EP4172054A1

EP4172054A1 - Multipack of several containers held together by adhesive

Info

Publication number: EP4172054A1
Application number: EP21736318.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Damien Jean-Philippe KANNENGIESSER
Original assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Current assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle SA; Nestle SA
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2021-06-28
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Also published as: US20230271752A1; WO2022002828A1

Abstract

A multipack of containers comprises several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) held together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16). The outer surface of each container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) is provided with a unitary code on a first region of outer surface and with a multipack code (3) on a second region of the outer surface. The first region of the outer surface of each container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) is adjacent to the outer surface of one of the several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of the multipack, thus hiding the unitary code. The second region of the outer surface of at least one (15) of the several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) is visible from the outside of the multipack.

Description

MULTIPACK OF SEVERAL CONTAINERS HELD TOGETHER BY ADHESIVE

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a multipack of containers comprising several containers held together by adhesive means.

It also relates to a container for such a multipack.

Background of the invention

It is known to provide an arrangement of multiple identical containers assembled together for sale. Generally, such a multipack comprises an even number of containers, between 4 and 10 containers for example.

The consumer may buy the multipack, and the price of the multipack is set and encoded using a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) such as a bar code. Thus, the multipack must be provided with the multipack GTIN.

However, the need to sell individually the container exists, and sometimes is compulsory according to specific trade regulations in some countries.

As a consequence, each container has to be provided with a single container GTIN in order to set and encode the unitary price of each container.

Usually, in order to make distinctive the unitary price of each container and the global price of the multipack, the multipack GTIN is provided on the packaging of the multipack, such as a plastic shrink film covering together the multiple containers of the multipack or a handle fastened to the multipack.

However, in a context of increase pressure on sustainability, secondary packaging such as a plastic shrink film has to be avoided.

There exists a need to provide a multipack of containers without any secondary packaging, and in a general way, without any additional plastic means for maintaining together the containers of a multipack or for providing information (legal mentions, brand, nutritional information, opening explanations, etc.) regarding the multipack or each container of the multipack.

EP 2 729 377 discloses a device to assemble individual containers by mean of glue dots, which does not require a secondary packaging. A multipack of containers is thus formed, comprising several containers held together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers of the multipack.

EP 2 729 377 describes a pack formed out of a container group having for example six containers, with at least one axially aligned contact region extending between adjacent containers. A plurality of contact-or-touching surfaces lie in the contact region and each contact-or-touching surface may be provided with a bonding agent and adhesive. The distribution of adhesive on the contact-or- touching region may be executed as a strip parallel to container vertical axis, or may be punctiform or discontinuous.

For example, each container has four contact-or-touching surfaces, two of which are disposed near the top end of the container and two of which are disposed near the bottom end of the container. The two top end contact- or-touching surfaces are offset by 90° relative to one another when viewed in the circumferential direction of the container. The same applies for the two bottom end contact-or-touching surfaces.

Thus, for a pack of six containers, the pack exhibits three containers in each of two rows, with two outer containers touching each other and central containers by their contact-or-touching surfaces.

However, this solution requires the use of an additional component in order to provide the multipack GTIN and other useful information. For example, a carrying handle is fastened to the pack and is printed or labelled with needed information. The carrying handle is for example glued on an outer periphery of the central containers of the pack. EP 3 105 133 also describes individual containers held together by means of glue dots, without a secondary packaging. An information carrier is inserted on the container pack and is fastened to the multipack by using the same glue dots as the one used for fastening the containers together.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pack of containers which overcomes at least some disadvantages of the priorart solutions.

More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a multipack of containers which does not require the use of a secondary packaging or additional means for providing the multipack with needed trade information.

This object is solved by the independent claims. The dependent claims define further preferred embodiments of the invention.

Summary of the invention

The invention concerns a multipack of containers comprising several containers held together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers of the multipack.

According to the invention, the outer surface of each container is provided with a unitary code on a first region of the outer surface and with an area for a multipack code on a second region of the outer surface, the first region of the outer surface of each container being adjacent to the outer surface of one amongst the several containers of the multipack, and a second region of the outer surface of at least one amongst the several containers being visible from the outside of the multipack.

