U.S. patent application number 15/050068 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-24 for collapsible fabric pods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amazon Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to John W. Cullen, Scot Douglas Davis, Gregory Delaney, Daniel Robert Deshaies, John M. Tucker, Anne Elliott Veit.
Application Number | 20170238700 15/050068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58213334 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170238700 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Scot Douglas ; et
al. |
August 24, 2017 |
Collapsible Fabric Pods
Abstract
Collapsible fabric pods may include a plurality of posts
attached to a base and a fabric bin array attached to the plurality
of posts, wherein the plurality of posts are displaceable between
an upright position and collapsed position. When the plurality of
posts are in the upright position, the plurality of posts support
the fabric bin array above the base, and when the plurality of
posts are in the collapsed position, the plurality of posts are
decoupled or displaced and the fabric bin array is in a compressed
position on top of the base.
Inventors: |
Davis; Scot Douglas;
(Reading, MA) ; Cullen; John W.; (Boston, MA)
; Delaney; Gregory; (Sandown, NH) ; Deshaies;
Daniel Robert; (Chelmsford, MA) ; Tucker; John
M.; (Woburn, MA) ; Veit; Anne Elliott;
(Melrose, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Amazon Technologies, Inc. |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58213334 |
Appl. No.: |
15/050068 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20130101; A47F
5/005 20130101; B65D 19/44 20130101; A47F 5/01 20130101; A47B 43/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 43/04 20060101
A47B043/04 |
Claims
1. A collapsible storage structure comprising: a base; four posts
of approximately equal height, each of the four posts attached to
and extending vertically upward from a respective corner of the
base; and a fabric bin array having a rectangular cuboid shape, the
bin array defining four vertically extending edges, the fabric bin
array including sleeves disposed along each vertically extending
edge, the sleeves at least partially wrapped about a respective one
of the four posts, wherein each of the four posts is configured to
be displaceable between an upright position and a collapsed
position, and each of the four posts is configured to collapse
toward the base and the fabric bin array is configured to compress
on the top of the base in the collapsed position.
2. The collapsible storage structure as recited in claim 1, wherein
the base includes pockets arranged in a side of the base configured
to receive a lifting member configured to raise the base off of a
surface and move the collapsible storage structure, in the upright
position, to a location based at least in part on one or more
inventory items contained in the fabric bin array.
3. The collapsible storage structure as recited in claim 1, wherein
the base includes pockets arranged in a side of the base configured
to receive a lifting member configured to raise the base off of a
surface and move the collapsible storage structure, in the
collapsed position, to a location based at least in part on storing
the collapsible storage structure until a time of use.
4. The collapsible storage structure as recited in claim 1, further
comprising four legs, each of the four legs configured to attach to
a respective corner of the base and arranged to fold into a bottom
of the base opposite the top of the base.
5. The collapsible storage structure as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one crossbeam displaceable between a first
position and a second position, wherein in the first position with
the four posts in the upright position, the at least one crossbeam
is attached to a top portion of a first post of the four posts and
removeably coupled to a top portion of a second post of the four
posts, the at least one crossbeam configured to support a
respective portion of the fabric bin array.
6. The collapsible storage structure as recited in claim 1, wherein
each of the four posts is configured to be at least partially
displaceable into one or more intermediate positions between the
upright position and the collapsed position, wherein each of the
four posts partially supports the fabric bin array substantially
vertically above the top of the base and is partially collapsed
toward the base with the fabric bin array in a partially compressed
position on the top of the base in the one or more intermediate
positions.
7. A storage structure comprising: a base; a plurality of posts
attached to and extending vertically upward from a respective
corner of the base, each of the plurality of the plurality of posts
being displaceable between an upright position and a collapsed
position; and a fabric bin array including vertically extending
sleeves, the vertically extending sleeves disposed about a
respective one of the plurality of vertically extending posts,
wherein, in a compressed position, each of the plurality of posts
is collapsed toward the base and the fabric bin array is compressed
on the top of the base.
8. The storage structure as recited in claim 7, wherein each of the
plurality of posts includes a plurality of segments and each of the
segments is movable to displace each of the plurality of posts
between the upright position and the collapsed position, wherein
each of the segments of each of the plurality of posts is coupled
together and supports the fabric bin array substantially vertically
above the top of the base in the upright position, and each of the
segments of each of the plurality of posts is collapsed and the
fabric bin array is in the compressed position on the top of the
base in the collapsed position.
9. The storage structure as recited in claim 8, further comprising
a locking mechanism arranged to lock at least two segments
together, the locking mechanism comprising at least one of a pop
lock, a c-clamp, or a threaded nut.
10. The storage structure as recited in claim 8, wherein the
plurality of segments include a plurality of tubular segments
constructed from at least one of steel, aluminum, composite, carbon
fiber, or plastic.
11. The storage structure as recited in claim 7, wherein each of
the plurality of posts includes a plurality of segments and each of
the segments is at least one of rotatably coupled or internally
telescoping to another segment of the plurality of segments so as
to displace each of the plurality of posts between the upright
position and the collapsed position, wherein each of the segments
of each of the plurality of posts is coupled together and supports
the fabric bin array substantially vertically above the top of the
base in the upright position, and each of the segments of each of
the plurality of posts is collapsed and the fabric bin array is in
the compressed position on the top of the base in the collapsed
position.
12. The storage structure as recited in claim 7, further comprising
at least one crossbeam configured to attach to a top portion or a
bottom portion of two adjacent posts of the plurality of posts, the
at least one crossbeam including at least one locking mechanism
arranged to attach a respective portion of the fabric bin array to
the at least one crossbeam.
13. The storage structure as recited in claim 12, wherein the at
least one locking mechanism of the at least one crossbeam comprises
at least one of a metal grommet, a turn lock, or a fold down
lock.
14. The storage structure as recited in claim 12, wherein the at
least one crossbeam comprises a telescoping mechanism configured to
increase or decrease a length of the at least one crossbeam.
15. The storage structure as recited in claim 7, further comprising
a plurality of legs, each of the plurality of legs attach to the
base and arranged to fold into a bottom of the base opposite the
top of the base.
16. A storage structure comprising: a base; a first collapsible
section including: a first plurality of segments, each of the first
plurality of segments attached to and extending vertically upward
from a respective corner of the base; and a first fabric bin array
including a first vertically extending sleeve, the first vertically
extending sleeve disposed about a respective one of the first
plurality of segments; and a second collapsible section attached to
the first collapsible section above the first collapsible section,
the second collapsible section including: a second plurality of
segments, each of the second plurality of vertical segments
moveably coupled to and extend up from a respective one of the
first plurality of segments; a second fabric bin array including a
second vertically extending sleeve, the second vertical sleeve
disposed about a respective one of the second plurality of vertical
segments; and wherein each of the second plurality of segments of
the second fabric bin array is configured to be displaceable
between an upright position and a collapsed position, such that:
each of the second plurality of segments is moveably coupled to a
respective one of the first plurality of segments of the first
collapsible section and the first plurality of segments supports
the second fabric bin array above a top of the first collapsible
section in the upright position, and each of the second plurality
of segments is displaceable relative to the respective one of the
first plurality of segments of the first collapsible section and
collapsible down to a position on the top the first collapsible
section in the collapsed position.
17. The storage structure as recited in claim 16, wherein each of
the first plurality of segments of the first collapsible section is
removeably coupled to and extending up from the respective corner
of the base and displaceable between an upright position and a
collapsed position, wherein each of the first plurality of segments
is removeably coupled to the respective corner of the base and
supports the first fabric bin array above a top of the base in the
upright position, and wherein each of the first plurality of
segments is displaceable relative to the respective corner of the
base and collapses down to a position on the top of the base in the
collapsed position.
