Storage rack for storing sorted mailpieces
First Claim
1. A rack for storing sorted mailpieces that have been sorted by an automated mail sorting apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of shelves each comprising an upper end and a lower end and configured to accept and store mail containers, each shelf positioned at an angle of between about 13 and 15 degrees from horizontal;
a shelf extension projecting from the lower end of at least one shelf of the plurality of shelves, each extension having an angle of between about 30 and 50 degrees to horizontal and an angle of between about 75 and 80 degrees to vertical, each shelf comprising at least one rest for holding one of the mail containers at the angle of the extension for facilitating access by an operator; and
a ridge secured at the lower end of at least one of the plurality of shelves to keep a forward most mail container on the shelf from sliding onto the extension.
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Abstract
This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing an apparatus that will assist in sorting mailpieces which increases the efficiency of the mail sorting apparatus, provides an organized space for intermediate storage of mailpieces and provides ergonomic features that reduce injury to the mail sorting apparatus operator and increases productivity. The present invention is directed to, in a general aspect, a mailpiece storage rack. The storage rack is used to hold partially sorted mailpieces between sorting passes in multiple pass sorting of mailpieces using a mail sorting apparatus or stores mailpieces after sortation and prior to delivery. The storage rack maintains the grouping, sequence and stack quality or alignment of partially sorted mailpieces which provides for more efficient re-feeding. The rack is designed ergonomically for easy transferring of mail into and out of storage and also provides for organized workflow. The storage rack may be configured to accept containers such as, for example, standard tubs used by national posts, and/or custom tubs designed for mailer environments.
85 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A rack for storing sorted mailpieces that have been sorted by an automated mail sorting apparatus comprising:
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a plurality of shelves each comprising an upper end and a lower end and configured to accept and store mail containers, each shelf positioned at an angle of between about 13 and 15 degrees from horizontal;
a shelf extension projecting from the lower end of at least one shelf of the plurality of shelves, each extension having an angle of between about 30 and 50 degrees to horizontal and an angle of between about 75 and 80 degrees to vertical, each shelf comprising at least one rest for holding one of the mail containers at the angle of the extension for facilitating access by an operator; and
a ridge secured at the lower end of at least one of the plurality of shelves to keep a forward most mail container on the shelf from sliding onto the extension. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification
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- Resources
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Current AssigneePitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
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Original AssigneePitney Bowes Incorporated (Böwe Systec AG)
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InventorsSchulz, Kenneth A., Steinmetz, John H., Ryan, William E. Jr., Shaw, Lyle W.
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Granted Patent
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Time in Patent OfficeDays
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Field of Search
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US Class Current209/706
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CPC Class CodesB07C 1/025 Devices for the temporary s...B07C 3/008 Means for collecting object...Y10S 209/90 Sorting flat-type mail
