Abstract:
A container transport system includes a first conveyor assembly at one transport plane, and a second conveyor assembly at another transport plane, and a transfer device for moving the containers between the conveyor assemblies. Each of the conveyor assemblies has a split conveyor to define a gap, and a further conveyor movable between a first position bridging the gap and a second position in which the further conveyor is moved outwardly transversely to the transport direction. The transfer device includes a convex portion disposed in proximity of one transport plane and a concave portion which can swing into the other transport plane. The container has a bottom underside formed in transport direction with at least one grooved recess which defines a leading edge and a trailing edge, as viewed in transport direction, with the convex and concave portions engaging only the leading and trailing edges of the container, as the container is moved between the transport planes.