U.S. patent application number 16/294659 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-10 for systems and methods for packing items for delivery.
The applicant listed for this patent is Walmart Apollo, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert L. Cantrell, Donald R. High, Brian G. McHale.
Application Number | 20190308784 16/294659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68096341 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190308784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cantrell; Robert L. ; et
al. |
October 10, 2019 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PACKING ITEMS FOR DELIVERY
Abstract
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein
useful to packing one or more commercial product items for delivery
to customers. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for
packing one or more commercial product items including an elongated
strip comprising a material that is at least flexible and bendable;
at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) coupling device secured
to a first portion of the elongated strip, wherein the UAV coupling
device comprises a plate configured to couple the elongated strip
to a UAV configured to deliver the one or more commercial product
items; a securing mechanism at a second portion of the elongated
strip; and a wrapping material covering at least exposed areas of
the one or more commercial product items not covered by the
elongated strip.
Inventors: |
Cantrell; Robert L.;
(Herndon, VA) ; High; Donald R.; (Noel, MO)
; McHale; Brian G.; (Chadderton Oldham, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Walmart Apollo, LLC |
Bentonville |
AR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68096341 |
Appl. No.: |
16/294659 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62653685 |
Apr 6, 2018 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 63/18 20130101;
B65D 63/1018 20130101; B65D 2571/00018 20130101; B65D 63/1009
20130101; B65D 71/06 20130101; B65D 71/02 20130101; B65D 65/04
20130101; B65D 2313/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 63/10 20060101
B65D063/10; B65D 65/04 20060101 B65D065/04; B65D 71/02 20060101
B65D071/02; B65D 71/06 20060101 B65D071/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for packing one or more commercial product items
for delivery to customers comprising: an elongated strip comprising
a material that is at least flexible and bendable and configured to
wrap around a perimeter of the one or more commercial product items
and hold the one or more commercial product items in a generally
fixed arrangement against each other and leaving portions of the
one or more commercial product items exposed where not covered by
the elongated strip; at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
coupling device secured to a first portion of the elongated strip,
wherein the UAV coupling device comprises a plate configured to
couple the elongated strip to a UAV configured to deliver the one
or more commercial product items; a securing mechanism at a second
portion of the elongated strip, wherein the securing mechanism is
configured to hold the elongated strip around the one or more
commercial product items in the generally fixed arrangement; and a
wrapping material covering at least exposed areas of the one or
more commercial product items not covered by the elongated strip,
wherein the wrapping material is configured to secure the one or
more commercial product items in the generally fixed arrangement
formed by the elongated strip during a delivery.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises: a first
notch; and a second notch opposite the first notch, wherein each of
the first and second notches is configured to receive a handle of a
claw of a plurality of claws of a package attachment system of a
UAV configured to carry the one or more commercial product
items.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a line
cord coupled to a first surface of the plate that is opposite a
second surface of the plate secured to the first portion of the
elongated strip, wherein the line cord is configured to hook over a
handle of a package attachment system of a UAV to carry the one or
more commercial product items.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises one or
more threaded holes to receive one or more screws of a package
attachment system of a UAV, wherein the one or more screws are
driven by a motor of the package attachment system.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises: a first end of the elongated strip comprising an
adhesive portion; and a second end of the elongated strip
comprising an opening, wherein, in holding the one or more
commercial product items in the generally fixed arrangement, the
adhesive portion of the first end of the elongated strip is
substantially inserted through the opening and coupled to the
second end of the elongated strip.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises: a first end of the elongated strip comprising an
adhesive portion; and a second end of the elongated strip, wherein,
in holding the one or more commercial product items in the
generally fixed arrangement, the second end of the elongated strip
is substantially wrapped over and affixed on the adhesive portion
of the first end of the elongated strip.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the adhesive portion comprises
a first adhesive side and a second adhesive side, and wherein the
first adhesive side is exposed to securely wrap the elongated strip
around the perimeter of the one or more commercial product
items.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises a belt loop to guide the second end of the elongated
strip over the adhesive portion of the first end of the elongated
strip, and to further secure the elongated strip around the
perimeter of the one or more commercial product items.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises one or more grippers on an edge of the second end of the
elongated strip, the one or more grippers configured to detachably
couple to a robotic arm guiding the second end of the elongated
strip over the adhesive portion of the first end of the elongated
strip.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag that an RFID reader is
configured to read to at least one of: track and confirm receipt of
the one or more commercial product items.
