Custom containers in a materials handling facility

US10118723B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• David Henry Clark · Seattle, US
• Dean Christopher Fullerton · Seattle, US
• Patricia T. Shigihara · Edmonds, US
• Kevin R. Vliet · Seattle, US
• Jon Stuart Battles · North Bend, US
• Brian C. Smith · Seattle, US
• Sebastian Lehmann · Seattle, US
• Jaffin James · Allentown, US
• Lakshmi S. Nidamarthi · Issaquah, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 6, 2018
• Expiry date: Feb 24, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P90/30
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Described herein are systems and techniques for determining a pack station for storing inventory in a materials handling facility, routing item packages to pack stations based on size ranges for custom containers and optimizing dimensions of custom containers based on dimensions of a shipping container. For example, the systems described herein may allocate a percentage of inventory to a custom inventory location that is physically near custom container forming devices, thereby reducing the cost to pick, sort, pack and route items for shipment, storing or otherwise handling in a custom container.