PACKAGE DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DISTRIBUTING PACKAGES

There is described package distribution apparatus (1) comprising an upstream conveying device (3) configured to advance a succession of packages (2) along an upstream advancement path (P) and a distribution device (4) configured to selectively distribute the packages (2) advancing along the upstream advancement path (P) into a first flow (F1) of packages (2) advancing, in use, along a first downstream path (Q) and a second flow (F2) of packages (2) advancing, in use, along a second downstream path (R). The distribution device (4) comprises an endless carrier (15), a plurality of independent carts (16) moveably coupled to the endless carrier (15) and an actuation unit (17) configured to selectively advance the carts (16) along the endless carrier (15) and along an endless path (S). Each cart (16) comprises a pushing element (18) configured to interact with one or more respective packages (2) while the respective cart (16) advances, in use, along a contact portion (19) of the endless carrier (15) for directing the one or more respective packages (2) onto the second downstream path (R). The contact portion (19) is designed such that each pushing element (18) advances along a rectilinear path (T1) when directing, in use, the respective one or more packages (2) onto the second downstream path (R).