Apparatus, systems and methods for using handheld measurement devices to create on-demand packaging

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, assemblies, and systems relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items and/or a customized arrangement of items. In one aspect, one or more items are arranged. The one or more items are then measured using a measurement device. The measurement device includes, in some aspects, a bracket that engages the arranged one or more items. The bracket may, in some embodiments, elevate a measurement component relative to the arranged one or more items so as to provide clear line of sight unobstructed by the arranged one or more items. Measurements in three dimensions may be obtained and used to create a custom, on-demand package.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 423,567, filed on Dec. 15, 2010, entitled APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING HANDHELD MEASUREMENT DEVICES TO CREATE ON-DEMAND PACKAGING, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]With the increasing availability of merchandise, products, and other items not only locally, but through a global market, the need to properly and efficiently package such materials for shipment and delivery has never been more important. Products that are improperly packaged are more likely to be damaged on arrival. Damaged products can result in a significant cost to the provider if the product needs to be returned, replaced, or even if a frustrated consumer decides simply to cancel a purchase. Fortunately, available packaging systems can now be used to produce virtually any style of packaging, including packaging that can safely enclose and stor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system for creating on-demand packaging based on a physical arrangement of items to be placed within the created packaging. Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, machines, methods, assemblies, and computer-readable media usable to efficiently and automatically produce customized packaging for a wide variety of combinations of different items and products.

Problems solved by technology

Products that are improperly packaged are more likely to be damaged on arrival.

Damaged products can result in a significant cost to the provider if the product needs to be returned, replaced, or even if a frustrated consumer decides simply to cancel a purchase.

When strength decreases, the risk of damage or loss to the enclosed item(s) increases.

Likewise when packaging fits loosely, similar risks of damage or loss can occur as the sides of the packaging can bow, the corners may sag, and the right angles that make the package strong may be lost.

Boxes that are too large for a particular item are more expensive than a box that is custom sized for the item due to the cost of the excess material used to make the larger box.

These filling materials further increase the cost associated with packing an item in an oversized box.

A shipping vehicle filled with boxes that are 40% larger than the packaged items is much less cost efficient to operate than a shipping vehicle filled with boxes that are custom sized to fit the packaged items.

However, it is often not feasible to pre-select box sizes and / or pre-fabricate boxes for low volume items, specialty items, unique collections of items, etc., at least not in a manner that provides a precise fit.

For example, a retailer operating an online store may have thousands of different items, and could receive an order for any number of different items, such that the combined size, shape, weight, and other configuration of a desired package would be virtually impossible to predict beforehand.

Such combinations have heretofore made it difficult to produce customized packaging economically, due at least in part to the time needed to arrange and measure the items, and key in a box size for each order that includes multiple items.

Thus, retailers have generally been forced to select a box from available boxes of standard sizes and fill in the gaps within the box with internal packaging materials.

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