Apparatus, systems and methods for using handheld measurement devices to create on-demand packaging

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, assemblies, and systems relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items and/or a customized arrangement of items. In one aspect, one or more items are arranged. The one or more items are then measured using a measurement device. The measurement device includes, in some aspects, a bracket that engages the arranged one or more items. The bracket may, in some embodiments, elevate a measurement component relative to the arranged one or more items so as to provide clear line of sight unobstructed by the arranged one or more items. Measurements in three dimensions may be obtained and used to create a custom, on-demand package.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A measurement device adapted to measure an arrangement of one or more to-be-packaged items in each of three dimensions, the measurement device comprising:
 an electronic measurement component, wherein the electronic measurement component includes:
 a first end; and 
 an emission mechanism configured to direct a measurement element in a direction generally normal to the first end; and 
   a bracket attached to the electronic measurement component, wherein the bracket includes a first engagement surface generally aligned with the first end of the electronic measurement component.   
     
     
         2 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket is an angle bracket. 
     
     
         3 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket includes at least first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces being offset at an angle that is at least about ninety degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket includes at least two portions, wherein a first portion attaches to the electronic measurement component and wherein the second portion includes the first engagement surface and is offset relative to the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         5 . The measurement device recited in  claim 4 , wherein the second portion is offset in a direction generally parallel to the first end of the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         6 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket includes a dual angle construction. 
     
     
         7 . The measurement device recited in  claim 6 , wherein the dual angle construction includes:
 an engagement angle, the engagement angle including the first engagement surface; and   an attachment angle, the attachment angle including a first attachment surface configured to attach to the electronic measurement component.   
     
     
         8 . The measurement device recited in  claim 6 , wherein the dual angle construction includes two angles arranged back-to-back. 
     
     
         9 . The measurement device recited in  claim 8 , wherein the two angles include generally parallel first surfaces and generally parallel second surfaces, and wherein the two angles are secured together along at least a portion of the generally parallel second surfaces. 
     
     
         10 . The measurement device recited in  claim 9 , wherein the two angles are at least partially offset a distance extending in a direction generally parallel to the second surfaces and generally perpendicular to the first surfaces of the two angles. 
     
     
         11 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the emission mechanism is configured to extend or emit at least one of a laser, a sound wave, or a measuring tape. 
     
     
         12 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electronic measurement component is configured to measure dimensions obtained in three orthogonal directions. 
     
     
         13 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electronic measurement component is configured to communicate with a package production machine by transmitting dimensional information to the package production machine. 
     
     
         14 . The measurement device recited in  claim 13 , wherein the package production machine is configured to use the dimensional information received from the electronic measurement component to design a package template for the one or more to-be-packaged items. 
     
     
         15 . The measurement device recited in  claim 14 , wherein the package production machine is configured to produce the package template from raw production materials based on the dimensional information received from the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         16 . The measurement device recited in  claim 13 , wherein the package production machine comprises a package design engine. 
     
     
         17 . The measurement device recited in  claim 16 , wherein the package design engine is adapted to design a packaging template based on dimensional information received from the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         18 . The measurement device recited in  claim 17 , wherein the package design engine is configured to automatically select a packaging template style from a plurality of packaging template styles based on the dimensional information of the one or more to-be-packaged items. 
     
     
         19 . The measurement device recited in  claim 18 , wherein the plurality of packaging template styles include at least a one-piece folding box template and a two-piece box with separate top and bottom portions. 
     
     
         20 . The measurement device recited in  claim 16 , wherein the package design engine is adapted to design a packaging template based on the proportions of the one or more to-be-packaged items. 
     
     
         21 . The measurement device recited in  claim 13 , wherein the package production machine comprises a production system that is adapted to produce a package template for the one or more to-be-packaged items based on the dimensional information received from the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         22 . The measurement device recited in  claim 13 , wherein the package production machine produces the package template by cutting, creasing, scoring, perforating, or otherwise manipulating raw production materials. 
     
     
         23 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket further includes a second engagement surface, wherein at least one of the first or second engagement surfaces defines cut corners. 
     
     
         24 . The measurement device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the bracket is selectively detachable from the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         25 . A system for producing on-demand, custom sized packages, comprising:
 a measurement device, wherein the measurement device includes:
 an electronic measurement component, the electronic measurement component being capable of obtaining measurements made in at least three dimensions; 
 one or more angle brackets secured to the electronic measurement component, wherein each of the one or more angle brackets includes at least an engagement angle configured to engage an arrangement of one or more to-be-packaged items to facilitate proper positioning of the electronic measurement component relative to the to-be-packaged items. 
   