11. A system for packing one or more items for delivery comprising:
a conveyor configured to move one or more commercial product items
towards an opening of an elongated strip; the elongated strip
comprising: a material that is at least flexible and bendable; and
a securing mechanism at a first end of the elongated strip, wherein
the securing mechanism is configured to hold a streamlined packing
of the one or more commercial product items in place; a holding
structure comprising a first arm end and a second arm end, the
holding structure configured to hold the elongated strip in a
U-shape forming a volume, wherein the one or more commercial
product items are received and retained in the volume as the one or
more commercial product items travel on the conveyor, and wherein
vibrating motion of the conveyor causes the one or more commercial
product items to be positioned in a generally fixed arrangement
against each other; one or more sensors configured to read
identification tags of the one or more commercial product items;
and a control circuit coupled to the one or more sensors and the
conveyor, the control circuit configured to: determine a quantity
of the one or more commercial product items received in the volume
based on the identification tags read by the one or more sensors;
determine whether the quantity is equal to a predetermined
threshold associated with the elongated strip; and in response to
the quantity being equal to the predetermined threshold, initiate
operation of the holding structure to secure the one or more
commercial product items in the volume formed by the elongated
strip through operation of the first arm end and the second arm
end.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a rod operatively
coupled to the control circuit, the rod configured to nudge the one
or more commercial product items in the volume as the first arm end
and the second arm end operate to secure the one or more commercial
product items in the volume via the securing mechanism of the
elongated strip.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises at least one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) coupling
device secured to a first portion of the elongated strip, wherein
the at least one UAV coupling device comprises a plate configured
to couple the elongated strip to a UAV configured to deliver the
one or more commercial product items.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plate comprises: a first
notch; and a second notch opposite the first notch, wherein each of
the first and second notches is configured to receive a handle of a
claw of a plurality of claws of a package attachment system of a
UAV that is configured to carry the one or more commercial product
items.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the plate comprises a line cord
coupled to a first surface of the plate that is opposite a second
surface of the plate secured to the first portion of the elongated
strip, wherein the line cord is configured to hook over a handle of
a package attachment system of a UAV to carry the one or more
commercial product items.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the plate comprises one or more
threaded holes to receive one or more screws of a package
attachment system of a UAV, wherein the one or more screws are
driven by a motor of the package attachment system.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the securing mechanism
comprises an adhesive portion, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises a second end, the second end comprises an opening, and
wherein, in positioning the one or more commercial product items in
the generally fixed arrangement, the adhesive portion of the first
end of the elongated strip is substantially inserted through the
opening and coupled to the second end of the elongated strip.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the securing mechanism
comprises an adhesive portion, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises a second end, wherein, in positioning the one or more
commercial product items in the generally fixed arrangement, the
second end of the elongated strip is substantially wrapped over and
affixed on the adhesive portion of the first end of the elongated
strip.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the adhesive portion comprises
a first adhesive side and a second adhesive side, and wherein the
first adhesive side is exposed to securely wrap the elongated strip
around a perimeter of the one or more commercial product items.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the elongated strip further
comprises a belt loop to guide the second end of the elongated
strip over the adhesive portion of the first end of the elongated
strip, and to further secure the elongated strip around the
perimeter of the one or more commercial product items.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/653,685 filed Apr. 6, 2018, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to packing items for
delivery.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, product items are delivered in a box by a
delivery agent using a delivery vehicle. The way the product items
are packed inside the box is immaterial to the delivery agent as
long as there is a storage space for the box in the delivery
vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, apparatuses and
methods pertaining to packing one or more commercial product items
for delivery to customers. This description includes drawings,
wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of an
exemplary apparatus for packing commercial product items for
delivery in accordance with some embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of an
exemplary apparatus for packing commercial product items for
delivery in accordance with some embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) coupling device in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary UAV
coupling device in accordance with some embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary elongated
strip in accordance with some embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary elongated
strip in accordance with some embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary securing
mechanism in accordance with some embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary elongated
strip in accordance with some embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary securing
mechanism in accordance with some embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system
for packing items for delivery in accordance with some
embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary process of
packing items for delivery in accordance with some embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary system for use in
implementing methods, techniques, devices, apparatuses, systems,
servers, sources and monitoring item distribution, in accordance
with some embodiments; and
[0017] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary UAV
coupling device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0018] Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present
invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are
useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often
not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these
various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions
and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of
occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such
specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The
terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical
meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons
skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where
different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments,
systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for
packing one or more commercial product items for delivery. In some
embodiments, an apparatus for packing commercial product items for
delivery includes an elongated strip comprising a material that is
at least flexible and bendable. By one configuration, the elongated
strip may wrap around a perimeter of one or more commercial product
items. By one approach, the elongated strip may hold the one or
more commercial product items in a generally fixed arrangement
against each other and leave portions of the one or more commercial
product items exposed where not covered by the elongated strip. By
another configuration, the apparatus may include at least one
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) coupling device secured to a first
portion of the elongated strip. By one approach, the UAV coupling
device may include a plate configured to couple the elongated strip
to a UAV to deliver the one or more commercial product items. By
another configuration, the apparatus may include a securing
mechanism at a second portion of the elongated strip. By one
approach, the securing mechanism may hold the elongated strip
around the one or more commercial product items in a generally
fixed arrangement. By another configuration, the apparatus may
include a wrapping material covering at least exposed areas of the
one or more commercial product items not covered by the elongated
strip. By one approach, the wrapping material may secure, during a
delivery, the one or more commercial product items in a generally
fixed arrangement formed by the elongated strip.
