Method and apparatus for merchandise distribution control
First Claim
1. A method for controlling the distribution of a plurality of items of merchandise to selected locations comprising the steps of:
- listing the identification data for groups of items of merchandise intended for distribution to the selected locations, including listing a location identification number and a distribution list serial number;
providing a packing stub label for each selected group of items including printing all of the identification data the distribution list serial number, and the location identification number on each label;
associating a packing stub label with a corresponding selected group of items;
providing an address label having the selected location address, the location identification number, and the distribution list serial number and including a separable segment bearing the location identification number and the distribution list serial number;
placing a container manifest label bearing the location identification number and the distribution list serial number on a container manifest;
containerizing each group of items;
placing the packing stub for each containerized group of items on the container manifest;
affixing the address label to the container;
placing the containers on a conveyance;
separating the segment from the address label and affixing it to a conveyance manifest;
conveying the containers to the selected location; and
checking the items in the container against the packing stubs on the container manifest.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A merchandise distribution control system employs specialized labels and requires no writing by loading or shipping dock personnel. All labels and tabs are preprinted or printed at the same time and bear the appropriate store identification number and carton serial number. This printing can be in OCRA, UPC, magnetic, or dot code for manual or automatic scanning. A distribution list is printed by electronic data processing equipment and sets forth all of the merchandise to be distributed, thereby retaining the merchandise information in the system at the end of the distribution process. The distribution list has a plurality of detachable distribution labels, which are associated with the items of merchandise, and when merchandise is placed in the carbon the distribution labels are affixed to a carton manifest. A multi-part carton label is provided having detachable portions which may be affixed to the carton manifest and to a truck manifest and whereby the carton label may be affixed to the truck manifest at the time of loading, whereby accurate control of the location of all of the merchandise items is provided.
78 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the distribution of a plurality of items of merchandise to selected locations comprising the steps of:
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listing the identification data for groups of items of merchandise intended for distribution to the selected locations, including listing a location identification number and a distribution list serial number; providing a packing stub label for each selected group of items including printing all of the identification data the distribution list serial number, and the location identification number on each label; associating a packing stub label with a corresponding selected group of items; providing an address label having the selected location address, the location identification number, and the distribution list serial number and including a separable segment bearing the location identification number and the distribution list serial number; placing a container manifest label bearing the location identification number and the distribution list serial number on a container manifest; containerizing each group of items; placing the packing stub for each containerized group of items on the container manifest; affixing the address label to the container; placing the containers on a conveyance; separating the segment from the address label and affixing it to a conveyance manifest; conveying the containers to the selected location; and checking the items in the container against the packing stubs on the container manifest. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for controlling the distribution of items of merchandise to selected destinations comprising the steps of:
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creating a distribution list setting forth all items of merchandise to be distributed; providing the distribution list with a plurality of separable distribution labels, each label corresponding to a selected destination and quantity of merchandise; associating a distribution label with its corresponding item of merchandise; providing a carton label having a plurality of separable portions each having the same destination code and serial number; affixing two of the plurality of detachable portions of the carton label to a carton into which the items of merchandise are to be placed; affixing another portion of the plurality of detachable portions of the carton label to a carton manifest sheet; affixing a distribution label to the carton manifest when its associated item of merchandise is placed in the carton; separating one of the two portions of the carton label affixed to the carton and placing it on a truck manifest sheet; placing the cartons on a transport means for transporting the cartons to a destination; and upon receipt at the destination, checking that the cartons on the transport means correspond to the segments of the carton label portions affixed to the truck manifest sheet and that the goods in the cartons correspond to the distribution labels affixed to the carton manifest sheet. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. Merchandise distribution control apparatus, comprising:
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a distribution sheet having printed thereon a listing of all of the merchandise to be distributed and including a plurality of removable adhesive distribution labels bearing an identification of the destination of selected quantities of the merchandise for association with the selected quantities of merchandise; a carton label formed having two detachable portions one said portion being formed into two separable segments for attaching to a carton; a carton manifest sheet having spaces thereon for accepting said distribution labels and the other of said two portions of said carton label; and a truck manifest sheet having spaces thereon for accepting a plurality of ones of said separable segments of said one portion of said carton labels, whereby said distribution labels are first associated with the merchandise, one portion of the carton label is applied to the carton, the distribution labels are placed on the carton manifest, and a segment of the portion of the carton label of every carton loaded on a truck is affixed to the truck manifest. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification