METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING ITEMS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for distributing items, comprising:
- (a) directing a batch of at least one item from a central location to a distribution location dynamically selected from multiple distribution locations in a given geographic area based at least in part on a predicted or actual demand for said item, wherein said distribution location is dedicated to deliver individual quantities of said batch to a delivery location within said given geographic area;
(b) receiving an order for said item from an electronic device of a customer, wherein said order includes a request to deliver said item to a delivery location that is within said given geographic area;
(c) preparing said item for delivery to said delivery location; and
(d) delivering said item to said customer at said delivery location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for distributing items comprises directing a batch of an item from a central location to a distribution location that is not dedicated for use in preparing the batch. The distribution location is dedicated to deliver individual quantities of the batch to a given geographic area. Next, an order for the item is received from an electronic device of a customer. The order includes a request to deliver the item to a delivery location that is within the given geographic area. The item is then prepared for delivery to the delivery location. Next, the item is delivered to the customer at the delivery location.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for distributing items, comprising:
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(a) directing a batch of at least one item from a central location to a distribution location dynamically selected from multiple distribution locations in a given geographic area based at least in part on a predicted or actual demand for said item, wherein said distribution location is dedicated to deliver individual quantities of said batch to a delivery location within said given geographic area; (b) receiving an order for said item from an electronic device of a customer, wherein said order includes a request to deliver said item to a delivery location that is within said given geographic area; (c) preparing said item for delivery to said delivery location; and (d) delivering said item to said customer at said delivery location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for distributing items, comprising:
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(a) directing at least a first batch and a second batch of different items to different distribution locations that are dynamically selected from multiple distribution locations in a given geographic area, wherein said distribution locations are dedicated to deliver individual quantities of said batches to different delivery locations within said given geographic area; (b) receiving an order for an item from said first or second batch of items from an electronic device of a customer, wherein said order includes a request to deliver said item to a given delivery location among said delivery locations; (c) preparing said item for delivery to said given delivery location; and (d) delivering said item to said customer at said given delivery location.
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20-25. -25. (canceled)
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26. A system for distributing items, comprising:
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a communication interface that receives an order for at least one item from an electronic device of a customer in a given geographic area; a memory location that comprises an algorithm to determine a distribution location(s) based at least in part on an actual or predicted demand for said item; and a computer processor coupled to said memory location and communication interface, which computer processor is programmed to (i) direct the transfer of a batch of said item from a central location to a distribution location selected from multiple distribution locations in said given geographic area based at least in part on said predicted or actual demand as determined by said algorithm, wherein said distribution location is dedicated to deliver individual quantities of said batch to a delivery location within said given geographic area, (ii) receive said order for said item from said electronic device, wherein said order includes a request to deliver said item to a delivery location that is within said given geographic area, and (iii) direct the preparation and delivery of said item to said customer at said delivery location.
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27-34. -34. (canceled)
Specification