Automatic container unloader

Abstract

Various embodiments shown herein disclose a container unloader apparatus. The container unloader apparatus includes a platform for receiving a container, wherein the container houses a package. The container unloader apparatus also includes a front panel configured to move between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, wherein the front panel is orthogonal with respect to the platform when the front panel is in the raised orientation, and the front panel and the platform form a continuous surface when the front panel is in the lowered orientation. The platform can be pivoted from a first angle to a second angle that is greater than the first angle. The package rests against the front panel when the front panel is in the raised orientation. The package is released on a surface of a conveyor when the front panel is in the lowered orientation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a container unloader, and methods of automatically unloading containers from the container unloader using robotic devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Containers, such as unit load devices (ULDs), are used to transport packages or cargo in a warehouse or to an airplane. Each container is loaded with a plurality of packages to be transported from one location to another. In some cases, each container can be provided with wheels so that the container can be rolled into and out of a loading or unloading area in the warehouse. Further, there can be a significant amount of associated transportation costs and work in transporting each container loaded with a plurality of packages. As such, manually loading and unloading the containers can result in errors, mismanagement of the overall workflow, and increased costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, in which, unless otherwise stated, the same reference designations denote the same parts throughout the various views.

[0004] Figure 1 An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0005] Figure 2 An exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment including a plurality of containers is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0006] Figure 3A An exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment including a plurality of container unloaders to be unloaded is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the plurality of container unloaders includes a plurality of front panels connected to a continuous conveyor.

[0007] Figure 3B An exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment including a plurality of container unloaders is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the plurality of container unloaders includes a plurality of front panels connected to a plurality of conveyors.

[0008] Figure 4A An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader in a horizontal position relative to a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the container unloader is in an elevated orientation.

[0009] Figure 4B An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader in an inclined position relative to a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the container unloader is in an elevated orientation.

[0010] Figure 4C An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader in a tilted position relative to a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the container unloader is in a lowered orientation.

[0011] Figure 5A An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader relative to rotation of a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the front panel is in a raised orientation.

[0012] Figure 5B An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader relative to rotation of a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the front panel is in a lowered orientation.

[0013] Figure 5C An exemplary perspective side view of a container unloader relative to rotation of a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the front panel is in a lowered orientation.

[0014] Figure 5D An exemplary perspective top view of a container unloader relative to rotation of a front panel connected to the container unloader is shown, according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the front panel is in a lowered orientation.

[0015] Figure 6 An exemplary flowchart representing a method of releasing a package onto a conveyor using a container unloader is shown, according to some exemplary embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to denote like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. It will be evident, however, that various embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

[0017] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a container unloader that can receive a container, where the container houses one or more packages and includes an opening through which the one or more packages can be released. The container unloader includes a platform to receive the container, a front panel, and an actuator. The platform configured to receive the container can be placed at a first angle relative to the ground. Further, the platform configured to receive the container can be moved to a second angle relative to the ground, where the second angle can be greater than the first angle. The front panel of the container unloader can be configured to move between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation relative to the platform. In the raised orientation, the front panel of the container unloader can be orthogonal relative to the platform. In the lowered orientation, the front panel and the platform can form a continuous surface. The actuator of the container unloader can be configured to pivot the platform from the first angle to the second angle, where when the front panel is in the raised orientation and the platform is in the second angle, the one or more packages rest against a surface of the front panel, and where when the front panel is in the lowered orientation and the platform is in the second angle, the one or more packages are released onto a surface of a conveyor. The use of the container unloader can eliminate the need for manual labor to load and unload containers housing one or more packages, thereby reducing the work and costs associated with container transport and manual labor.

[0018] In some embodiments, the container unloader can include a swivel joint. The swivel joint can be configured to be positioned between the platform of the container unloader and a surface of the container. The swivel joint is configured to rotate the container relative to the front panel. In some other embodiments, the swivel joint is configured to rotate the container about a rotational axis that is perpendicular relative to the platform.

