WO2023107424A2 - Bâti de transfert mobile pour colis - Google Patents

Bâti de transfert mobile pour colis Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023107424A2
WO2023107424A2 PCT/US2022/051925 US2022051925W WO2023107424A2 WO 2023107424 A2 WO2023107424 A2 WO 2023107424A2 US 2022051925 W US2022051925 W US 2022051925W WO 2023107424 A2 WO2023107424 A2 WO 2023107424A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mptr
rack
delivery vehicle
shelves
shelf
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2022/051925
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2023107424A3 (fr
Inventor
Peter Walker
Original Assignee
Peter Walker
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Peter Walker filed Critical Peter Walker
Publication of WO2023107424A2 publication Critical patent/WO2023107424A2/fr
Publication of WO2023107424A3 publication Critical patent/WO2023107424A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/0003—Adaptations for loading in or on a vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/002—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by a rectangular shape, involving sidewalls or racks

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for loading delivery vehicles with packages and, more particularly, a mobile package transfer rack to facilitate the same.
  • Step vans are large, box shaped vehicles that were efficient delivering on wide, straight roads typical in most business or industrial areas. Other characteristics are vertical “squared” rear door access to the cargo bay via a lifting rear door, and cargo bay having vertical side walls with two or three fixed shelves per side. Then, customers paid a fee for an expedited delivery that took between 4 and 5 business days. If customers needed a parcel delivered in one to three business days a considerable premium was charged.
  • invention and innovation has transformed last mile logistics which has in turn created a further need for invention and innovation to make package handling and delivery vehicle loading still more efficient while improving safety.
  • Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing methods, systems, and apparatuses related to loading delivery vehicles using a mobile package transfer rack (“MPTR”).
  • MPTR mobile package transfer rack
  • an MPTR can include a rack frame, a plurality of rack shelves connected to the rack frame, wherein the plurality of rack shelves includes a top shelf and a bottom shelf, and a plurality of wheels attached the rack frame configured to allow the mobile package transfer rack to roll.
  • the at least one of the rack frame and one of the plurality of rack shelves is adjustable to permit the MPTR to accommodate an internal feature of a delivery vehicle.
  • the internal feature of the delivery vehicle is the delivery vehicle’s internal height and the rack frame includes telescoping vertically extending members.
  • the internal feature of the delivery vehicle is the delivery vehicle’s tapered inner side walls
  • the rack frame includes a plurality of vertically extending members and a plurality of horizontally extending members, and at least one of the vertically extending members is pinnedly connected to at least two of the plurality of horizontally extending members such that the at least one of the vertically extending members is angled with respect to a vertical plane.
  • the internal feature of the delivery vehicle is the delivery vehicle’s wheel well and the one of the plurality of rack shelves is adjustable to permit the MPTR to accommodate the delivery vehicle’s wheel well.
  • the internal feature of the delivery vehicle is the delivery vehicle’s side door and the one of the plurality of rack shelves is adjustable to allow access to the delivery vehicle’s side door.
  • At least one of the rack shelves is hingedly connected to the rack frame such that the at least one of the rack shelves can be stowed coplanar with a side face of the MPTR. In some embodiments, at least one of the rack shelves is hingedly connected to the rack frame such that the at least one of the rack shelves can be stowed coplanar with a back face of the MPTR. In some embodiments, a location of at least one of the rack shelves along a height of the rack frame can be adjusted. In some embodiments, at least one of the rack shelves includes a plurality of shelf sections and at least one of the plurality of shelf sections is telescoping such that a length of the one of the plurality of shelf sections can be adjusted. In some embodiments, at least one of the rack shelves includes a plurality of shelf sections and at least one of the plurality of shelf sections is telescoping such that a width of the one of the plurality of shelf sections can be adjusted.
  • an MPTR can further include a locking latch configured to secure the MPTR to an interior surface of the delivery vehicle.
  • an MPTR can further include a con-joining latch configured to connect the MPTR to a second MPTR such that the MPTR and the second MPTR can be moved as a single unit.
  • a system for package loading and delivery can include a delivery vehicle comprising a plurality of side walls; first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, and a back wall, a first mobile package transfer rack (“MPTR”) proximate to a first of the plurality of side walls, and a second MPTR proximate to a second of the plurality of side walls.
