Modular transfer units for delivering items

US11040828B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. · US

Inventors

• Suzanne Clark Ward · Santa Monica, US
• Shelby Frances Apps · Atlanta, US
• William P. Apps · Anaheim, US
• Jessica Fitzgerald · Moorestown, US
• Derick Foster · Cumming, US
• Philip A. King · Sugar Hill, US
• Daniel Lowther · New Hope, US
• Kaushal Bharatkumar Mehta · Seattle, US
• Prasad V. Rao · Bellevue, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 22, 2021
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B61B1/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Modular transfer units are configured to transport bins or other storage units of standard shapes and sizes between locations. The modular transfer units may be loaded with bins or other storage units having items disposed therein at origins of the items, or at locations where the items are stored, such as fulfillment centers. The modular transfer units may then be mounted to one or more vehicles, such as trailers or rail cars, and transported to another location, where the modular transfer units may be removed from the vehicle, or transferred to another vehicle. The bins or other storage units may be loaded with items that are intended for delivery to a common location. After a bin or storage unit has been unloaded from a modular transfer unit, one or more other bins or storage units may be loaded thereon.