Abstract: A destacking/feeding system separates individual articles such as flat container blanks or trays nested in a stack. The destacking and feeding system comprises at least two pairs of opposed endless feed conveyor belts having respective vertical runs. The feed belts are spaced apart to grip opposite sides of the articles to feed them downwardly along a path to a second pair of belts or wheels which travel at a second, higher speed. The feed belts feed the stack of nested trays to the second, higher speed belts, which accelerate the lowermost articles and propel them downstream at the second speed. At the lower end of the second, higher speed conveyor, the articles are released and fall sequentially by gravity onto a waiting conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container package assembly employing upper and lower trays with a shallow depth which are positioned on the ends of the container and secured in assembly about the containers with cross strapping. When used with P.E.T. bottles, the upper tray is shorter and narrower than the lower tray and is engaged about the neck flanges of the P.E.T. bottles which positively position the upper tray with respect to the lower tray. This assembly provides a low cost efficient package for shipping and handling and displays the container label.

Abstract: A case loader for loading pet beverage or other product bottles with a prominent neck flange in cases includes support rails spaced by gaps which support the bottles by the neck flange in suspended condition as they are moved by pusher bars from a grouping station to a case filling station.