18. The storage structure as recited in claim 16, wherein the base
includes at least one pocket arranged in at least one side of the
base configured to receive a lifting member configured to raise the
base off of a surface and move the storage structure, with each of
the second plurality of segments in the upright position, to a
location based at least in part on one or more inventory items
contained in at least one of the first or second fabric bin arrays,
or move the storage structure, with each of the second plurality of
segments in the collapsed position, to a location based at least in
part on storing the storage structure until a time of use.
19. The storage structure as recited in claim 16, further
comprising a plurality of legs of approximately equal height, each
of the plurality of legs attached to a respective corner of the
base to provide a space beneath the base and between each adjacent
pair of the legs adapted to allow a mobile drive unit to maneuver
beneath the base.
20. The storage structure as recited in claim 19, wherein the base
includes pockets arranged in a side of the base between respective
two adjacent legs of the plurality of legs, the pockets configured
to receive a lifting member configured to raise the base off of a
surface and move the storage structure, and wherein each of the
plurality of legs is arranged to fold into the base and into a
position adjacent to the lifting member received by the pockets.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Modern storage systems, such as those used in warehouses,
distribution centers, airport luggage systems, and manufacturing
facilities, face significant challenges in managing items. As
storage systems grow, the challenges of simultaneously completing
large numbers of storage-related tasks, e.g., packing,
transporting, and other storage-related tasks, become
non-trivial.
[0002] A mobile storage unit may utilize substantially rigid
shelving systems. However, these rigid shelving systems can consume
valuable storage space when the rigid shelving systems are not in
use, and the rigid shelving systems are difficult and time
consuming to assemble, break down and transport, resulting in
inefficient utilization of storage space that results in lower
throughput, unacceptably long response times, and, in general, poor
system performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in
different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of an inventory storage and
order fulfillment system that includes an inventory facility,
having a floor surface that may define an identifiable pattern, and
multiple unmanned drive units that may navigate within the facility
using the identifiable pattern on the floor to move collapsible
fabric pods.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example
configuration of an inventory management and order fulfillment
system that may be implemented within the inventory facility of
FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example inventory holder
and mobile drive unit that may be used in the systems of FIGS. 1
and 2.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an
example collapsible fabric pod.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled
example collapsible fabric pod.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example
collapsible fabric pod in an upright position and a front view of
the example collapsible fabric pod in a collapsed position.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible
fabric pod illustrated in FIG. 6 with the legs of the collapsible
fabric pod arranged up beneath the base.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates an example structural connection
corresponding to location A illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates an example process of using an example
collapsible fabric pod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] This application describes, in part, collapsible
fabric-based pods or collapsible inventory holders ("collapsible
fabric pods"), as well as techniques for use in an infrastructure
that uses a mobile order fulfillment system in which mobile drive
units, which in some instances may be robotic drive units,
forklifts, lift trucks, etc. may be dispatched and instructed to
bring inventory holders to a workstation and/or to store inventory
holders in a storage area. The techniques may include applying an
"identifiable pattern" or "image," such as a random pattern, to a
floor surface of the infrastructure, from which a map may be
created that associates locations within the infrastructure to
different portions of the image. A mobile drive unit may then
reference the map along with images of the floor surface captured
by its imaging device, e.g., a camera, in order to determine its
current location, as well as how to reach a desired
destination.
[0014] While in some examples, the collapsible fabric-based pods
may be portable and mobile drive units may transport the
collapsible fabric-based pods in an upright (e.g., erect,
popped-up, expanded, etc.) position or in a collapsed (e.g., broken
down, compressed, flattened, etc.) position, in other examples, the
collapsible fabric-based pods may not be transported by mobile
drive units. Because the collapsible fabric-based pods can be
disassembled or collapsed into an inactive configuration, an amount
of space needed to store collapsible fabric-based pods when not in
use can be reduced compared to fabric-based pods that are not
collapsible. In various examples, the inactive configuration can
reduce the amount of space by about two to twelve times compared to
fabric-based pods that are not collapsible or collapsible
fabric-based pods in their expanded or active state. In a few
particular examples, the inactive configuration can reduce the
amount of space by about two times, five times or ten times.
Moreover, because the collapsible fabric-based pods can be
disassembled or collapsed into the collapsed position, the
collapsible fabric-based pods can provide for sharing assets
between inventory facilities. Also, the collapsible fabric-based
pods can be built up into the upright position in much less time
than assembling fabric-based pods that are not collapsible.
Further, because the collapsible fabric-based pods can be
transported in an upright position with product stored in the
collapsible fabric-based pods, the collapsible fabric-based pods
can be shipped via a trailer (e.g., a standard 53 foot trailer, a
standard 12 meter trailer, a standard 16 meter trailer, etc.) and
provide for sharing inventory items between inventory facilities.
While in some examples, the collapsible fabric-based pods may be
used in an inventory facility (e.g., a warehouse, a depot,
distribution center, etc.), in other examples, the collapsible
fabric-based pods may be used in a retail environment (e.g., a
store, a brick and mortar store, a shopping mall, a marketplace,
etc.).
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates the components of an inventory storage
and order fulfillment system or infrastructure 100 that includes an
inventory facility 102 that is used to store inventory items that
are ordered by and shipped to customers or other entities. In the
described embodiment, the inventory facility 102 uses an automated
mobile fulfillment system in which inventory items are stored in
portable inventory holders 104 and moved about the facility 102 by
mobile drive units. The mobile drive units may be "unmanned" or
"robotic" drive units 106. While some mobile drive units 106 may be
"unmanned"--and therefore do not transport a human--other mobile
drive units (or simply "drive units") described herein may be
configured to transport a human, regardless of whether that human
controls the navigation of the corresponding drive unit. Within the
illustrated environment, inventory holders 104 may be moved to a
human worker 108 using the drive units 106 so that the worker can
manually retrieve or "pick" ordered items from, store or "stow"
inventory items into, or otherwise manipulate or adjust inventory
items within, the inventory holders 104.
[0016] As a specific example, a received order may specify a
plurality of inventory items. In response to such an order, the
inventory holders 104 containing the inventory items are moved by
the mobile drive units 106 to a workstation or other area 110 where
the worker 108 retrieves the ordered items. In some
implementations, inventory items retrieved in this manner may be
placed on an additional inventory holder 104 that contains one or
more outgoing orders. Once completed, the additional inventory
holder 104 may be moved by a mobile drive unit 106 to a shipping
workstation or other processing point. In addition, certain
inventory holders 104 that have been loaded with specified
inventory items may also be moved to or onto a transport vehicle
for shipment to a different inventory facility.
[0017] As another example, inventory restocking may be performed
when receiving new inventory at an inventory facility 102. The
mobile fulfillment system identifies one or more inventory holders
104 that are to be used for storage of the incoming inventory
items. For example, the one or more inventory holders 104 may
include a unique identifier that the mobile fulfillment system
utilizes to identify the one or more inventory holders 104. The
mobile drive units 106 bring the identified inventory holders 104
to the worker 108 at the location of the new inventory. The worker
108 can then load the new inventory onto the inventory holders 104.
After being loaded, mobile drive units 106 may be used to move the
inventory holders 104 to appropriate locations within the inventory
facility 102 for storage or to waiting transport vehicles for
transport to different inventory facilities 102.
