GB2302855A

GB2302855A - Apparatus for continuously funnelling a plurality of articles from one conveying belt in single file on to another conveying belt

Info

Publication number: GB2302855A
Application number: GB9606197A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter James Mulrine
Original assignee: Purefresh F & D Ltd
Current assignee: Purefresh F & D Ltd
Priority date: 1995-06-30
Filing date: 1996-03-25
Publication date: 1997-02-05
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-25
Also published as: GB2302855B; IE950486A1; GB9606197D0

Abstract

Apparatus (5) which comprises a barrier member (20) continuously funnels bottles (3) from an upstream conveying belt (7) where they are conveyed many abreast, into single file on to a downstream conveying belt (8). An agitating belt (35) on the barrier member (20) gently agitates and imparts a rotational type motion to the leading bottles (3) abutting the barrier member (20), for urging the leading bottles (3) along the barrier member (20) towards an inlet (32) to the downstream conveying belt (8). The agitating belt (35) also accelerates the agitated bottles to a linear speed which is substantially similar to that of the downstream conveying belt (8). A guide bar (50) forms a restricting opening (52) with the barrier member (20) for restricting the bottles (3) to pass therethrough two abreast towards the inlet (32).

Description

"A method and apparatus for continuously funnelling a plurality of articles from one conveying belt in single file on to another conveying belt" The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt.

In the packaging and filling of liquids and articles into packaging containers, it is frequently necessary to funnel the packaging containers which are being conveyed on a conveying belt many abreast into single file so that the containers may be conveyed in single file past a filling machine for filling the liquid or articles into the container. Typically this is a requirement in the drinks industry where bottles, in general, are depalletised on to a relatively wide upstream conveying belt and are conveyed many abreast along the upstream conveying belt. Typically, the containers after being depalletised may travel twenty abreast along the upstream conveying belt. To fill the liquid drink into the bottles, it is necessary that the bottles are conveyed on a conveying belt in single file beneath a liquid filling machine.

There are a number of different types of apparatus which funnel bottles and other articles which are travelling many abreast on an upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt.

One such apparatus comprises changing the direction of the bottles through 900 whereby the upstream conveying belt conveys the bottles on to a transversely extending downstream conveying belt which conveys the bottles from the upstream conveying belt in single file. While such apparatus are reasonably satisfactory for bottles which are relatively stable, for example, relatively heavy glass bottles, such apparatus have been found to be unsuitable for relatively unstable bottles, such as relatively tall light plastics bottles, for example, bottles of polyethylenetetrachloride.

An alternative type of apparatus comprises a relatively wide belt conveyor which comprises a plurality of parallel conveying belts located side by side relative to each other. In this apparatus the centre belt moves faster than the adjacent outer belts, and stationary guide members extend inwardly from the sides of the conveyor towards the centre belt for directing the bottles on to the centre belt. The faster motion of the centre belt urges the bottles thereon through a funnel formed by the two guide members. The two guide members define a passage of width which is sufficient only for permitting the bottles to move along the centre belt between the guide members in single file.

While this apparatus is reasonably adequate for relatively heavy bottles, it has been found to be unsatisfactory for relatively tall light bottles, typically, bottles of plastics material such as polyethylenetetrachloride. The main problem experienced in using both of these types of apparatus is that because of their inherent instability the bottles tend to topple over. Once one bottle begins to topple it commences a domino effect thereby causing all the bottles to topple.

There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus for funnelling relatively tall light unstable bottles, and indeed, for funnelling any relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt so that the articles are conveyed in single file by the downstream conveying belt.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a method and apparatus.

