the public view) for a package delivery company. I don't have the financial wherewithal to pursue this idea on my own, which means I must sell this idea to UPS or Fedex (whoever gives me the highest bid).

My idea is that the package delivery service can be purchased at a vending machine. There is a giant compartment where the actual package can go in. This compartment will have a scale that measures all packages up to 70lbs, right down to the ounce (at beyond 70lbs, human assistance will be necessary). Also, lasers on three of the other sides will measure the spatial dimensions of the package by measuring the largest point of each dimension (for example, holes in the sides that are used to grip the box will not count, since they are not the LARGEST point, or a dome-shaped package would have its height measured up to the middle, not the sides, as it would be the largest measurement; only the largest measurement is counted).

After all details of the package itself have been measured, the customer can use a terminal to input the shipping information. They can give the name, address, telephone number, and email address (if available) for both the mailing and return addresses, as well as choose various optional features, such as proof of delivery and insurance against loss of damage.

After all required fields have been entered, a receipt will print out, and, instead of a stamp, a BAR CODE will print out on sticky paper, and you can adhere the bar code to the package. This bar code, upon being scanned, will have all pertinent details that are already on your receipt (which also has the same bar code, in case the nature of this bar code ever comes into debate). This will negate the need for customers to hand-write their addresses, or waste expensive printer ink printing them out. Also, since it is electronic, it will negate the need for package delivery employees to read customers' illegible handwriting. If something happens and it gets shipped to the wrong place, the customer can match the bar code on the receipt with the bar code on the package to prove that it was the mistake of the package delivery company, not the customer who entered the wrong information.

The one employee who usually tends to customers who want to ship something can instead be on standby for technical support. Therefore, no one gets laid off; their job description merely changes.

Can this product be patented, or will it be something like trying to patent the wheel (someone actually tried to do that and failed miserably). Thank you in advance for your help.

I think you should have a try in applaying for a patent maybe they will approve it

The product should be in way unique.

Ways of patenting:
Kinds of patents: Utility patent. Patent for a design.Plant patent
Before you officially apply for a patent, consider carrying out a patentability search. This is something that will save your time and money, in case a similar patent was already issued to somebody else.

Definitely a patent-ability search would help, plus try to talk to a consultant

That is really a good patent if it is providing such a an exciting feature .
Providing insurance details will not be that much difficult I think .This will give consumer an easy way to get the things .


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This sounds like a good idea. You might think of getting a patent of it.

after 1 year of putting the idea into the public domain (as you did here) the idea is unpatentable. even if it eventually is patented, the patent can be invalidated because of this thread (if you have not patented before one year of your initial post

Patents are used for something innovative in other words something unique. You may see trademark for more information on trademarks and patents.

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