[0019] In some embodiments, the swivel joint can include a swivel plate and a cylindrical rod attached to the swivel plate, where the swivel plate is configured to be placed between the platform of the container unloader and a surface of the container. The platform can include a hollow portion to engage the cylindrical rod, such that the cylindrical rod can be configured to rotate to control the swivel plate. In some embodiments, a motor can be used to control the movement of the cylindrical rod. The swivel plate can be configured to rotate such that the one or more packages in the container are released through the opening of the container.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container can be rotated when the front panel is in the raised orientation relative to the platform. In some other embodiments, the container can be rotated when the front panel is in the lowered orientation relative to the platform. In yet some other embodiments, the swivel joint can comprise any suitable material, such as any other metal or composite material.

[0021] In some embodiments, the front panel of the container unloader can include at least one or more of a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein the first side panel and the second side panel can be configured to be placed in an upright position relative to a surface of the front panel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the front panel can comprise any suitable material, such as any other metal, core material, composite material, or laminate material.

[0023] In some embodiments, the container housing one or more packages can further include a frame, wherein the frame can form a primary structure of the container. In some other embodiments, the first side panel and the second side panel can be attached to the frame of the container. In yet some other embodiments, the top panel, the bottom panel, and the rear panel can also be attached to the frame of the container. In yet some other embodiments, the one or more front panels can be attached to the frame to create an opening through which the one or more packages can be released from the container.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one or more of the container and the frame can comprise any suitable material, such as any metal, core material, composite material, laminate material. In some other embodiments, the container can be covered with at least one of a plastic sheet, an aluminum sheet, a fabric reinforced tarp sheet, or any other material sheet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the container unloader can include a roller bed for receiving the container, wherein the roller bed can be configured to be placed on a platform of the container unloader.

[0026] In some embodiments, the container unloader can receive the container from a robotic device. The robotic device from which the container unloader receives the container can be at least one or more of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) and an autonomous mobile robot (AMR).

[0027] In some embodiments, the container unloader can receive the container from an operator-driven vehicle. The operator-driven vehicle from which the container unloader receives the container can be a forklift.

[0028] In some embodiments, a locking mechanism can be used to latch the container onto a surface of the platform of the container unloader. In yet some other embodiments, the locking mechanism for latching the container onto the surface of the platform can be at least one or more latches.

[0029] In some embodiments, the platform of the container unloader can comprise any suitable material, such as any metal, hard plastic, core material, laminate material, composite material.

[0030] In some embodiments, the shape and size of the container can be such that the container can be placed in the fuselage of an aircraft. In some other embodiments, the container can hold at least one of aircraft baggage, cargo, mail, or any other type of cargo that can be offloaded from an aircraft. In some embodiments, the container can be configured to have one or more shelves in the container to place one or more packages thereon.

[0031] Figure 1 An exemplary perspective view of a container offloader 100 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The container offloader 100 can also include a platform 108 and a front panel 110. The platform 108 of the container offloader 100 can receive a container 102 containing a package. In some embodiments, the container 102 can include an opening in a front surface of the container 102 such that the package can be released from the container 102 through the opening in the front surface of the container 102. In some other embodiments, the opening in the front surface of the container 102 can include at least one of a rectangular shape, a circular shape, or any other geometric shape.

[0032] The container 102 can be transported to the platform 108 using robotic devices, such as 114 and 122. In some embodiments, the robotic devices, such as 114 and 122, can be at least one of an automated guided vehicle (AGV) and an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). In some embodiments, the robotic devices, such as 114 and 122, can include a first roller bed, such as 116, to receive the container 102.

[0033] In some embodiments, the robotic devices 114 and 122 can be similar to each other in shape and size. In some other embodiments, the robotic devices 114 and 122 can be different from each other in shape and size.

