Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling objects being unloaded from a storage vehicle or structure
AssigneeUnited Parcel Service of America, Inc.
InventorJoel Stenson
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
A method for controlling a volume of objects being unloaded from a storage structure or vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a storage structure comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a rear end, a plurality of storage compartments storing one or more objects, and a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms removably secured to the bottom surface of the storage structure and configured to separate each of the plurality of storage compartments from one another;
- providing a receiving platform configured to receive one or more objects;
- providing an adjustable platform positioned at a predetermined angle;
- removably securing the storage structure to the adjustable platform;
- pivoting a first adjustable dividing mechanism of the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms upward toward the top surface of the storage structure, wherein the pivoting of the first adjustable dividing mechanism is controlled by a controller connected to a computer system;
- and
- sequentially unloading a first group of the one or more objects from a first storage compartment of the plurality of storage compartments onto the receiving platform.
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 first predetermined angle;
- a storage structure comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, a rear end, a plurality of storage compartments storing one or more objects, and a plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms removably secured to the bottom surface of the storage structure and configured to separate each of the plurality of storage compartments from one another, wherein the storage structure is removably secured to the adjustable platform;
- and
- one or more processors configured to:
- pivot a first adjustable dividing mechanism of the plurality of adjustable dividing mechanisms upward toward the top surface of the storage structure, wherein the pivoting of the first adjustable dividing mechanism is controlled by a controller connected to a computer system;
- and
- sequentially unload a first group of the one or more objects from a first storage compartment of the plurality of storage compartments onto the receiving platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.