Thanks to the specific arrangement of the containers in the multipack, accidental scanning of the unitary code of a single container (single container GTIN) instead of the multipack code (multipack GTIN) is avoided when the multipack is scanned for sale by a barcode reader connected to a cash register. Such an arrangement permits to avoid to add a transporting handle for providing some information regarding the multipack such as the multipack code (multipack GTIN).

No additional component, such as plastic shrink film or plastic handle, is required, improving the sustainability of the multipack.

In an embodiment, the first region and the second region of the outer surface of each container extend between 60° and 120° from each other, more preferably between 75° and 105°, and most preferably at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

In another embodiment, the first region and the second region of the outer surface of each container extend between 150° and 210° from each other, more preferably between 165° and 195°, and most preferably at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

By modifying the orientation of some containers about their central longitudinal axes in the multipack, the first region of the outer surface may be hidden and the second region of the outer surface may be visible from the outside of the multipack.

In practice, the multipack comprises at least one or at least two rows of several containers.

According to one embodiment, adhesive means comprise a number of adhesive dots sticking the outer surfaces of adjacent containers of said multipack.

Using adhesive dots permits to hold the containers together in the multipack while making easy to separate the containers from the multipack for consumption.

According to one embodiment, each container of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container of a second row by only one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of a common longitudinal axis of said adjacent containers. This first end can be located near the top of the container or near the bottom of the container; the location can vary alternatively from one container to another.

Combined with the sticking of the containers in each row, the multipack may be formed with a limited numbers of adhesive dots. if the adhesive dot sticking the adjacent containers of the different rows is located near the top end of the containers, the structure of the pack is enhanced and the containers are maintained against each other by the pull of gravity.

Moreover, the rows of the multipack may be separated easily, by applying a spacing force at the level of the second, opposed, end of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers of the different rows.

According to another embodiment, each row comprises two outside containers and at least one central container between said two outside containers, each container of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container of a second row by one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of a common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers, and the central containers are stuck by anotheradhesive dot located substantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent central containers.

The holding of the containers in the multipack is thus enhanced, and the manipulation of the multipack may be facilitated.

In another embodiment, each container of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container of a second row by two adhesive dots, a first adhesive dot being located in a first half of the common longitudinal axis of said containers and a second adhesive dot being located in the second half of said common longitudinal axis of said containers.

In practice, the containers of each row are stuck to each other by two adhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot being located substantially at a second, opposed, end of the common longitudinal axis.

The containers of each row are thus firmly stuck each other and may be maintained together in the multipack without any additional means around the row of containers.

Alternatively, the containers of each row are stuck to each other by two adhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot being located substantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis.

The containers of each row are also firmly stuck each other and may be maintained together in the multipack without any additional means around the row of containers.

Preferably, each row comprises between two and seven containers, and preferably between three and five containers, and more preferably between three and four containers.

Advantageously, a second region of the outer surface of at least two amongst said several containers is visible from the outside of the multipack.

The second region with the multipack code may be visible at several locations from the outside of the multipack, helping the scanning operation by a barcode reader.

The invention is notably advantageous when the several containers are cans having a substantially cylindrical shape.

According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a container for a multipack according to the invention, wherein the outer surface of the container is provided with a unitary code on a first region of said outer surface and with an area for a multipack code on a second region of said outer surface.

Such a container is well adapted to be included in a multipack according to the invention. Preferably, the first region and the second region are respectively disposed on two different sides of the container.

In practice, the first region and the second region are respectively disposed between 60° and 120° from each other, more preferably between 75° and 105°, and most preferably at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

In another embodiment, the first region and the second region are respectively disposed between 150° and 210° from each other, more preferably between 165° and 195°, and most preferably at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

By modifying the orientation of some containers about their central longitudinal axes when forming a multipack, the first region of the outer surface may be hidden inside the multipack and the second region of the outer surface may be visible from the outside of the multipack.

Advantageously, the outer surface of the side of the container provided with an area for the multipack code is also provided with opening explanation section with information for opening the multipack.

Thus, when the second region of the outer surface of the container is visible from the outside of the multipack, the opening information provided on the same side of the container is also available forthe consumer before opening the multipack.