According to the invention there is provided a method for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt so that the articles are conveyed by the downstream conveying belt in single file, the articles being of circular crosssection in plan and being conveyed on the upstream conveying belt in a downstream direction many abreast, the method comprising the steps of imposing a barrier means for restricting the downstream movement of the leading articles on the upstream conveying belt, and arranging the barrier means to extend across the upstream conveying belt obliquely relatively to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt and towards the downstream conveying belt in an oblique downstream direction, imparting a gentle agitating rotational type motion to some of the leading articles abutting the barrier means for urging the leading articles along the barrier means towards the downstream conveying belt, accelerating the leading agitated articles along the barrier means to a linear speed which is substantially similar to that of the downstream conveying belt, and arranging the barrier means so that a downstream end of the barrier means defines with an input end of the downstream conveying belt an inlet to the downstream conveying belt which is of width sufficient for permitting a single one of the articles to pass therethrough but of insufficient width for permitting the articles to pass therethrough two abreast.

In one aspect of the invention the leading articles adjacent the downstream end of the barrier means are subjected to the gentle agitating rotational type motion. Preferably, the leading articles abutting the barrier means between the downstream end thereof and a position intermediate the downstream end and an upstream end of the barrier means are subjected to the gentle agitating rotational type motion.

Advantageously, the intermediate position is substantially halfway between the upstream and downstream ends of the barrier means, and the leading articles abutting the barrier means between the downstream end and the intermediate position are subjected to the gentle agitating rotational type motion.

In one aspect of the invention the barrier means extends at an angle in the range of 300 to 600 relative to the direction of downstream motion of the upstream conveying belt. Advantageously, the barrier means extends at an angle of approximately 450 relative to the direction of downstream motion of the upstream conveying belt.

Ideally, the barrier means extends substantially across the entire width of the upstream conveying belt.

In one aspect of the invention the gentle agitating rotational type motion is imparted to the leading articles by an endless agitating belt. Preferably, the agitating belt accelerates the agitated articles.

Preferably, the agitating belt is of circular transverse cross-section. Advantageously, the agitating belt is of relatively small transverse crosssection relative to the transverse cross-section of the articles.

Ideally, the linear speed of the agitating belt is substantially similar to the linear speed of the downstream conveying belt.

In one aspect of the invention the upstream and downstream conveying belts convey the articles in the same general direction.

In one aspect of the invention the articles are relatively tall articles relative to their transverse cross-section.

In another aspect of the invention the articles are bottles.

In another aspect of the invention the bottles are of plastics material. Typically, the bottles are of polyethylenetetrachloride.

Additionally, the invention provides apparatus for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt so that the articles are conveyed by the downstream conveying belt in single file, the articles being of circular crosssection in plan and being conveyed on the upstream conveying belt in a downstream direction many abreast, the apparatus comprising a barrier means for restricting downstream movement of the leading articles on the upstream conveying belt, the barrier means extending across the upstream conveying belt obliquely relative to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt and towards the downstream conveying belt in an oblique downstream direction, an agitating means on the barrier means for imparting a gentle agitating rotational type motion to some of the leading articles abutting the barrier means for urging the leading articles along the barrier means towards the downstream conveying belt, and an accelerating means for accelerating the leading agitated articles along the barrier means to a linear speed which is substantially similar to that of the downstream conveying belt, a downstream end of the barrier means defining with an input end of the downstream conveying belt an inlet to the downstream conveying belt which is of width sufficient for permitting a single one of the articles to pass therethrough but of insufficient width for permitting the articles to pass therethrough two abreast.

In one aspect of the invention the barrier means extends substantially across the upstream conveying belt from one side thereof to the other.

In another aspect of the invention the barrier means extends at an angle to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt in the range of 30 to 600. Advantageously, the barrier means extends at an angle to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt of approximately 450.

In one aspect of the invention the width of the inlet to the downstream conveying belt defined by the barrier means is just greater than the maximum outside diameter of the articles.

In another aspect of the invention a mounting means is provided for mounting the barrier means relative to the upstream conveying belt for facilitating movement of the barrier means for varying the width of the inlet to the downstream conveying belt.

