Tote

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for a lid hinge for a tote. In some embodiments, the tote includes a tote interior, a lid for covering the tote interior, and a hinge mechanism configured to open in multiple directions. Different applications and use cases for the tote require the tote lid to open in different directions. The flexible hinge mechanism allows the same hinge and lid design to be used to open / close the lid for these different applications, rather than changing lid types for each application.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 405,789, filed September 12, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to lid hinge designs. [Background technology]

[0003] Cold chain transportation of food, medicine, or any product requiring temperature control for distribution is currently carried out using tri-temperature or refrigerated trucks and vans, which are augmented by compressor-based systems that cool or freeze the entire truck compartment. This system must run continuously to maintain the temperature inside the truck, regardless of whether the truck contains a gallon of mickey mouse or a pint of ice cream, necessitating the cooling or freezing of the entire space. Compressor-based refrigerated and tri-temperature trucks or vans require external access to the compressor-based system's cooling platform inside the truck or van, voiding the van or truck's warranty. Furthermore, tri-temperature trucks must use partitions between the temperature zones to maintain temperature. Separating the spaces requires separating orders with items in more than two zones. Compressor-based systems consume too much power, making it impossible to install them in or on fully electric vehicles without significantly reducing the vehicle's range. Tote trucks can be used to solve some of these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Systems and methods are provided for a lid hinge for a tote. In some embodiments, the tote includes a tote interior, a lid for covering the tote interior, and a hinge mechanism configured to open in multiple directions. Different applications and use cases for the tote require the tote lid to open in different directions. The flexible hinge mechanism allows the same hinge and lid design to be used to open / close the lid for these different applications, rather than changing lid types for each application.

[0005] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures.

[0006] The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] A-D show the use of a portable, self-contained refrigeration or freezing system combined with integrated, automated control and monitoring. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an active cooler, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B show an exemplary embodiment of an active cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a system including an active cooler, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates an example of a tote as described herein. [Figure 6] Showing that different versions of the tote are available in refrigerated or frozen versions. [Figure 7] 1 shows an exploded view of a tote including a thermoelectric unit as described herein. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an exemplary tote lid hinge design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates an exemplary tote lid hinge design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates an exemplary tote lid hinge design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an exemplary tote lid hinge design according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a pivot component with a lid attached according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a cross section of a closed pivot according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates a cross section of a rotated pivot according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 14] 10 illustrates a cross section of a closed pivot, end position according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates a cross section of an open / separated pivot according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an assembly of multiple latches for a lid that opens in two directions in one plane, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates an assembly of multiple latches for a lid that opens in one direction in two planes, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a latch with a spring plunger detent according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates a latch with a spring plunger held in a defined open position according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates a latch with a retention feature according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 21] 1 illustrates a latch with a retention feature cross section according to certain embodiments described herein. [Figure 22]10 illustrates the hinge aspect of a pivot latch achieved by a flexible member that fits over a pin, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 23] 10 illustrates the hinge aspect of a pivot latch achieved by a flexible member that fits over a pin, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 24] 10 illustrates the hinge aspect of a pivot latch achieved by a flexible member that fits over a pin, according to some embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The embodiments described below present the information necessary to enable one skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode for practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawings, one skilled in the art will recognize the concepts of the present disclosure and will understand applications of these concepts not specifically addressed herein. It is understood that these concepts and applications are within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0009] Last-mile food delivery requires temperature-controlled transportation of perishable foods using shipping vans or similar vehicles. For temperature control, refrigerated or frozen totes mounted in vans (e.g., cargo vans) or box trucks may be used.

[0010] These totes use an active heat pump to draw heat from an enclosed chamber and expel it into the surrounding ambient environment. When this heat is in an enclosed location, such as a delivery van, the hot air can be removed from the van to improve the tote's operational performance.

[0011] These totes require power during transport to maintain food safety requirements for perishable goods. The electrical systems required to reach (and / or maintain) the proper temperature must meet certain expectations for tote operation.

[0012] 1A-1D illustrate the use of a portable, self-contained refrigeration or freezing system combined with integrated, automated control and monitoring.

[0013] 2, 3A, and 3B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an active cooler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a system including an active cooler, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] For further details, the interested reader is directed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 953,771, entitled "THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED / FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER," U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 135,420 (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0199353A1), entitled "THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED / FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER," and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 067172 (now International Patent Publication No. WO2021 / 134068), entitled "THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATED / FROZEN PRODUCT STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION COOLER," which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0016] Figure 5 shows an example of a tote as described herein. Figure 6 shows that different versions of the tote can be used in refrigerated or frozen versions. Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a tote including a thermoelectric unit as described herein.