Brief description of the drawings

Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawing in which: Figure 1A illustrates a first layout of the unitary code, multipack code and other information on the external surface of a container according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure IB illustrates a second layout of the unitary code, multipack code and other information on the external surface of a container according to another embodiment of the invention

Figures 2A and 2B are perspective views of a container with the first layout of Figure 1A;

Figures 2C and 2D are perspective views of a container with the second layout of Figure IB;

Figures 3A to 3C depict a multipack of four containers with the first layout according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4A to 4D depict a multipack of six containers with the first layout according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4E to 4H depict a multipack of six containers with the second layout according to a third embodiment of the invention

Figures 5A to 5C depict a multipack of eight containers with the first layout according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 6A to 6D depict different ways to stick together two adjacent containers of a multipack according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

First, a container 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is described here below, as depicted in Figure 1A and Figures 2A and 2B.

The container is well adapted to pack various beverages such as sparkling water, fruit juice, soda, beer, ... In the following, the container 10 is depicted as a can, with a substantially cylindrical shape. As known, the container 10 has a top 10a with opening means (not illustrated) for drinking or pouring the beverage, and a bottom 10b, opposite to the top 10a. Between the top 10a and the bottom 10b extends a cylindrical outer surface 10c of the container 10.

The size and the shape of such cans are well known and no further description is needed here. The cans may be formed in aluminium.

Of course, the shape of the containers according to the invention may be various, and for example be shaped as a rectangular cuboid package made in cardboard or a bottle in any kind of plastic.

The container 10 is intended to be sold in a group or alone.

For sale, the outer surface 10c of the container 10 is provided with information comprising at least a unitary code and a multipack code.

In practice, the outer surface 10c of the container is provided with a unitary code and an area for a multipack code. Thus the outer surface has a dedicated or specific area for the multipack code which may be printed or stuck after forming the multipack.

In all the following description, the unitary code corresponds to a trade code known as Global Trade Item Number or GTIN associated to the single or independent container 10, which may be sold alone.

The multipack code corresponds to a trade code known as Global Trade Item Number or GTIN associated to the multipack or grouped containers, which may be sold all together, as a whole.

As known, GTIN may be usually a barcode. But any other type of code may be used and are encompassed within the scope of unitary code and multipack code in the following description.

Thus, a QR code (Quick response code) or matrix code may be used and printed on the outer surface 10c of the container 10. A tag RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) as a multipack code may also be used and stuck on the outer surface 10c of the container 10.

The multipack code can be applied after the multipack has been constituted on the filling and packing line. The application of the multipack code is done on a specific or dedicated area or zone on the outer surface of the container. The area for receiving the multipack code may be an unprinted area or a monochromatic printed area.

The application of the multipack code can be done via printing on line, via laser activation of specific pigment of ink applied on the container during its manufacturing or by applying a sticker.

Thus, the identification of the multipack is done after the multipack is produced. This is advantageous since different multipacks, with four, six or even more containers, may be produced without the need to provide two different types of containers with different multipack codes printed on the outer surfaces of the containers.

Of course, the container may also be provided with the multipack code on the outer surface before forming the multipack. In this case, the multipack code may be printed at the same time as the unitary code.

In the following, the layout of the information of the outer surface of the container is described, showing the multipack code printed on the container before forming the multipack. However, the whole following description also applies to a container with a dedicated or specific area for applying the multipack code after forming the multipack.

Figure 1A illustrates an arrangement of the unitary code, the multipack code and other information on the outer surface 10c of a container 10.

Other information may comprise branding information, legal information regarding the content of the container, and opening information for explaining how to separate a container from the multipack. The artwork layout is organized for example as depicted on Figure

1A.

First, a brand section 1 with the branding information is available on a front side of the container 10. This information is useful to communicate with the consumers, notably in the shop and at the time of the purchase of the multipack.

Other information is disposed around the outer surface 10c of the container 10.

Thus, if a 0° position is defined in the middle of the front side of the container 10, other information is disposed from the front side, at an angular distance about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

First, a unitary code 2 is disposed and available on a first lateral side of the container 10, at 90° from the front side of the container 10.