[0020] In some embodiments, a system for packing one or more items
for delivery includes an elongated strip including a material that
is at least flexible and bendable. By one approach, the elongated
strip may include a securing mechanism at a first end of the
elongated strip. In one configuration, the securing mechanism may
hold a streamlined packing of one or more commercial product items
in place. In one implementation, the system may include a conveyor
that may move one or more commercial product items towards an
opening of the elongate strip. In another implementation, the
system may include a holding structure including a first arm end
and a second arm end. By one approach, the holding structure may
hold the elongated strip in a U-shape forming a volume. In one
example, the one or more commercial product items may be received
and retained in the volume as the one or more commercial product
items travel on the conveyor. In such an example, vibrating motion
of the conveyor may cause the one or more commercial product items
to be positioned in a generally fixed arrangement against each
other. In another implementation, the system may include one or
more sensors that may read identification tags of the one or more
commercial product items. In another implementation, the system may
include a control circuit coupled to the one or more sensors and
the conveyor. By one approach, the control circuit may determine a
quantity of the one or more commercial product items received in
the volume based on the identification tags read by the one or more
sensors. By another approach, the control circuit may determine
whether the quantity is equal to a predetermined threshold
associated with the elongated strip. By another approach, the
control circuit may, in response to the quantity being equal to the
predetermined threshold, initiate operation of the holding
structure to secure the one or more commercial product items in the
volume formed by the elongated strip through operation of the first
arm end and the second arm end.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustration of an
exemplary apparatus 100 for packing commercial product items for
delivery in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 100
includes an elongated strip 102. By one approach, the elongated
strip 102 may include a material that is at least flexible and
bendable. For example, the elongated strip 102 may include a
cardstock, a pliable plastic, a rubber, and/or other types of
materials that are durable, pliable, and configured to secure
and/or hold one or more commercial product items 106 in a generally
fixed arrangement against each other. By one approach, the
elongated strip 102 may be wrapped around the one or more
commercial product items 106 to form a volume 112 to store the one
or more commercial product items 106 during a delivery. For
example, the one or more commercial product items 106 may settle in
a generally fixed arrangement against each other where unused or
unoccupied spaces in the volume 112 are substantially minimized by
the settling of the commercial product items 106 as the elongated
strip 102 is wrapped around a perimeter of the one or more
commercial product items 106. In one configuration, the elongated
strip 102 may include a first portion. In one example, the first
portion may include a first end 108 of the elongated strip 102. In
another example, the first portion may include a second end 110 of
the elongated strip 102. In one implementation, as the first end
108 is drawn towards the second end 110, the elongated strip 102
may take a generally or substantially spherical and/or oval form
that may be caused by the pressure exerted by the commercial
products 106 being squeezed inside the volume 112. As such, each
package formed by the cooperation of the elongated strip 102 and
the commercial product items 106 may be customized (due to the
package's shape being formed based, in part, on the commercial
product items 106 and the pressure applied by the elongated strip
102 when wrapping the commercial product items 106) and minimal
packaging materials may be used to, thereby, provide a more
aerodynamic, weight efficient packaging method of packages destined
to be delivered by a UAV. For example, the first end 108 may be
drawn towards the second end 110 up until a predetermined pressure
is reached. By one approach, the predetermined pressure may be
based on one or more materials the elongated strip 102 is made out
of. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include at least one
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) coupling device 104. For example, the
UAV coupling device 104 may be formed in and/or secured along a
portion of a length of the elongated strip 102, such as secured
(e.g., using one or more types of adhesive material generally found
in packaging and/or manufacturing products) to the first portion of
the elongated strip 102. In one configuration, the UAV coupling
device 104 may include a plate configured to couple the elongated
strip 102 to a UAV (not shown) configured to deliver the package
having the one or more commercial product items 106. For example,
UAV coupling device 104 may be configured to have a thickness to
maintain stability of the package formed by the elongated strip 102
wrapped around a perimeter of the commercial product items 106
during a delivery by a UAV. In an illustrative non-limiting
example, the thickness may be about 100, 60, or even less than or
within a threshold equal to 30 millimeters. The thickness may vary
between different lengths and/or sizes of the elongated strip 102
and/or threshold weights of the collection of product items 106
that are to be cooperated into the package by the elongated strip
102. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the UAV
coupling device 104 may typically depends on one or more intended
methods utilized by one or more UAVs that are intended to couple
with and transport the packages.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic illustration of an
exemplary apparatus 200 for packing commercial product items for
delivery in accordance with some embodiments. By one approach, the
apparatus 200 includes the elongated strip 102 and the UAV coupling
device 104 of FIG. 1. For example, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the
elongated strip 102 securing and/or holding the commercial product
items 106 during a delivery by securing the first end 108 with the
second end 110 of the elongated strip 102 to generally fix the
arrangement of the commercial product items 106 inside the volume
112. In such an example, the elongated strip 102 may wrap around a
perimeter of the one or more commercial product items 106 and hold
the one or more commercial product items 106 in a generally fixed
arrangement against each other and leaving portions of the one or
more commercial product items 106 exposed where not covered by the
elongated strip 102. In one example, the elongated strip 102 that
is used to create a package may depend on a quantity and/or
estimated total weight of the one or more commercial product items
106 to be wrapped around by the elongated strip 102. In such an
example, a width and/or a length of the elongated strip 102 may be
based, in part, on the quantity and/or the estimated total weight
of the commercial product items 106. By another approach, when the
commercial product items 106 are held in a generally fixed
arrangement by the elongated strip 102, a wrapping material 202 is
wrapped over the commercial product items 106 to cover at least
exposed areas of the commercial product items 106 not covered by
the elongated strip 102. For example, the wrapping material 202 may
include cellophane wrapping materials, biaxially-oriented
polypropylene (BOPP), cling wraps, among other types of wrapping
materials. In one scenario, the wrapping material 202 is configured
to secure the commercial product items 106 in a generally fixed
arrangement formed by the elongated strip 102. By another approach,
the wrapping material 202 may completely wrap the commercial
product items 106 and the elongated strip 102. In some
configuration, the UAV coupling device 104 may be wrapped by the
wrapping material 202 when the wrapping material 202 completely
wraps the commercial product items 106 and the elongated strip 102.
In such a configuration, a package attachment system 302 of FIG. 3
of a UAV may pierce through the wrapping material 202 when
attaching to the UAV coupling device 104. In another configuration,
the wrapping material 202 may be substantially tightly wrapped
around the commercial product items 106 to further secure and/or
hold the commercial product items 106 in the generally fixed
arrangement formed by the elongated strip 102. In some embodiments,
the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and/or the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 may
be for a single use and, thus, may only be used one time in a
delivery.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary UAV
coupling device 104 in accordance with some embodiments. In one
configuration, the UAV coupling device 104 may include a plate
configured to couple the elongated strip 102 to a UAV. In such a
configuration, the UAV coupling device 104 may be interchangeably
referred to as a plate 104. By one approach, the plate 104 may
include a first notch 312 and a second notch 316. In one
implementation, the second notch 316 may be substantially opposite
the first notch 312 and separated from the first notch by a
distance. In some instances, the distance is the width of the
plate, while in other instances one or more cavities are formed
within the plate and further include the notches. By another
approach, the plate 104 may include a plurality of notches
including the first notch 312 and the second notch 316. By another
approach, the plate 104 may include a plate identifier 308. For
example, the plate identifier 308 may be particularly associated
with the plate 104 and/or the commercial product items 106.
Alternatively or in addition to, the plate identifier 308 may
include an optical-based identification tag, a radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag, among other types of identification tags
associable with the plate 104. In one scenario, an RFID reader may
read the RFID tag to track and/or confirm receipt of the one or
more commercial product items 106. In one implementation, a control
circuit 1002 shown on FIG. 10 may identify which one or more
commercial product items 106 are carried by a UAV during a delivery
based on the plate identifier 308. Alternatively or in addition to,
the elongated strip 102 may include a strip identifier (not shown)
similar to the plate identifier 308 to track and/or confirm receipt
of the one or more commercial product items 106. As such, the strip
identifier may include an optical-based identification tag, an RFID
tag, among other types of identification tags associable with the
strip identifier. In some embodiments, one or more claws 310 of the
package attachment system 302 of a UAV may couple to the plate 104
when the plate 104 receives first handle(s) 314 of the claw(s) 310
as shown in a close configuration 306 of a UAV coupled to a package
secured and/or held by the elongated strip 102 (for example, as
depicted in the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and the apparatus 200 of
FIG. 2), to deliver the one or more commercial product items 106.
