METHOD FOR PRODUCE A MULTIPACK WITH MULTI-DRINK CONTAINERS AND MULTIPACK WITH MULTI-DRINK CONTAINERS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a multipack with several beverage containers and to a multipack which comprises several beverage containers.

[0002] To package beverage containers, the beverage containers or bottles can be grouped on horizontal conveyors and combined into groups of a defined number of containers using a packaging material. For example, strapping is known which is applied to a group of beverage containers and holds the beverage containers of a respective group together. Packaging materials made of thermoplastic material and shrunk onto a group of items are also known. Such packaging materials, known as shrink film, are applied to the respective group of items before exposure to heat and are then shrunk onto the respective group of items.

[0003] Since in practice the consumption of packaging material should be kept to a minimum, packs are also known in which several beverage containers are held together by a flat packaging blank that forms several openings. A respective beverage container passes through each opening with its upper section. The beverage containers are held together by a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner via such a packaging blank, forming a respective multipack. Multipacks containing four, six, or eight beverage containers are known, for example.

[0004] A multipack in which the beverage containers are held together by such a packaging blank is disclosed, for example, in EP 0 456 357 A1. During production of the multipack disclosed in the EP application, beverage containers are divided into several rows by means of guide rails. Furthermore, a holding element is brought into contact with a beverage container arranged at the front of a respective grouping, and another holding element is brought into contact with a beverage container arranged at the rear of a respective grouping. The guide rails and the holding elements bring the beverage containers of a respective grouping into a defined alignment with one another, so that a packaging blank can subsequently be placed onto the beverage containers via its multiple openings.

[0005] When openings are made in a packaging blank, unwanted material waste is created, which has not been utilized in practice to date. Therefore, processes and devices that can reduce material waste during the production of a multipack are desirable. Experience has also shown that beverage containers can become contaminated during transport, so multipacks that exhibit at least a reduced level of such contamination are desirable to improve hygiene.

[0006] US Pat. No. 4,974,726 A already discloses a packaging blank that holds several beverage cans together. The packaging blank has parallel slits through which the beverage cans, with their respective flanged edges, protrude.

[0007] US 2004 / 0206639 A1 also discloses a carrier for beverage cans. The carrier includes a projection that snaps under a respective flanged edge to hold the packaging blank to multiple beverage cans.

[0008] US 3,587,847 discloses a carrier for articles. The carrier is held to multiple articles by positioning it beneath lids.

[0009] One object of the invention can be seen in providing a way to improve the production of multipacks from an ecological perspective. Furthermore, each produced multipack should also be characterized by improvements with regard to hygiene aspects.

[0010] The above objects are achieved by a method for producing a multipack and by a corresponding multipack comprising the features in the independent claims.

[0011] A first step of the method involves providing a plurality of beverage containers. For example, the plurality of beverage containers may be provided via a horizontal conveyor. In particular, the plurality of beverage containers may each be provided as a group, onto which a flat packaging blank can be placed on the respective beverage containers of a respective group without a corresponding change to the relative arrangement of the beverage containers already formed in the group. The beverage containers may, for example, be formed by beverage bottles or PET bottles. The beverage containers may also be formed as beverage cans.

[0012] In a further step, openings are formed in a flat packaging blank. It is particularly conceivable that the openings in the flat packaging blank are formed using a manipulator. It is also possible for the openings in the flat packaging blank to be created manually.

[0013] A further step involves applying the flat packaging blank to the plurality of provided beverage containers, wherein the plurality of provided beverage containers are inserted into the openings of the flat packaging blank and are subsequently held together in a form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank. It is possible that the openings in the flat packaging blank are already formed in the flat packaging blank during the application to the plurality of provided beverage containers. It is also conceivable that the openings in the flat packaging blank are introduced into the flat packaging blank during the application to the plurality of provided beverage containers.

