An ordered group of packages

Abstract

An arrayed group (1) of packages (2) is disclosed. Each package in the arrayed group is rectangular and includes a set of opposing first faces (11, 12), a set of opposing second faces (8, 9), and a set of opposing end faces (13, 14). The packages are arranged side by side in a number of rows (16, 17), with the second faces of the packages facing the second faces of the adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in one row facing the first faces of the packages in the adjacent row. At the end of each row, the second faces of the packages are exposed. At least one of the facing first faces and at least one of the facing second faces are bonded to the first and second faces, respectively, using a removable adhesive to hold the packages together in the arrayed group. The removable adhesive includes at least one strip-like area of ​​removable adhesive. Also disclosed are an array of packages that include at least three areas of removable adhesive, an array of packages in which the removable adhesive is transparent, and a method of holding the packages in the array.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ordered group of a plurality of packages. A method for holding the ordered group of a plurality of packages together is also disclosed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional delivery systems, such as combustion and non-combustion aerosol delivery systems and other tobacco industry products, are typically packaged in packages. Multiple packages are often grouped together in an arranged group and packaged in a carton. The carton may be made from paperboard or similar material. Alternatively, multiple packages may be wrapped in plastic. The carton and / or wrapper may be opened to allow access to the individual packages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an arrayed group of packages, each package in the arrayed group being rectangular shaped and including a set of opposing first faces, a set of opposing second faces, and a set of opposing end faces, the packages being arranged side by side in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in one row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, with the second faces of the packages exposed at the ends of each row, at least one of the facing first faces and at least one of the facing second faces being adhered to the first and second faces respectively towards which they face using a removable adhesive, the packages being held together in the arrayed group, the removable adhesive including at least one strip-like region of removable adhesive.

[0004] Optionally, each of said facing first surfaces may be adhered using a removable adhesive comprising at least one strip-like area of ​​removable adhesive on the first surface towards which it faces.

[0005] The arranged group may include a plurality of strip-like areas of removable adhesive attaching each of said facing first surfaces to the first surface towards which it faces.

[0006] At least one strip-like region may extend at an angle relative to at least one other strip-like region.

[0007] Optionally, each of said facing second surfaces may be adhered using a removable adhesive comprising at least one strip-like area of ​​removable adhesive on the second surface towards which it faces.

[0008] The arranged group may include a plurality of strip-like areas of removable adhesive attaching each of said facing second surfaces to the second surface towards which it faces.

[0009] At least one strip-like region may extend at an angle relative to at least one other strip-like region.

[0010] The strip-like regions may be linear.

[0011] At least one strip-like region may extend in a direction perpendicular to a top surface defined by an end face of one of the packages in the arrayed group.

[0012] At least one strip-like region may extend in a direction parallel to a top surface defined by an end face of one of the packages in the arrayed group.

[0013] At least one strip-like region may extend in an angled direction relative to a top surface defined by an end face of one of the packages in the array.

[0014] The removable adhesive may include spotted areas of removable adhesive in addition to the strip-like areas.

[0015] Optionally, at least one of said facing first surfaces may be adhered via a removable adhesive that includes speckled areas on the first surface it faces.

[0016] At least one of said facing second surfaces may be adhered via a removable adhesive that includes speckled areas on the second surface it faces.

[0017] The removable adhesive may be transparent.

[0018] The removable adhesive may include a cool melt or hot melt adhesive.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an arrayed group of packages, each package in the arrayed group being rectangular shaped and including a set of opposing first faces, a set of opposing second faces, and a set of opposing end faces, the packages being arranged side by side in a plurality of rows, such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, and the first faces of the packages in one row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, such that the second faces of the packages are exposed at the ends of each row, and at least one of the facing first faces and at least one of the facing second faces are adhered to their facing first and second faces, respectively, using a removable adhesive, the packages being organized in the arrayed group, and for at least one of the facing first faces adhered via the removable adhesive, the removable adhesive includes at least three areas of removable adhesive.

