Systems and methods of storing and retrieving retail store product inventory
US11842320B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2020 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2101/66
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful in retail store inventory storage and retrieval. Some embodiments provide systems, comprising: a rack system positioned above a dropdown ceiling and extending over the sales floor, and comprising: a plurality of racks, a rail system and the plurality of access passages; a plurality of unmanned vehicles; a plurality of access stations, wherein the access stations physically cooperate with one of the access passages; each rack comprises storage cells to receive a reusable tote; and wherein the central control circuit is configured to receive a request for a first product, identify a first access station, access the inventory tracking system to identify a first storage cell in which the first product is stored, identify an available unmanned vehicle, and communicate to the unmanned vehicle directing the unmanned vehicle to retrieve the tote and transport the tote to the first access station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.