Secondly, a multipack code 3 or an area for further applying a multipack code, is disposed and available on a back side of the container 10, at 180° from the front side of the container 10.

Moreover, an opening explanation section 4 with opening information is also available on the back side of the container 10, at 180° from the front side of the container 10. The opening information may explain to the consumers how to open the multipack and/or how to remove one container 10 from the multipack.

Advantageously, as depicted in Figure 1A, the multipack code 3 and the opening explanation section 4 are disposed on the same side of the container 10, here the back side.

Finally, legal mentions 5 may be added on the outer surface 10c of the container 10, for example on both lateral sides of the container, at 90° from the front side of the container 10 and at 270° from the front side of the container

10.

Of course, this artwork layout is just an example and is not limitative. Another layout is depicted in Figure IB.

As in the layout depicted in Figure 1A, a brand section 1 with the branding information is available on a front side of the container 10.

Secondly, a multipack code 3 or an area for further applying a multipack code, is disposed and available at 270° from the front side of the container 10.

Moreover, an opening explanation section 4 with opening information is available on the back side of the container 10, at 180° from the front side of the container 10.

10.

The main feature is to provide the outer surface 10c of the container with a unitary code 2 on a first region of the outer surface 10c and with a multipack code 3 on a second region of the outer surface 10c, the first region and the second region being respectively disposed on two different sides of the container 10.

Thus, as depicted in Figure 1A, the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 are disposed here on a lateral side and a back side of the container 10, at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Of course, this arrangement is only an example, and more generally, the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 may be disposed between 60° and 120° from each other, and more preferably between 75° and 105° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10. Moreover, as depicted in Figure IB, the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 are disposed respectively on two opposed sides of the container 10, at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Of course, this arrangement is only an example, and more generally, the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 may be disposed between 150° and 210° from each other, and more preferably between 165° and 195°from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a container 10 with the artwork layout of Figure 1A.

Thus, Figure 2A shows the container 10, with brand section 1 on the front side, and the unitary code 2 on the right of the figure 2A.

Figure 2B shows the container 10, with opening explanation section 4 and multipack code 3 on the back side, and the unitary code 2 on the left of the figure 2B.

Figures 2C and 2D illustrate a container 10 with the artwork layout of Figure IB.

Thus, Figure 2C shows the container 10, with the unitary code 2 on a first lateral side of the container 10.

Figure 2D shows the container 10, with the multipack code 3 on the second, opposed, lateral side of the container 10.

As explained hereafter, such a container 10 is well adapted to be sold in a multipack of containers 10.

Indeed, by modifying the orientation of some containers about their central longitudinal axes when forming the multipack, the unitary code 2 may be hidden inside the multipack and the multipack code 3 may be visible from the outside of the multipack.

Thus, there is no need to provide the multipack with additional communication means to carry the multipack code. Figures 3A to 3C depict for example a pack of four containers 11, 12, 13, 14 assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the four containers 11, 12, 13, 14 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. In this embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface of the container 10 is according to the one depicted on Figure 1A, with the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Figures 4A to 4D depict a pack of six containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the six containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. In this embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface of the container 10 is according to the one depicted on Figure 1A, with the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Figures 4E to 4H depict a pack of six containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the six containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. In this embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface of the container 10 is according to the one depicted on Figure IB, with the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container

10.

Figures 5A to 5C depict a pack of eight containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the eight containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. In this embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface of the container 10 is according to the one depicted on Figure 1A, with the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Each multipack of containers thus comprises several, preferably identical, containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

In practice, each multipack is formed of two rows of several containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Thus, in Figures 3A to 3C, a first row comprises two containers 11, 13 and a second row comprises two containers 12, 14.

In Figures 4A to 4E, a first row comprises three containers 11, 13, 15 and a second row comprises three containers 12, 14, 16.

Finally, in Figures 5A to 5C, a first row comprises four containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and a second row comprises four containers 12, 14, 16, 18.

Of course, the number of containers in each row may be higher and for example, may be equal to five, six or even seven containers.

As visible on the figures, the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each row are aligned and adjacent two at a time. Moreover, each container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of one row is adjacent to another container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the other row.