[0014] In the method, to form the openings, a respective section is at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank and the respective section at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank is assigned to an upper side of a respective beverage container, so that the section at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank covers the respective upper side of a respective associated beverage container in the multipack, at least in part. It has proven useful if the section at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank is circular or substantially circular. In various embodiments, the beverage containers may be formed by beverage cans and the respective section at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank is inserted in a form-fitting manner into an upper edge region of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can, so that the respective section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank is held over the upper edge region and / or that the respective section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank and a respective upper edge region of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can are connected to one another in a locking manner.

[0015] The positive insertion of the respective section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank or the locking connection of the respective upper edge region of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can with the section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank can, if necessary, be carried out manually or by means of a manipulator.

[0016] It is possible that, after the respective section has been separated from the flat packaging blank, several notches are formed along an edge or along a periphery of a respective opening. These notches may facilitate the insertion or insertion of a respective beverage container into a respective opening. It is possible that the multiple notches are already formed in the flat packaging blank at a time when the respective sections have not yet been separated from the flat packaging blank.

[0017] It may be the case that the respective section to be separated from the flat packaging blank is pre-punched in the flat packaging blank. A respective pre-punched section can then be at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank, forming a respective opening, and assigned to an upper side of a respective beverage container, such that the respective pre-punched and at least partially separated section covers the respective upper side of a respective assigned beverage container, at least in part. The pre-punching of the respective section to be separated from the flat packaging blank can take place as part of one step of the method. It may also be the case that the respective flat packaging blank is provided together with already formed pre-punches.

[0018] It has proven to be effective, for example, if a respective flat packaging blank is guided against the several provided beverage containers in a direction coming from above with force applied, as a result of which the respective flat packaging blank breaks open in the area of ​​the respective pre-cutting and a respective pre-cut section is at least partially separated from the packaging blank, forming a respective opening.

[0019] According to the invention, an adhesive layer is applied to the respective pre-punched section and / or to the respective upper side of a respective beverage container, and the respective pre-punched section, which is at least partially separated from the packaging blank, is connected to a respective upper side of a respective associated beverage container via the respective adhesive layer. The adhesive layer can be applied to the respective pre-punched section and / or to the respective upper side of a respective beverage container before the respective pre-punched section is at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank or before the flat packaging blank is guided against the plurality of provided beverage containers in a direction from above with force applied.

[0020] It is conceivable that at least one tab is provided for each section to be separated from the packaging blank, by means of which the section at least partially separated from the packaging blank is then held in an area of ​​the packaging blank, which part remains in the flat packaging blank without being separated or without being separated.

[0021] It is conceivable that the at least one tab is formed as an integral component of the flat packaging blank prior to separation. After separation, the respective section separated from the flat packaging blank can continue to be connected via the at least one tab to a remaining part of the flat packaging blank, which remains in the flat packaging blank without separation or without being severed. Thus, it is possible that the respective section is only partially separated from the flat packaging blank and, in the multipack, continues to be connected at least via the at least one tab or exclusively via the at least one tab to a remaining part that has not been separated from the packaging blank.

[0022] It is conceivable that the respective at least one tab is formed as a component of the flat packaging blank before the respective section to be separated from the flat packaging blank is separated, which at least one tab is connected to the respective section to be separated from the flat packaging blank before the respective section to be separated from the flat packaging blank is separated and remains connected to the respective section then separated in the multipack.

[0023] In various embodiments, the respective section at least partially separated from the packaging blank and the at least one flap may be connected to one another via an adhesive application. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one flap may be held to a region of the packaging blank via an adhesive application, which remains in the flat packaging blank without being separated or detached from the flat packaging blank.

[0024] The beverage containers can, for example, as already mentioned above, be designed as beverage bottles or PET bottles. The beverage containers can also be designed as beverage cans. In this case, the respective section at least partially separated from the packaging blank can be assigned to an upper side of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can, so that the section at least partially separated from the packaging blank covers a closure arranged in the region of a respective upper side of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can in the multipack, at least in part and preferably completely.