[0034] In some other embodiments, the platform 108 of the container offloader 100 can also include a second roller bed 104 to receive the container 102 from the robotic device 114. The platform 108 of the container offloader 100 can move from a first angle to a second angle that is greater than the first angle using an actuator 112. In some embodiments, the actuator 112 can move the platform 108 from the first angle to the second angle such that, at the second angle, the container 102 is at an elevated height from the ground. The actuator 112 can also be disposed on a base 120 of the container offloader 100. In some embodiments, the actuator 112 of the container offloader 100 can be at least one of a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator, a lead screw, a belt driven actuator, or any other type of lifting actuator. In some other embodiments, the actuator 112 can be a telescoping actuator.

[0035] Further, the front panel 110 can be configured to pivot between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation. When the front panel 110 is in the raised orientation, the front panel 110 can be orthogonal with respect to the platform 108. When the front panel 110 is in the lowered orientation, the front panel 110 and the platform 108 can form a continuous surface. In some embodiments, a drive system, such as 130, can be used to control the movement of the front panel 110 from the raised orientation to the lowered orientation. The drive system 130 can be a motor-driven system, a hydraulic system, or any other drive system. In some embodiments, the drive system 130 can include an actuator that can move the front panel 110 from the raised orientation to the lowered orientation, and vice versa. In some other embodiments, the drive system 130 can control the front panel 110 such that the front panel 110 can be lowered to a desired angle with respect to the platform 108.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the actuator 112 moves the platform 108 of the container unloader 100 from the first angle to the second angle and the front panel 110 is in the raised orientation, the packages in the container 102 can fall through the opening in the front surface of the container 102 and rest on the surface of the front panel 110. In some embodiments, the surface of the front panel 110 on which the packages of the container 102 can rest can be at least one of a corrugated surface or a smooth surface. Further, when the front panel 110 is pivoted to move from the raised orientation to the lowered orientation, the packages in the container 102 can be released onto the surface of the conveyor 118. In some embodiments, the conveyor 118 can be independent of the platform 108 of the container unloader 100. In some other embodiments, the conveyor 118 can be attached to the platform 108 of the container unloader 100 using an attachment means, such as one or more hinges, which can produce a pivoting motion of the platform 108 with respect to the conveyor 118.

[0037] In some embodiments, the front panel 110 can further include a first side panel 106 and a second side panel 132. The first side panel 106 and the second side panel 132 can be configured to be placed in an upright position with respect to the platform 108 to ensure that the packages released from the container 102 onto the surface of the conveyor 118 do not fall onto the ground from the edge surface(s) of the front panel 110.

[0038] In some embodiments, the container 102 can have any shape and size such that the container 102 can fit into the cargo area of an aircraft. In some other embodiments, a sensing module, such as a camera, can be used to detect whether the container 102 contains packages. In yet some other embodiments, the sensing module can be used to detect whether the packages have been released from the container 102 onto the surface of the conveyor 118.

[0039] In some embodiments, a rotary joint 126 can be disposed between the container 102 and a surface of the platform 108 on which the container 102 is placed. The rotary joint 126 can be used to rotate the container 102 about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to one or more of the platform 108 and the front panel 110 of the container unloader 100. In some embodiments, a motor 128 can be used to control the rotation of the rotary joint 126.

[0040] In some embodiments, the rotary joint 126 can be configured to rotate the container 102 when the front panel 110 is in the raised orientation. The front panel 110 can be disposed at a first offset distance from the container 102 such that the container 102 can be rotated about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the platform 108. In some other embodiments, the rotary joint 126 can be configured to rotate the container 102 to release the packages in the container 102 when the front panel 110 is in the lowered orientation.

[0041] In some embodiments, a locking mechanism can be used to latch the container 102 to a surface of the second roller bed 104 as the container 102 is transported from the first roller bed 116 of the robotic device 114 to the second roller bed 104 of the platform 108. In some embodiments, one or more latches, such as 124, can be used to latch the container 102 into place on the second roller bed 104. In response to the latches, such as 124, latching the container 102 into place on the second roller bed 104, the actuator 112 can lift the combination of the platform 108, the second roller bed 104, and the container 102 from the ground to an elevated height. The front panel 110 can then be configured to move from the raised orientation to the lowered orientation to release the packages in the container 102 through an opening in a front surface of the container 102 onto a surface of the conveyor 118.

