Abstract: Copies (22) of preferably folded or stitched printed matter are transferred by means of a loading device (20) from a preceding station to a stacking device (30). The copies (22) are stacked in the stacking means (30) into stacks (120), positioned on a bottom (96). The bottom (96) can be lowered together with the stack (120) lying thereon. During this movement, the bottom is lowered simultaneously into a banding means (106) which applies itself to the bottom and the side walls of the stack. Thereafter the banding means (106) is closed tightly on top of the lowered stack (120), by means of sealing rams (118). The stack (120), with the loop wrapped around it, is then carried off, and the lowered bottom (96) or its partial bottoms (98, 100) return to their upper position.

Abstract: Copies, preferably folded or stitched copies of printed matter, are taken over from a preceding station by means of a loading device, and transferred to a stacking device. The copies are compressed over their full surface before they reach the said stacking device, scaled up by pushing them a certain way one upon the other, and accumulated in synchronism with the operation of the said stacking device. The copies are taken over from the stacking device by a transfer device in the compressed condition, in the form of a total stack. The loading device, the stacking device, the transfer device and the said packaging device are united to one structural unit.