In one aspect of the invention a portion of the agitating means is exposed to the leading articles1 the said exposed portion of the agitating means extending from the downstream end of the barrier means to a position intermediate the downstream end and an upstream end of the barrier means. Preferably, the intermediate position is substantially halfway between the upstream and downstream ends of the barrier means, the said exposed portion of the agitating means extending from the downstream end of the barrier means to the intermediate position.

Preferably, the agitating means acts as the accelerating means.

In another aspect of the invention the agitating means comprises an endless agitating belt carried on the barrier means and extending from the downstream end thereof along the barrier means. Preferably, the agitating belt is of circular transverse cross-section.

Advantageously, the agitating belt is of relatively small transverse cross-section relative to the transverse cross-section of the articles.

In one aspect of the invention a stationary guide means is located above the upstream conveying belt, the guide means co-operating with the barrier means for defining a restricting gap with the barrier means for limiting the number of the articles which may proceed abreast of each other along the barrier means beyond the guide means. Preferably, the restricting gap defined by the guide means and the barrier means is of width sufficient for permitting the articles to pass therethrough two abreast of each other, but of width insufficient for permitting the articles to pass therethrough three abreast. Advantageously, the guide means co-operates with the barrier means at a position intermediate the ends of the agitating means.

In one aspect of the invention the upstream and downstream conveying belts move in substantially the same general direction.

In one aspect of the invention the articles are relatively tall articles relative to their transverse cross-sectional dimension.

In another aspect of the invention the articles are bottles.

In a further aspect of the invention the bottles are of plastics material. Typically, the bottles are of polyethylenetetrachloride.

Further, the invention provides a conveyor for conveying a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles, the conveyor comprising an upstream conveying belt for conveying the articles in a downstream direction many abreast, and a downstream conveying belt for conveying the articles in single file from the upstream conveying belt, and apparatus according to the invention mounted adjacent the upstream conveying belt for funnelling the articles from the upstream conveying belt into single file on to the downstream conveying belt.

Further the invention provides a bottle filled with liquid, the bottle having been conveyed on the conveyor according to the invention.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention comprising apparatus also according to the invention for funnelling a plurality of bottles from an upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt of the conveyor, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the conveyor of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the conveyor of Fig. 1 on the line III-III of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the conveyor of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of the conveyor of Fig. 1 on the line V-V of Fig. 2, Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 on the line VI VI of Fig. 2, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another portion of the conveyor of Fig. 1, and Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 illustrating an additional portion of the conveyor mounted thereon.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a conveyor according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 which comprises a relatively wide upstream conveyor 2 for conveying a plurality of similar relatively tall, light upstanding bottles 3, typically, soft drink bottles of polyethylenetetrachloride many abreast from a depalletiser (not shown). The conveyor 1 also comprises a relatively narrow downstream conveyor 4 which conveys the bottles 3 from the upstream conveyor 2 in the same general direction, in single file past a filling machine (not shown) for filling soft drinks into the bottles 3. The bottles 3 may typically be of height in the range from 160 mm to 330 mm, and of diameter in the range from 60 mm to 120 mm. Typically, the capacity of the bottles 3 is in the range from 250 ml to 2 L.Apparatus also according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 5 for funnelling the bottles 3 from the upstream conveyor 2 into single file on to the downstream conveyor 4 is mounted on the conveyor 1.

The conveyor 1 comprises a main framework 6 which carries an upstream conveying belt 7 of the upstream conveyor 2, and downstream conveying belt 8 of the downstream conveyor 4. The upstream conveying belt 7 is carried on a drive roller 9 and an idler roller 10, both of which are rotatably mounted in bearings (not shown) in the main framework 6. A drive motor 11 mounted on the main framework 6 drives the drive roller 9 for driving the upstream conveying belt 7 in a downstream direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow A. The downstream conveying belt 8 is carried on a drive roller 14 and an idler roller 15, both of which are rotatably mounted in the main framework 6.A drive motor 16 mounted on the main framework 6 drives the drive roller 14 for driving the downstream conveying belt 8 in a downstream direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow B, which is in the same downstream direction as the arrow A of the upstream conveying belt 7. The bottles 3 are conveyed twenty abreast approximately along the upstream conveying belt 7. The apparatus 5 as will now be described funnels the bottles 3 from the upstream conveying belt 7 in single file on to the downstream conveying belt 8.

