Mobile, Robotic Crate

Abstract

Disclosed are a mobile robotic, packaging create and a method of moving a cargo item using that packaging crate. The mobile packaging crate comprises a crate body for holding a given item, a self-propelled driving assembly secured to the crate body for moving the crate body, and an operating module connected to the driving assembly for operating the driving assembly to move the crate body. This operating module may include a processor unit to control operation of the driving assembly in a pre-defined manner. For instance, the processor unit may be programmed to operate the driving assembly to move the packaging crate along a predefined path from a first location to a second location.

1 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate, comprising:
 a crate body for holding a given item;   a self-propelled driving assembly secured to the crate body for moving the crate body; and   an operating module connected to the driving assembly for operating the driving assembly to move the crate body.   
   
   
       2 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 1 , wherein the operating module includes a processor unit to control operation of the driving assembly in a pre-defined manner. 
   
   
       3 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 2 , wherein the processor unit is programmed to operate the driving assembly to move the crate along a predefined path from a first location to a second location. 
   
   
       4 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the operating module includes a receiver unit to receive commands from a remote operator to operate the driving assembly; and   a control unit to operate the driving assembly in accordance with said commands.   
   
   
       5 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 1 , further comprising a GPS signal generator unit to generate and to transmit a signal to enable the location of the packaging crate to be tracked using the Global Positioning System. 
   
   
       6 . A mobile packaging crate according to  claim 1 , wherein the crate body includes a panel section supported by the crate body for movement to a ramp position to engage a support surface and to form a ramp between the crate body and the support surface. 
   
   
       7 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 6 , wherein the crate body supports the panel section for pivotal movement between a closed position and the ramp position. 
   
   
       8 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 7 , wherein as the panel section moves from the closed position to the ramp position, an access opening is opened in the crate body for providing access to an interior of the crate body to allow the given item to be moved into and removed from the interior of the crate. 
   
   
       9 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 1 , wherein the driving assembly is located beneath the crate body. 
   
   
       10 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 8 , wherein the driving assembly includes:
 a first sub-assembly located beneath a first side of the crate body; and   a second sub-assembly located beneath a second side of the crate.   
   
   
       11 . A mobile robotic, packaging crate according to  claim 10 , wherein:
 the first sub-assembly includes:   i) a first set of drive wheels,   ii) a first tread mounted on the first set of drive wheels for movement around said first set of drive wheels; and   the second sub-assembly includes:   i) a second set of drive wheels, and   ii) a second tread mounted on the second set of drive wheels for movement around said second set of drive wheels.   
   
   
       12 . A method for moving a cargo item, comprising the steps of:
 loading the cargo item into a crate including a self-propelled driving assembly; and   operating said driving assembly to move the crate and the cargo item.   
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the crate includes a programmable processor unit, and the operating step includes the steps of:
 programming the processor unit to operate the driving assembly to move the crate along a defined path from a first location to a second location; and   using the processor unit to operate the driving assembly to move the crate along said defined path.   
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the crate includes a receiver and a control unit, and wherein the operating step includes the steps of:
 transmitting commands to the receiver for operating the driving assembly; and   the control unit then operating the driving unit in accordance with said commands.   
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the crate includes a GPS signal generator, and the method comprises the further steps of:
 using the GPS signal generator to generate a signal to enable the location of the crate to be tracked using GPS; and   tracking movement of the cargo item, by using the GPS, to an end purchaser.   
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the crate includes a movable panel section, and the loading step includes the steps of using said panel section as a ramp to load the cargo item into and to remove the cargo item from the crate. 
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 16 , wherein the movable panel section is pivotally connected to the crate, and the using step includes the step of pivoting the movable panel section from a closed position to a ramp position, wherein the panel section forms a ramp leading to the interior of the crate. 
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the crate includes a programmable processor unit and a control unit, and wherein the operating step includes the steps of:
 programming the processor unit with a given program;   the processor unit operating the driving assembly, according to said given program, to move the crate onto a mobile carrier;   using the fork mobile carrier to move the crate from a first location to a second location; and   transmitting remote commands to the control unit to remove the driving assembly from the mobile carrier to a third location.   
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein the mobile carrier is a tractor/trailer. 
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein the mobile carrier is a forklift truck.