Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling objects being unloaded from a storage vehicle or structure

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10954084-B2
Application number	US-201916678223-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Nov 8, 2019
Priority date	Nov 8, 2018
Publication date	Mar 23, 2021
Grant date	Mar 23, 2021

Abstract

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling objects being loaded or unloaded from a storage structure or vehicle, such as a trailer. In example embodiments, a plurality of parcels may be stored in or on a trailer that is attached to a cab of a delivery vehicle. Upon arrival at a deposit location, the trailer loaded with the one or more parcels may be removably secured to a an adjustable platform designed to be raised to a predetermined angle for unloading of the one or more parcels. Once the adjustable platform is raised to the predetermined angle, a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms may be configured to pivot, allowing for the movement of a controlled volume of the one or more parcels onto the receiving platform.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A system for controlling a volume of objects being unloaded from a storage structure or vehicle, the system comprising:
a receiving platform configured to receive one or more objects;
an adjustable platform;
a storage structure comprising the one or more objects and removably secured to the adjustable platform; and
a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms located within the storage structure and configured to pivot to allow for unloading of a controlled volume of the one or more objects onto the receiving platform, wherein the pivoting of the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms is controlled by a controller connected to a computing system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms are located at equally spaced positions within the storage structure.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms are spaced at different distances from each another within the storage structure.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the spacing of the adjustable dividing mechanisms results in a plurality of storage compartments being formed within the storage structure.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein a predetermined number of objects to be contained within each storage compartment is calculated based on a shape, a size, and a weight of each object to be placed within each storage compartment.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more objects are unloaded to the receiving platform from a door of the storage structure.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the unloading of the controlled volume of the one or more objects is sequenced to reduce pressure applied to at least some of the objects during unloading relative to an unsequenced unloading of the objects.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable platform supporting the secured storage structure is raised to a predetermined angle for unloading of the one or more objects.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein gravitational forces urge the one or more objects from the storage structure onto the receiving platform as a result of the adjustable platform being raised to the predetermined angle and at least one of the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms pivoting upwards.

10. A system for controlling a volume of objects being unloaded from a storage structure or vehicle, the system comprising:
a receiving platform configured to receive one or more objects;
an adjustable platform positioned at a predetermined angle for unloading of the one or more objects;
a storage structure comprising the one or more objects and removably secured to the adjustable platform; and
a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms located within the storage structure and configured to pivot to allow for unloading of a controlled volume of the one or more objects onto the receiving platform, wherein the pivoting of the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms is controlled by a controller connected to a computing system.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the storage structure is a cargo trailer.

12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms pivot forward to allow for a predetermined number of parcels to be unloaded from the storage structure onto the receiving platform.

13. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms pivot upward to allow for a predetermined number of parcels to be unloaded from the storage structure onto the receiving platform.

14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the unloading of the controlled volume of the one or more objects onto the receiving platform occurs at a logistic carrier's facility.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computing system is configured to determine when each dividing mechanism should be pivoted to allow one or more additional objects to be released for deposit onto the receiving platform.

16. The system of claim 10 , wherein the adjustable platform is positioned to the predetermined angle by an actuator.

17. The system of claim 10 , wherein gravitational forces urge the one or more objects from the storage structure onto the receiving platform as a result of the adjustable platform being raised to the predetermined angle and at least one of the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms pivoting upwards.

18. The system of claim 10 , wherein the one or more objects are unloaded to the receiving platform from a rear door of the storage structure.

Assignees

• United parcel service america inc

Inventors

• Stenson Joel

Classifications

• B65G69/16

  Preventing pulverisation, deformation, breakage, or other mechanical damage to the goods or materials · CPC title

• B65G67/54

  Vehicle-locking means · CPC title

• B65G2814/0205

  for preventing breakage, pulverisation or damage to materials · CPC title

• B65G65/23 Primary

  Devices for tilting and emptying of containers · CPC title

• B65G65/005

  Control arrangements · CPC title