The apparatus 5 comprises a barrier means, namely, an elongated barrier member 20 of steel for restricting movement of the leading bottles 3 on the upstream conveying belt 7 in the downstream direction. A mounting means comprising a mounting framework 21 extending upwardly from the main framework 6 carries the barrier member 20 so that the barrier member 20 extends obliquely across and just above the upstream conveying belt 7 at an angle of approximately 45" to the general downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt 7. The mounting framework 21 comprises two pairs of upstanding members 23 which carry respective cross members 24 from which carrier members 25 suspend the barrier member 20 just above the upstream conveying belt 7.

The barrier member 20 extends from an upstream end 27 to one side of the upstream conveying belt 7 to a downstream end 28 towards the opposite side of the upstream conveying belt 7. The downstream end 28 of the barrier member 20 defines with a side member 30 of the downstream conveyor 4 an inlet 32 to the downstream conveying belt 8. The width of the inlet 32 is just greater than the maximum cross-sectional diameter in plan of the bottles 3. Thus, the bottles 3 are restricted to pass through the inlet 32 to the downstream conveying belt 8 in single file. The side member 30 along with a corresponding opposite side member 33 is mounted on the main framework 6.

An agitating means for imparting a relatively gentle agitating rotational type motion to some of the leading bottles 3 which abut the barrier member 20 comprises an endless agitating belt 35 which is carried on pulleys 37 and 38 which are rotatably mounted at the respective upstream and downstream ends 27 and 28 of the barrier member 20. Bearings 40 at the respective upstream and downstream ends 27 and 28 of the barrier member 20 rotatably carry shafts 41 on which the pulleys 37 and 38 are carried. A drive motor 42 mounted on the main framework 6 drives the shaft 41 on which the pulley 37 is mounted through a chain and sprocket drive 43 for driving the agitating belt 35 in the direction of the arrow C.The agitating belt 35 is of circular transverse cross-section of approximately 5 mm diameter, and is thus of cross-sectional area significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the bottles 3.

A shielding plate 45 which is secured to the barrier member 20 conceals part of the agitating belt 35, so that only a portion 46 of the agitating belt 35 is exposed for agitating the leading bottles 3. The exposed portion 46 of the agitating belt 35 extends from the downstream end 28 of the barrier member 20 to an intermediate position 47 at the end of the shielding plate 45 which is approximately half way between the upstream and downstream ends 27 and 28, respectively, of the barrier member 20.

A stationary guide means, namely, a stationary guide bar 50 extend in a generally transverse but downstream direction from one side of the upstream conveying belt 7 towards the barrier member 20. The guide bar 50 cooperates with the barrier member 20 for defining a restricting gap 52 which is of width such that the bottles may only pass through the restricting gap 52 two abreast towards the inlet 32 to the downstream conveying belt 8. The guide bar 50 by restricting the number of bottles 3 which can pass through the restricting gap 52, minimises the pressure caused by a build up of bottles adjacent the inlet 32 thereby minimising any danger of the bottles toppling near the inlet 32.