[0042] In some embodiments, a rotary joint 126 can be used to rotate the container 102 and the second roller bed 104 about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the platform 108 as the container 102 is disposed on the second roller bed 104 of the platform 108. The rotary joint 126 can be positioned between the platform 108 and the second roller bed 104 such that at least one or more of the second roller bed 104 and the container 102 are rotated relative to the front panel 110. In some embodiments, the rotary joint 126 can be configured to rotate up to 90 degrees about the axis of rotation. In some other embodiments, the rotary joint 126 can be configured to rotate up to any other degree about the axis of rotation. As a result of using the rotary joint 126 to rotate the container 102, one or more packages that are stuck in one or more portions of the container 102 can be dislodged.

[0043] Figure 2An exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment 200 including a plurality of containers to be unloaded is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The warehouse environment 200 can also include robotic devices, such as 202, 204, 206, and 208, where the robotic devices 202, 204, 206, and 208 can each include a roller bed on which a container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, can be placed. The containers 210, 212, 214, and 216 can contain one or more packages. A container 212 of the containers 210, 212, 214, and 216 is placed in an elevated position using an actuator 232 to release the one or more packages in the container 212 onto a surface of a conveyor, such as 220, 222, and 224. The actuator 232 can be part of a container unloader, such as 234, where the actuator 232 can be used to elevate a container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, to a first height relative to the ground at a rear end surface of the container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, where the container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, can include at least a front end surface and a rear end surface. The container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, can be configured to be elevated to the first height such that the rear end surface of the container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, can be placed in an upward position relative to the conveyor, such as 220, 222, and 224. The container unloader, such as 234, can include a front panel, such as 228. The front panel 228 can also be configured to move in an elevated orientation and a lowered orientation relative to the conveyor, such as 220, 222, and 224. The front panel, such as 228, can be placed in the elevated orientation when the container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, is not elevated. The front panel, such as 228, can be placed in the lowered position when the container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, is elevated, as shown by the container 212 in FIG. 2. The one or more packages in the container, such as 210, 212, 214, and 216, can be released on the conveyor, such as 220, 222, and 224. The conveyor, such as 220, 222, and 224, can be at least one or more of a belt conveyor module or a roller bed module. The conveyors 220, 222, and 224 can also be attached to a common conveyor 218. The common conveyor 218 can receive the one or more packages from the conveyors, such as 220, 222, and 224. Figure 2

[0044] In some embodiments, the conveyors, such as 220, 222, and 224, can be similar in shape and size to one another. In some other embodiments, the conveyors, such as 220, 222, and 224, can be different in shape and size to one another.

[0045] ​Figure 3A An exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment 300 including a plurality of container unloads (such as 316 and 318) that can each include a plurality of front panels (such as 322 and 324) connected to a continuous conveyor 326 is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. The warehouse environment 300 also includes robotic devices (such as 302, 304, 306, and 308) that can transport containers (such as 310, 312, 320, and 314). The containers (such as 310, 312, 320, and 314) can also contain one or more packages. The containers (such as 310, 312, 320, and 314) can include an opening in a front surface of the container (such as 310, 312, 320, and 314) to release the one or more packages. The containers (such as 310, 312, 320, and 314) can also be disposed at a first angle relative to the ground (as shown by containers 310 and 312) or at a second angle relative to the ground (as shown by container 320).

[0046] The container unloads (such as 316 and 318) can also each include a front panel (such as 322 and 324). As shown, the front panel 322 of the container unload 316 can be in a raised orientation when the container 310 is at the first angle relative to the ground. Further, as shown, the front panel 324 of the container unload 318 can be in a lowered orientation when the container 320 is at the second angle relative to the ground. When the container 320 is at the second angle relative to the ground and the front panel 324 is in the lowered orientation, the one or more packages in the container 320 can be released on a platform 330 of a plurality of platforms (such as 328, 332, and 330), where the container unloads (such as 316 and 318) can also be connected to the plurality of platforms (such as 328, 332, and 330).

