Method of and mailer for delivery of replacement units and return of replaced units

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the delivery of replacement units, particularly suited for the delivery of replacement electronic components such as Programmable Read-Only Memories (PROM's) mounted on printed circuit boards. The apparatus includes a box-like housing divided into upper and lower regions by a partition. U-shaped track guides containing flexible linkages are fixed to the inner walls of the housing and extend between the upper and lower regions. Each region is accessible through a door which when closed may only be opened by from inside the housing. To deliver a replacement unit the replacement unit is inserted into the track guides in the lower region and the lower door is closed. The housing is then wrapped, with the upper door open, with shrinkable plastic, or other suitable material. A customer's address and any necessary mailing permits are fixed to the wrapping and the whole is mailed to the customer. When the customer receives the mailed apparatus he removes the wrapper and inserts the replaced unit into the track guides in the upper region. As the replaced unit is inserted the flexible linkages force the replacement unit forward through the lower door so the customer may remove it. Since a return address and necessary mail permits are fixed to the outside of the housing the customer need only then close the doors and deposit the housing in the mail.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.