The agitating belt 35 is driven by the motor 42 at a linear speed which is substantially similar to the linear speed of the downstream conveying belt 8. Thus, the agitating belt 35 also acts as an accelerating means for accelerating the agitated bottles 3 to the speed of the downstream conveying belt 8. Accordingly, the action of the agitating belt 35 initially imparts the gentle agitating rotational type motion to the leading bottles 3 which abut the exposed portion 46 of the agitating belt 35.This gentle agitating rotational type motion gently urges the agitated bottles along the barrier member 20 in the direction of the arrow C, and gradually accelerates the agitated bottles 3 so that as the agitated bottles 3 are adjacent the downstream end 28 of the barrier member 20, the bottles 3 are travelling at a linear speed which is similar to the linear speed of the downstream conveying belt 8. The agitating belt 35 at the downstream end 28 of the barrier member 20 urges the bottles 3 which are travelling at the same linear speed as the downstream conveying belt 8 on to the downstream conveying belt 8. In this way, there is no sudden change in speed of the bottles 3 as they enter on to the downstream conveying belt 8. Thereby, toppling of the bottles is avoided.

A secondary agitating means for imparting further gentle agitating rotational type motion to the bottles 3 which have already been agitated and accelerated by the agitating belt 35 is provided for relatively large size bottles, for example, 1.5 L and 2 L bottles, when the conveyor 1 is used for bottles of such capacity.

The secondary agitating means comprises a secondary agitator 60 which is illustrated only in Figs. 2 and 8.

The secondary agitator 60 is suspended from the mounting framework 21 and is located just above the upstream and downstream conveying belts 7 and 8, respectively. The secondary agitator 60 is suspended from the mounting framework 21 so that it is movable from an inoperative position which is illustrated in full lines in Fig. 2 to an operative position which is illustrated in Fig. 8 and in broken lines in Fig. 2.

In the in-operative position, the secondary agitator 60 makes no contact with the bottles, and thus has no effect on the bottles 3. In the operative position, the secondary agitator 60 acts on the bottles for imparting further gentle agitating rotational type motion to the bottles 3 for preventing the bottles 3 toppling over. The secondary agitator 60 comprises a secondary framework 61, on which is carried a secondary agitating belt 62 for engaging the bottles 3 for imparting the gentle agitating rotational type motion.

The secondary agitating belt 62 is carried on pulleys 63 which are located at opposite ends of the framework 61 and are rotatably carried in the secondary framework 61. A drive motor (not shown) mounted on the secondary framework 61 drives the secondary agitating belt 62 in the direction of the arrow D for agitating the relatively larger bottles 3 as they pass on to the downstream conveying belt 8. Suspension members 64 suspend the secondary framework 61 from the cross members 24 of the mounting framework 21, and the suspension members 64 are connected to bearings 65 which are slidable longitudinally along the cross members 24 for moving the secondary agitator 60 between the inoperative and the operative positions.

In this embodiment of the invention the speed of the upstream conveying belt 7 is approximately 11.5 mm per second, the speed of the downstream conveying belt 8 is approximately 215 mm per second, and the speed of the agitating belt 35 being similar to the speed of the downstream conveying belt 7 is approximately 215 mm per second.

In use, as the leading bottles 3 abut the barrier member 20 the agitating belt 35 gently agitates and imparts the agitating rotational type motion to the leading bottles 3 between the downstream end 28 and the intermediate position 47 on the barrier member 20. The gentle agitating action of the agitating belt 35 gently urges the leading bottles 3 along the barrier member 20 towards the restricting gap 52, and then gradually accelerates the bottles 3 to the speed of the downstream conveying belt 8. The gentle urging action of the agitating belt 35 avoids any danger of the bottles 3 toppling as they are urged along the barrier member 20.The guide bar 50 forming the restricting gap 52 permits the bottles 3 to travel to the inlet 32 two abreast where the downstream conveying belt 8 travelling at the faster speed than the upstream conveying belt 7 continuously draws the bottles through the inlet 32 in single file and conveys the bottles 3 in single file.

By altering the relative positioning of the pairs of upstanding members 23 of the mounting framework 21 on the main framework 6, the position of the barrier member 20 can be slightly altered for altering the width of the inlet 32 defined between the downstream end 28 of the barrier member 20 and the side member 30 for accommodating bottles of different cross-sectional dimension.