[0017] Different applications and use cases for the tote require different opening directions for the tote lid, an example of which is shown in Figure 8. Additional embodiments are shown in Figures 9A, 9B, and 10. The flexible hinge mechanism allows the same hinge and lid design to be used to open / close the lid for these different applications, rather than changing lid types for each application.

[0018] Some embodiments include one or more of the following. a. The hinge mechanism is based on a ball and socket design. b. The socket arm deflects out of the way during lid assembly / removal and fits around the ball joint to capture and allow free rotation (free rotation about axis A and axis B). c. A hinge mechanism allows the lid to be opened from four sides. d. The hinge mechanism allows the lid to be completely removed and reattached. e. The hinge design is symmetrical, allowing the lid to be installed at 180 degrees without compromising functionality.

[0019] Some embodiments include a housing cover with a pivot latch. Some embodiments of the present disclosure describe a design for securing and manipulating a movable cover in an enclosed space. Some embodiments allow for partial and full removal of the movable cover, which rotates open in one or more directions in one or more planes. The pivot latch can either release the cover or lock the rotation of the cover.

[0020] Ambient temperature or refrigerated volume storage containers are used to transport and store goods (including, but not limited to, fresh produce, raw meats, refrigerated foods, frozen foods, packaged liquid and dry goods) and have releasable lids to provide access to the storage volume.

[0021] The storage volume has multiple methods for loading and unloading, including transport and access by humans and automation. The multi-function enclosure cover allows the storage container to be opened from multiple sides, whether by a user or automation, improving the accessibility of the interior volume.

[0022] Illustrative examples: Storage containers (totes) are opened, loaded with food, and sent by conveyors to an automated racking system for storage. The totes are retrieved by automation and delivered to a picking station where a human operator opens the volume and removes one or more items.

[0023] Items removed from a bulk storage tote are placed into a similar tote as part of an actively picked customer order.

[0024] The bulk storage totes are returned to the automated racking system for storage and a human operator picks from additional bulk storage totes until the automated segment of the order is fulfilled.

[0025] The customer order tote is then released to a loading area where it is placed in a cart along with additional partial orders requiring manual selection from various items. A human user moves the cart around the store, opening the order tote's lid to add items to the order as needed. Once the order is fulfilled, the tote cart is brought to a storage rack for customer pickup. The customer opens the lid and removes the order and tote from the tote. The empty tote is then returned to the system for use.

[0026] Because the interactions between the automation system, user, and tote can be arbitrary or well-defined, the ability to have multiple opening positions is important to allow flexibility and convenience for each step of the cycle.

[0027] The multi-function pivot latch is a component designed to allow the cover to open along multiple sides.

[0028] A pivot latch is a hinge that allows the cover to rotate around an edge or secures the cover in a closed position. Depending on the angle of the lid, the pivot latch can either allow the cover to release from the latch or hold the cover in the latch.

[0029] Several approaches have been defined for this pivoting latch.

[0030] Figure 11 shows a pivot component with a lid attached according to some embodiments described herein, Figure 12 shows a cross section of a closed pivot according to some embodiments described herein, and Figure 13 shows a cross section of a rotated pivot according to some embodiments described herein.

[0031] A pivoting latch has a fixed component and a movable component that can also be separated. The design of the fixed and movable components allows the components to couple or separate in one orientation through an opening, but when rotated about an axis defined by the fixed component, they cannot separate until the rotation is reversed to the initial position (FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0032] The cross-sectional profile of the moving component allows for rotation of the component within the fixed component, but is constrained (Figure 13).

[0033] 14 shows a cross section of a rotated pivot, end position, according to some embodiments described herein. The fixed component includes a mechanical feature to prevent additional rotation beyond a certain amount.

[0034] 15 shows a cross section of an open / detached pivot according to some embodiments described herein. Once oriented in a particular position, the movable component can be detached from the base.

[0035] Figure 16 shows an assembly of multiple latches for a lid that opens in two directions in one plane, according to some embodiments described herein. Figure 17 shows an assembly of multiple latches for a lid that opens in one direction in two planes, according to some embodiments described herein. A pivoting latch may be used in conjunction with multiple latches, and the lid or flap that makes up the assembly may rotate around an axis within the fixed base in one or more directions. (Figures 16, 17).