[0047] The plurality of platforms (such as 328, 332, and 330) can be connected to the continuous conveyor 326 such that the one or more packages released on the platform 330 of the plurality of platforms (such as 328, 332) can be conveyed on the continuous conveyor 326.

[0048] Figure 3BAn exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment 300 including multiple container unloaders (such as 316 and 318) according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown, wherein the multiple container unloaders 316 and 318 may each include multiple front panels (such as 322 and 324) connected to multiple conveyors (such as 334, 336, and 338). In some embodiments, the multiple conveyors (such as 334, 336, and 338) may be at least one or more of belt conveyors, roller conveyors, or any other type of conveyor. In some other embodiments, the multiple conveyors (such as 334, 336, and 338) may include a first side panel (such as 340) and a second side panel (such as 342).

[0049] Figure 4A An exemplary perspective view of a warehouse environment 400 according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown, the warehouse environment including a container unloader 418 in a horizontal position relative to a front panel 406 attached to a container unloader 418, wherein the front panel 406 is in an elevated orientation.

[0050] The warehouse environment 400 may also include means 416 for transporting container 402 to container unloader 418. Container unloader 418 may also include a platform 404 and a front panel 406. Platform 404 may receive container 402 transported by means 416. In some embodiments, container unloader 418 may also include roller conveyors on which container 402 may be placed. When container 402 is at a first angle relative to the ground, front panel 406 of container unloader 418 may be in an elevated orientation. When front panel 406 of container unloader 418 is in an elevated orientation, front panel 406 may be orthogonal to platform 404 of container unloader 418.

[0051] In some implementations, the first angle at which container 402 is placed relative to the ground can be a zero-degree angle at which container 402 is placed in a horizontal position relative to the ground.

[0052] like Figure 4A As shown, container 402 can contain one or more packages (such as 412), which can be released from container 402 to conveyor 414 through an opening in the front of container 402, wherein the front of container 402 can face the front panel 406 of container unloader 418. In some embodiments, the front panel 406 of container unloader 418 may further include a first side panel 408 and a second side panel 410, wherein the front panel 406, the first side panel 408 and the second side panel 410 can be in an upright position relative to the platform 404 of container unloader 418.

[0053] In some embodiments, the container unloader 418 may be equipped with a robotic device, such as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), from which it receives the container 402. In other embodiments, the device 416 may be a forklift.

[0054] Figure 4B An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader 418 in an inclined position relative to a front panel 406 attached to a container unloader 418, according to one or more embodiments described herein, is shown, wherein the container unloader 418 is in an elevated orientation.

[0055] The platform 404 of the container unloader 418 can be configured to move from a first angle to a second angle, where the second angle is greater than the first angle, using an actuator. When the platform 404 of the container unloader 418 is at the first angle, the platform 404 can be horizontal relative to the ground. When the platform 404 of the container unloader 418 is at the second angle, the actuator can be configured to raise the platform 404 of the container unloader 418, such that the container 402 can be positioned at an elevated height relative to the ground.

[0056] like Figure 4B As shown, when the container unloader 418 is in an inclined position, one or more packages (such as 412) can be removed from the container 402 and rest against the surface of the front panel 406. The first side panel 408 and the second side panel 410 of the front panel 406 are used to ensure that one or more packages (such as 412) do not fall to the ground from one or more edge surfaces of the front panel 406.

[0057] Figure 4C An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader 418 in an inclined position relative to a front panel 406 attached to a container unloader 418, according to one or more embodiments described herein, wherein the front panel 406 is in a lowered orientation. Figure 4C As shown, when the front panel 406 of the container unloader 418 is in a lowered orientation, one or more packages 412 in the container 402 can be released from the surface of the front panel 406 onto the surface of the conveyor 414.