[0020] Optionally, each of said facing first surfaces may be adhered to the first surface it faces with at least three areas of removable adhesive.

[0021] At least one of the three areas of removable adhesive may be in the form of spots.

[0022] At least one of the three areas of removable adhesive may be in the form of a strip.

[0023] Optionally, at least one of said facing second surfaces may be adhered to the second surface it faces by at least three areas of removable adhesive.

[0024] At least one of the three areas of removable adhesive may be in the form of spots.

[0025] At least one of the three areas of removable adhesive may be in the form of a strip.

[0026] At least one of the strip-like regions may be linear.

[0027] At least one strip-like region may extend in a direction perpendicular to a top surface defined by an end face of one of the packages in the arrayed group.

[0028] At least one strip-like region may extend in a direction parallel to a top surface defined by an end face of one of the packages in the arrayed group.

[0029] At least one strip-like region may extend in an angled direction relative to a top surface defined by an end face of one of the packages in the array.

[0030] The removable adhesive may be transparent.

[0031] The removable adhesive may include a cool melt or hot melt adhesive.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an arrayed group of packages, each package in the arrayed group being rectangular shaped and including a set of opposing first faces, a set of opposing second faces, and a set of opposing end faces, the packages being arranged side by side in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row and the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row such that the second faces of the packages are exposed at the ends of each row, at least one of the facing first faces and at least one of the facing second faces are adhered to the first and second faces respectively toward which they face using a removable adhesive, the packages being held together in the arrayed group, and the removable adhesive is transparent.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for holding a plurality of packages in an arranged group, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular shaped packages, each package including a set of opposing first sides, a set of opposing second sides, and a set of opposing end sides; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second sides of the packages face the second sides of adjacent packages in the same row and the first sides of the packages in a row face the first sides of the packages in an adjacent row with the second sides of the packages exposed at the ends of each row; and adhering at least one of the facing first sides and at least one of the facing second sides to the respective facing first and second sides using a removable adhesive so that the packages are grouped together in the arranged group.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of holding a plurality of packages in an arranged group, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular parallelepiped shaped packages, each package including a set of opposing first sides, a set of opposing second sides, and a set of opposing end sides; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second sides of the packages face the second sides of adjacent packages in the same row and the first sides of the packages in a row face the first sides of the packages in an adjacent row, with the second sides of the packages exposed at the ends of each row; and adhering at least one of the facing first sides and at least one of the facing second sides to the respective facing first and second sides using an area of ​​removable adhesive to hold the packages together in the arranged group, the removable adhesive including at least three areas of removable adhesive for at least one of the facing first sides adhered via the removable adhesive.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for holding a plurality of packages in an arranged group, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular shaped packages, each package including a set of opposing first sides, a set of opposing second sides, and a set of opposing end sides; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second sides of the packages face the second sides of adjacent packages in the same row and the first sides of the packages in a row face the first sides of the packages in an adjacent row with the second sides of the packages exposed at the ends of each row; and adhering at least one of the facing first sides and at least one of the facing second sides to the respective facing first and second sides using a transparent removable adhesive so that the packages are grouped together in the arranged group. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows an array of packages for a delivery system. [Diagram 2] 1 shows an individual package of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3A] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3B] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3C] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3D] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3E] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3F] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3G] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3H] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3I] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3J] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3K] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 3L] 1 shows areas of removable adhesive applied to packages of an arrayed group of packages. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a method for holding packages together in an ordered group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to encompass a system that delivers a substance to a user; Combustion-based aerosol delivery systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars and pipe or roll-your-own tobacco, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smoking materials; non-combustion aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from an aerosolizable material without burning the aerosolizable material, such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems that generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials; An article that includes an aerosolizable material and is configured for use within one of these non-combustion based aerosol delivery systems; and Includes aerosol-free systems such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles containing inhalable powders, and smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff that deliver nicotine-containing or non-nicotine-containing materials to the user without forming an aerosol.

