Rental system, method and apparatus
First Claim
1. A method for renting items to users via a computer network having a provider computer and a user computer, wherein the provider computer and the user computer are in communication therebetween, the method comprising:
- receiving, from the user computer, a request for at least one selected item that the user desires to rent;
verifying the availability of the selected item;
identifying whether the selected item is regulated; and
if the item is available and not regulated, delivering the item to the user at a user defined shipping destination;
if the item is available and regulated, determining whether the item can be delivered to the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method, apparatus and system for the rental of items via a computer network. In a preferred embodiment, a consumer joins a membership with the rental provider and selects a rental program, wherein the rental programs are defined by a maximum number of rental items, a predefined rental period and a fee. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the rental system determines whether the user is eligible to receive the requested item, and further, whether the requested item can be distributed to the location specified by the user.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for renting items to users via a computer network having a provider computer and a user computer, wherein the provider computer and the user computer are in communication therebetween, the method comprising:
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receiving, from the user computer, a request for at least one selected item that the user desires to rent;
verifying the availability of the selected item;
identifying whether the selected item is regulated; and
if the item is available and not regulated, delivering the item to the user at a user defined shipping destination;
if the item is available and regulated, determining whether the item can be delivered to the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for renting items to users via a computer network having a provider computer and a user computer, wherein the provider computer and the user computer are in communication therebetween, the apparatus comprising:
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an inventory management system for receiving and storing information regarding items for rent;
a compliance management system for identifying items that are regulated;
a delivery system for delivering items to a user; and
a storage member;
wherein the inventory management system, the compliance management system, the delivery system and the storage member are in electronic communication with each other. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An apparatus for renting items to users via a computer network having a provider computer and a user computer, wherein the provider computer and the user computer are in communication therebetween, the apparatus comprising:
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an inventory management system for receiving and storing information regarding items for rent;
a compliance management system for identifying items that are regulated;
a delivery system for delivering items to a user;
a membership management system configured to receive information, wherein at least a portion of the information can be used by the compliance management system to determine whether an item can be delivered to the user; and
a storage member;
wherein the inventory management system, the compliance management system, the membership management system, the delivery system and the storage member are in electronic communication with each other.
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Specification