[0025] In particular, it may be that the respective section at least partially separated from the packaging blank is assigned to an upper side of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can, so that the section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank covers a closure arranged in the region of a respective upper side as well as an opening provided in the region of a respective upper side of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can in the multipack, at least in regions and preferably completely.

[0026] According to the invention, a respective section is at least partially severed from the packaging blank with a plurality of retaining tabs projecting in the radial direction and is inserted via its plurality of retaining tabs into an upper edge region of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can, such that the respective at least partially severed section is positively secured to the respective beverage container designed as a beverage can in the multipack via its plurality of retaining tabs inserted into the respective upper edge region. In such embodiments, it can be provided that the respective section at least partially severed from the flat packaging blank is positively secured to the respective beverage container designed as a beverage can exclusively via its plurality of retaining tabs inserted into the upper edge region.

[0027] As a conceivable alternative to this, it can be provided that the respective section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank is provided with an adhesive application before, during and / or after the separation from the flat packaging blank, so that the at least partially separated section is fixed in a form-fitting manner via its several holding tongues inserted into the upper edge region and additionally in a material-fitting manner via the applied adhesive application to the respective beverage container designed as a beverage can.

[0028] The invention further relates to a multipack. Features that have already been mentioned previously for various embodiments of the method according to the invention can also be used for various embodiments of the multipack described below and are not mentioned redundantly. Furthermore, features described below, which relate to various embodiments of a multipack, can be provided in various embodiments of the preceding method. The embodiments of a multipack described below can optionally be produced using the previous embodiments of the described method.

[0029] The multipack comprises several beverage containers and a flat packaging blank, by means of which the several beverage containers are held together in a form-fitting manner and which has several openings into which the beverage containers are immersed. The multipack may comprise exactly two, exactly four, or exactly six beverage containers. The beverage containers, which are formed as part of the multipack, can be formed, for example, by beverage cans and / or beverage bottles or PET bottles.

[0030] The multipack further comprises a plurality of covers for the upper sides of the plurality of beverage containers held together by the flat packaging blank. The plurality of covers for the upper sides of the plurality of beverage containers held together by the flat packaging blank are each designed as a section that is at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank to form the respective openings.

[0031] It may be that the plurality of covers for the upper sides of the plurality of beverage containers held together by the flat packaging blank are each designed as a section which is at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank with the aid of a respective pre-cutting in order to form the respective opening.

[0032] The multiple covers can also be secured to the upper side of a respective beverage container using an adhesive application.

[0033] It may be that the plurality of beverage containers are each designed as a beverage can and that the plurality of covers are connected in a locking manner to a respective upper edge region of a respective beverage can and / or are positively inserted into an upper edge region of a respective beverage can.

[0034] It is also conceivable for the multiple covers to be secured via at least one tab each to a portion of the packaging blank remaining without the at least partially severed sections. In various embodiments, the at least one tab, the portion of the flat packaging blank remaining without the at least partially severed sections, and the multiple covers or the multiple at least partially severed sections may be formed in one piece.

[0035] The respective at least one tab can be secured to a respective cover by means of a respective adhesive application. Alternatively or additionally, the respective at least one tab can be secured to a remaining part of the flat packaging blank, which forms the plurality of openings, by means of a respective adhesive application or by means of a respective further adhesive application.

[0036] It may be that the beverage containers are each designed as a beverage can, each of which has a closure in the region of its respective upper side. In the multipack, the plurality of covers can be arranged such that a respective closure of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can is covered at least partially and preferably completely by a respective cover. The plurality of covers can also be arranged such that a respective opening or a region of an upper side of a respective beverage container designed as a beverage can, which is provided for a respective opening, is covered at least partially and preferably completely by a respective cover.