[0038] For purposes of this disclosure, a "combustion-based" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosolizable materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol delivery system are combusted or burned to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0039] For purposes of this disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol delivery system is one that does not burn or ignite the aerosolizable component materials of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) to facilitate delivery to a user.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an array 1 of packages 2 for a delivery system (not shown). The array 1 of packages 2 includes a plurality of individual rectangular shaped packages 2. A typical individual package 2 for a delivery system is shown in Figure 2.

[0041] Referring to Figure 2, the package 2 may be, for example, but not limited to, a hinged lid package as shown. The package 2 includes a container 3 and a lid 4 hingedly connected to the container 3 along a hinge line 5 to allow the package to be opened and closed. Of course, the container 3 defines a delivery system receiving space in which smoking articles or other tobacco industry products are received and stored. The delivery system is accessible when the lid 4 is in an open position, and the delivery system is retained within the delivery system receiving space 6 when the lid 4 is in a closed position. Other types of packages, such as those known as folding or sliding shell packages, are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] The package 2 includes a pair of opposing first faces 11, 12, a pair of opposing second faces 8, 9, and a pair of opposing end faces 13, 14. The pair of opposing first faces 11, 12 are separated by an opposing second face. In this embodiment, the opposing first faces 11, 12 form the larger panels 11, 12, which constitute the front and rear panels of the package 2. The front first face or larger panel 11 may include a container front wall and a lid front wall. The rear first face or larger panel 12 may include a container rear wall and a lid rear wall. In this embodiment, the opposing second faces 8, 9 form the smaller walls 8, 9, which constitute the side walls of the package 2. The second faces or side walls 8, 9 of the package 2 may include a container side wall and a lid side wall. Both ends of the package 2 are closed by opposing end faces 13, 14 including a top end face 13 and a bottom end face 14. In this embodiment, the top end face 13 may comprise a top lid wall and the bottom end face 14 may comprise a bottom container wall.

[0043] 1, it can be seen that a number of individual packages 2 for a delivery system are arranged side-by-side in a number of rows forming an arrayed group 1 of packages 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG 1, the arrayed group 1 of packages 2 includes a first row 16 and a second row 17. The first and second rows 16, 17 are adjacent to one another.

[0044] In this embodiment, the packages 2 are arranged in rows 16, 17 such that the second surface 8, 9 of one package 2 faces the second surface 8, 9 of an adjacent package 2 in the same row. The packages 2 are further arranged such that the first surfaces 11, 12 of the packages 2 in the row 16 face the first surfaces 11, 12 of the packages 2 in the adjacent row. Additionally, the packages 2 are arranged such that the second surfaces 8, 9 of the packages 2 are exposed at the ends 18, 19 of each row 16, 17 and the first surfaces 11, 12 of each package 2 along the rows 16, 17. The end surfaces 13 of the arranged packages 2 in the group 1 further define a top surface A.

[0045] However, it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the packages 2 may be arranged such that the first faces 11, 12 of a package 2 face the first faces 11, 12 of adjacent packages 2 in the same row 16, 17, or such that the end faces 13, 14 of adjacent packages in the same row 16, 17 face each other.

[0046] In this embodiment, the arrayed group 1 includes two rows of five packages, however, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the number of packages in a row may be different and the number of rows may be greater than those shown.

[0047] Each row 16, 17 has two ends as described above. Each end 18, 19 of the rows 16, 17 includes a free surface 21, 22. The free surfaces 21, 22 are formed by the second surfaces of the individual packages 2 located at the ends 18, 19 of the rows 16, 17. Thus, the free surfaces 21, 22 formed by the second surfaces 8, 9 of the packages 2 located at the ends 18, 19 of the rows 16, 17 do not face towards adjacent packages of the same row 16, 17. For example, in this embodiment, the first row 16 of packages has an end 18 formed by the free surfaces 21 that are the second surfaces 8 of the individual packages 2 located at the end 18 of the first row 16, and the second row 17 of packages has an end 19 formed by the free surfaces 22 that are the second surfaces 9 of the individual packages 2 located at the end 19 of the second row 17.