[0018] As described in further detail below, the mobile drive units
106 may include an imaging device, e.g., a camera, pointed
substantially downwards for the purpose of capturing images of the
floor surface of the inventory facility 102. In some instances,
this floor surface may include an image (e.g., a random pattern or
other image) that the mobile drive units 106 may utilize in order
to navigate about the inventory facility 102. That is, the mobile
drive units may reference a map that associates different locations
of the facility 102 to different portions of the image on the
floor. By doing so, the units 106 may compare the images captured
by their respective cameras to the map to determine their current
location, as well as to determine a path to reach a desired
location.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an example configuration of an inventory
management and/or order fulfillment system 200 that may be
implemented in the inventory facility 102 described above. In the
system 200 of FIG. 2, the mobile drive units 106 are used to
transport the inventory holders 104 between points within a
workspace 202 of an inventory facility. The workspace may include
workstations 110, one or more loading docks 204, and cargo
compartments 206 of one or more transport vehicles such as the
transport vehicle 112 of FIG. 1. The workspace 202 may also include
designated locations 208 for placement and storage of the inventory
holders 104.
[0020] The mobile drive units 106 move the inventory holders 104
between locations within the workspace 202 under the general
direction and control of a management component 210, which is also
referred to herein as control logic 210. The management component
210 assigns tasks 212 to the mobile drive units 106 and other
components of the system and coordinates operation of the mobile
drive units 106 in completing the tasks 212. The tasks 212 may
relate not only to the movement and processing of inventory holders
104, but also to the management and maintenance of the components
of the system 200. For example, the management component 210 may
assign portions of the workspace 202 as parking spaces for the
mobile drive units 106, the scheduled recharge or replacement of
mobile drive unit batteries, the storage of empty inventory holders
104, or any other operations associated with the functionality
supported by the system 200 and its various components.
[0021] Although shown in FIG. 2 as a single, discrete component,
the management component 210 may represent multiple components and
may represent or include portions of the mobile drive units 106 or
other elements of the system 200. As a result, any or all of the
interaction between a particular mobile drive unit 106 and the
management module 210 that is described below may in particular
embodiments represent peer-to-peer communication between that
mobile drive unit 106 and one or more other mobile drive units
106.
[0022] The mobile drive units 106 may comprise any devices or
components appropriate for use in the system 200 based on the
characteristics and configuration of the inventory holders 104
and/or other elements of the system 200. In a particular
embodiment, the mobile drive units 106 are self-powered, wheeled
devices configured to move autonomously about the workspace 202
without direct human supervision. In general, the mobile drive
units 106 may be powered, propelled, and controlled in any manner
appropriate based on the configuration and characteristics of the
system 200.
[0023] The mobile drive units 106 may be capable of communicating
with the management component 210 to receive information
identifying selected inventory holders 104, to transmit the
locations of the mobile drive units 106, and/or to exchange any
other suitable information to be used by the management component
210 or the mobile drive units 106 during operation. The mobile
drive units 106 may communicate with the management component 210
wirelessly, using wired connections between the mobile drive units
106 and the management component 210, and/or in any other
appropriate manner. As one example, particular embodiments of the
mobile drive unit 106 may communicate with the management component
210 and/or with one another using 802.11, Bluetooth, or Infrared
Data Association (IrDA) standards, or any other appropriate
wireless communication protocol. Furthermore, as noted above, the
management component 210 may include components of individual
mobile drive units 106. Thus, for the purposes of this description
and the claims that follow, communications between the management
component 210 and a particular mobile drive unit 106 may represent
communication between components of a particular mobile drive unit
106.
[0024] The inventory holders 104 store inventory items. Inventory
items may comprise any objects suitable for storage, retrieval,
and/or processing by the system 200. In one example, inventory
items may comprise completed orders, groups of items, and/or kits.
In a particular embodiment, the inventory holders 104 include
multiple storage bins with each storage bin capable of holding one
or more types of inventory items. In some examples, the storage
bins (or each storage bin) may have a unique identifier associated
with a unique identifier of a respective inventory holder 104. The
inventory holders 104 are capable of being carried, rolled, and/or
otherwise moved by the mobile drive units 106. In some embodiments,
some of the inventory holders 104 may be attached to each
other.
[0025] In an example implementation, the system 200 may be
implemented by a mail or online order warehouse facility, and
inventory items may comprise merchandise stored in the warehouse
facility. During operation, the mobile drive units 106 may retrieve
inventory holders 104 containing one or more inventory items
requested in an order to be packed for delivery to a customer.
Moreover, in particular embodiments of the system 200, boxes
containing completed orders may themselves represent inventory
items.
[0026] As another example, the system 200 may be implemented by a
merchandise-return facility. In such an embodiment, inventory items
may represent merchandise returned by customers. Units of these
inventory items may be stored in the inventory holders 104 when
received at the workspace 202. At appropriate times, a large number
of units may be removed from a particular inventory holder 104 and
packed for shipment back to a warehouse or other facility. For
example, individual units of a particular inventory item may be
received and stored in the inventory holders 104 until a threshold
number of units of that inventory item have been received. The
mobile drive units 106 may then be tasked with retrieving an
inventory holder 104 in this state. The inventory holder 104 may
then be shipped to another facility, such as a mail-order
warehouse.
[0027] As another example, the system 200 may be implemented by an
airport luggage facility. In such an embodiment, inventory items
may represent pieces of luggage stored in the luggage facility. The
mobile drive units 106 may retrieve inventory holders 104 storing
luggage that is arriving and/or departing on particular flights or
luggage that is destined for particular types of processing, such
as x-ray or manual searching.
[0028] As yet another example, the system 200 may be implemented by
a manufacturing facility, and inventory items may represent
individual components of a manufacturing kit. More specifically,
inventory items may represent components intended for inclusion in
an assembled product, such as electronic components for a
customized computer system. In such an embodiment, the system 200
may retrieve particular components identified by a specification
associated with an order for the product so that a customized
version of the product can be built.
[0029] More generally, the system 200 may be implemented by or
within any facility or system for storing and processing inventory
items, and inventory items may represent objects of any type
suitable for storage, retrieval, and/or processing in a particular
system 200. In addition, the system 200 and the techniques
described herein may apply in any environment in which it may be
advantageous to move individual, unmanned drive units about an
environment.
[0030] The workstations 110 may comprise locations designated for
the completion of particular tasks involving inventory items. Such
tasks may include the removal of inventory items from the inventory
holders 104, the introduction of inventory items into the inventory
holders 104, the counting of inventory items in the inventory
holders 104, the decomposition of inventory items (e.g. from pallet
or case-sized groups to individual inventory items), and/or the
processing or handling of inventory items in any other suitable
manner. In particular embodiments, the workstations 110 may
represent the physical locations where a particular task involving
inventory items can be completed within the workspace 202. In
alternative embodiments, the workstations 110 may represent both
the physical location and also any appropriate equipment for
processing or handling inventory items, such as scanners for
monitoring the flow of inventory items in and out of the system
200, communication interfaces for communicating with the management
component 210, and/or any other suitable components.
[0031] The workstations 110 can be controlled, entirely or in part,
by human workers or may be fully automated. Moreover, the human or
automated operators of the workstations 110 may be capable of
performing certain tasks with respect to inventory items, such as
packing or counting inventory items, as part of the operation of
the system 200.