[0037] It is further conceivable for the plurality of covers to each be configured as a section at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank having a plurality of retaining tabs, wherein the plurality of retaining tabs of a respective cover are positively inserted into an upper edge region of a respective beverage container configured as a beverage can, such that a respective cover is positively secured to the respective beverage container configured as a beverage can via its plurality of retaining tabs inserted into the respective upper edge region. It may be the case that a respective cover is positively secured to the respective beverage container configured as a beverage can exclusively via its plurality of retaining tabs inserted into the respective upper edge region.Alternatively, a respective cover may be fixed in a form-fitting manner to the respective beverage container designed as a beverage can via its several retaining tabs inserted into the respective upper edge area and additionally via a respective adhesive connection or via a respective adhesive application.

[0038] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration.

[0039] It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the multipack according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the multipack according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies conversely, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the multipack according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions of the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the multipack according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a multipack according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows the design of a multipack according to Fig. 1 , wherein the packaging blank, the covers and a beverage container formed as part of the multipack are shown separately from one another; Figures 3 to 5 each show components of a further embodiment of a multipack, wherein the packaging blank, the covers and a beverage container designed as a component of the multipack are shown in the Figures 3 to 5 are shown separately from each other; Fig. 6shows in the flowchart individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method according to the invention.

[0040] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be implemented and do not constitute an exhaustive limitation.

[0041] The Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a multipack 1 according to the invention. As in Fig. 1 As can be seen, the multipack 1 has a flat packaging blank 4, which is designed as a cardboard box. Figures 1 and 2It becomes clear that a plurality of openings 7 are formed in the flat packaging blank 4 and that the multipack 1 has a plurality of beverage containers 26, each designed as a beverage can 27. A respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 is inserted into a respective opening 7 of the flat packaging blank 4, so that the respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 is held in the respective opening 7 by means of the flat packaging blank 4 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner.

[0042] In practice, embodiments have proven successful in which the individual beverage containers 26, each designed as a beverage can 27, are first brought into a relative arrangement suitable for applying the flat packaging blank 4. This arrangement is then maintained, with the flat packaging blank 4 being placed onto the beverage containers 26 or beverage cans 27 and then holding the beverage containers 26 or beverage cans 27 together in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner.

[0043] Fig. 2By reference to number 2, it also shows a section that has already been separated from the flat packaging blank 4. The section 2 separated from the flat packaging blank 4 was previously positioned in the area of ​​one of the openings 7 or was separated from the flat packaging blank 4 to form the respective opening 7. In the prior art, such sections 2 separated from the flat packaging blank 4 to form the openings 7 are not used any further or are disposed of. This is particularly problematic from an ecological point of view and can also incur costs if the separated sections 2 have to be disposed of without further use or, if necessary, recycled.

[0044] With the Multipack 1, as it is in the Figures 1 and 2As can be seen, the respective section 2 already separated from the flat packaging blank 4 is positioned in the region of a respective upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 and fixed as a cover 3 in the region of the respective upper side 15 of the respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27. This protects the upper side 15 from contamination. The separated section 2 can thus contribute to improving hygiene instead of being disposed of, as is the case with multipacks 1 known from the prior art.

[0045] The representation of the Fig. 1shows that a respective cover 3 completely or at least approximately completely covers a respective upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27. The upper side 15 is thus protected from contamination by the cover 3. In practice, contamination of the upper side 15 can also be problematic because in the area of ​​the upper side 15, as Fig. 2 can be seen, there is a closure 11 and an opening 13 from which opening 13 liquid can be drawn.

[0046] In the event of soiling in the area of ​​the upper side 15 or in the area of ​​the closure 11 and / or in the area of ​​the opening 13, it cannot be ruled out that liquid will be unintentionally contaminated by the soiling when removed from the beverage can 27. The beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 thus has improved hygiene compared to beverage cans known from the prior art.

[0047] Out of Fig. 2It can also be seen that there are a plurality of notches 5 on the edge or periphery of each opening 7. The notches 5 arranged on the respective edge or periphery make it easier to insert or introduce a respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 into the openings 7 of the flat packaging blank 4. When a respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 is inserted into a respective opening 7, a respective edge or a respective periphery of a respective opening 7 is elastically deformed due to the notches 5 arranged there. After a respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 has been inserted into a respective opening 7, the respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 is held in the respective opening 7 with contact with the respective edge orthe respective periphery is held positively and force-fittingly on the packaging blank 4.