[0048] In this embodiment, each package 2 in each row 16, 17 has an exposed first face 11, 12 that forms a free face 23. The free face 23 formed by the first faces 11, 12 of a package 2 faces away from packages 2 in an adjacent row.

[0049] The packages 2 are held in the arranged group 1 via a removable adhesive 24. In particular, at least one of the facing first faces 11, 12 and at least one of the facing second faces 8, 9 are glued to the first and second faces, respectively, towards which they are facing, using a removable adhesive 24, such that the packages 2 are assembled in the arranged group 1. Of course, any number of the facing first faces 11, 12 and the facing second faces 8, 9 may be glued to the first and second faces, respectively, towards which they are facing, as long as a sufficient number of the packages 2 are glued together and the packages 2 are held in the arranged group 1. Each of the facing first faces 11, 12 may be glued to the first face towards which it is facing via a removable adhesive 24. Furthermore, each of the facing second faces 8, 9 may be glued to the second face towards which it is facing via a removable adhesive 24.

[0050] In a first embodiment of the invention, the removable adhesive 24 comprises at least one strip-like area 25 of removable adhesive. Optionally, each of the first faces 11, 12 may be bonded via a removable adhesive 24 comprising at least one strip-like area 25 on the first face towards which it faces, as shown in Figs. 3A-3C. Each of the first faces 11, 12 facing away from this may be bonded via a removable adhesive 24 comprising multiple strip-like areas 25 on the first face towards which it faces, as shown in Figs. 3D-3F. Naturally, the facing first faces 11, 12 may be bonded via a combination of at least one strip-like area 25 of removable adhesive 24 and multiple strip-like areas 25 on the first face towards which it faces. The multiple strip-like areas 25 shown in Figs. 3D-3F all extend in the same direction. Alternatively, at least one strip-like area 25 extends at an angle with respect to at least one other strip-like area 25. The same applies to the facing second faces 8, 9. The use of multiple strip-like areas provides a more stable array since the load acting on each package is better distributed.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3A-3H, the stripe-like region 25 is linear, but it should be understood that the stripe-like region 25 may be non-linear, for example, the stripe-like region 25 may be curved or helical. In Figures 3A, 3E and 3G, the stripe-like region 25 extends in a direction perpendicular to the top surface A formed by the end faces 13 of the packages 2 of the arranged group 1. Alternatively, in Figures 3B, 3D and 3F, the stripe-like region 25 extends in a direction parallel to the top surface A. In some embodiments, the stripe-like region 25 extends at an angle to the top surface. As shown in Figure 3G, the stripe-like region 25 located on the first surface 11 extends to cover a portion of the container front wall and the front lid wall. It should be understood that when located on the first surface 12, the stripe-like region 25 may extend to cover a portion of the container rear wall. A strip-like area 25 located on the further facing second surface 8, 9 may extend to cover part of the container side wall and the lid side wall.

[0052] The use of adhesive strips compared to other shapes allows consumers to easily remove the adhesive from the package since the adhesive strips are easily peeled off. Additionally, the adhesive strips allow for more stable bonding of the array of packages. Additionally, the use of strips reduces wear on the glue application nozzle of the glue gun since the nozzle is open for a longer period of time. This reduces the need to periodically clean the nozzle since it is less likely to become clogged.