     
     
         26 . The system recited in  claim 25 , wherein the engagement angle includes at least a first engagement surface generally aligned with an emission end of the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         27 . The system recited in  claim 26 , wherein the engagement angle includes at least a second engagement surface extending from the first engagement surface and offset from the electronic measurement component by a distance extending in a direction generally parallel to the first engagement surface or the emission end of the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         28 . The system recited in  claim 25 , further comprising:
 a package production machine communicatively coupleable to the electronic measurement device, wherein the package production machine is configured to obtain dimensional information obtained by the electronic measurement device and design and produce a package template from raw production materials.   
     
     
         29 . The system recited in  claim 28 , wherein the package production machine is communicatively coupled to the electronic measurement device using a wireless or wired connection. 
     
     
         30 . The system recited in  claim 29 , wherein the package production machine is adapted to receive the measurements obtained by the electronic measurement device. 
     
     
         31 . The system recited in  claim 30 , wherein the package production machine comprises:
 a package design engine adapted to design a packaging template based on the measurements obtained by the electronic measurement component; and   a production system communicatively connected to the package design engine, the production system being adapted to produce the package template designed by the package design engine.   
     
     
         32 . The system recited in  claim 31 , wherein the package design engine is configured to automatically select a packaging template style from a plurality of packaging template styles based on the proportions of the measurements obtained by the electronic measurement component. 
     
     
         33 . The system recited in  claim 31 , wherein the package production machine produces the package template by cutting, creasing, scoring, perforating, or otherwise manipulating raw production materials. 
     
     
         34 . An angle bracket for use in a custom package production system, the angle bracket including:
 a first angle defined by a first plate and a second plate, the first and second plates being generally perpendicular relative to each other, the first and second plates defining at least two engagement surfaces for engaging an arrangement of one or more to-be-packaged items; and   a second angle defined by a third plate and a fourth plate, the third and fourth plates being generally perpendicular relative to each other, the third plate defining an attachment surface for connecting the first angle to a measurement device, and the fourth plate defining a transition surface for connecting the third plate to the first angle,   wherein the first plate and the third plate are generally parallel and the second plate and the fourth plate are generally parallel, and wherein the first plate and the second plate are offset from each other by a distance, the distance extending in a direction generally parallel to the second plate and the fourth plate.   
     
     
         35 . The angle bracket recited in  claim 34 , wherein the first angle has a first width, and wherein the second angle has a second width, the second width being less than the first width. 
     
     
         36 . A system for producing on-demand, custom packages, comprising:
 a handheld measurement device, wherein the measurement device includes:
 an electronic measurement component adapted to obtain at least three dimensional measurements of one or more to-be-packaged items; 
 a bracket secured to the electronic measurement component, wherein the bracket is adapted to engage with one or more surfaces of the one or more to-be-packaged items to facilitate proper positioning of the electronic measurement component relative to the one or more to-be-packaged items in order to accurately obtain the at least three dimensional measurements; 
   a stop component, wherein a surface of the one or more to-be-packaged items that is opposite to the surface engaged by the bracket and the stop component are configured to be placed adjacent to one another to facilitate obtaining of the at least three dimensional measurements; and   a package production machine communicatively linked to the measurement device, the package production machine having:
 a package design component configured to receive the at least three dimensional measurements from the electronic measurement component and design a package template using the at least three dimensional measurements; and 
 a production component configured to access the package template design and use available raw packaging materials to produce the package template, wherein the production component includes tools to perform any combination of making cuts, scores, perforations, and/or creases. 
   
     
     
         37 . The system recited in  claim 36 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 an engagement angle defined by an upper plate and a back plate, the upper plate and the back plate being perpendicular and integrally formed, wherein each of the upper plate and the back plate have an interior surface configured to engage a surface adjacent a corner of the one or more to-be-packaged items.   
     
     
         38 . The system recited in  claim 37 , wherein the bracket comprises:
 an attachment angle defined by a transition plate and a mounting plate, the transition plate being perpendicular to, and integral with, the mounting plate, wherein the transition plate is secured to an exterior surface of the back plate and is vertically offset with respect thereto, such that the mounting plate is parallel to the upper plate but resides in a plane offset with respect thereto.   
     
     
         39 . The system recited in  claim 36 , wherein the electronic measurement component comprises:
 a processor; and   a light beam emitter and receiver, wherein the light beam emitter and receiver are communicatively linked to the processor, and wherein the light beam emitter and receiver are configured to be selectively activated and to thereby collectively determine a distance based on emission and reception of a light beam.   
     
     
         40 . The system recited in  claim 36 , wherein the stop component comprises a handheld stop component. 
     
     
         41 . The system recited in  claim 36 , wherein the stop component comprises one or more walls or a surface of a table.