[0048] The notches 15 can be formed or prepared before a respective section is separated or before a respective opening 7 is formed in the flat packaging blank 4. It is also possible for the notches 15 to be introduced after the respective section has been separated or after the openings 7 have been introduced into the remaining part of the flat packaging blank 4. This can then be done using a manipulator.

[0049] In order to fix the respective cover 3 in the area of ​​the upper side 15, in the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2It may be provided that the cover is secured to the upper side via an adhesive connection. Alternatively or additionally, the respective cover can be positively connected to the beverage can 27, for which purpose the respective separated section 2 or the respective cover 3 is inserted into an upper edge region 28 of the beverage can 27.

[0050] The Fig. 3 shows components of a further embodiment of a multipack 1, wherein the packaging blank 4, the covers 3 and a beverage container 26 formed as a component of the multipack 1 are shown in Fig. 3 are shown separately from each other. However, four beverage containers 26, each designed as a beverage can 27, can also be used in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 are inserted into the flat packaging blank 4 and are then held together in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 4.

[0051] In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 The flat packaging blank 4 further forms several sections which can be separated from the flat packaging blank 4 as a cover 3. This creates a respective opening 7 in the flat packaging blank 4, into which a respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 can be inserted. Fig. 3 An opening 7 is already formed in the flat packaging blank 4 shown, for which purpose a portion of the flat packaging blank 4 previously arranged in this area was separated. Before such an opening 7 is formed, an adhesive layer can optionally be applied to a respective upper side 15 of the beverage container 26.

[0052] Two more covers 3 are in Fig. 3 still connected to the flat packaging blank 4 or were in Fig. 3not yet separated from the flat packaging blank 4. In order to separate the respective covers 3 from the flat packaging blank 4, a plurality of pre-cuts 20 are introduced into the flat packaging blank 4, via which a respective area to be separated is defined. If the flat packaging blank 4 is to be applied to the beverage containers 26 or firmly connected to the beverage containers 26, the flat packaging blank 4 is placed onto the beverage containers 26 for this purpose in a direction coming from above.

[0053] The beverage containers 26 come into surface contact with a respective area of ​​the flat packaging blank 4, which is located within a respective pre-cut 20 or which is defined by a respective pre-cut 20. If the flat packaging blank 4 is then lowered further, the flat packaging blank 4 then breaks open in the area of ​​the pre-cut 20, whereby the covers 3 are each separated from the flat packaging blank 4 and are subsequently arranged in the area of ​​an upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26.

[0054] Since, as previously mentioned, an adhesive was previously applied to the upper sides 15 of the beverage containers 26, the sections 2 separated as covers 3 are fixed in the area of ​​the upper side 15 by the adhesive application and thereby cover a closure 11 of the respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27 and an opening 13. Such an arrangement is shown as an example in the area in which Fig. 3 with reference to number 50. It can be seen that the cover arranged there completely or at least approximately completely covers the upper side 15 of the beverage container 26 arranged underneath.

[0055] The Fig. 3also shows that the separated sections 2 or the covers 3 each have retaining tabs 12 projecting radially. These can be inserted into an upper edge region, referred to by number 28, of the respective beverage container 26 designed as a beverage can 27. Insertion into the respective upper edge region 28 can be done manually or by means of a manipulator.

[0056] For embodiments according to Fig. 3Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the covers 3 are first separated from the flat packaging blank 4 and the remaining portion of the flat packaging blank 4 with already existing or formed openings 7 is placed onto the beverage containers 26 or onto the beverage cans 27. After the flat packaging blank 4 has been applied to the beverage containers 26, the covers 3 in such embodiments can be arranged in the region of a respective upper side 15 of a beverage container 26, for which purpose the retaining tongues 12 are still inserted manually or by means of a manipulator into the respective upper edge region 28.