In another configuration, when the UAV delivers the package to a
delivery destination, the first handle(s) 314 of the claw(s) 310
detach from the notches 312, 316 as shown in an open configuration
304 of the UAV coupled to the package.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary UAV
coupling device 104 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 4
illustrates a UAV coupling device 104 including a plate and a line
cord 406 coupled to the plate. As such, the UAV coupling device 104
may be interchangeably referred to as a plate 104. By one approach,
the line cord 406 is coupled to a first surface of the plate 104
that is opposite a second surface of the plate 104, where the
second surface is secured to the first portion of the elongated
strip 102. For example, the line cord 406 may hook over a second
handle 410 of the package attachment system 302 of a UAV to carry
the one or more commercial product items 106. In one
implementation, the second handle 410 may include a circular ball,
a hook, and/or any other type of shapes that receive the line cord
406 and secure the line cord 406 from detaching from the package
attachment system 302. In some embodiments, the package attachment
system 302 may include a J-hook claw 408 and/or a snap-latch 412.
By one approach, when the J-hook claw 408 is in an open
configuration 402, the line cord 406 may be hooked over the second
handle 410 through unattached end of the J-hook claw 408 and over
the second handle 410 so as to keep the line cord 406 from sliding
passed the second handle 410 towards the unattached end of the
J-hook claw 408. As such, to secure the line cord 406 to the J-hook
claw 408, the snap-latch 412 is latched as shown in a close
configuration 404 of the J-hook claw 408. Alternatively or in
addition to, the line cord 406 may be hook over the second handle
410 so as to have the line cord 406 held and kept by the second
handle 410 from becoming detached from the J-hook claw 408. In
another example, the line cord 406 may be released from the J-hook
claw 408 when the J-hook claw 408 swings out or away from the
second handle 410 and the snap-latch 412 swings towards the J-hook
claw 408, and thereby, enabling the line cord 406 to slip over the
second handle 410 and off the J-hook claw 408. In some embodiments,
the plate 104 may include one or more threaded holes 602 as shown
in FIG. 6 to receive one or more screws of the package attachment
system 302 of a UAV. By one approach, the one or more screws of the
package attachment system 302 may be driven by a motor of the
package attachment system 302. For example, the one or more
threaded holes 602 may include threaded bushings, captive nuts,
mold-in inserts, press fit inserts, pre-tapped holes,
externally-threaded inserts, helical inserts, and/or among other
types of threaded inserts. FIGS. 3-4 and descriptions illustrated
above are illustrative non-limiting examples of the plate 104. As
such, those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be
made with respect to the above described embodiments of the plate
104, particularly those plate 104 coupled to an elongated strip 102
to carry a package including the one or more commercial product
items 106.
[0025] In another illustrative non-limiting example, the UAV
coupling device 104 may be illustrated as shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13
is a schematic illustration of an exemplary UAV coupling device 104
in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 13 illustrates a UAV
coupling device 104 including a plate and a third handle formed by
a shaft 1306 and shaft-support 1308. Similar to FIG. 4, the UAV
coupling device 104 may be interchangeably referred to as a plate
104. In one configuration, the shaft-support 1308 is a fix
structure that renders the third handle in a fixed upright
position. In another configuration, the shaft-support 1308 is
collapsible, and thus, enabling the shaft 1306 to fall down
substantially on top of the plate 104 when a plurality of claws
1310 coupled to the package attachment system 302 of a UAV release
the third handle by swinging out or away from the third handle as
illustrated in a release position 1302 of the UAV. By one approach,
to carry a package formed by the elongated strip 102 wrapped around
a perimeter of the commercial product items 106 as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, for example, the plurality of claws 1310 interlace and/or
slide under the third handle as illustrated in a lock position 1304
of the UAV.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration
of an exemplary elongated strip 102 in accordance with some
embodiments. By one approach, the elongated strip 102 may include
the plate 104 in the first portion of the elongated strip 102 and a
securing mechanism at a second portion of the elongated strip 102.
In one configuration, the securing mechanism is configured to
secure and/or hold the elongated strip 102 around the one or more
commercial product items 106 in the generally fixed arrangement.
For example, the securing mechanism may include an adhesive
portion, one or more staple fasteners, tape, among other ways to
secure the first end 108 to the second end 110. In some scenario,
the adhesive portion may include a first adhesive portion 502 and a
second adhesive portion 504. In one implementation, the elongated
strip 102 may include the first end 108 of the elongated strip 102
including the adhesive portion. In one configuration, the second
end 110 of the elongated strip 102 may include an opening 506. In
some scenario, the first portion of the elongated strip 102 may
include the opening 506. For example, in holding the one or more
commercial product items 106 in a generally fixed arrangement, the
adhesive portion of the first end 108 may be substantially inserted
through the opening 506 and coupled and/or secured to the second
end 110 as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of
an exemplary securing mechanism 700 in accordance with some
embodiments. For example, to secure the first end 108 to a back
side of the second end 110, the first adhesive portion 502 and/or
the second adhesive portion 504 may be peeled off to expose an
adhesive material (e.g., dextrin, starch-based adhesive, among
other ways to bond materials together) to bond and/or affix the
first end 108 to the back side of the second end 110. In another
example, the adhesive portion of the first end 108 of the elongated
strip 102 may be completely inserted through the opening 506 to
couple and/or secure the second end 110 to the first end 108 of the
elongated strip 102. For example, the first adhesive portion 502
and/or the second adhesive portion 504 may be wet to activate an
adhesive material to bond the first end 108 to the back side of the
second end 110.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary elongated
strip 102 in accordance with some embodiments. Alternatively or in
addition to, the plate 104 may include the one or more threaded
holes 602. As such, the elongated strip 102 may include the first
adhesive portion 502, the second adhesive portion 504, and the
opening 506. By one approach, the plate 104 in FIGS. 1-6 may be
interchangeable with another plate 104 of a different type. For
example, the plate 104 shown in FIG. 5 may be changed with the
plate 104 of FIG. 6 depending on a type of the package attachment
system 302 coupled to a UAV assigned to deliver the one or more
commercial product items 106.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary elongated
strip 102 in accordance with some embodiments. By one approach, the
elongated strip 102 may include one or more grippers 802, the first
adhesive portion 502, the second adhesive portion 504, and/or a
belt loop 804. In one configuration, the first end 108 of the
elongated strip 102 may include an adhesive portion (e.g., the
first adhesive portion 502 and/or the second adhesive portion 504).
Alternatively or in addition to, the second end 110 of the
elongated strip 102 may include the one or more grippers 802,
and/or the belt loop 804. For example, the belt loop 804 of the
elongated strip 102 may guide the second end 110 over the adhesive
portion of the first end 108 of the elongated strip to further
secure the elongated strip 102 around the perimeter of the one or
more commercial product items 106 as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a
schematic illustration of an exemplary securing mechanism 900 in
accordance with some embodiments. In an illustrative non-limiting
example, the one or more grippers 802 are positioned adjacent to an
edge of the second end 110 of the elongated strip 102. By one
approach, the one or more grippers 802 may detachably couple to a
robotic arm. In such an approach, the robotic arm may guide the
second end 110 over the adhesive portion (e.g., the first adhesive
portion 502 and/or the second adhesive portion 504) of the first
end 108 of the elongated strip 102. In one example, the adhesive
portion is fed through the belt loop 804 prior to bonding or
affixing the adhesive portion to the back side of the second end
110 of the elongated strip 102. By one approach, FIGS. 1 and 2 may
implement the securing mechanism 900. In such an approach, the
securing mechanism 900 may include the one or more grippers 802. In
one example, the one or more grippers 802 may include grommets,
eyelets, and/or other types of fasteners that enable a robotic arm
and/or a mechanical device to couple to the second end 110 of the
elongated strip 102 and guide the second end 110 over the first end
108. Alternatively or in addition to, the belt loop 804 may be
tightened to further secure and/or hold the commercial product
items 106 in a generally fixed arrangement against each other. For
example, the belt loop 804 may include a rubber material and a
tie-down, among other materials used to guide and/or tighten and
secure materials together.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary system
1000 for packing items for delivery in accordance with some
embodiments. By one approach, the system 1000 includes the
elongated strip 102 as depicted in one or more of FIGS. 1-9. In one
configuration, the system 1000 may include a conveyor 1004. In one
implementation, the conveyor 1004 may move one or more commercial
product items 106 towards an opening of the elongate strip 102 as
depicted by a first arrow 1018. By one approach, the system 1000
may include a holding structure. In one configuration, the holding
structure may include a first arm end 1010 and a second arm end
1012. Alternatively or in addition to, the holding structure may
hold the elongated strip 102 in a U-shape forming the volume 112.
