Method and apparatus for casing flexible containers

Loading device for locating a plurality of flexible containers symmetrically in a generally rectangular open-top case comprising:

• a framework;
• means for locating an empty case in the framework;
• divider means positionable in the case, dividing the case into a plurality of compartments each sized to receive one of the containers;
• a pair of spaced inlet conveyors for feeding containers into said framework adjacent two opposed sides of said case;
• diverter means for each of said conveyors, each diverter means being adapted to direct a container from the corresponding conveyor to a position overlying an adjacent empty compartment so that the container will fall into the empty compartment;
• means for rotating the divider means and the case to bring empty compartments into a position adjacent said conveyors;
• means for removing the divider means from the case when all compartments are full;
• and,
• means for removing the full case from the framework.

A method of loading a plurality of flexible containers symmetrically in a generally rectangular open-top case comprising the steps of:

• a. locating removable divider means in said case, said divider means forming a plurality of symmetrically positioned compartments in said case;
• b. feeding said containers singly to laterally displacable diverter means,
• c. displacing said diverter means laterally so as to overlie an empty compartment in said case;
• d. releasing the container from the diverter means to fall into said empty compartment;
• e. rotating said divider means and said case to bring a new empty compartment to a position adjacent said diverter means;
• f. repeating said feeding, displacing, releasing and rotating steps until each compartment is full;
• and
• g. removing said divider means from said case, leaving said containers in position in the case.