  • An aisle is formed between the first MPTR and the second MPTR such that a user can travel between the first MPTR and the second MPTR and access packages thereon.
  • Each of the first MPTR and the second MPTR include a rack frame, a plurality of rack shelves connected to the rack frame, wherein the plurality of rack shelves includes a top shelf and a bottom shelf, and a plurality of wheels attached the rack frame configured to allow the mobile package transfer rack to roll. At least one of the rack frame and one of the plurality of rack shelves can be adjustable.
  • an interior of the delivery vehicle includes a securing structure and the first MPTR is configured to attach to the securing structure to secure the first MPTR within the delivery vehicle.
  • the first MPTR is a first configuration comprising a first adjustment and the second MPTR is in a second configuration comprising a second adjustments and the first configuration is different than the second configuration.
  • the delivery vehicle has a rear door and a side door and the rear door and the side door are unobstructed by the first MPTR and the second MPTR.
  • a floor of the delivery vehicle includes a guide channel
  • the first MPTR further includes a guide stud on an underside of the first MPTR
  • the guide stud is configured to interface with the guide stud to translate forward motion of the first MPTR to lateral motion of the first MPTR.
  • a method of loading a delivery vehicle includes receiving, by a warehouse, a payload, loading the payload onto a first transfer rack, and inserting at least the first transfer rack into the delivery vehicle.
  • the method includes connecting the first transfer rack to a second transfer rack and in response to inserting the at least the first transfer rack into the delivery vehicle, detaching the first transfer rack from the second transfer rack, inserting the at least the first transfer rack includes inserting the connected first transfer rack and second transfer rack into the delivery vehicle.
  • An aisle can be formed between the first transfer rack and the second transfer rack such that a user can travel between the first transfer rack and the second transfer rack and access the payload.
  • the first transfer rack includes a plurality of sets of wheels and a bottom shelf and the method further includes adjusting a distance between the plurality of sets of wheels and the bottom shelf such that the bottom shelf is at an elevation higher than an elevation of delivery vehicle’s floor, adjusting a first distance between a first of the plurality of sets of wheels and the bottom shelf such that the first of the plurality of sets of wheels is at an elevation higher than an elevation of delivery vehicle’s floor, and rolling the first of the plurality of sets of wheels into the delivery vehicle.
  • FIG. 1A is a flowchart of a traditional method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle
  • FIG. IB is a flowchart of a modem method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle
  • FIG. 1C is a flowchart of a novel method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle made possible with the use of the mobile package transfer rack (“MPTR”) disclosed herein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate differences between a cargo van and a step van
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a MPTR, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an MPTR, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate different configurations of an MPTR, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate different configurations of an MPTR, according an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an MPTR including wheels that can expand or contract, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a delivery vehicle with a side door storing two MPTRs, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an MPTR having a locking latch, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 10 A- 10C illustrate an MPTR having pinned frame features, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 11 A-l 1C illustrate an MPTR having a pinned frame features, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate loading two connected MPTRs into a delivery vehicle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 13 A-13F illustrate an MPTR having features configured to interface with moving equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate a delivery vehicle having MPTR guides 120, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 15 A-l 5 J illustrate a modern method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle
  • FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate the novel method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an opportunity made possible by the disclosed subject matter
  • FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate another opportunity made possible by the disclosed subject matter
  • FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate yet another opportunity made possible by the disclosed subject matter
  • FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an embodiment of an MPTR 1 with collapsible storage bins 56, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • MPTR mobile package transfer rack
  • FIG. 1A is a flowchart of a traditional method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle.
  • packages can be loaded into a delivery vehicle individually or in groups of up to five packages. Assuming 250 packages to load, an estimated 300-500 steps can be taken over three hours to load the packages into a delivery vehicle using this traditional method.
  • FIG. IB is a flowchart of a modem method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle.
  • the modem method can include the use of totes. Assuming 250 packages to load, an estimated 70-85 steps can be taken over about one hour to load the packages into one or more delivery vehicles using this modem method.