For example, the one or more commercial product items 106 may be
received and retained in the volume 112 as the one or more
commercial product items 106 travel on the conveyor 1004 as
depicted by the first arrow 1018. In another example, vibrating
motion 1016 of the conveyor 1004 may cause the one or more
commercial product items 106 to be positioned in a generally fixed
arrangement against each other. By another approach, the system
1000 may include one or more sensors 1008 may read identification
tags of the one or more commercial product items 106 as the
commercial product items 106 travels down the conveyor 1004 towards
the volume 112 as depicted by the first arrow 1018. By another
approach, the system 1000 may include the control circuit 1002. In
one configuration, the control circuit 1002 may determine a
quantity of the commercial product items 106 received in the volume
112 based on the identification tags read by the one or more
sensors 1008. In one example, a memory device (not shown) may be
initiated by the control circuit 1002 to store the identification
tags as the identification tags are read by the sensor(s) 1008. By
one approach, based on the stored identification tags and the plate
identifier 308 associated with the elongated strip 102, the control
circuit 1002 may determine which commercial product items 106 are
in a package destined for delivery to a delivery destination by a
UAV, where the package includes the elongated strip 102 securing
and/or holding the commercial products 106 in a streamlined packing
arrangement and/or in a generally fixed arrangement against each
other. In one implementation, the control circuit 1002 may
determine whether the quantity is equal to a predetermined
threshold associated with the elongated strip 102. For example, the
control circuit 1002 may determine that the elongated strip 102 is
associated with a particular predetermined threshold of quantity
that the elongated strip 102 may secure and/or hold inside the
volume 112 to effectuate a streamlined packing arrangement and/or a
generally fixed arrangement during a delivery. As such, when the
quantity surpasses the particular predetermined threshold, the
first end 108 and the second end 110 of the elongated strip 102 may
inadvertently detach from one another and cause the commercial
product items 106 to spill out of the volume 112. In one example,
one or more predetermined thresholds and/or corresponding elongated
strips 102 may be stored in a memory associated with the control
circuit 1002. In another implementation, the control circuit 1002
may, in response to the quantity being equal to the predetermined
threshold, initiate operation of the holding structure to secure
the one or more commercial product items 106 in the volume 112
formed by the elongated strip 102 through operation of the first
arm end 1010 and the second arm end 1012 by the control circuit
1002. In one configuration, the control circuit 1002 may provide a
signal via a communication path 1014 to the conveyor 1004 to stop
operation of the conveyor 1004 so that the first end 108 may be
bonded and/or affixed to the second end 110 by the operation of the
control circuit 1002 of the first arm end 1010 and/or the second
arm end 1012. In one scenario, the communication path 1014 may
include wireless and/or wired communication networks (e.g.,
Internet, WiFi, Ethernet, among other types of communications
networks). In one implementation, when the first end 108 is bonded
and/or affixed to the second end 110, the UAV coupling device 104
may be coupled to the package attachment system 302 of a UAV
assigned to deliver the commercial product items 106 secured and/or
held inside the volume 112. In some embodiments, the system 1000
may include a rod 1006. By one approach, the rod 1006 may be
operatively coupled to the control circuit 1002 via the
communication path 1014. In one configuration, the rod 1006 may
nudge the one or more commercial product items 106 in the volume
112 as the first arm end 1010 and the second arm end 1012 operate
to secure the one or more commercial product items 106 in the
volume 112 via the securing mechanism of the elongated strip 102.
For example, the securing mechanism may correspond to the securing
mechanisms shown in FIGS. 5-9. By one approach, nudging the
commercial product items 106 may further aid in positioning the
commercial product items 106 inside the volume 112 in a generally
fixed arrangement against each other.
[0030] FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 1100 of
packing items for delivery in accordance with some embodiments. By
one approach, the method 1100 may be implemented in the system 1000
of FIG. 10. By another approach, the system 1000 of FIG. 10 may
implement the method 1100 using one or more components depicted in
FIGS. 1-9. The method 1100 includes, at step 1102, determining a
quantity of one or more commercial product items received in a
volume based on identification tags corresponding to the commercial
product items are read by one or more sensors associated with a
conveyor system (e.g., the conveyor 1004). In one example, the
volume may be formed when an elongated strip (e.g., the elongated
strip 102) is bended to a U-shape. In one implementation, the
method 1100 may include, at step 1104, determining whether the
quantity is equal to a predetermined threshold associated with the
elongated strip. In another implementation, the method 1100 may
include, at step 1106, in response to the quantity being equal to
the predetermined threshold, initiating operation of a holding
structure to secure the one or more commercial product items in the
volume formed by the elongated strip through operation of a first
arm end and a second arm end of the holding structure. In one
configuration, the holding structure may be operatively coupled to
the conveyor system.
[0031] Further, the circuits, circuitry, systems, devices,
processes, methods, techniques, functionality, services, servers,
sources and the like described herein may be utilized, implemented
and/or run on many different types of devices and/or systems. FIG.
12 illustrates an exemplary system 1200 that may be used for
implementing any of the components, circuits, circuitry, systems,
functionality, apparatuses, processes, or devices of the system
1000 of FIG. 10, the method 1100 of FIG. 11, and/or other above or
below mentioned systems or devices, or parts of such circuits,
circuitry, functionality, systems, apparatuses, processes, or
devices. For example, the system 1200 may be used to implement some
or all of the system 1000 for packing items for delivery, the
control circuit 1002, and/or other such components, circuitry,
functionality and/or devices. However, the use of the system 1200
or any portion thereof is certainly not required.
