IP Library Granted Patent US 12,559,015
Granted Patent B2
US 12,559,015 · App. 18/333,539 · Granted Feb 24, 2026

Modular container delivery system

Inventors: Pablo Gabino Zuniga (Iztapalapa, MX); Jose Luis Toriz Vega (Metepec, MX); Diego Lopez Lerma (Toluca, MX)
B60P1/6409B60P1/5471B60P1/6418B60P3/007G06Q10/0833
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,559,015
App. No.
18/333,539
Granted
Feb 24, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Modular container delivery systems and methods are described herein. A modular container delivery system may be implemented to facilitate autonomous delivery of packages to customers. A modular container, as described in greater detail below, may be attached to a battery operated electric vehicle (BEV) and autonomous driving platform chassis. The container system itself contains a package sorting mechanism that is configured to move packages inside the vehicle, organize them into separate section of the vehicle and retrieve packages for delivery on as needed.

Claims (26)

1. A method, comprising:

attaching a modular container to a vehicle using a connection interface that provides for mechanical engagement and module communication, wherein the modular container is loaded with a plurality of box units and comprises a magnetic arm with an attachment mechanism for attaching to a magnetic pick of a box unit;

determining, based on a delivery route, at least a first package in a first box unit that is ready for delivery;

confirming delivery of the first package with a client;

using the magnetic arm to arrange the first box unit for pickup;

reading a QR code to verify the first package;

performing a package-client verification;

determining successful verification of the client;

determining that the client has arrived at a delivery location;

determining that the client has extracted the first package from the first box unit; and

updating first package status of the first package to delivered.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising

determining an incorrect client as part of the package-client verification;

moving the first package to a delayed delivery section of the modular container; and

updating the first package status to request attention.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

determining the client is unable to receive the first package as part of the package-client verification;

updating the first package status to retry delivery; and

rescheduling delivery of the first package.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using the magnetic arm to move the first box unit from a storage section of the modular container to a delivery section of the modular container.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first box unit comprises:

a first notification LED that reflects the first package status;

a first magnetic pick for attachment with the magnetic arm; and

first electronic comms.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the first box unit further comprises a second magnetic pick located on a bottom of the first box unit for attachment with another box unit.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the modular container comprises a verification unit for reading the QR code and a delivery interface for providing the client with access to the first package.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 6, 2023
From: ZUNIGA, PABLO GABINO; TORIZ VEGA, JOSE LUIS; LERMA, DIEGO LOPEZ
To: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 064174/0657 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20240416819A1 · Dec 19, 2024
References Cited (14)
US 9256852B1 · Myllymaki · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 10351347B2 · Luckay et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 11200531B1 · Brady · 2021 [cited by examiner]
US 20150321595A1 · Hempsch · 2015 [cited by examiner]
US 20180024554A1 · Brady · 2018 [cited by examiner]
US 20190279181A1 · Kelly · 2019 [cited by examiner]
US 20200207250A1 · Jarvis · 2020 [cited by examiner]
US 20200385207A1 · Godwin · 2020 [cited by examiner]
US 20210387808A1 · Kalouche · 2021 [cited by examiner]
US 20220180299A1 · Väin · 2022 [cited by examiner]
US 20230237424A1 · Moynihan · 2023 [cited by examiner]
CN 209241888U · 2019 [cited by applicant]
Ostermeier M, Heimfarth A, and Hübner A, “Cost-optimal truck-and-robot routing for last-mile delivery,” Apr. 2022, Networks: An International Journal, vol. 79, Issue 3, pp. 364-389. (Year: 2022). [cited by examiner]
Office of Inspector General United States Postal Services, Autonomous Vehicles for the Postal Service, Oct. 2, 2007. [cited by applicant]