The arrangement of the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 in the multipack is such as the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are assembled to hide the unitary code 2 and make visible at least one multipack code 3.

For instance, the assembling apparatus for forming the multipack comprises a carrousel transporting the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. The containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are fulfilled previously and hermetically closed.

A camera or scanning device records an image of the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 as positioned in the carrousel. The image is compared with an image database in order to detect the initial orientation of each container when entering into the carousel. Then, a servo motor displaces each container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 in accordance to the initial orientation of the container, in order to position each container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 according to a specific orientation, which corresponds to the desired orientation of the container into the multipack.

For example, the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are first aligned in two rows and disposed with the front face supporting the branding information 1 in the same orientation, corresponding to a first orientation indexed at 0°.

Then, if the unitary codes 2 are located at the right of the containers 11, 13, 15, 17, the last container 13, 15, 17 of the row on the right has to be rotated 180°.

If the unitary codes 2 are located at the left of the containers 12, 14, 16, 18, the last container 12 of the row on the left has to be rotated 180°.

Due to this rotation, in each row of the multipack, a first region with the unitary code 2 of each container is adjacent to the outer surface of another container of the same row of the multipack.

Referring to Figure 4A for example, the unitary code 2 of the container 11 is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13; the unitary code 2 of the container 13 is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 15; and the unitary code 2 of the container 15 is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13. A similar disposition applies for the second row of containers 12, 14, 16.

Thus, the unitary code 2 is hidden inside the multipack and any accidental scanning of the unitary code 2 of a single container (single container GTIN) is avoided when the multipack is scanned for sale.

On the contrary, a second region with the multipack code 3 of at least one container is visible from the outside of the multipack.

Referring again to Figure 4A, each rotated container 12, 15 in each row provides a multipack code 3 visible from the outside of the multipack. Thus, the multipack code 3 is directly readable on a container of the multipack, avoiding to add a handle or a plastic shrink film around the multipack for providing the same with the multipack code.

In the described embodiment, the multipack code 3 is visible on the outer surface of each rotated container 12, 15, at two different locations of the multipack. This arrangement helps the scanning operation by a barcode reader of the multipack.

Finally, in the disclosed embodiment, the multipack code 3 and the opening explanation section 4 are disposed on the same side of the container 10. Thus, the opening explanation section 4 is also visible from the outside of the multipack, helping the consumer to handle and open the multipack.

Of course, the arrangement described here is not limitative.

Referring to Figure 4E for example, the unitary code 2 of the container 11 is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13; the unitary code 2 of the container 13 is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 15; and the unitary code 2 of the container 15 is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13. A similar disposition applies for the second row of containers 12, 14, 16.

Referring again to Figure 4E, each outside container 11, 12, 15, 16 in each row provides a multipack code 3 visible from the outside of the multipack.

The multipack codes 4 are thus visible on the small sides of the multipack.

Thus, at least one multipack code 3 is directly readable on a container of the multipack, avoiding to add a handle or a plastic shrink film around the multipack or any other means for providing the same with the multipack code. The arrangements depicted in the Figures 3A to 5C are not limitative.

Thus, when the layout is according to the one depicted on Figure IB, with the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10, the multipack may comprise only one row of containers, such as a row of the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 for example.

Alternatively, the multipack may comprise more than two rows, and for example three or four rows of containers.

In orderto avoid additional securing means, the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the multipack are held together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the multipack.

Preferably, adhesive means comprise a number of adhesive dots sticking the outer surfaces of adjacent containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the multipack.

Using adhesive dots permits to hold the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 together in the multipack while making easy to separate the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 from the multipack for consumption.

The adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive for example.

In a practical way, the adhesive dots are applied on some portions of the outer surface of the container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are pressed against together in order to stick the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 together and form the multipack.

Figures 6A to 6D illustrates different ways to stick together two adjacent containers 10', 10" of a multipack. As well understood, the containers 10', 10" are separated on the Figures 6A to 6D in order to show the locations of the adhesive dots (double arrow) between the containers. Of course, the containers 10', 10" are adjacent when stuck, with a common longitudinal axis extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis X of the containers 10', 10".