[0032] The workspace 202 may include an area associated with the
system 200 in which the mobile drive units 106 can move and/or the
inventory holders 104 can be stored. For example, the workspace 202
may represent all or part of the floor of a mail-order warehouse in
which the system 200 operates. Although FIG. 2 shows an embodiment
of the system 200 in which workspace 202 includes a fixed,
predetermined, and finite physical space, particular embodiments of
the system 200 may include unmanned mobile drive units 106 and
inventory holders 104 that are configured to operate within a
workspace 202 that is of variable dimensions and/or an arbitrary
geometry. Also, while the workspace 202 may be enclosed in a
building, alternative embodiments may utilize workspaces 202 in
which some or all of the workspace 202 is located outdoors, within
a vehicle (such as a cargo ship), or otherwise unconstrained by any
fixed structure. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the workspace
202 may include multiple portions that are physically separated
from one another, including but not limited to separate floors,
rooms, buildings, and/or portions divided in any other suitable
manner.
[0033] When moving the inventory holders 104 to different locations
within the workspace 202, the mobile drive units 106 may dock with
and transport the inventory holders 104. The mobile drive units 106
may dock with the inventory holders 104 by connecting to, lifting,
and/or otherwise interacting with the inventory holders 104 or in
any other suitable manner so that, when docked, the mobile drive
units 106 are coupled to and/or support the inventory holders 104
and can move the inventory holders 104 within the workspace 202.
While the description below focuses on particular embodiments of
the mobile drive unit 106 and inventory holder 104 that are
configured to dock in a particular manner, alternative embodiments
of mobile drive unit 106 and inventory holder 104 may be configured
to dock in any manner suitable to allow the mobile drive unit 106
to move an inventory holder 104 within the workspace 202.
Additionally, as noted below, in particular embodiments the mobile
drive units 106 may represent all or portions of the inventory
holders 104. In such embodiments, the mobile drive units 106 may
not dock with inventory holders 104 before transporting the
inventory holders 104 and/or the mobile drive units 106 may each
remain continually docked with a particular inventory holder
104.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an example implementation of an inventory
holder 104 and a mobile drive unit 106. The inventory holder 104
includes a base or base portion 302 and a storage portion 304. The
storage portion may comprise one or more bins or shelves 306. The
bins or shelves 306 may be formed integrally with the base 302 and
with each other, or may comprise separate stackable trays that are
detachable from each other and/or from the base portion 302. In
some embodiments, the inventory holder 104 may be expandable and/or
collapsible. For example, the bins or shelves 306 may be expanded
from a collapsed position where the bins or shelves 306 are in a
non-use position (e.g., closed and not arranged to hold or store
inventory items) to an expanded position where the bins or shelves
306 are in a use position (e.g., open and arranged to hold or store
inventory items).
[0035] In some embodiments, the storage portion may have connection
points, such as holes, hooks, etc., suitable for use by a manned
lift such as a forklift or other drive lift. For example, the
storage portion may have slots or hooks for engagement by a
forklift or other equipment. In embodiments where the base portion
302 and storage portion 304 are integral, lifting the storage
portion 304 by the slots or hooks will also lift the base portion
302. In embodiments where the base portion 302 and the storage
portion 304 are detachable, lifting the storage portion 304 by the
slots or hooks may separate the storage portion 304 from the base
portion 302 so that the storage portion may be moved independently
of the base portion 302. In some embodiments, some of the storage
bins 306 may be attached to each other. In some embodiments, some
of the portable inventory holders 104 may be attached to each
other.
[0036] A plurality of inventory items 308 are held or stored by the
bins or shelves 306. In some cases, the bins or shelves 306 may
have adjustable dividers to provide separate spaces for different
inventory items on individual bins or shelves 306. In some
examples, the storage bins 306 (or each storage bin 306) may have a
unique identifier 316, which in some instances may be associated
with a unique identifier of a respective inventory holder 104.
[0037] In some embodiments inventory holders 104 include
collapsible fabric pods. In such embodiments, storage portion 304
and/or the bins or shelves 306 can include one or more fabric bin
arrays. In some embodiments, the collapsible fabric bin array of an
inventory holder 104 may be attached to at least another
collapsible fabric bin array of another inventory holder 104
adjacent to the inventory holder 104. The collapsible fabric bin
array attached to the other collapsible fabric bin array may define
an array of arrays of collapsible fabric bins. Further, the
collapsible fabric pods may be displaceable between an upright
position and a collapsed position, and may include one or more
intermediate positions. When in the upright position the
collapsible fabric pod may be arranged substantially vertically
above the base portion 302 of the inventory holder 104 for holding
the plurality of inventory items 308, and when in the collapsed
position the collapsible fabric pod may be arranged in a
substantially compressed position on top of the base portion 302 of
the inventory holder 104 for storing the inventory holder 104 until
a time of use when the inventory holder 104 is needed to hold the
plurality of inventory items 308. When in the one or more
intermediate positions, one or more shelves 306 of the collapsible
fabric pod may be partially or completed collapsed such that only a
portion of the fabric pod is collapsed.
[0038] The inventory holder 104 or the base portion 302 of the
inventory holder 104 may have a plurality of legs 310 that extend
downward from the base 302 to support the inventory holder on a
floor or surface 312 of an inventory facility 102 and/or transport
vehicle 112. The legs 310 provide a space above the floor 312 and
between each other so that the mobile drive unit 106 can maneuver
itself beneath the base portion 302. In some embodiments, the legs
310 may be arranged to foldup (e.g., pivoted) into the base portion
302 to provide for converting the base portion 302 into a pallet
(or to be received by a pallet) and shipping the inventory holder
104. While FIG. 3 illustrates the inventory holder 104 including a
base or base portion 302, the inventory holder may omit a base or
base portion 302. For example, the inventory holder 104 may include
three or more posts that may support the one or more bins or
shelves and the three or more posts may rest on the floor 312.
Moreover, the three or more posts may provide a space above the
floor 312 and between each other so that the mobile drive unit 106
can maneuver itself beneath the storage portion 304. For example,
the three or more posts may extend past a structural member (e.g.,
a crossbeam(s) or a cable(s)) arranged below the storage portion so
that the mobile drive unit 106 can maneuver itself beneath the
structural member.
[0039] The mobile drive unit 106 may comprise a motorized lift
having a plurality of wheels 314 and a lift mechanism 318 to lift
and/or transport an inventory holder 104 (e.g., a collapsible
fabric pod). The lift mechanism may be a surface, a projection(s)
(e.g., a tooth, a tang, a tongue, a pin), a coupling (e.g., a
self-locking joint), etc. One or more of the wheels 314 may be
driven to move the drive unit 106 over the floor or surface 312.
One or more of the wheels 314 may be steerable to guide the drive
unit 106 in different directions or paths.
[0040] The lift surface 318 may be configured to dock with the
inventory holder 104 by raising the lift surface 318 into
engagement with the base 302. In one example, the inventory holder
104 may comprise a collapsible fabric pod and the base 302 may
provide for the lifting surface 318 to dock with the collapsible
fabric pod. In operation, the mobile drive unit 106 may be
configured to maneuver itself beneath the inventory holder 104, to
raise the inventory holder 104 off of the surface 312 and to move
the inventory holder 104 to any desired location under the
direction of or in response to instructions from the management
component 210. After reaching the desired location, the mobile
drive unit 106 can undock from the inventory holder 104 by lowering
the lift surface 318 and thereby placing the inventory holder 104
back on the floor 312.
[0041] Although FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of
mobile drive unit 106 containing certain components and configured
to operate in a particular manner, the mobile drive unit 106 may
comprise any appropriate component and/or collection of components
configured to transport and/or facilitate the transport of
inventory holders 104.
