An apparatus for packing spike plates or the like

PCT No. PCT/FI96/00429 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 30, 1998 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 30, 1998 PCT Filed Aug. 5, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO97/06083 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 20, 1997The invention relates to an apparatus for packing connector plates or the like. The apparatus comprises a horizontal conveyor (V) for conveying connector plates (N) to a stacking station (P) at the end of the horizontal conveyor (V) with the plates oriented so that the teeth point substantially upward. A turning conveyor (K) conveys connector plates (N) to the stacking station (P) in an inverted orientation so that nested pairs of connector plates are formed. The horizontal conveyor (V) is in the same longitudinal line with the turning conveyor (K) and partly inside the turning conveyor. The turning conveyor (K) includes two substantially vertical support walls (4) which are provided for rotation around a horizontal axle (6), and a support mechanism (5) attached therebetween. A connector plate (N) to be inverted is supported by the support mechanism travelling in an arcuate path from the horizontal conveyor (V) to the stacking station (P), while being turned upside down, and laid on an unturned connector plate (N) arriving from the horizontal conveyor (V).