Product retard device for drop-loading packaging machine

In a machine for conveying empty open-top article carriers along a feed platform to a loading station and drop-loading articles such as bottles or the like into the article carriers at said loading station, a device for intercepting the fall of the articles after they have entered the article carriers, said device comprising support means arranged at the loading station to temporarily displace the base panel of the article carriers upwardly and provide an elevated platform to which the dead load of the articles is transmitted when the articles are dropped into the article carriers, actuating means for causing said support means to be displaced upwardly and thereafter withdrawn whereby the dead load of said articles is transferred from said support means to the base panel of said article carriers, said support means comprising a pivotal arm disposed below the path of movement of said article carriers, and said feed platform being constructed so as to permit said pivotal arm to engage the base panel of said article carriers, characterized in that said actuating means includes an endless series of cam plates arranged to move below said pivotal arm and a cam follower associated with said pivotal arm so as to cooperate with said cam plates.