[0042] As described above, the mobile drive units may include at
least one imaging device, e.g., a camera, which is aimed toward a
predefined surface, such as a floor surface, a wall surface, a
ceiling surface, or the like. In one particular example, a mobile
drive unit 106 may include a camera pointed substantially downwards
towards to a floor surface. The unit 106 may capture images of the
floor surface and may compare these images to a pre-existing map to
identify the unit's location within a facility as well as to
determine how to navigate to other locations in the facility. As
such, the floor surface may include an image, which may be painted
on, etched in, or otherwise formed within or applied to the floor
surface. For instance, the image may be based on multiple different
colors painted or applied to the floor, etchings in the floor,
natural non-uniform textures of a particular material from which
the floor has been made, and/or combinations thereof.
[0043] In some embodiments, inventory holders 104 include
collapsible fabric pods that may be used for storing and
transporting inventory. The collapsible fabric pods may be
constructed with one or more fabric bin arrays of any suitable
combination of fabric or fabric-like material, such as woven
material, nonwoven material, Tyvek.RTM., vinyl, canvas, cotton,
plastic, nylon, or composites, other flexible materials including
natural fibers such as bamboo, silk, wool or others, animal
hides/skins, or plant-based materials such as coconut husks, palm
leaves or others. The base portion and storage portion may be
constructed with structural elements of any suitable combination of
structural material such as steel, aluminum, carbon-based products,
plastics, fiberglass, wood, composite and any other suitable
structural materials. In some examples, a collapsible fabric pod
may be a shelving unit that is made of one or more of: a structural
base, corner posts of a structural material that are displaceable
between an upright position and a collapsed position, removable
structural supports, crossbeams, and/or tubes at the top
constructed from one or more structural materials, and at least one
fabric bin array constructed from one or more fabric or fabric-like
materials. In some implementations, the fabric wraps around the
corner posts and when the corner posts are in the upright position,
the corner posts support the fabric bin array substantially
vertically above the structural base, and when the corner posts are
in the collapsed position the corner posts are collapsed (e.g.,
separated into segments, folded, bent, telescoped, broken down,
etc.) in the fabric bin array and the fabric bin array is arranged
in a substantially compressed (e.g., packed, flattened, folded,
overlaid, crushed, etc.) position on the structural base.
[0044] In some examples, a process involves displacing corner posts
from an upright position to a collapsed position and compressing a
fabric bin array to collapse a collapsible fabric pod. In another
example, a process involves displacing corner posts from a
collapsed position to an upright position and stretching a fabric
bin array to assemble a collapsible fabric pod. Such collapsible
fabric pods may provide for quick and efficient disassembly (e.g.,
teardown, breakdown, take apart, etc.) of the collapsible fabric
pods for storage and/or shipping purposes. By having displaceable
corner posts and compressible fabric bin arrays, the collapsed
fabric pod may have a size less than a size of an upright
non-collapsed fabric pod. Because the collapsed fabric pods have a
size less than a size of an upright non-collapsible fabric pod, the
amount of space required to store collapsed fabric pods that are
inactive can be reduced by about two to twelve times as compared to
the amount of space required to store upright non-collapsed fabric
pods that are inactive. Also, because the amount of space required
by the collapsible fabric pods is reduced, the collapsible fabric
pods provide for lower costs of establishing inventory facilities,
lower costs of delivering collapsible fabric pods to inventory
facilities, and/or shared collapsible fabric pods between inventory
facilities. Such collapsible fabric pods may further provide for
quick and efficient assembly (e.g., construction, build-up,
erection, etc.) of the collapsible fabric pods for containing a
plurality of inventory items. Because the collapsible fabric pods
minimize an assembly time, the collapsible fabric pods provide for
quickly establishing temporary sites during a peak in activity of
receiving, storing, picking, managing and delivering inventory
items.
[0045] By having the structural, e.g., steel, support on the top
and at the posts, the assembly may have a firm shape and be capable
of holding and supporting a large amount of weight. Furthermore,
the associated capacity may be larger and more flexible than
traditional storage products. Moreover, the associated functional
storage space may be greater than traditional rigid storage
structures such as steel or plastic storage structures.
[0046] In some instances, the collapsible fabric pod includes a
fabric bin array that has bins (or shelves) for holding product. A
bin can be up to any width or height within the envelope of the
collapsible fabric pod. Thus, the collapsible fabric pod may store
items of various sizes, shapes, and weights. Furthermore, in some
examples, the collapsible fabric pod can be built to have any
suitable bin size on any face or side. For example, one side of a
collapsible fabric pod may have a different number and different
sizes of bins than a different side.
[0047] Furthermore, in some examples, different combinations of
materials, colors, bin sizes, and collapsible fabric pod sizes may
be used to increase the functionality and efficiency of collapsible
fabric pods. For example, different combinations of the above
characteristics may be used to depict shelf height, product
location, labeling, and other storage-related aspects for product.
For example, the fabric pod may include a first row or column of
fabric bins associated with a first color and a second row or
column of fabric bins associated with a second color different from
the first color, and a user (e.g., an operator or human worker) may
identify the first row or column or the second row or column based
on the first and/or second colors to obtain an inventory item
contained in a fabric bin arranged in the first row or column of
fabric bins or in the second row or column of fabric bins.
Furthermore, in some examples, a collapsible fabric pod itself can
be a color associated with an inventory item. For example,
collapsible fabric pods may be different colors depending on the
type of inventory items each collapsible fabric pod may be
designated to contain. For example, a collapsible fabric pod may be
a particular color indicating a high value item, a hazardous
material item, a fragile item, a perishable item, etc.
[0048] Thus, the collapsible fabric pod may be configurable for any
product and can be configured, manufactured, assembled, or
pre-assembled (e.g., prefabricated) to have multiple bin arrays
that are suitable for different types of inventory. In some
instances, the fabric edges of collapsible fabric pods can prevent
or reduce injuries to lower rates than those associated with
non-fabric pods (e.g., metal-based edges). Furthermore, in some
examples, a collapsible fabric pod can be reconfigured by replacing
or modifying the fabric, while retaining the same structure. Thus,
collapsible fabric pods may be changed based on changing inventory
sizes or quantities.
[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an
example collapsible fabric pod 400. In some examples, the
collapsible fabric pod 400 may be a type of the inventory holder
104 of FIG. 3. Thus, the collapsible fabric pod 400 may be suitable
for being handled by a mobile drive unit, such as the mobile drive
unit 106 of FIG. 3.
[0050] As illustrated, the collapsible fabric pod 400 includes a
fabric bin array 402. The collapsible fabric pod 400 may include
more than one fabric bin array 402, such as a fabric bin array 402
on more than one side of the collapsible fabric pod 400. In the
example, the fabric bin array 402 includes multiple bins on two
sides of the collapsible fabric pod. The bins may be of one or more
varying sizes. In some instances, each bin is approximately the
same size. Furthermore, there may be any number of rows and columns
of bins in the fabric bin array 402. In some examples, one or more
individual bins of the fabric bin array 402 may have a unique
identifier 404, which in some instances may be associated with a
unique identifier of the collapsible fabric pod 400. In some
examples, one or more individual bins of the fabric bin array 402
may have a door, a drawer, retaining lip, ledge, or an elastic
band(s) that may contain the one or more inventory items within the
individual bin.
[0051] In the illustrated example, the fabric bin array 402 slides
onto four posts 406 of approximately equal height via sleeves 408
along the four corners of the fabric bin array 402. In other
examples, clips, loops, magnets, glue, or any other suitable
attachment method may be used. Thus, a different portion of the
fabric bin array 402 wraps around each of the posts 406.
