Method and apparatus for a virtual e-box
First Claim
1. A method of receiving an item in an online environment from an online item provider without disclosing the real name and real address of the user to said online item provider, comprising:
- connecting a computer to an Internet service provider, running a browser on said computer, accessing a first Web site using said browser, storing the user'"'"'s real name and real address on said Web site, storing a virtual name and virtual address on said Web site linked to said real name and real address, accessing a second Web site of said online item provider presenting said item to said user, selecting said item to be received by said user from said online item provider, and utilizing said virtual name and virtual address on said second Web site for shipping information by said online item provider.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of protecting the identity and physical address of a user in an online environment is provided which establishes a virtual e-box for the user including a virtual name and address for use by the user when requesting information or purchasing goods over the Internet. Anonymity may be further enhanced by providing the user with a virtual credit card, which is tied to a user'"'"'s real credit card or other source of payment. Additionally, the user may receive prepaid shipping labels, which include a barcode or other encoded means of accessing a user'"'"'s web site account to charge to the user the cost of shipping a package affixed with the label.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of receiving an item in an online environment from an online item provider without disclosing the real name and real address of the user to said online item provider, comprising:
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connecting a computer to an Internet service provider, running a browser on said computer, accessing a first Web site using said browser, storing the user'"'"'s real name and real address on said Web site, storing a virtual name and virtual address on said Web site linked to said real name and real address, accessing a second Web site of said online item provider presenting said item to said user, selecting said item to be received by said user from said online item provider, and utilizing said virtual name and virtual address on said second Web site for shipping information by said online item provider. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17)
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12. A method of providing, receiving and using prepaid mailing labels in an online environment utilizing a virtual name and virtual address for providing payment, comprising:
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displaying a web page on a user computer connected to an internet service provider and running a browser, said web page from a server hosting a first web page for establishing a virtual name and virtual address and providing payment information;
entering and storing a real name, a real address and payment information on said Web site for said user;
entering and storing a virtual name and virtual address on said Web site linked to said payment information, and providing prepaid shipping labels to said user preprinted with said virtual name, virtual address, and an indicia encoding said virtual name, said virtual address, and a payment web site address having a link to said first web site for accessing said payment information.
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14. A method of receiving goods in an online environment utilizing a virtual name and address, comprising:
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connecting a computer to an Internet service provider, running a browser on said computer, accessing a first Web site for establishing a virtual name and virtual address using said browser, storing the user'"'"'s real name and real address on said Web site, storing a virtual name and virtual address on said Web site linked to said real name and real address, accessing a second Web site presenting goods of interest to said user, selecting at least one of said goods to be received by said user, providing said virtual name and virtual address to said second Web site for shipping information, labeling said goods with said virtual name and said virtual address, providing said goods to a shipper having access to a third Web site associated with said first Web site, connecting to said third Web site and associating said virtual address with said real address, and delivering said goods to said real address.
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Specification