  • FIG. 1C is a flowchart of a novel method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle made possible with the use of the mobile package transfer rack (“MPTR”) disclosed herein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • MPTR mobile package transfer rack
  • a method for expediting the transfer of packages into a delivery vehicle can use a mobile package transfer rack (“MPTR”). Assuming 250 packages to load, an estimated 7 steps can be taken over five to ten minutes using the method illustrated in FIG. 1C.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate differences between a cargo van 60 (FIG. 2A) and a step van 70 (FIG. 2B), each of which are often used as delivery vehicles.
  • a cargo van 60 and a step van 70 differ in the height, width, and length, and contour of side walls of their cargo bays, the size and shape of their wheel wells 63 and 73, the profile of their rear access, and the presence or absence of a side door 62 (as illustrated in FIG. 8).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile package transfer rack (“MPTR”) 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • MPTR mobile package transfer rack
  • the frames 10 and shelves 20 can be arranged in sections, in FIG. 3, frame tiers 1, 2 and 3 and shelf sections A, B and C.
  • the frame tiers can also be telescoping such that they can expand and contract in a vertical direction, as indicated by arrow 42.
  • the shelf sections can be interconnected and telescoping such that they can expand and contract in the longitudinal, lateral, or both directions, as indicated by the arrows 41.
  • a shelf 20 can be fixed (21), longitudinally hinged (22), laterally hinged (23), laterally adjustable (24), horizontally adjustable (25), or any combination of the foregoing.
  • the wheels 30 can also be telescoping such that they can expand and contract in the vertical direction, as indicated by arrows 43.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of an MPTR, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the MPTR has modular sections that can be connected with one another to create a variety of configurations.
  • a one-tote section is combined with a three-tote section, which is combined with a three-tote section having a vertically adjustable shelf and a laterally adjustable shelf (not shown).
  • the vertically adjustable shelf and the laterally adjustable shelf may accommodate a delivery vehicles wheel well.
  • any combination of modular sections can be added in front of or behind the wheel well depending on the type of delivery vehicle.
  • FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate different configurations of an MPTR 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B demonstrate how one MPTR 1 may be configured to handle 14 small totes 51 and 13 large totes 50 in one configuration, and the following day to handle 10 small totes 51, 6 loose boxes 54, 5 oversize boxes 55 and 7 large totes 50 in another configuration.
  • an MPTR 1 can have a variety of shelf types that can make it highly configurable MPTR 1 to accommodate the constantly changing needs of delivery service providers.
  • FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a MPTR 1 adjusted to maximize the quantity of large totes 50 and small totes 51.
  • the totes 50 contain an assortment of packages including boxes 52 and envelopes 53 stored on the MPTR 1 for delivery.
  • FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of an MPTR 1 (the same MPTR 1 as in FIG. 11 A), but adjusted to transport a mix of large totes 50, small totes 51, loose boxes 54 and large oversized boxes 55.
  • an MPTR 1 described above with respect fo FIGS. 5A and 5B is loaded with a specific number of totes and boxes, as one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the subject matter disclosed herein is not so limited. Rather, the number of envelopes, packages, boxes, and totes described herein are for exemplary purposes only and should not be interpreted as limited. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, any number or combination of envelopes, packages, boxes, and totes can be loaded onto an MPTR. For example, an MPTR 1 may be loaded with no totes at all because the MPTR 1 can eliminate the need to physically transfer totes from a fixed rack to a mobile rack. In some such embodiments, an MPTR can be configured with collapsible storage bins, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 A and 20B.
  • FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an embodiment of an MPTR 1 with collapsible storage bins 56, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the MTPR is transporting 6 small totes 51, 9 large totes 50 and 3 collapsible storage bins 56. Three of the large totes 50 are shown being placed on the MPTR 1 for illustrative purposes while the remaining totes are already in position.
  • the collapsible storage bins 56 are in their expanded state. In their expanded state, the collapsible storage bins 56 can store packages and prevent them from shifting while in transit.
  • the collapsible storage bins 56 can be made of one or more lateral panels 57 and longitudinal panels 58. In some embodiments, the longitudinal panels 58 can be configured to provide access to packages for insertion or removal, as can be seen on the left-most collapsible storage bin 56 illustrated in FIG 20A.