[0057] An adhesive connection formed between a respective upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26 and a respective cover 3 is in the embodiment according to Fig. 3to be regarded as optional and can be omitted if the positive connection formed between the respective retaining tongues 12 and the respective upper edge region 28 is sufficient to hold the respective cover 3 in the region of a respective upper side 15 of a respective beverage can 27.

[0058] The Fig. 4 shows components of a further embodiment of a multipack 1, wherein the flat packaging blank 4, the covers 3 and a beverage container 26 formed as a component of the multipack 1 are shown in Fig. 4 are still shown separately from each other. However, four beverage containers 26, each designed as a beverage can 27, can also be used in the embodiment according to Fig. 4 are inserted into the flat packaging blank 4 and are then held together in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 4.

[0059] In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 Two tabs 24 are connected to each cover 3, which are already formed or prepared in the flat packaging blank 4 at a time when the respective cover 3 has not yet been separated from the flat packaging blank 4.

[0060] If the flat packaging blank 4 is then placed onto the beverage containers 26 or onto the beverage cans 27, the cover 3 remains connected to the flat packaging blank 4 via the tabs 24, but the respective cover 3 is separated along its periphery and raised relative to the then remaining part of the packaging blank 4, which then forms the openings 7. It has proven useful for this purpose if, along an edge or along a periphery, a connection between the respective cover 3 and the then remaining part of the flat packaging blank 4 is maintained exclusively via the tabs 24.

[0061] The covers 3 keep the closure 11 and the opening 13 continuously covered by the covers 3 during and after the flat packaging blank 4 is applied to the beverage containers 26 or beverage cans 27, respectively, and thus protected from contamination. In the finished multipack 1, the covers 3 are still arranged in the region of an upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26 or beverage can 27 and are secured to the remaining part of the flat packaging blank 4 via the tabs 24.

[0062] The Fig. 5 shows components of a further embodiment of a multipack 1, wherein the flat packaging blank 4, the covers 3 and a beverage container 26 formed as a component of the multipack 1 are shown in Fig. 5are still shown separately from each other. However, four beverage containers 26, each designed as a beverage can 27, can also be used in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 are inserted into the packaging blank 4 and are then held together in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank 4.

[0063] The parts 2 or covers 3 separated from the flat packaging blank 4 also have, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 Tabs 24, which protrude in the radial direction from the respective cover 3. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 4 However, the tabs 24 are only attached to the respective cover 3 after the covers 3 have been completely removed. For this purpose, the tabs 24 can be secured to the covers 3 using a corresponding adhesive and / or bonding agent.

[0064] In order to then attach the covers 3 to a remaining part of the flat packaging blank 4, the tabs 24 can be provided with a further adhesive and / or bonding agent, which then connects the tabs 24 to the part of the flat packaging blank 4 remaining after the covers 3 have been separated. The covers 3 are then arranged in the region of a respective upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26 and keep the closure 11 and the respective opening 13 covered.

[0065] The Fig. 61 illustrates in the flowchart individual steps as they can be provided in various embodiments of the method 100 according to the invention. In the context of a first step, to which reference is made with number 110, openings 7 are formed in a flat packaging blank 4, for which purpose a section is severed from the packaging blank 4 in the region of a respective opening 7 provided for the packaging blank 4. A respective pre-cut 20 (cf. Fig. 3 ). The respective pre-cut 20 can then be broken open to separate the respective section from the flat packaging blank 4.

[0066] In step 120, a respective adhesive layer is applied to a respective upper side 15 of a respective beverage container 26 intended for the multipack 1. The application of the adhesive layer according to step 120 can take place before, during, or after the separation of the respective section from the flat packaging blank 4.

[0067] In step 130, a remaining part of the flat packaging blank 4, which now forms openings 7, is moved in the direction of the beverage containers 26 provided for the respective multipack 1, whereby the beverage containers 26 are inserted into the openings 7 or dip into the openings 7 and are then held in a form-fitting manner over the remaining part of the flat packaging blank 4.

