Compact collator, system and method of use

A compact collator comprises:

• a laner, the laner having a first movable conveyor for conveying product containers through the laner, the laner defining an infeed area,
• a pattern conveyor, the pattern conveyor having a second movable conveyor positioned down-stream from the infeed area and off-set 90 degrees from the first moveable conveyor;
• a cross-pusher assembly, the cross-pusher assembly positioned downstream of the infeed area, the cross-pusher assembly having a cross-pusher arm, the cross-pusher arm comprises a first portion that extends parallel to the first moveable conveyor, and an elbow portion that extends in a curve from the first portion;
• and
• a plurality of interchangeable inserts, each of the plurality of interchangeable inserts are configured to be capable of engaging the first portion and the curve of the of cross-pusher arm, only one of the plurality of interchangeable inserts being engaged to the cross-pusher arm at any given time, each interchangeable insert defining a unique face contour, the unique face contour of each of the plurality of interchangeable inserts corresponding to the profile shape of at least one type of product container.