Method for inserting one or more canisters into a flexible pouch in a predetermined orientation

Abstract

A method for inserting one or more canisters into a flexible pouch having a re-sealable end portion for permitting insertion of the canisters, a collapsable and flexible floor portion on which one or more of the canisters are positioned, and a side portion for enclosing the canisters and connecting the end portion to the floor portion, the method comprising the steps of positioning the canisters into a position adjacent said pouch; attaching one or more of the canisters to a mechanical arm for providing transportation to said pouches; and placing the canisters through the re-sealable open end and onto the collapsible and flexible floor portion so that the floor portion forms a stable storage platform for the canisters.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for inserting one or more articles of manufacture into a flexible pouch having either a one-time sealable or re-sealable end portion for permitting insertion of the articles of manufacture, a collapsible and flexible floor portion on which one or more of the articles of manufacture are positioned, and a flexible side portion for enclosing the articles of manufacture and connecting the end portion to the floor portion, the method comprising the steps of. 
 (a) positioning the one or more articles of manufacture in a predetermined orientation into a position adjacent to said pouch;    (b) attaching the one or more of articles of manufacture to a mechanical arm for providing transportation to said pouch; and    (c) placing the one or more articles of manufacture through the end portion and onto the collapsible and flexible floor portion so that the floor portion forms a stable storage platform for the articles of manufacture.    
     
     
         2 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes attaching the arm to three canisters aligned substantially side-by-side.  
     
     
         3 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes attaching the arm to two pairs of three canisters aligned substantially side-by-side.  
     
     
         4 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein step (b) includes attaching the arm to one pair of two canisters aligned side-by-side and one pair of three canisters aligned substantially side-by-side.  
     
     
         5 . The method as in  claim 1 , wherein step (a) includes positioning the articles of manufacture in a predetermined orientation on a conveyor belt for transporting the articles of manufacture toward the pouch.  
     
     
         6 . The method as in  claim 5 , wherein step (a) includes providing a re-positioning arm for separating a predetermined number of the articles of manufacture and urging the articles of manufacture across the conveyor belt toward the pouch.  
     
     
         7 . The method as in  claim 6 , wherein step (b) includes providing a loading device for transporting the articles of manufacture into the pouch.  
     
     
         8 . The method as in  claim 5  further comprising providing notched-out portions in the re-positioning arm.  
     
     
         9 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising providing canisters as the articles of manufacture.  
     
     
         10 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising separating motion of the re-positioning arm from motion of the mechanical arm for providing increased rate at which the pouches can be loaded.  
     
     
         11 . The method as in  claim 1  further comprising controlling position and orientation of the articles of manufacture during loading for providing a minimum pouch size.