[0068] In step 140, the sections 2 or covers 3 separated from the flat packaging blank 4 are secured to the upper sides 15 of the beverage containers 26 or beverage cans 27 using the previously applied adhesive. The covers 3 protect a closure 11 of the respective beverage container 26 and an opening 13 of the respective beverage container 26 from contamination.

[0069] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols

[0070] 1Multipack 3Cover 4Flat packaging blank 5Notch 7Opening 9Access 11Closure 12Retaining tab 13Opening 15Top side 20Pre-cut 22Wing 24Tab 26Beverage container 27Beverage can 28Top edge area 50Area of ​​the multipack

Claims

1. A method (100) for producing a multipack (1), the method comprising the following steps: - providing a plurality of beverage containers (26), - forming openings (7) in a flat packaging blank (4), and - applying the flat packaging blank (4) onto the plurality of provided beverage containers (26), wherein the plurality of provided beverage containers (26) dip into the openings (7) of the flat packaging blank (4) and are subsequently held to each other in a form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank (4), wherein, - in order to form the openings (7), a particular portion is at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4), and the particular portion (2) separated at least partially from the flat packaging blank (4) is assigned to a top side (15) of a particular beverage container (26) such that the portion (2) separated at least partially from the flat packaging blank (4) at least in sections covers the particular top side (15) of a particular assigned beverage container (26) in the multipack (1), characterised in that the particular portion (2) at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4) is joined to a particular top side (15) of a particular assigned beverage container (26) with a particular adhesive application.

2. A method (100) for producing a multipack (1), the method comprising the following steps: - providing a plurality of beverage containers (26), - forming openings (7) in a flat packaging blank (4), and - applying the flat packaging blank (4) onto the plurality of provided beverage containers (26), wherein the plurality of provided beverage containers (26) dip into the openings (7) of the flat packaging blank (4) and are subsequently held to each other in a form-fitting manner via the flat packaging blank (4), wherein, in order to form the openings (7), a particular portion is at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4), and the particular portion (2) separated at least partially from the flat packaging blank (4) is assigned to an upper side (15) of a particular beverage container (26) such that the portion (2) separated at least partially from the flat packaging blank (4) covers the particular top side (15) of a particular assigned beverage container (26) in the multipack (1) at least in sections, characterised in that a particular portion with a plurality of holding tongues (12) protruding in radial direction is at least partially separated from the packaging blank (4) and is inserted via its plurality of holding tongues (12) into a top edge area (28) of a particular beverage container (26) designed as beverage can (27) such that the particular at least partially separated portion is fixed in the multipack (1) in a form-fitting manner to the particular beverage container (26) designed as beverage can (27) via its plurality of holding tongues (12) inserted into the top edge area (28).

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which a particular portion to be separated from the flat packaging blank (4) is pre-punched in the packaging blank (4) and wherein a particular pre-punched portion is separated at least partially from the packaging blank (4), thereby forming a particular opening (7), and is assigned to a top side (15) of a particular beverage container (26) such that the particular pre-punched and at least partially separated portion (2) at least in sections covers the particular top side (15) of a particular assigned beverage container (26).

4. The method according to claim 3, in which a particular packaging blank (4) is guided in a direction coming from above in a force-applied manner against the plurality of provided beverage containers (26) with the result that the particular packaging blank (4) in each case breaks apart in the area of the particular pre-punching (20), and a particular pre-punched portion is separated at least partially from the packaging blank (4), thereby forming a particular opening (7).

5. The method according to one of the claims 2 to 4, in which the particular portion (2) at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4) is joined to a particular top side (15) of a particular assigned beverage container (26) with a particular adhesive application.

6. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, in which in each case at least one flap (24) is provided for a particular portion to be separated from the flat packaging blank (4), via which at least one flap (24) the particular portion (2) at least partially separated from the packaging blank (4) is held to an area of the packaging blank, which area remains in the packaging blank (4) without being separated.