  • the collapsible storage bins 56 may or may not have horizontal panels (not shown) because the shelves themselves may operate as a top and a bottom of the collapsible storage bins 56.
  • the collapsible storage bins 56 are shown mid-collapse.
  • the collapsible storage bins 56 can be collapsible.
  • the upper shelf can be lowered causing the lateral panels 57 and longitudinal panels 58 to collapse, which can provide easier, safer access to totes and packages stored on top tier shelves as demonstrated in FIG. 20B.
  • the lateral panels 57 and longitudinal panels 58 can be made of rigid or flexible materials. In some embodiments, they can be permanently attached to the MPTR 1, but in other embodiments, they may be removable. In some embodiments, they are attached to the MPTR 1.
  • the lateral panels 57 and longitudinal panels 58 can be attached to the MPTR 1 with one or more hinges, hooks, laces, zippers, hook and loop, e.g., VelcroTM, or any combination of the foregoing.
  • FIGS. 6 A and 6B illustrate different configurations of an MPTR 1, according an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the expandable and contractible shelf sections and frame tiers can allow for a single MPTR 1 to provide adequate and flexible shelf space in delivery vehicles with considerably different cargo bay lengths, widths, and heights and locations of wheel wells 63, 73 of within the various cargo bays 65, 75 of the most common delivery vehicles.
  • the MPTR 1 is be adjusted to fit into the cargo bay 65 of a cargo van 60. Due to height of the cargo bay, shelf 4 is lowered onto shelf 3 such that there are only three usable shelves. Shelf 3 is used to stow seven small totes 51, shelf 2 is used to stow seven large totes, and shelf 1 is used to stow size large totes 50.
  • One tote 50a is aligned longitudinally because the MPTR was adjusted to accommodate the delivery van’s wheel well 63 (shown in the inset).
  • a vertically adjustable shelf 24 is in a lowered position and the horizontally adjustable shelf 25 is contracted (as indicated by the arrows) to allow the MPTR 1 to fit around the wheel well 63.
  • the ability to lower a shelf onto another shelf can have another advantage: it can allow a user to safely lower packages from an upper shelf to a lower shelf, allowing users to access packages with their feet firmly on the cargo bay floor. For example, once shelf 2 is empty, shelves 3 and 4 can be lowered onto shelf 2. Once lowered, the packages on shelf 4 are at a lower elevation and are more easily accessible to the user. This functionality can prevent injuries associated with accessing packages on a higher shelf. This is also illustrated in FIG. 6B where the right-most section of shelf 3 is lowered onto a right-most section of shelf 2.
  • the MPTR 1 (the same MPTR as in FIG. 12 A) is adjusted to fit into the cargo bay of a step van 70.
  • the MPTR 1 is adjusted such that shelf section C is expanded horizontally out of section B behind the wheel well 73.
  • shelf section C By expanding shelf section C, an additional four small totes and an additional three large totes can be stored on the MPTR 1.
  • the first shelf section to retract into the second shelf section thereby allowing the same MPTR 1 to be used in smaller delivery vehicles.
  • shelf tier 3 and shelf tier 4 can each be used for stowing additional totes, packages, sacks and the like.
  • FIG. 6B also illustrates an alternative method for clearing a wheel well 73 obstruction.
  • the wheel well 73 is not as tall as the wheel well 63 in FIG. 6A, but it is longer and wider. While the MPTR 1 in FIG. 12A is adjusted to accommodate a wheel well 63 by contracting a shelf section the MPTR 1 is adjusted to accommodate the wheel well 73 by adjusting the vertically adjustable shelf 24 upward (shown in the inset).
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an MPTR 1 including wheels 30 that can expand or contract, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • an MPTR 1 can include wheels 30 that can be extended downward to facilitate loading of the MPTR 1. This can be helpful, for example, when ramps or loading docks are not available.
  • the wheels 30 can extended by any means known in the art. For example, the wheels 30 can be extended manually, hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, electronically etc. As the MPTR 1 enters the delivery vehicle, the wheels 30 are retracted, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a delivery vehicle with a side door 62 storing two MPTRs, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • a MPTR can be adjusted to allow a user to make use of side doors 62 common on cargo vans 60.