[0032] By way of example, the system 1200 may comprise a processor
module (or a control circuit) 1212, memory 1214, and one or more
communication links, paths, buses or the like 1218. Some
embodiments may include one or more user interfaces 1216, and/or
one or more internal and/or external power sources or supplies
1240. The control circuit 1212 can be implemented through one or
more processors, microprocessors, central processing unit, logic,
local digital storage, firmware, software, and/or other control
hardware and/or software, and may be used to execute or assist in
executing the steps of the processes, methods, functionality and
techniques described herein, and control various communications,
decisions, programs, content, listings, services, interfaces,
logging, reporting, etc. Further, in some embodiments, the control
circuit 1212 can be part of control circuitry and/or a control
system 1210, which may be implemented through one or more
processors with access to one or more memory 1214 that can store
instructions, code and the like that is implemented by the control
circuit and/or processors to implement intended functionality. In
some applications, the control circuit and/or memory may be
distributed over a communications network (e.g., LAN, WAN,
Internet) providing distributed and/or redundant processing and
functionality. Again, the system 1200 may be used to implement one
or more of the above or below, or parts of, components, circuits,
systems, processes and the like. For example, the system 1200 may
implement the system 1000 for packing one or more items for
delivery with the control circuit 1002 being the control circuit
1212.
[0033] The user interface 1216 can allow a user to interact with
the system 1200 and receive information through the system. In some
instances, the user interface 1216 includes a display 1222 and/or
one or more user inputs 1224, such as buttons, touch screen, track
ball, keyboard, mouse, etc., which can be part of or wired or
wirelessly coupled with the system 1200. Typically, the system 1200
further includes one or more communication interfaces, ports,
transceivers 1220 and the like allowing the system 1200 to
communicate over a communication bus, a distributed computer and/or
communication network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), the
Internet, wide area network (WAN), etc.), communication link 1218,
other networks or communication channels with other devices and/or
other such communications or combination of two or more of such
communication methods. Further the transceiver 1220 can be
configured for wired, wireless, optical, fiber optical cable,
satellite, or other such communication configurations or
combinations of two or more of such communications. Some
embodiments include one or more input/output (I/O) interface 1234
that allow one or more devices to couple with the system 1200. The
I/O interface can be substantially any relevant port or
combinations of ports, such as but not limited to USB, Ethernet, or
other such ports. The I/O interface 1234 can be configured to allow
wired and/or wireless communication coupling to external
components. For example, the I/O interface can provide wired
communication and/or wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, cellular, RF, and/or other such wireless communication),
and in some instances may include any known wired and/or wireless
interfacing device, circuit and/or connecting device, such as but
not limited to one or more transmitters, receivers, transceivers,
or combination of two or more of such devices.
[0034] In some embodiments, the system may include one or more
sensors 1226 to provide information to the system and/or sensor
information that is communicated to another component, such as the
central control system, a portable retail container, a vehicle
associated with the portable retail container, etc. The sensors can
include substantially any relevant sensor, such as temperature
sensors, distance measurement sensors (e.g., optical units,
sound/ultrasound units, etc.), optical based scanning sensors to
sense and read optical patterns (e.g., bar codes), radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag reader sensors capable of reading RFID
tags in proximity to the sensor, and other such sensors. The
foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and are not
intended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible sensors.
Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will
accommodate sensing any of a wide variety of circumstances in a
given application setting.
[0035] The system 1200 comprises an example of a control and/or
processor-based system with the control circuit 1212. Again, the
control circuit 1212 can be implemented through one or more
processors, controllers, central processing units, logic, software
and the like. Further, in some implementations the control circuit
1212 may provide multiprocessor functionality.
[0036] The memory 1214, which can be accessed by the control
circuit 1212, typically includes one or more processor readable
and/or computer readable media accessed by at least the control
circuit 1212, and can include volatile and/or nonvolatile media,
such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory and/or other memory
technology. Further, the memory 1214 is shown as internal to the
control system 1210; however, the memory 1214 can be internal,
external or a combination of internal and external memory.
Similarly, some or all of the memory 1214 can be internal, external
or a combination of internal and external memory of the control
circuit 1212. The external memory can be substantially any relevant
memory such as, but not limited to, solid-state storage devices or
drives, hard drive, one or more of universal serial bus (USB) stick
or drive, flash memory secure digital (SD) card, other memory
cards, and other such memory or combinations of two or more of such
memory, and some or all of the memory may be distributed at
multiple locations over the computer network. The memory 1214 can
store code, software, executables, scripts, data, content, lists,
programming, programs, log or history data, user information,
customer information, product information, and the like. While FIG.
12 illustrates the various components being coupled together via a
bus, it is understood that the various components may actually be
coupled to the control circuit and/or one or more other components
directly.
[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety
of other modifications, alterations, and combinations can also be
made with respect to the above described embodiments without
departing from the scope of the invention, and that such
modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as
being within the ambit of the inventive concept.
* * * * *