Abstract: A stacking device for assembling a slack of uniformly sized articles 1, has a receiving station for successively receiving said articles 1, and a lifting means to raise said articles from the receiving station to a stacking station The stacking station includes catching means 3 to catch and retain the articles in the stacking station, the catching means comprising at least two catchers 3 located on opposite sides of the station to engage opposite side edges of the article. The article 1 when being raised contacts the catchers 3 to displace the catchers to a closed position to enable the article to override the catchers 3 to move to a position above the catchers 3, the catchers 3 having biassing means to bias the catchers 3 back to an open position to engage and support the article 1 in the stacking station when the lifting means is withdrawn. The catchers 3 have a uniform cross-section and are pivotally mounted in a frame member 5 having a uniform cross-section.

Abstract: A stacking device for assembling a slack of uniformly sized articles 1, has a receiving station for successively receiving said articles 1, and a lifting means to raise said articles from the receiving station to a stacking station The stacking station includes catching means 3 to catch and retain the articles in the stacking station, the catching means comprising at least two catchers 3 located on opposite sides of the station to engage opposite side edges of the article. The article 1 when being raised contacts the catchers 3 to displace the catchers to a closed position to enable the article to override the catchers 3 to move to a position above the catchers 3, the catchers 3 having biassing means to bias the catchers 3 back to an open position to engage and support the article 1 in the stacking station when the lifting means is withdrawn. The catchers 3 have a uniform cross-section and are pivotally mounted in a frame member 5 having a uniform cross-section.