  • Use of side doors 62 is a critical safety feature because delivering, often with poorly balanced packages and obstructed views via the back doors puts couriers in the “pinch” zone where they may be pinched between the delivery vehicle and oncoming vehicles if an accident occurs.
  • the frame shelves 3 and 4 of shelf section A are raised, as indicated by arrow 111. Additionally, the horizontally adjustable shelf 25 is contracted toward the rear of the delivery vehicle, as indicated by arrow 112. Finally, the laterally hinged shelf 23 is lifted 90 degrees, as indicated by arrow 113.
  • the MPTR 1 does not obstruct access to the side door 62, and the side door 62 can be used for deliveries.
  • the shelves to be adjusted must be empty. Thus, any packages on these shelves must have been delivered or moved to a different shelf.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an MPTR 1 having a locking latch 19, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • an MPTR may be configured with a device to prevent the MPTR 1 from shifting in the longitudinal and lateral directions or from tipping while in transit.
  • a delivery vehicle has vertical ribs 68 along the outboard length of the cargo bay and one or more horizontal stringer bars 69 along the length of the cargo bay through holes in the vertical ribs 68 (as illustrated seen in FIG. 14A).
  • the MPTR 1 has a locking latch 19 configured to interface with the horizontal stringer bar 69.
  • the locking latch 19 can be, for example, a section of C channel attached to the MPTR 1.
  • the length of the locking latch 19 is not shown here for illustrative purposes, to prevent the MPTR 1 from longitudinal motion during transit, the length of the locking latch should fit snuggly between the vertical ribs 68.
  • the MPTR 1 can be adjusted upward or downward on its wheels 30. This feature can also be useful in securing the MPTR to a wall of a delivery vehicle.
  • the wheels 30 can be expanded to position the locking latch 19 above the horizontal stringer bar 69. As the wheels 30 are contracted, the MPTR 1 will lower, as indicated by arrow 48, and the locking latch 19 settles in the longitudinal stringer bar 69, thereby preventing the MPTR 1 from longitudinal, lateral and tipping motions.
  • the MPTR 1 can comprise a spring loaded latch that is shaped such that when it comes into contact with a stringer bar or similar, it pushes itself out of the way, then when it has cleared the stringer bar, it snaps back into place.
  • a MPTR 1 can have features that can be adjusted such that the MPTR can fit within a wide range of delivery vehicle cargo bays having differing contours.
  • FIGS. 10 A- 10C illustrate an MPTR having pinned frame features, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. These pinned features can allow the MPTR 1 to fit within a wide range of delivery vehicles cargo bays having differing contours.
  • the frame 10 can include vertical supports 11.
  • the MPTR 1 can be adjusted to fit into a cargo van 60 having generally vertical walls within the cargo bay. As such, the vertical supports 11 are in a vertical alignment.
  • the MPTR 1 is loaded with one large tote 50 on a first shelf 20 and a second large tote 50 on a second shelf 20. Each tote is stacked on its side and together have a combined height of approximately five feet.
  • a fourth shelf 20 is in a vertically retracted position and sits on top of a third shelf 20.
  • a small tote 51 is stored on the fourth shelf 20 and can be approximately nine inches in height, which can allow this MPTR 1 to be loaded into a cargo van 60 having rear access to the cargo bay with generally vertical walls and six feet of vertical clearance.
  • FIGS. 11 A-l 1C illustrate an MPTR having a pinned frame features, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the MPTR 1 can be adjusted to fit into a cargo van having a six-foot vertical clearance and tapered cargo bay walls, in this example the left side wall.
  • Hinge pins 17 can allow the vertical posts 11 to be tilted inward while the lateral posts 12 supporting shelves 20 remain in a generally horizontal plane.
  • Locking pins 16 inserted in the lateral posts 11 and/or vertical posts 12 can lock the tilted configuration in place.
  • large tote 50 stored on the second shelf 20 is too wide to fit within the confines of the tapered sidewalls. However, when stored longitudinally and on its bottom, its combined height with the large tote 50 on the first shelf 20 is only four feet. By so storing the large tote 50, the third tier shelf can be lowered downward to create usable storage space for an additional small tote 51.