[0036] Figure 18 illustrates a latch with a spring plunger detent according to certain embodiments described herein. Figure 19 illustrates a latch with a spring plunger that is held in a defined open position according to certain embodiments described herein.

[0037] The movable component can be held within the fixed component in various orientations by mechanical positioning features, including, but not limited to, deflection hooks and spring plunger detents, and corresponding release features on the fixed or movable component (FIGS. 18, 19).

[0038] Figure 20 illustrates a latch with a retention feature according to certain embodiments described herein. Figure 21 illustrates a latch with a retention feature cross section according to certain embodiments described herein.

[0039] The fixed component may utilize mechanical retention features to prevent the movable component from freely separating, or alternatively may apply a clamping force to the lid and a sealing material between the fixed component's mounting surface and the lid (Figures 20, 21).

[0040] Additional Design Concepts Some embodiments use friction hinges for pivoting and snap-fit ​​retention. This approach uses a traditional friction hinge that is permanently attached to the tote lid and can be removed from the tote housing using a pin or snap-type fastener. This removable hinge is used on both sides of the lid. When the hinge is snapped into the housing, it functions as a hinge. When the hinge is removed from the housing, it allows the lid to open freely and pivot about the other side of the lid.

[0041] Some embodiments use a ball and socket joint. Some embodiments use a hinged aspect of a pivot latch with a flexible member that fits over a pin, as shown in Figure 22 (and / or Figures 23 and 24).

[0042] In some embodiments, the hinge aspect of the pivot latch is achieved by a live hinge within which a pin can rotate, and when sufficient vertical force is applied, the pin can be pulled out of the live hinge.

[0043] These embodiments could potentially be used in, but are not limited to, robotic warehousing / racking systems where manual plugging / unplugging of containers is not feasible and / or undesirable, manual systems where employee interaction time needs to be minimized, mobile delivery platforms for extending safe delivery ranges, and remote deployment docks / racks. These typical automated warehousing / racking locations can be kept at room temperature according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Some embodiments include optional security features that allow for remote, unattended drop-off and / or pickup. Secure local / remote docks, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, may provide access control to the tote itself, as opposed to, or in addition to, access control of the tote's contents. In some embodiments, implementations of racks with docking / locking rails, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, are used. More details can be found in patent application PCT / US2021 / 054515, filed October 12, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and all such improvements and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a tote, an interior of the tote; a lid for covering the interior of the tote; a hinge mechanism configured to open in multiple directions; The tote.

2. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the hinge mechanism is based on a ball-and-socket design.

3. 10. The tote of claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises one or more socket arms configured to deflect out of the way during assembly / removal of the lid and fit around one or more ball joints to capture and allow free rotation.

4. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the hinge mechanism allows the lid to be opened from four sides.

5. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the hinge mechanism allows the lid to be completely removed and reattached.

6. 10. The tote of claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism is symmetric so that the lid can be installed in a first orientation and in a second orientation that is 180 degrees relative to the first orientation without loss of functionality between the first and second orientations.

7. The tote of claim 1 further comprising a pivot latch for releasing the lid and / or for securing the rotation of the lid.

8. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the tote comprises a storage container having a refrigerated volume used to transport and store items.

9. 10. The tote of claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a fixed component and a movable component, whereby the components can be coupled or separated in one orientation through an opening, but when rotated about an axis defined by the fixed component, cannot be separated until the rotation is reversed to an initial position.

10. 10. The tote of claim 9, wherein the movable component includes a cross-sectional shape such that rotation of the movable component is permitted but constrained within the fixed component.

11. The tote of claim 9 , wherein the stationary component includes a mechanical feature to prevent additional rotation beyond a certain amount.

12. The tote of claim 9, wherein the movable component is removable from the base when oriented in a particular position.

13. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a latch with a spring plunger detent.

14. 10. The tote of claim 9, wherein the movable component is retainable within the fixed component in various orientations by mechanical positioning features including one or more of a deflection hook, a spring plunger detent, and a corresponding release feature on the fixed or movable component.

15. 10. The tote of claim 9, wherein the fixed component utilizes mechanical retention features to prevent the movable component from freely separating, or alternatively applies a clamping force to the lid and a sealing material between the mounting surface of the fixed component and the lid.

16. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a friction hinge for pivoting and snap-fit ​​retention.

17. The tote of claim 1 , wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a live hinge with a pin that can rotate therein.

18. 18. The tote of claim 17, wherein the pin can be pulled out of the live hinge when sufficient vertical force is applied.

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