In a first way WA, illustrated in Figure 6A, a container 10' is stuck with one adjacent container 10" by only one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers 10', 10". The first end of the common longitudinal axis is here near the bottom 10'b, 10"b of the adjacent containers 10', 10".

In a second way WB, illustrated in Figure 6B, a container 10' is stuck with one adjacent container 10" by two adhesive dots. A first adhesive dot is located substantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers 10', 10" and a second adhesive dot is located substantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers 10', 10".

The first end of the common longitudinal axis is here near the bottom 10'b, 10"b of the adjacent containers 10', 10". The second adhesive dot is preferably in the middle of the adjacent containers 10', 10". It may also be disposed somewhere between the bottom 10'b, 10"b and the middle of the adjacent containers 10', 10". As an alternative, it has to be noticed that the first end can also be located near the top.

In a third way WC, illustrated in Figure 6C, a container 10' is stuck with one adjacent container 10" by two adhesive dots. A first adhesive dot is located at in a first half of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers 10', 10" and a second adhesive dot is located in the second half of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers 10', 10".

The first half of the common longitudinal axis is near the bottom 10'b, 10"b of the adjacent containers 10', 10". It may also be disposed somewhere between the bottom 10'b, 10"b and the middle of the adjacent containers 10', 10". The second half of the common longitudinal axis is near the top 10'a, 10"a of the adjacent containers 10', 10". It may also be disposed somewhere between the top 10'a, 10"a and the middle of the adjacent containers 10', 10". In a fourth way WD, illustrated in Figure 6D, a container 10' is stuck with one adjacent container 10" by only one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers 10', 10".

The first end of the common longitudinal axis is here near the top 10'a, 10"a of the adjacent containers 10', 10".

These different ways WA, WB, WC, WD may be used to stick together the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and form the multipack. These different ways WA, WB, WC, WD may be mixed in the same multipack for sticking by pair two adjacent containers in the multipack, depending on the location of the containers in the multipack.

For instance, the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row and the containers 12, 14, 16, 18 of the second row may be stuck in each row by using the third way WC.

The containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each row are firmly stuck each other, near the bottom and the top of each container. They may be maintained together in the multipack without any additional means around.

However, if one wants to make easier the separation of the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 in each row by the consumer, the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row and the containers 12, 14, 16, 18 of the second row may be stuck in each row by using the second way WB.

The containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each row may detached by applying a shear force on the adhesive dots for example.

Moreover, each container 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container 12, 14, 16, 18 of a second row by using the first way WA.

Alternatively, each container 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row may be stuck with one adjacent container 12, 14, 16, 18 of a second row by using the fourth way WD. During carrying by the consumer , the sticking of the containers 10', 10" near their tops 10'a, 10"a is sufficient to maintain the containers in contact with each other in the multipack thanks to the pull of gravity.

Thus, the multipack may be formed with a limited numbers of adhesive dots.

For example, referring again to Figure 4A, the multipack has only eleven adhesive dots.

Moreover, the rows of the multipack may be separated only by applying a spacing force at the level of a second end of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers of the different rows, opposed to the first end where are located the adhesive dots.

Thus, when the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each row are stuck by using the first way WA, the consumer may separate the two rows of containers by moving apart the containers of each row at the level of the top of the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18.

Alternatively, the holding of the containers in the multipack may be strengthened by adding additional adhesive dots.

For example, as illustrated in Figure 5A, when each row comprises two outside containers 11, 17 and 12, 18, and at least one central container 13, 15 and 14, 16 between the outside containers 11, 17 and 12, 18, the central containers 13, 15 of a first row are stuck to the central containers 14, 16 of the second row by using the second way WB. The outside containers 11, 17 of a first row are stuck to the outside containers 12, 18 of the second row by using the first way WA.

The manipulation ofthe multipack may be facilitated: forexample, the user may carry the multipack by holding one of the central containers.

