A device (1) for conveying objects (2) having at least one open end (200) (for example plastic bottles and corresponding semi-finished products throughout their production process), including a picking-up and withholding apparatus (20) suitable for gripping and withholding the object from inside the open end (200), and further including a protective sliding sleeve (7, 70) suitable for covering and protecting a pre-determined portion of the object (2) in the proximity of the open end (200) is characterised in that the actuation for picking up or releasing the object (2) by the picking-up and withholding apparatus (20) is independent of the movements of sliding of the sleeve (7, 70), which can be raised or lowered, the object (2) at the same time continuing to be firmly gripped. Device (1) is suitable to be used on a chain conveyor. A method for using device (1) is also provided.