[0058] Figure 5A An exemplary perspective view is shown of a container 502 placed on a container unloader 504 in a warehouse environment 500 according to one or more embodiments described herein, with respect to the front panel 514 and platform 512 of the container unloader 504, wherein the front panel 514 is in an elevated orientation. The container 502 may contain one or more packages. In some embodiments, the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504 may be rotated between an elevated orientation and a lowered orientation using a drive system. Figure 5BThe container unloader 504 can move between (as shown in the diagram), wherein the drive system can be at least one or more of a motor drive system, a hydraulic drive system, or any other actuator-based drive system. In some other embodiments, the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504 may also include a first side panel 516 and a second side panel 518.

[0059] In some embodiments, the front of the container 502 facing the front panel 514 may include a square opening 510. Additionally, the front of the container 502 may include a first side panel 506 and a second side panel 508. The square opening 510 can be used to transport one or more packages from the container 502 to the surface of the front panel 514, wherein the front panel 514 may be in an elevated orientation.

[0060] In some implementations, one or more latches may be used to latch the container 502 onto the roller surface of the platform 512 of the container unloader 504, thereby locking the container 502 into place on the platform 512 of the container unloader 504. Figure 5A As shown, container 502 can rotate counterclockwise about a rotation axis X perpendicular to the front panel 514 of container unloader 504. In some embodiments, container 502 can be configured to be positioned on platform 512 of container unloader 512, at an offset distance from the front panel 514 of container unloader 504. The offset distance between container 502 and the front panel 514 of container unloader 504 can be determined as the minimum distance by which container 502 can rotate about a rotation axis X perpendicular to the front panel 514 of container unloader 504.

[0061] Figure 5B An exemplary perspective view of a container unloader 504 according to one or more embodiments described herein, with respect to a front panel 514 attached to the container unloader 504, shows a container 502 positioned on the container unloader with the front panel 514 in a lowered orientation. In some embodiments, the container 502 can rotate counterclockwise about an axis of rotation X perpendicular to the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504 (as shown). In some other embodiments, the container 502 can rotate clockwise about an axis of rotation X perpendicular to the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504.

[0062] Figure 5C An exemplary perspective side view of a container unloader 504 according to one or more embodiments described herein, with respect to a front panel 514 attached to the container unloader 504, the container 502 being positioned on the container unloader, wherein the front panel 514 is in a lowered orientation. Figure 5CAs shown, the combination of the container unloader 504 and the container 502 disposed on the container unloader 504 can rotate in a clockwise direction about the rotational axis X, where the rotational axis X is perpendicular with respect to the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504.

[0063] Figure 5D An exemplary perspective top view of a container unloader 504 according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown with respect to rotation of a front panel 514 connected to the container unloader 504, with a container 502 disposed on the container unloader, where the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504 is in a lowered orientation. The container 502 can be latched into place on the container unloader 504 using one or more latches, such as 504 and 526. The container unloader 504 can also include a platform 512 on which the container 502 is disposed.

[0064] In some embodiments, the platform 512 of the container unloader 504 can be moved from a first angle to a second angle using an actuator 532, where the second angle is greater than the first angle. When the actuator 523 has moved the platform 512 from the first angle to the second angle, the container 502 can rotate in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction about the rotational axis X.

[0065] In some embodiments, the container 502 can be disposed on a roller bed on the platform 512 of the container unloader 504, such that the combination of the container 502 and the roller bed can rotate with respect to the platform 512 of the container unloader 504. In some embodiments, the front panel 514 of the container unloader 504 can include a first side panel 516 and a second side panel 518. In some other embodiments, the platform 512 of the container unloader 504 can be connected to a conveyor 520, where the conveyor 520 can also include a pair of side panels, such as 522 and 524.

[0066] Figure 6 An exemplary flowchart 600 representing a method of releasing a package onto a conveyor using a container unloader according to some exemplary embodiments described herein is shown.

[0067] The method begins at step 602. At step 602, a container can be received on a platform of an apparatus, where the container can contain an item. Further, when the platform of the apparatus receives the container, the platform can be disposed at a first angle with respect to the ground.

[0068] At step 604, a front panel of the apparatus can be moved between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, such that the front panel of the apparatus can be in the raised orientation when the front panel is orthogonal with respect to the platform of the apparatus, and the front panel of the apparatus can be in the lowered orientation when the front panel and the platform of the apparatus form a continuous surface.