  • an MPTR 1 can be configured to connect with another MPTR 1, as illustrated in FIG. 12A.
  • an MPTR 1 can include a conjoining latch to connect it to another MPRT 1.
  • FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate loading two connected MPTRs 1 into a delivery vehicle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, two MPRTs 1 can be connected and moved into a delivery vehicle. Once in the delivery vehicle, the MPTRs 1 can be separated, and each MPTR 1 can be moved to a side wall of the cargo bay, as shown in FIG. 12C. In some embodiments, once moved to a respective side wall, each MPTR 1 can then be secured to existing structure in the delivery vehicle, such as by connecting a locking latch 19 to the longitudinal stringer bar 69, as is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.
  • FIGS. 13A-13F illustrate an MPTR 1 having features configured to interface with moving equipment, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • MPTRs 1 can be manually inserted into delivery vehicles, they may also be configured with features to interface with a wide range of existing manual, motorized or robotic dolly assist products.
  • FIGS. 13A-13F One such example is shown in FIGS. 13A-13F.
  • the hitch 92 can be hitched to a wide variety of manual or motorized trailer dollies or robot tractors (not shown), for example.
  • the hitch 92 is configured with forklift-style tines 93 (also shown in FIG. 14C).
  • the MPTR 1 can have a tine well 94 configured to receive a tine 93.
  • FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate a delivery vehicle having MPTR guides 120, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the MPTR guides 120 can have guide channels.
  • an MPTR 1 can have guide studs 122 (shown in FIG. 13B) protruding from an underside of the MPTR 1 that can enter the guide channel 121 such that the forward (e.g., longitudinal) motion of the MPTR 1 entering the delivery vehicle is transformed into lateral motion to guide the MPTR 1 to a side of the delivery vehicle.
  • FIGS. 15A-15J illustrate a modern method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle.
  • FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary package distribution facility 200.
  • the facility 200 illustrated in FIG. 15A has fixed storage racks 210 arranged in five blocks, each block containing 18 rows of fixed storage racks 210.
  • Packages 52 and envelops 53 are loaded into totes 50 (also illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B).
  • the totes 50 are temporarily stowed on the fixed storage racks 210 according to delivery routes.
  • the facility 200 illustrated in FIG. 15A uses a conveyor belt 205 to transport the packages 52 and envelopes 53 throughout the facility 200.
  • Wheeled tote carts 217 are stored in several tote cart staging areas 215.
  • the first phase of the loading process of the modern method can be prestaging a delivery vehicle’s packages and envelopes, which can take approximately 41 distinct steps.
  • the first step is to collect an empty tote cart 217 from a tote cart staging area, shown in FIG. 15B.
  • the next step is to move the empty tote cart 217 to a fixed storage rack 210 and load the totes 50, containing packages 52 and envelopes 53 from the fixed storage rack 210 onto the empty tote cart 217.
  • a tote cart 217 is typically loaded with 18-20 totes 50 and 15-17 oversized packages 55. Loading an empty tote cart 217 can require, on average, 35 actions.
  • the next step is to return the loaded tote cart 217 to the pre-staging area 215 and place it in a location designated for the delivery route, as illustrated in FIGS. 15C and 15D.
  • the second phase of the loading process of the modern method can be loading a delivery vehicle, which can take 44 distinct steps.
  • the first step is to move the loaded tote cart 217 to a delivery vehicle.
  • a delivery vehicle can be parked in a delivery vehicle loading area 220, as illustrated in FIG. 15E.
  • the delivery vehicle can be a cargo van 60 or a step van 70, for example.
  • the next step once the loaded tote cart 217 is proximate to a delivery vehicle, is to load the packages 52 and envelopes 53 from the loaded tote cart 217 into the delivery vehicle, as illustrated in FIGS. 15F-15H.
  • the next step once the delivery vehicle is loaded, the unloaded tote cart 217 is moved away from the delivery vehicle loading area 220. As illustrated in FIG.
  • the unloaded tote cart 217 is moved proximate one of two ramps 225. Finally, the unloaded tote cart 217 is moved to a tote cart staging area 215, as illustrated in FIG. 15 J, to be reused for another loading.
  • FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate the novel method of loading packages into a delivery vehicle, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 16A illustrates the same exemplary package distribution facility shown in FIG. 15 A, but with MPTRs 1 instead of fixed storage racks 210. Because the MPTRs have wheels 30, when it is time to transfer the oversize packages and totes into a delivery vehicle, the MPTR 1 itself is wheeled out of the facility 200, directly to the vehicle loading area 220 (as shown in FIG. 3B) and directly into the delivery vehicle (as illustrated in FIG. 16C).
  • the novel method made possible by the MPTR disclosed herein, accomplishes the same work described in the 85 step modem method described above in just seven steps, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of injury to workers.
  • FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate an opportunity made possible by the disclosed subject matter. Because the novel method uses MPTRs instead of fixed storage racks 210 and tote carts 217, there is no need for the tote cart staging area 215. As such, this now empty area 230 can be used to store more MPTRs. In some embodiments, the empty area 230 can store more MPTRs, which can increase capacity 30% in the facility illustrated.
  • FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate another opportunity made possible by the disclosed subject matter.
  • some facilities have a package return area 240.
  • the package return area 240 is only used for a portion of the day, for example, between 5:00 pm and 10:00 pm and is un-used the remainder of the day.
  • MPTRs 1 are mobile, as opposed to fixed storage racks
  • the package return area 240 can be used instead as a multi-purpose area to be used more of the day if not all of the day, as illustrated in FIGS. 18B and 18C.
  • the package return area 240 can be used for additional storage capacity during the hours that the facility is receiving and processing packages, for example, from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am the following morning. This can create an additional 30% or more capacity at the illustrated facility.
  • FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate yet another opportunity made possible by the disclosed subject matter.
  • Another example of flexibility created by MPTR is the ability of users to easily adjust to maximum and minimum capacity demands. When maximum capacity is needed in peak seasons, typically a three-month season, MPTRs can easily make use of available space 250 as shown in FIG. 19 A. Similarly, when capacity demand is lower during the remainder of the year, MPTRs can easily be rolled out of the way creating opportunities to re-use the available space 250 for other activities, as shown in FIG. 19B.
  • the subject matter disclosed herein can minimize the number of times a package is physically handled from the time it is received into the distribution stations to the time it is delivered from the distribution station. It can provide a dynamic shelving system that is highly and easily adaptable to the changing daily and even hourly capacity requirements in a warehouse and that allows a warehouse to use space once dedicated to one purpose to be used for multiple purposes.
  • the subject matter disclosed herein can also roll into and out of the cargo bay of a wide range of delivery vehicles.
  • the mobile package transfer rack maybe empty or preloaded with loose products, boxed or otherwise re-packed products, envelopes, sacks, totes, bins and the like.
  • It can also be coupled with another multiple package racks such that multiple mobile package racks can be loaded into a delivery vehicle at one time. It can allow the courier to access all packages for delivery without the need to exit the vehicle or unload and then reload other packages to access the package targeted for delivery. It can provide a single mobile package rack for delivery vehicles with cargo bays of varying lengths, widths and heights and with varying distances between the vehicles wheel wells. It can provide additional shelving for package stowage and sorting after the rack system is rolled into the cargo bay of the delivery vehicle. It can be easily secured to the cargo deck, wall, ceiling or other structure within the delivery vehicle.
  • It can have configurable shelving and/or folding shelving so oversized packages can be preloaded on the rack prior to the rack being rolled into the delivery vehicle and/or to provide space for loading oversized packages after the rack is rolled into the delivery vehicle. It can provide a method of easily accessing packages stowed on top tier shelves without elevating the courier above the floor of the cargo bay to prevent injuries to couriers by among other things falling packages and falling people. It can provide a solution that is adaptable to accommodate obstructions such as wheel wells while still maximizing use of cargo carrying volume within a cargo bay.
  • the subject matter disclosed herein is adaptable to a wide range of wheel wells having different locations, lengths, heights and widths in a wide range of delivery vehicles.
  • compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of’ or “consist of’ the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.
