Method for loading a layer of goods on a movable supporting means and a pallet loader for carrying out the method

A device for loading articles onto pallets comprising means for storing a plurality of empty pallets in stacked relation, pallet loading means juxtaposed said pallet storing means, reciprocally movable plate means for transferring the top empty pallet from the stack of pallets to the top of said pallet loading means, said pallet storing means including means for raising the stack of pallets in the storing means after the top pallet has been transferred therefrom, said reciprocally movable plate means being disposed above said top pallet, means for feeding at least one article onto said reciprocal plate means for movement therewith when an empty pallet is transferred from the top of said storing means to the top of said loading means, the at least one article being deposited on said pallet at the top of said loading means when said reciprocal plate means is retracted to the top of said storing means, support means at the top of said loading means including laterally displaceable members for receiving the top pallet from said storing means, elevator means for supporting and raising the loaded pallet above said support means to permit said laterally displaceable members of said support means to be laterally displaced beyond the marginal edges of the loaded pallet, and means for displacing said laterally displaceable members whereby the pallet may then be lowered by said elevator means.