Abstract: An apparatus for toppling conveyed articles of rectangular outline (having opposite long sides and opposite short sides) has a travel surface; a discontinuity in the travel surface; first carrier elements traveling at a distance above and along the travel surface for advancing the articles by sliding them, on one of their short sides, on the travel surface up to the discontinuity and for advancing the articles by sliding them on one of their long sides, on the travel surface downstream of the discontinuity; and at least one second carrier element which is driven in a closed path and which engages the conveyed article or article stack as the latter reaches the discontinuity in the travel surface.