Robust picking and packing of storage items

Abstract

A method includes providing a container having a folding side wall, the folding side wall in an open position defining a side access port having a predetermined side access port frame of reference. The folding side wall is positioned in the open position. Content / items are ordinated from a first arrangement of the content / items to a second arrangement of the content / items, different than the first arrangement of the content / items and disposed within the container with the second arrangement of the content / items ordinated with respect to the predetermined side access port frame of reference and an access direction to the content / items through the side access port.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 602,856, filed May 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND1. Field[0002]The exemplary embodiments generally relate to material handling, and more particularly, to automated storage and retrieval systems.2. Brief Description of Related Developments[0003]Generally, a majority of items shipped from a production facility are arranged in an orderly array (i.e., having a known position and orientation) and are packaged so as to maintain the orderly array of items. However, once the items arrive at a storage or distribution facility, they are removed from their packaging and, frequently, the orientation of the items in the array is disrupted with respect to one another. For example, items may be removed from packaging and dumped into a bin with other similar items such th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a container with a movable or folding side wall that can be opened to allow content to be accessed through a side access port. The container can be designed to accommodate different arrangements of content, and the access direction can be directed perpendicular to the open plane of the side access port. This design provides a unique and convenient way to access and organize content within the container.

Problems solved by technology

However, once the items arrive at a storage or distribution facility, they are removed from their packaging and, frequently, the orientation of the items in the array is disrupted with respect to one another.

In some instances, the position and orientation of items may be lost and subsequently re-determined multiple times between receipt of shipment from the production facility and shipment to the customer.

Further, the known position and orientation of items in a container may be lost if the contents within the container are not secured against agitation during transport or storage operations.

The result is additional complexity and cost associated with picking and packaging customer orders.

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