While the barrier member has been described as having a portion of the agitating belt which is exposed extending substantially half way along the barrier member, in certain cases, the length of the agitating belt exposed may be greater or lesser. Additionally, while the agitating belt has been described as being of circular cross-section the agitating belt may be of other suitable or desirable cross-section.

While the agitating means has been described as being a single agitating belt, it is envisaged that in certain cases, more than one agitating belt may be provided.

Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that two spaced apart conveying belts may be provided. It is also envisaged that while it is advantageous to provide an agitating belt of circular cross-section, in certain cases, the agitating belt may be of other crosssections. One of the advantages of providing the conveying belt of circular cross-section is that it effectively makes only line contact with the bottles, thus, providing the gentle agitating action. If the area of contact between the agitating belt and the bottle is too great, the agitating action would not be sufficiently gentle, and thus, the bottles would tend to topple.

While the conveyor according to the invention and the apparatus also according to the invention have been described for use with bottles of plastics material, needless to say, the conveyor and apparatus may also be used with glass bottles, and bottles of other materials, as well as any other articles.

Claims

1. A method for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt so that the articles are conveyed by the downstream conveying belt in single file, the articles being of circular crosssection in plan and being conveyed on the upstream conveying belt in a downstream direction many abreast, the method comprising the steps of imposing a barrier means for restricting the downstream movement of the leading articles on the upstream conveying belt, and arranging the barrier means to extend across the upstream conveying belt obliquely relatively to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt and towards the downstream conveying belt in an oblique downstream direction, imparting a gentle agitating rotational type motion to some of the leading articles abutting the barrier means for urging the leading articles along the barrier means towards the downstream conveying belt, accelerating the leading agitated articles along the barrier means to a linear speed which is substantially similar to that of the downstream conveying belt, and arranging the barrier means so that a downstream end of the barrier means defines with an input end of the downstream conveying belt an inlet to the downstream conveying belt which is of width sufficient for permitting a single one of the articles to pass therethrough but of insufficient width for permitting the articles to pass therethrough two abreast.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 in which the leading articles adjacent the downstream end of the barrier means are subjected to the gentle agitating rotational type motion.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the leading articles abutting the barrier means between the downstream end thereof and a position intermediate the downstream end and an upstream end of the barrier means are subjected to the gentle agitating rotational type motion.

4. A method as claimed in Claim 3 in which the intermediate position is substantially halfway between the upstream and downstream ends of the barrier means, and the leading articles abutting the barrier means between the downstream end and the intermediate position are subjected to the gentle agitating rotational type motion.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the barrier means extends at an angle in the range of 30 to 600 relative to the direction of downstream motion of the upstream conveying belt.

6. A method as claimed in Claim 5 in which the barrier means extends at an angle of approximately 450 relative to the direction of downstream motion of the upstream conveying belt.

7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the barrier means extends substantially across the entire width of the upstream conveying belt.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the gentle agitating rotational type motion is imparted to the leading articles by an endless agitating belt.

9. A method as claimed in Claim 8 in which the agitating belt accelerates the agitated articles.

10. A method as claimed in Claim 8 or 9 in which the agitating belt is of circular transverse cross-section.

11. A method as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 10 in which the agitating belt is of relatively small transverse cross-section relative to the transverse cross-section of the articles.

12. A method as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the linear speed of the agitating belt is substantially similar to the linear speed of the downstream conveying belt.

13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the upstream and downstream conveying belts convey the articles in the same general direction.

14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the articles are relatively tall articles relative to their transverse cross-section.

15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the articles are bottles.