  • A, B, or C, et cetera is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (for example, “a system having at least one of A,
  • B, or C would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, et cetera). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, sample embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
  • a range includes each individual member.
  • a group having 1-3 components refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 components.
  • a group having 1-5 components refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 components, and so forth.

Abstract

Un bâti de transfert mobile pour colis peut comprendre un cadre de bâti, une pluralité d'étagères de rayonnage reliées au cadre de bâti, la pluralité d'étagères de rayonnage comprenant une étagère supérieure et une étagère inférieure, et une pluralité de roues fixées au cadre de bâti configurées pour permettre au bâti de transfert mobile pour colis de rouler. Le ou les cadres de bâti et/ou une de la pluralité d'étagères de bâti peuvent être ajustés pour permettre au bâti de transfert mobile de colis de s'adapter à une caractéristique interne d'un véhicule de livraison.
PCT/US2022/051925 2021-12-06 2022-12-06 Bâti de transfert mobile pour colis WO2023107424A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202163286493P 2021-12-06 2021-12-06
US63/286,493 2021-12-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023107424A2 true WO2023107424A2 (fr) 2023-06-15
WO2023107424A3 WO2023107424A3 (fr) 2023-07-20

Family

ID=86731090

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2022/051925 WO2023107424A2 (fr) 2021-12-06 2022-12-06 Bâti de transfert mobile pour colis

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2023107424A2 (fr)

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3300056A (en) * 1965-03-29 1967-01-24 Kaspar Wire Works Multi-shelf rack
GB8430273D0 (en) * 1984-11-30 1985-01-09 Elopak Ltd Apparatus
US6270138B1 (en) * 2000-08-08 2001-08-07 Ready Metal Manufacturing Company Removable shelving arrangement for vehicles
DE10136124C1 (de) * 2001-07-26 2003-02-20 Daimler Chrysler Ag Transportsystem zum Befördern von Gütern oder technischen Einrichtungen in Lastfahrzeugen
US20060016774A1 (en) * 2004-06-25 2006-01-26 L&P Property Management Company Gondola conversion apparatus and method
US7784885B2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2010-08-31 L&P Property Management Company Adjustable shelving and storage system for vehicles
GB2570712B (en) * 2018-02-05 2022-07-27 Nmi Safety Systems Ltd Improvements in or relating to floor fixings in vehicles
US11180069B2 (en) * 2018-12-31 2021-11-23 Staples, Inc. Automated loading of delivery vehicles using automated guided vehicles
CN209807539U (zh) * 2019-01-28 2019-12-20 厦门美成展示设备有限公司 一种层板间距可调的货架
US10934053B1 (en) * 2019-12-09 2021-03-02 FreightWeb Services, Inc. Adjustable pallet rack

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2023107424A3 (fr) 2023-07-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7025548B2 (en) Transport carts configured to be locked to the sidewalls of a transportation vehicle for distributing product
CN107428469B (zh) 物品处理系统与方法
US10507754B2 (en) Ergonomically improved systems and methods for delivering products from a delivery vehicle
US10661696B2 (en) Vehicle insert and method of vehicle loading and unloading
US20100176076A1 (en) Decking beam rack apparatus and method
KR100744815B1 (ko) 차량 선적용 콘테이너
US5906384A (en) Cart system for moving product
US3338423A (en) Cargo transporting device
US10934053B1 (en) Adjustable pallet rack
US6655892B2 (en) Beverage distribution system and method of its manufacture and operation
US6162004A (en) Cargo handling system
WO2023107424A2 (fr) Bâti de transfert mobile pour colis
US11685301B2 (en) Cargo containers and methods of using thereof for deliveries using multiple different types of trucks
EP1169257B1 (fr) Procede de distribution de boissons
MX2008004684A (es) Aparato de manejo de flete.
MXPA97008173A (en) Carriage system to move produ
NL8900496A (nl) Verrijdbaar transportcontainer-systeem voorzien van zelfinklapbaar onderstel geschikt voor bestelwagens met max. laadvermogen van 500 kg : roll-con.
NZ196634A (en) Collapsible bin for flat deck of truck or rolling stock

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 22904987

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2