[0052] The posts 406 are each attached to a respective corner of a
base 410. In this example, the posts 406 include segments 412 that
are removeably coupled via a locking mechanism 414. The segments
412 can include a plurality of tubular segments constructed from at
least one of steel, aluminum, composite, carbon fiber, or plastic.
The tubular segments can have a curvilinear cross-section (e.g.,
circular cross-section, oval cross-section, etc.), or polygonal
cross-section (e.g., rectangular cross-section, triangular
cross-section, rhombus cross-section etc.). In another example, the
posts 406 may include segments that are foldably (e.g., pivotably)
coupled via a locking hinge, or a hinge and corresponding locking
sleeve that maintains the hinge in a particular position. In
another example, the posts 406 may include segments that are
slideably coupled (e.g., telescoping) via tubular couplings. The
base 410 is rectangular in the illustrated example. In some
examples, the base may be polygonal (e.g., square, triangular,
rhombus), curvilinear (e.g., circular, oval), have rounded edges,
or be any other suitable shape. Furthermore, four crossbeams 416
are illustrated configured to be attached to a top portion of each
of the four posts 406 to form the rectangle. Thus, each of the four
crossbeams 416 supports a respective portion of the fabric bin
array. Furthermore, the four crossbeams 416 may be tubes, solid
beams, wires, or any other suitable structure for supporting the
middle portion of the fabric bin array 402. Furthermore, the four
crossbeams 416 may include at least one locking mechanism 418
arranged to attach a respective portion of the fabric bin array 402
to each of the four crossbeams 416. In some embodiments there may
be more or less than four crossbeams 416. The base 410 may also
include the locking mechanisms 418 arranged to attach a respective
portion of the fabric bin array 402 to each of the four side
members of the base 410. The four posts 406 may also include the
locking mechanisms 418 arranged to attach a respective portion of
the fabric bin array 402 to respective segments 412.
[0053] In some instances, one or more additional top supports or
crossbeams are attached to two of the four crossbeams 416. Thus,
the additional crossbeams support a middle portion of the fabric
bin array 402. In some examples, the one or more additional
crossbeams are attached to two of the four crossbeams 416 via
sleeves at the top of the fabric bin array 402. In some examples,
clips, loops, magnets, glue, or any other suitable attachment
method may be used. Furthermore, the additional crossbeams may be
tubes, solid beams, wires, or any other suitable structure for
supporting the middle portion of the fabric bin array 402. In some
examples, clips fixed to the fabric bin array 402 may attach to one
or more of the four crossbeams 416 to support a respective portion
of the fabric bin array. In some instances, one or more straps
fixed to the fabric bin array 402 may attach to a respective
portion of the crossbeams 416, additional top supports, the posts
406 and/or the base 410 to support a respective portion of the
fabric bin array.
[0054] In the illustrated example, the collapsible fabric pod 400
includes four legs 420. The legs 420 are an example of the legs 310
of FIG. 3. The legs 420 can be displaceably attached to the corners
of the base 410. For example, the legs 420 can be pivotably or
foldably attached to the base 410 via hinges. The legs 420 may be
arranged to fold up into the bottom of the base 410 (described in
more detail with regard to FIG. 7).
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled
example collapsible fabric pod 500. The collapsible fabric pod 500
is an example of the collapsible fabric pod 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5
illustrates the locking mechanisms 418 attaching respective
portions of the fabric bin array 402 to the segments 412 of the
four posts 406, the four crossbeams 416, and the base 410. Detail
view 502 illustrates the locking mechanism 418 is a grommet (e.g.,
metal grommet, plastic grommet, composite grommet, wood grommet,
etc.). For example, a tab or knob may be received by the grommet
and fix or lock the respective portion of the fabric bin array to a
segment, a crossbeam and/or base. The locking mechanisms 418
arranged in the four crossbeams 416 provide for stabilizing the top
of the collapsible fabric pod 500. While Detail view 502
illustrates the locking mechanism 418 is a grommet, the locking
mechanism 418 can be a turn or twist lock, a folding lock, button
lock, etc. In one example, the respective portion of the fabric bin
array may be a strap (e.g., top strap, side strap, bottom strap,
etc.) fixed to the fabric bin array. In another example, the
respective portion of the fabric bin array may be a sleeve (e.g.,
post sleeve, corner sleeve, segment sleeve, etc.).
[0056] Detail view 504 illustrates the locking mechanism 414 in a
coupled position 506 and a decoupled position 508. Detail view
illustrates the locking mechanism 414 is a button lock (e.g., push
button lock, pop button lock, pop lock, tube pin, snap clip tube
pin, locking tube pin, locking snap clip, etc.). For example, a
depressible button arranged in a first segment of a first post may
be received by an aperture arranged in a second segment of the
first post. The depressible button received by the aperture may fix
or lock the first segment of the first post with the second segment
of the first post. While Detail view 504 illustrates the locking
mechanism 414 is a button lock, the locking mechanism 414 can be a
threaded nut, a c-clamp, a compression fitting, etc. The locking
mechanism 414 provides for removeably coupling each of the segments
together in the upright position to support the fabric bin array
substantially vertically above the top of the base. One or more
fasteners 510 (e.g., bolts, screws, pins, locking pins, etc.) may
also be used to secure the segments together. The coupled position
506 and decoupled position 508 illustrated in detail view 504
illustrates a portion of a first segment of a first post may be
removeably receivable by a second segment of the first post. For
example, a portion of the first segment may be removeably received
by a coupling portion of the second segment.
[0057] Detail view 512 illustrates a side post lock 514 is a button
(e.g., push button lock, pop button lock, pop lock, tube pin, snap
clip tube pin, locking tube pin, locking snap clip, etc.) similar
to the locking mechanism 414. For example, a depressible button
arranged in a segment 412 of a post 406 may be received by an
aperture arranged in structural member fixed to a corner of the
base 410. The depressible button received by the aperture may fix
or lock the segment of the post with the structural member of the
base 410. Detail view 512 illustrates the segments 412 of the posts
406 are received by the structural member of the base 410 to
provide stability to the posts extending up from the base 410. One
or more fasteners 516 (e.g., bolts, screws, pins, locking pins,
etc.) may also be used to secure the posts 406 to the base 410.
Detail view 512 illustrates the base 410 can include stacking pegs
518. Stacking pegs 518 may provide for stacking collapsible fabric
pods.
[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates the base 410 can include a telescoping
mechanism 520. The telescoping mechanism 520 may allow the base 410
to be increased or reduced in size. For example, one or more
telescoping mechanisms 520 may be arranged within the base 410 to
provide for increasing or reducing a length and/or a width of the
base 410. For example, the base 410 can be made up of telescoping
members similar to side posts 406 so that one member can slide into
the adjacent member. In the example where the base is made up of
telescoping members, the members of the base 410 can have similar
push button locks as the side posts 406. Further, the base 410 can
have telescoping mechanisms on two or more sides of the base.
Because the telescoping mechanism 520 allows the length and/or
width of the base 410 to be reduced, at least two collapsible
fabric pods 500 can be arranged adjacent to each other in a smaller
space than the space needed to arrange at least two collapsible
fabric pods not having the telescoping mechanism 520. Because the
collapsible fabric pods 500 can be arranged adjacent to each other
in a smaller space, a larger quantity of the collapsible fabric
pods 500 can be shipped via trailer, container, crate, etc.
[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates location A at one of the top four corners
of the collapsible fabric pod 500. An example structural connection
corresponding to the location A is described in detail with regard
to FIG. 8 below.
