Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for automatically lining a container having at least one open end. A bag-type liner having a leading sealed, and a trailing unsealed, end is fed along a predetermined liner path, with the trailing unsealed end suspended above the container. A plurality of clamps grab the sides of the bag at the unsealed end and separate the unsealed end by pulling the sides apart. A vacuum is then activated to draw air out of the container through the bottom of the container, drawing the wall of the liner material against the interior surface of the container, thereby fully opening the liner in the container. If the container has two oppositely facing open ends, a vent can be positioned under one of the open ends for drawing air out from the container. If the container has only one open end, a plurality of vacuum tubes can be inserted into the bottom of the container along the interior surface of the container for drawing air out of the bottom of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus for automatically lining a container having at least one open end. A bag-type liner having a sealed and unsealed end is suspended in the container with the sealed end down. A plurality of clamps grab the sides of the bag and open the unsealed end by pulling the sides apart. Air is then withdrawn from between the liner and container thereby expanding the liner in the container. If the container has two oppositely facing open ends, a vent can be positioned under one of the open ends for drawing air out from the container. If the container has only one open end, a plurality of vacuum robes can be inserted at the four corners of the container between the liner and the container for drawing air out from between the liner and container.