Adjustable chimney chute
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorsRacha Lwali, Bruce Leardi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Disclosed are various embodiments for an adjustable chute configured to funnel containers or packages into different types of bulk containers and bulk containers of different sizes. In one embodiment, the adjustable chute comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and first and second flexible sidewalls that can expand and contract between the front and rear panels. The front panel has a first hinged connection configured to move between a first position and a second position along a path of a chimney chute. The rear panel has a second hinged connection to the chimney chute.
Claims20
A chute assembly, the chute assembly comprising:
- a chimney chute comprising an opening for conveying a plurality of packages, the chimney chute comprising a back panel;
- and
- an adjustable chute positioned at an end of the chimney chute, the adjustable chute comprising a front panel, a rear panel, a first flexible sidewall, and a second flexible sidewall, the front panel being configured to slide between an open position of the adjustable chute and a closed position of the adjustable chute, the rear panel being connected to the back panel of the chimney chute via a hinge, wherein:
- the chute assembly is configured to direct the plurality of packages through the chimney chute, through the adjustable chute, and into a first container when the adjustable chute is in the open position;
- and
- the chute assembly is configured to direct the plurality of packages through the chimney chute and directly into a second container when the adjustable chute is in the closed position.
An adjustable chute, comprising:
- a first flexible sidewall and a second flexible sidewall that can expand and contract;
- a front panel that is attached to the first flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall, the front panel having a first hinged connection, the first hinged connection being configured to slide between a first position and a second position along a path of a chimney chute;
- and
- a rear panel that is attached to the first flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall, the rear panel having a second hinged connection to the chimney chute.
A method for manipulating an adjustable chute, comprising:
- disengaging a locking structure of a front panel of the adjustable chute, wherein the front panel is released by disengaging from a first position along a path at one end of a chimney chute, wherein the adjustable chute further comprises a first flexible sidewall and a second flexible sidewall attached between the front panel and a rear panel of the adjustable chute;
- moving the front panel from the first position to a second position along the path;
- and
- engaging the locking structure of the front panel at the second position along the path of the chimney chute.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.