[0053] In some embodiments, the removable adhesive 24 comprises a spotted area 26 of removable adhesive in addition to the stripe-like area 25, as shown in Figures 3I-3L. For example, at least one of the facing first faces 11, 12 or at least one of the facing second faces 8, 9 is attached via a removable adhesive 24 comprising a spotted area 26 on the first or second face it faces. Each of the areas of the facing first faces 11, 12 or each of the facing second faces 8, 9 is attached via a removable adhesive 24 comprising a spotted area 26 on the first or second face it faces. The spotted area 26 may be hollow, i.e. a ring of adhesive or a solid dot of adhesive. Packages attached to each other by the spotted areas are more easily separated during use. Furthermore, at least some of the facing first faces 11, 12 or facing second faces 8, 9 are bonded via a removable adhesive 24 that includes a plurality of spotted areas 26 on the first or second face toward which it faces, as shown in Figs. 3J-3L. Meanwhile, each of the facing first faces 11, 12 or each of the facing second faces 8, 9 are bonded via a removable adhesive 24 that includes a plurality of spotted areas 26 on the first or second face toward which it faces. The use of a plurality of spotted areas allows a thin adhesive spot to be applied to the package, rather than a single thick spot of adhesive, while maintaining the structural integrity of the arrayed group. This allows for a relatively thin applied adhesive, which can improve the transparency of the adhesive or the thermal migration (if the adhesive requires thermal curing). Furthermore, the plurality of spotted areas makes the arrayed group more stable by spreading out the area over which the load is applied.

[0054] It will be appreciated that the removable adhesive 24 between the facing first surfaces 11, 12 and between the facing second surfaces 8, 9 may comprise a strip-like region, a plurality of strip-like regions, a spot-like region or a plurality of spot-like regions in any combination and in any orientation, provided that the facing first surfaces 11, 12 and the facing second surfaces 8, 9 are sufficiently adhered to the first and second surfaces towards which they face so that the packages 2 are held in an arranged group, and the removable adhesive 24 comprises at least one strip-like region 25.

[0055] The removable adhesive 24 includes a transparent adhesive. This ensures that the information displayed on the package 2 is not obscured by the removable adhesive 24 to the consumer. The removable adhesive 24 further includes a hot melt adhesive. Alternatively, the removable adhesive 24 includes a cool melt adhesive. In particular, the adhesive 24 may be a tacky glue, also known as a temporary glue, which is a low temperature thermoplastic adhesive and does not completely harden. The adhesive is removable and does not leave a residue on the surface to which it is applied. By using the adhesive, the user can easily remove the package of the arranged group without damaging the surface of the package. Once removed from the arranged group, the adhesive can be easily removed from the surface of the package for disposal.

[0056] In a second embodiment of the invention, for at least one of the facing first surfaces 11, 12 attached via a removable adhesive 24, the removable adhesive 24 comprises at least three areas of removable adhesive. Of course, optionally, each of the facing first surfaces 11, 12 may be attached via a removable adhesive 24 that comprises at least three adhesive features on the first surface towards which it faces. Optionally, each of the facing second surfaces 8, 9 are also attached to each other via a removable adhesive 24 that comprises at least three adhesive areas.

[0057] The at least three adhesive regions include stripe-like regions 25 and spot-like regions 26 as described in connection with the first embodiment. Of course, any arrangement of adhesive regions is possible as long as the removable adhesive 24 attaching at least one of the facing first faces 11, 12 includes at least three adhesive regions. FIG. 3L shows a removable adhesive 24 between at least one facing first face 11, 12 of the package 2 including adhesive regions. Here, all three adhesive regions are spot-like regions 26. However, of course, at least one of the at least three adhesive regions may include a stripe-like region 25 or each of the at least three adhesive regions includes a stripe-like region 25.

[0058] Like the first embodiment, the removable adhesive 24 in the second embodiment is transparent and is a hot melt or cool melt adhesive.