[0069] At step 606, the platform of the device can be pivoted from a first angle to a second angle relative to the ground, where the second angle can be greater than the first angle.

[0070] In response to the platform of the device being pivoted from the first angle to the second angle relative to the ground, the container can be rotated about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular relative to the platform of the device such that the item in the container can be configured to rest on the surface of the front panel of the device when the front panel of the container is in the raised orientation, as disclosed in step 608.

[0071] In an alternative embodiment, the container can be rotated about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular relative to the platform of the device such that the item in the container can be configured to rest on the surface of the front panel of the device when the front panel of the container is in the lowered orientation, as disclosed in step 610.

[0072] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Thus, use of the articles in this application and the appended claims is not limiting.

[0073] Moreover, although features can be disclosed relating to only one of several implementations, such features can be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as can be desired or advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” and variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

[0074] The above description of various embodiments of the subject disclosure and that described in the corresponding drawings and the Abstract of the Specification are described herein for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments having modifications, substitutions, combinations, and additions can be implemented to perform the same, similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subject matter and are therefore considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but should be construed in the broadest sense and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for unloading a container, comprising: a platform for receiving a container, wherein the container contains a package, and wherein the platform is at a first angle relative to a ground surface when the platform receives the container; a front panel configured to move between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation relative to the platform, wherein the front panel is orthogonal relative to the platform in response to the front panel being in the raised orientation, and the front panel and the platform form a continuous surface in response to the front panel being in the lowered orientation; an actuator connected to the platform, wherein the actuator is configured to pivot the platform from the first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the ground surface, wherein, when the front panel is in the raised orientation and the platform is in the second angle, the package rests on a surface of the front panel; and when the front panel is in the lowered orientation and the platform is in the second angle, the package is released onto a surface of a conveyor; wherein the apparatus further comprises a rotary joint for rotating the container relative to the front panel, wherein the rotary joint is configured to be positioned between the platform and the container, and wherein the rotary joint rotates the container about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the platform.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front panel further comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, and wherein the first side panel and the second side panel are configured to be placed in an upright position relative to a surface of the front panel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a roller bed for receiving the container, wherein the roller bed is configured to be positioned on the platform.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator of the apparatus is at least one of a hydraulic actuator or an electric actuator.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front panel of the apparatus is composed of a friction-reducing material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform further comprises a locking mechanism to secure the container on a surface of the platform, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises one or more latches.

7. A method for unloading a container, comprising: receiving a container on a platform of an apparatus, wherein the container contains an item, and wherein the platform is at a first angle relative to a ground surface when the platform receives the container; moving a front panel of the apparatus between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation relative to the platform, wherein the front panel is orthogonal relative to the platform in response to the front panel being in the raised orientation, and the front panel and the platform form a continuous surface in response to the front panel being in the lowered orientation; pivoting the platform from the first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the ground surface, wherein pivoting the platform to the second angle comprises at least one or more of: rotating the container about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular relative to the platform to configure the articles in the container to rest against a surface of the front panel when the front panel is in the raised orientation; and rotating the container about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular relative to the platform to configure the articles to be released onto a surface of a conveyor when the front panel is in the lowered orientation; configuring a rotary joint positioned between a platform of the apparatus and the container to rotate the container about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the platform.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises configuring first and second side panels of the front panel of the apparatus to be placed in an upright position relative to a surface of the front panel.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises configuring a roller bed to receive the container, wherein the roller bed is positioned on the platform of the apparatus.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises using a locking mechanism to latch the container to a surface of the platform of the apparatus.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises one or more latches.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises using at least one of a robotic device or a forklift to transport a container to the apparatus.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises transferring a container from at least one of a robotic device or a forklift to the platform of the apparatus.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises configuring a container to be transported from the platform of the apparatus to at least one of a robotic device or a forklift when articles have been released onto a surface of a conveyor.

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