[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example
collapsible fabric pod 600 in an upright position 602 and a front
view of the example collapsible fabric pod 600 in a collapsed
position 604. The perspective view of the collapsible fabric pod
600 in the upright position 602 shows each of the four posts 406
are in the upright position 602. The front view of the collapsible
fabric pod 600 in the collapsed position 604 shows each of the four
posts in the collapsed position 604. The perspective view of the
example collapsible fabric pod 600 in the upright position 602
shows that when in the upright position 602 each of the four posts
406 support the fabric bin array 402 substantially vertically above
a top of the base 410. The front view of the collapsible fabric pod
600 in the collapsed position 604 shows that when in the collapsed
position 604 each of the four posts are collapsed in the fabric bin
array 402 and the fabric bin array 402 is in a substantially
compressed position on the top of the base 410. The upright
position 602 and the collapsed position 604 illustrate each of the
segments are removeably coupleable to displace each of the
plurality of posts 406 between the upright position 602 and the
collapsed position 604. For example, when in the upright position
602 each of the segments 412 of each of the plurality of posts 406
are in the coupled position 506 (illustrated in FIG. 5) and support
the fabric bin array 402 substantially vertically above the top of
the base 410, and when in the collapsed position 604 each of the
segments 412 of each of the plurality of posts 406 are in the
decoupled position 508 (illustrated in FIG. 5) and the fabric bin
array 402 is in the compressed position on the top of the base
410.
[0061] While FIG. 6 illustrates the collapsible fabric pod 600 is
displaceable between the upright position 602 and the collapsed
position 604, the collapsible fabric pod 600 is collapsible to
positions between the upright position 602 and the collapsed
position 604. For example, the collapsible fabric pod 600 can be
collapsed or expanded per collapsible section 606. The collapsible
fabric pod 600 can be collapsed per collapsible section 606 for
configuring a size of the fabric bin array. For example, each of a
first plurality of segments 412 of a first collapsible section can
be decoupled from a respective one of a second plurality of
segments 412 of a second collapsible section. When the first
plurality of segments of the first collapsible section are
decoupled from the second plurality of segments of the second
collapsible section, the first collapsible section is collapsed
down in a direction 608 to a position on the top of the second
collapsible section. Because the collapsible fabric pod 600 can be
collapsed or expanded per collapsible section 606 a size of the
fabric bin array 402 can be configured based on inventory items to
be contained in the fabric bin array 402.
[0062] When in the upright position 602, in one example, the
collapsible fabric pod 600 may have a length of about 37 inches (94
centimeters), a width of about 37 inches (94 centimeters), and a
height of about 108 inches (274 centimeters). When in the collapsed
position 604, in one example, the collapsible fabric pod 600 may
have a length of about 37 inches (94 centimeters), a width of about
37 inches (94 centimeters), and a height of about 16 inches (41
centimeters). In another example, when in the upright position 602,
the collapsible fabric pod 600 may have a length of at least about
18 inches (46 centimeters) to at most about 55 inches (140
centimeters), a width of at least about 18 inches (46 centimeters)
to at most about 55 inches (140 centimeters), and a height of at
least about 54 inches (137 centimeters) to at most about 162 inches
(411 centimeters), and when in the collapsed position 604, the
collapsible fabric pod 600 may have a height of at least about 8
inches (20 centimeters) to at most about 24 inches (61
centimeters).
[0063] While the collapsed position 604 illustrates a plurality of
decoupled segments 412, one or more of the segments 412 may not be
decoupled in the collapsed position 604. For example, each of the
four posts 406 can be composed of a plurality of segments that are
rotatably coupleable or internally telescoping to displace the four
posts 406 between the upright position 602 and the collapsed
position 604. When in the upright position 602 each of the
rotatably coupleable segments or internally telescoping segments of
each of the four posts 406 are coupled together and support the
fabric bin array substantially vertically above the top of the
base. When in the collapsed position each of the rotatably
coupleable segments or internally telescoping segments of each of
the four posts 406 are collapsed and the fabric bin array is in the
compressed position on the top of the base. In an example, where
the plurality of segments are rotatably coupleable or internally
telescoping, each of the sections 606 may be rotatable relative to
other sections 606. For example, each section 606 may rotate down
on top of another section 606. In this example, where the sections
606 may rotate down on top of each other via rotatable joints
located vertically between corresponding tops and bottoms of each
row of shelves, a footprint of the collapsible fabric pod may
increase when in the collapsed position. For example, where the
sections 606 may rotate down on top of each other, the footprint of
the collapsible fabric pod may increase to a size larger than a
standard pallet size (e.g., International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) Standard 6780). In another example, where the
plurality of segments are rotatably coupleable or internally
telescoping, the sections 606 may fold at folding joints located
vertically adjacent to corresponding tops and/or bottoms of each
row of shelves. In this example, where the plurality of segments
fold at folding joints between the plurality of segments, each
section 606 may fold relative to each other into the collapsed
position or the upright position while maintaining an overall
footprint in the collapsed position that stays within the footprint
of the base 410. In another example, where the plurality of
segments are rotatably coupleable or internally telescoping, the
plurality of segments may rotate and telescope relative to each
other. For example, one or more of the segments may rotate relative
to one or more other segments, and one or more of the segments may
telescope relative to one or more other segments. In this example,
where the plurality of segments may rotate and telescope relative
to each other, each section may rotate and/or telescope relative to
each other into the collapsed position or the upright position.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible
fabric pod 600 in the upright position 602 with the legs 420
arranged up beneath the base 410. The perspective view of the
collapsible fabric pod 600 in the upright position 602 illustrates
the base 410 includes pockets 700 arranged in a side of the base
410 for receiving a lifting member (e.g., tines of a forklift). The
pockets 700 provide for the lifting member to raise the base 410
off of a surface. For example, the pockets 700 provide for raising
the base 410 off of a surface to move the collapsible fabric pod
600, when the four posts 406 are in the upright position, to a
location based at least in part on one or more inventory items
contained in the fabric bin array 402. Because the legs 420 can be
arranged up beneath the base 410 and the collapsible fabric pod 600
can be moved with inventory items contained in the fabric bin array
402, the collapsible fabric pod 600 can attain a reduced height in
order to be shipped via a trailer (e.g., a standard 53 foot
trailer, a standard 12 meter trailer, a standard 16 meter trailer,
etc.). Further, because the collapsible fabric pods 600 can be
moved with inventory items contained in the fabric bin array 402,
the collapsible fabric pods 600 provide for sharing assets between
facilities.
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the collapsible fabric
pod 600 in the collapsed position 604 with the legs 420 arranged up
beneath the base 410. The front view of the collapsible fabric pod
600 in the collapsed position 604 illustrates the base 410 includes
the pockets 700 arranged in the side of the base 410 for receiving
the lifting member and moving the collapsible fabric pod 600 when
the four posts 406 are in the collapsed position. Because the legs
420 can be arranged up beneath the base 410 and the collapsible
fabric pod 600 can be moved in the collapsed position 604, the
collapsible fabric pod 600 can be shipped via a trailer (e.g., a
standard 53 foot trailer) and provide for delivering collapsible
pods 600 for faster installations. For example, the collapsible
fabric pods 600 can be delivered and setup in less time to new
facilities (e.g., newly constructed type facilities, under
construction type facilities, newly established type facilities,
etc.) and/or temporary facilities (e.g., peak time type facilities,
tent type facilities, portable type facilities, shelter type
facilities, etc.). Moreover, because the legs 420 can be arranged
up beneath the base 410 and the collapsible fabric pod 600 can be
moved in the collapsed position 604, the collapsible fabric pods
600 can be stacked on each other.