In another embodiment, all the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row are stuck to the adjacent containers 12, 14, 16, 18 of the second row by using the second way WB. The holding of the containers in the multipack is thus strengthened again. The user may carry the multipack by holding one of containers

Of course, the above description made with reference to the embodiment of the Figure 5A may also be applied to any embodiments with more than two containers in each row of the multipack, and notably to the embodiment depicted in Figures 4A to 4D and 4E to 4H.

The invention provides thus an arrangement of the containers which is advantageous since a multipack may be formed, without the need of a handle or a plastic shrink film, which provides high sustainability benefits.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. However, the illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the claimed subject-matter presented here.

It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures may be arranged, substituted, combined and designated in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

In the drawings, similar symbols and references typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise.

As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising" and similar words are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean including but not limited to.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multipack of containers comprising several containers (11, 12, 13, 14,

15, 16, 17, 18) held together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) of said multipack, characterized in that the outer surface of each container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) is provided with a unitary code (2) on a first region of said outer surface and with an area for a multipack code (3) on a second region of said outer surface, said first region of the outer surface of each container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) being adjacent to the outer surface of one amongst said several containers of said multipack, and a second region of the outer surface of at least one amongst said several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) being visible from the outside of the multipack.

2. A multipack according to Claim 1, wherein said first region and said second region of the outer surface of each container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15,

16, 17, 18) extend between 60° and 120° from each other, more preferably between 75° and 105°, and most preferably at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18).

3. A multipack according to Claim 1, wherein said first region and said second region of the outer surface of each container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) extend between 150° and 210° from each other, more preferably between 165° and 195°, and most preferably at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18).

4. A multipack according to Claim 3, wherein said multipack comprises at least one row of several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18).

5. A multipack according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said multipack comprises at least two rows of several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,

17, 18).

6. A multipack according to Claim 5, wherein each container (11, 13, 15, 17) of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container (12, 14, 16, 18) of a second row by only one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of a common longitudinal axis of said adjacent containers.

7. A multipack according to Claim 5, wherein each row comprises two outside containers (11, 17; 12, 18) and at least one central container (13, 15; 14, 16) between said two outside containers(ll, 17; 12, 18), wherein each container (11, 13, 15, 17) of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container (12, 14, 16, 18) of a second row by one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of a common longitudinal axis of said adjacent containers, and wherein said central containers (13, 15; 14, 16) are stuck by another adhesive dot located substantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent central containers (13, 15; 14, 16).

8. A multipack accordingto Claim 5, wherein each container (11, 13, 15, 17) of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container (12, 14, 16, 18) of a second row by two adhesive dots, a first adhesive dot being located in a first half of the common longitudinal axis of said containers and a second adhesive dot being located in the second half of said common longitudinal axis of said containers.

9. A multipack according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the containers (11, 13, 15, 17; 12, 14, 16, 18) of each row are stuck to each other by two adhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of said adjacent containers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a first end of said common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot being located substantially at a second, opposed, end of said common longitudinal axis.

10. A multipack according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the containers (11, 13, 15, 17; 12, 14, 16, 18) of each row are stuck to each other by two adhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of said adjacent containers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a first end of said common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot being located substantially in the middle of said common longitudinal axis.

11. A multipack according to any one of Claims 4 to 10, wherein each row comprises between two and seven containers, more preferably between three and five containers, and most preferably between three and four containers.

12. A multipack according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein a second region of the outer surface of at least two amongst said several containers (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) is visible from the outside of the multipack.

13. A multipack according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein said several containers (11, 13, 15, 17; 12, 14, 16, 18) are cans having a substantially cylindrical shape.

14. A container for a multipack according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the outer surface (10c) of the container (10) is provided with a unitary code (2) on a first region of said outer surface (10c) and with an area for a multipack code (3) on a second region of said outer surface (10c).

15. A container according to Claim 14, wherein said first region and said second region are respectively disposed on two different sides of the container (10).

16. A container according to any one of Claims 14 or 15, wherein said first region and said second region are respectively disposed between 60° and 120° from each other, more preferably between 75° and 105°, and most preferably at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis (X) of the container (10).

17. A container according to any one of Claims 14 or 15, wherein said first region and said second region are respectively disposed between 150° and 210° from each other, more preferably between 165° and 195°, and most preferably at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis (X) of the container (10).