16. A method as claimed in Claim 15 in which the bottles are of plastics material.

17. A method as claimed in Claim 15 or 16 in which the bottles are of polyethylenetetrachloride.

18. A method for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt, the method being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

19. Apparatus for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt so that the articles are conveyed by the downstream conveying belt in single file, the articles being of circular crosssection in plan and being conveyed on the upstream conveying belt in a downstream direction many abreast, the apparatus comprising a barrier means for restricting downstream movement of the leading articles on the upstream conveying belt, the barrier means extending across the upstream conveying belt obliquely relative to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt and towards the downstream conveying belt in an oblique downstream direction, an agitating means on the barrier means for imparting a gentle agitating rotational type motion to some of the leading articles abutting the barrier means for urging the leading articles along the barrier means towards the downstream conveying belt, and an accelerating means for accelerating the leading agitated articles along the barrier means to a linear speed which is substantially similar to that of the downstream conveying belt, a downstream end of the barrier means defining with an input end of the downstream conveying belt an inlet to the downstream conveying belt which is of width sufficient for permitting a single one of the articles to pass therethrough but of insufficient width for permitting the articles to pass therethrough two abreast.

20. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 in which the barrier means extends substantially across the upstream conveying belt from one side thereof to the other.

21. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 or 20 in which the barrier means extends at an angle to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt in the range of 300 to 600.

22. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 in which the barrier means extends at an angle to the downstream direction of motion of the upstream conveying belt of approximately 450.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 22 in which the width of the inlet to the downstream conveying belt defined by the barrier means is just greater than the maximum outside diameter of the articles.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 23 in which a mounting means is provided for mounting the barrier means relative to the upstream conveying belt for facilitating movement of the barrier means for varying the width of the inlet to the downstream conveying belt.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 24 in which a portion of the agitating means is exposed to the leading articles, the said exposed portion of the agitating means extending from the downstream end of the barrier means to a position intermediate the downstream end and an upstream end of the barrier means.

26. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 25 in which the intermediate position is substantially halfway between the upstream and downstream ends of the barrier means, the said exposed portion of the agitating means extending from the downstream end of the barrier means to the intermediate position.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the agitating means acts as the accelerating means.

28. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 27 in which the agitating means comprises an endless agitating belt carried on the barrier means and extending from the downstream end thereof along the barrier means.

29. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 28 in which the agitating belt is of circular transverse cross-section.

30. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 28 or 29 in which the agitating belt is of relatively small transverse cross-section relative to the transverse cross-section of the articles.

31. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 28 to 30 in which the linear speed of the agitating belt is substantially similar to the linear speed of the downstream conveying belt.

32. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 31 in which a stationary guide means is located above the upstream conveying belt, the guide means co-operating with the barrier means for defining a restricting gap with the barrier means for limiting the number of the articles which may proceed abreast of each other along the barrier means beyond the guide means.

33. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 32 in which the restricting gap defined by the guide means and the barrier means is of width sufficient for permitting the articles to pass therethrough two abreast of each other, but of width insufficient for permitting the articles to pass therethrough three abreast.

34. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 32 or 33 in which the guide means co-operates with the barrier means at a position intermediate the ends of the agitating means.

35. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 34 in which the upstream and downstream conveying belts move in substantially the same general direction.

36. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 35 in which the articles are relatively tall articles relative to their transverse cross-sectional dimension.

37. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 36 in which the articles are bottles.

38. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 37 in which the bottles are of plastics material.

39. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 37 or 38 in which the bottles are of polyethylenetetrachloride.

40. Apparatus for continuously funnelling a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles from a relatively wide upstream conveying belt into single file on to a downstream conveying belt, the apparatus being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

41. A conveyor for conveying a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles, the conveyor comprising an upstream conveying belt for conveying the articles in a downstream direction many abreast, and a downstream conveying belt for conveying the articles in single file from the upstream conveying belt, and apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 40 mounted adjacent the upstream conveying belt for funnelling the articles from the upstream conveying belt into single file on to the downstream conveying belt.

42. A conveyor for conveying a plurality of similar relatively unstable upstanding articles, the conveyor being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

43. A bottle filled with liquid, the bottle having been conveyed on the conveyor of Claim 41 or 42.