[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view 702 of the base 410 of the
collapsible fabric pod 600 with a lifting member 704 received by
the pockets 700 arranged in the side of the base 410. The bottom
view 702 shows the each of the four legs 420 configured to attach
to a respective corner of the base 410 and arranged to fold up into
a bottom of the base 410 opposite the top of the base 410. The
bottom view 702 shows the legs 420 can be attached to the base 410
via hinges 706. The bottom view 702 also shows respective two
adjacent legs 420 of the four legs 420 fold up into the bottom of
the base 410 toward each other and along the side of the base 410.
Because adjacent legs 420 fold up toward each other on the sides
the base 410, this provides for folding the legs 420 into the base
410 subsequent to the lifting member 704 lifting the base 410 off a
surface. In one example, the four legs 420 can be maintained in the
folded position via one or more straps fixed to the fabric bin
array 402. For example, one or more straps fixed to the fabric bin
array 402 may wrap around the legs 420 folded in the base 410, and
attach to a respective portion of the crossbeams 416 and/or the
base 410 to maintain the legs 420 in the folded position. In
another example, the four legs 420 can be maintained in the folded
position via pins, springs, latches, etc. arranged with the four
legs 420 and the base 410. In another example, each of the four
legs 420 may include a locking mechanism (e.g., the locking
mechanism 414) to provide for locking the four legs 420 in the
folded position. Further, the locking mechanism can provide for
locking the four legs 420 in the un-folded or extended position.
Additionally or alternatively, the legs 420 may include one or more
springs or other biasing mechanisms, either separately or
integrated/incorporated with the hinges or other components, to
bias the legs 420 into their extended position, their folded
position, or both.
[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates an example structural connection 800
corresponding to location A illustrated in FIG. 5 when the
collapsible fabric pod 500 is assembled. The illustrated structural
connection 800 includes example first and second crossbeams 802(1)
and 802(2) of the four crossbeams 416 illustrated in FIG. 4, and an
example top 804 of an example post 806 of the four posts 406
illustrated in FIG. 4. The structural connection 800 illustrates
the first crossbeam 802(1) pivotably connected to the top 804 of
the post 806 via a pin 808 and removeably coupled to an adjacent
post (not shown). The first crossbeam 802(1) is pivotably connected
to the top 804 of the post 806 and removeably coupled to the
adjacent post of the four posts 406 defining a first position 810
of the first crossbeam 802(1). After the second crossbeam 802(2) is
pivotably displaced in a direction 812 toward an adjacent post (not
shown) of the four posts 406, the first crossbeam 802(1) can be
pivotably displaced about the pin 808 in a direction 814 such that
the first crossbeam 802(1) is arranged above the top 804 of the
post 806. A channel 816 can be arranged in the post 806 for
receiving the first crossbeam 802(1). The channel 816 can extend a
full length of the post 806 or stop after a full length of the
crossbeam 802(1).
[0068] In one example, when the first crossbeam 802(1) is in the
first position 810, the four posts 406 can be in the upright
position 602 (illustrated in FIG. 6). In another example, when the
first crossbeam 802(1) is in the first position 810, the four posts
406 can be in the collapsed position 604 (illustrated in FIG.
6).
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates an example structural connection 818
corresponding to location A illustrated in FIG. 5 when the
collapsible fabric pod 500 is disassembled and the first crossbeam
802(1) is arranged in a second position 820. The first crossbeam
802(1) is arranged in the second position 820 when the first
crossbeam 802(1) is pivotably attached, via the pin 808, to the top
804 of the post 806 and arranged adjacent to the post 806. For
example, the first crossbeam 802(1) can continue to be pivotably
displaced in the direction 814 about the pin 808 such that the
first crossbeam 802(1) is arranged in the channel 816 of the post
806.
[0070] In one example, when the first crossbeam 802(1) is in the
second position 820, the four posts 406 can be in the collapsed
position 604 (illustrated in FIG. 6). In another example, when the
first crossbeam 802(1) is in the second position 820, the four
posts 406 can be in the upright position 602 (illustrated in FIG.
6).
[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates the post 806 can include apertures 822
for receiving respective portions of the first and second
crossbeams 802(1) and 802(2). In some examples, the first and
second crossbeams 802(1) and 802(2) can include notches (e.g.,
grooves, slits, slots, etc.) for receiving a portion of the top 804
of the post 806. In some examples, the first crossbeam 802(1) can
include a locking mechanism (pop lock, turn or twist lock, folding
lock, etc.) arranged in an end of the first crossbeam 802(1). For
example, a locking mechanism can be arranged in the end of the
first crossbeam 802(1) to provide for locking the first crossbeam
802(1) and/or the second crossbeam 802(2) to the top 804 of the
post 806. In some examples, a cap 824 can be removeably received by
the top 804 of the post 806. The cap 824 can provide for locking
the structural connection 800 in the top 804 of the post 806.
Alternatively, the top portion of the collapsible fabric pod 500
may not include any pivotable or removable connections, and may
instead include a substantially rigid, integrated structure,
similar to the base 410 as described herein. Additionally or
alternatively, the top portion of the collapsible fabric pod 500
may include telescoping mechanisms, similar to the telescoping
mechanisms 520 as described herein with respect to the base 410,
that allow the overall footprint of the top portion of the pod to
be increased or reduced.
[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates an example process 900 of using an
example collapsible fabric pod (e.g., collapsible fabric pod 500).
For instance, this process may be performed to collapse a
collapsible fabric pod based at least in part on storing the
collapsible fabric pod, shipping the collapsible fabric pod, and/or
transporting inventory items contained in the collapsible fabric
pod.
[0073] Method 900 may include an operation 902, which represents
unlocking locking one or more of the mechanisms (e.g., locking
mechanisms 418) attaching a respective portion of a fabric bin
array (e.g., fabric bin array 402) to each of four crossbeams
(e.g., crossbeams 416) and/or unlocking one or more of the locking
mechanisms attaching a respective portion of the fabric bin array
to segments (e.g., segments 412) of posts (e.g., posts 406) or any
other locking mechanisms attaching portions of the fabric bin array
to the collapsible fabric pod. For example, a user may unlock the
locking mechanisms so that the fabric bin array can slide along the
crossbeams and the segments of the posts. Method 900 may proceed to
operation 904, which represents collapsing one or more of the posts
and the fabric bin array from the top of the collapsible fabric pod
toward the bottom of the collapsible fabric pod. For example, a
user may decouple the segments via unlocking one or more of the
locking mechanisms (e.g., locking mechanisms 414), separating the
segments, such that the segments are in a decoupled position (e.g.,
decoupled position 508) and free floating in the fabric bin array,
while folding the fabric bin array down toward the base and into an
intermediate position or a collapsed position (e.g., collapsed
position 604). Additionally or alternatively to decoupling the
segments, the segments may be rotated, pivoted, telescoped together
or apart, or otherwise collapsed into an intermediate position or a
collapsed position. Additionally or alternatively, the base and top
portions may be telescoped together in order to reduce the overall
footprint of the collapsible fabric pod. Further additionally or
alternatively, the legs of the base may be folded up to reduce the
height of the collapsible fabric pod. Method 900 may be complete at
operation 906, which represents fastening down, via one or more of
the locking mechanisms (e.g., locking mechanisms 418), the
collapsible fabric pod in the collapsed position. Operation 906 may
also include stacking the collapsible fabric pod on another
collapsible fabric pod via stacking pins (e.g., stacking pins
518).
[0074] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the
subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific
features are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the
claims.
* * * * *