7. The method according to claim 6, in which the particular at least one flap (24) is formed as a part of the flat packaging blank (4) temporally before the particular portion (2) to be separated from the flat packaging blank (4) is separated, which at least one flap (24) is connected to the particular portion (2) to be separated from the flat packaging blank (4) temporally before the particular portion (2) to be separated from the flat packaging blank (4) is separated and then remains connected to the particular separated portion (2) in the multipack (1).

8. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 7, in which the beverage containers (26) are designed as beverage cans (27), and in which it is provided that the particular portion separated at least partially from the packaging blank (4) is assigned to a top side (15) of a particular beverage container (26) designed as beverage can (27) such that the portion separated at least partially from the packaging blank (4) at least in sections and preferably completely covers a closure (11) arranged in the area of a particular top side of a particular beverage container (26) designed as a beverage can (27) in the multipack (1).

9. A multipack (1), comprising - a plurality of beverage containers (26) and - a flat packaging blank (4) by which the plurality of beverage containers (26) are held to each other in a form-fitting manner and which has a plurality of openings (7) into which the beverage containers (26) are dipped, and also comprising - a plurality of covers (3) for top sides (15) of the plurality of beverage containers (26) being held together by the flat packaging blank (4), wherein, in order to form the particular opening (7), the plurality of covers (3) for the top sides (15) of the plurality of beverage containers (26) held together by the flat packaging blank (4) are each designed as a portion (2) at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4), characterised in that the plurality of covers (3) are each fixed to a top side (15) of a particular beverage container (26) by an adhesive application.

10. A multipack (1), comprising - a plurality of beverage containers (26) and - a flat packaging blank (4) by which the plurality of beverage containers (26) are held to each other in a form-fitting manner and which has a plurality of openings (7) into which the beverage containers (26) are dipped, and also comprising - a plurality of covers (3) for top sides (15) of the plurality of beverage containers (26) being held together by the flat packaging blank (4), wherein, in order to form the particular opening (7), the plurality of covers (3) for the top sides (15) of the plurality of beverage containers (26) held together by the flat packaging blank (4) are each designed as a portion (2) at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4), wherein the beverage containers (26) are in each case designed as a beverage can (27), each having a closure (11) in the area of their particular top side (15), and in which multipack (1) the plurality of covers (3) are arranged such that a particular closure (11) of a particular beverage container (26) designed as a beverage can (27) is at least in sections and preferably completely covered by a particular cover (3), characterised in that the plurality of covers (3) are each designed as a portion (2) with a plurality of holding tongues (12) and at least partially separated from the packaging blank (4), wherein the plurality of holding tongues (12) of a particular cover (3) are inserted in a form-fitting manner into a top edge area (28) of a particular beverage container (26) designed as beverage can (27) such that a particular cover (3) is fixed in a form-fitting manner to the particular beverage container (26) designed as beverage can (27) via its plurality of holding tongues (12) inserted into the top edge area (28).

11. The multipack according to claim 9 or claim 10, in which, in order to form the particular opening (7), the plurality of covers (3) for the top sides (15) of the plurality of beverage containers (26) held together by the flat packaging blank (4) are each designed as a portion (2) at least partially separated from the flat packaging blank (4) with the help of a particular pre-punching (20).

12. The multipack according to claim 10 or claim 11, in which the plurality of covers (3) are each fixed to a top side (15) of a particular beverage container (26) by an adhesive application.

13. The multipack according to one of the claims 9 to 12, in which the plurality of covers (3) are each fixed via at least one flap (24) to a part of the packaging blank (4) remaining without the at least partially separated portions (2).

14. The multipack according to claim 13, in which the plurality of covers (3), the at least one flap (24), and the part of the flat packaging blank (4) remaining without the at least partially separated portions (2) are designed in one piece.

15. The multipack according to one of the claims 9 to 14, which comprises exactly two, exactly four, or exactly six beverage containers (26).