Patent ID: 10618447

Abstract:
In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to improve delivery vehicles with storage compartments for items and product containers. In some embodiments, the storage compartments have a plurality of horizontally-mounted support rails mounted on opposite sides of the storage compartment to receive the product containers and retractable retaining elements disposed adjacent ends of the support rails proximate storage compartment openings to help retain the product containers. In another configuration, the horizontally-mounted support rails are movable, such that the product containers supported by the support rails permit are movable. By one approach, the delivery vehicle includes a conveyor mechanism to move the horizontally-mounted support rails. In yet another embodiment, the delivery vehicle may include a temperature-controlled compartment for receiving product containers, a door providing access to the temperature-controlled compartment, and an insulating panel configured to retain air, such as chilled air, in the temperature-controlled compartment.