[0059] In the third embodiment of the present invention, any combination / orientation of the above-mentioned removable adhesives is possible, so long as the removable adhesive is transparent.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows a method of holding packages in an arranged group according to various embodiments of the present invention. The method of the present invention includes a first step S1 of providing an arranged group of rectangular parallelepiped-shaped packages, each of which includes a pair of opposing first faces, a pair of opposing second faces, and a pair of opposing end faces. A second step S2 includes arranging the packages in a number of rows such that the second face of one package faces the second face of an adjacent package in the same row, the first face of the package in one row faces the first face of the package in the adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages at the ends of each row and the first faces of each package in one row are exposed. The third step S3 varies according to various embodiments of the present invention. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the method of the present invention includes attaching at least one of the facing first faces and at least one of the facing second faces to the first and second faces to which they face using a removable adhesive so that the packages are grouped together in the arranged group. In relation to the second embodiment of the present invention, the method of the present invention comprises a third step S3, which comprises attaching at least one of the first faces and at least one of the second faces to the first and second faces to which the packages are directed such that they are grouped together in an arranged group, using an area of ​​removable adhesive, and for at least one of the first faces to which the packages are directed bonded via the removable adhesive, the removable adhesive comprises at least three areas of removable adhesive. In relation to the third embodiment of the present invention, the method of the present invention comprises a third step S3, which comprises attaching at least one of the first faces and at least one of the second faces to which the packages are directed such that they are grouped together in an arranged group, using a transparent removable adhesive.

[0061] The various embodiments described herein are provided merely to aid in understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are merely representative examples and are not intended to be comprehensive or exclusive. It is also to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure to the scope of the claims or to the equivalents of the claims, but that other embodiments may be utilized or modified without departing from the scope and / or spirit of the present disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, or other combinations. The present disclosure also includes other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an array of packages, each package in the array being rectangular in shape and including a set of opposing first faces, a set of opposing second faces, and a set of opposing end faces; The packages are arranged in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, the first faces of the packages in one row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages are exposed at an end of each row; at least one of the first facing surfaces and at least one of the second facing surfaces are adhered to the first and second facing surfaces, respectively, using a removable adhesive, such that the packages are organized into an arrayed group; The removable adhesive is an arranged group of packages containing at least one strip-like area of ​​removable adhesive.

2. 2. The arrayed group of packages of claim 1, wherein each of said facing first surfaces is adhered using a removable adhesive including at least one strip-like area of ​​removable adhesive on the first surface toward which it faces.

3. 3. The array of packages according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of areas of removable adhesive strips attaching each of said facing first surfaces to the first surface to which it faces.

4. 4. The array of packages according to claim 3, wherein at least one strip-like region extends at an angle relative to at least one other strip-like region.

5. 5. An array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of the facing second surfaces is adhered using a removable adhesive comprising at least one strip-like area of ​​removable adhesive that adheres to the facing second surface.

6. 6. The array of packages according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of areas of removable adhesive strips attaching each of said facing second surfaces to the second surfaces towards which it faces.

7. 7. The array of packages according to claim 6, wherein at least one strip-like region extends at an angle relative to at least one other strip-like region.

8. 8. An array of packages according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strip-like regions are linear.

9. 9. An array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one strip-like region extends in a direction perpendicular to an upper surface defined by one end face of each package in the array.

10. 10. An array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one strip-like region extends in a direction parallel to an upper surface defined by one end face of each package in the array.

11. 11. An array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one strip-like region extends in an angled direction relative to an upper surface defined by one end face of each package in the array.

12. 12. An array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the removable adhesive comprises areas of removable adhesive spots in addition to the strip areas.

13. 13. The arrayed group of packages of claim 12, wherein at least one of said facing first surfaces is adhered via a removable adhesive that includes a spotted area on the first surface toward which it faces.

14. 14. An array of packages according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that at least one of the facing second surfaces is adhered via a removable adhesive comprising a spotted area on the facing second surface.

15. 15. An array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the removable adhesive is transparent.

16. 16. The array of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the removable adhesive comprises a cool melt or hot melt adhesive.

17. an array of packages, each package in the array being rectangular in shape and including a set of opposing first faces, a set of opposing second faces, and a set of opposing end faces; The packages are arranged in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, the first faces of the packages in one row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages are exposed at an end of each row; at least one of the first facing surfaces and at least one of the second facing surfaces are adhered to the first and second facing surfaces, respectively, using a removable adhesive, such that the packages are organized into an arrayed group; For at least one of said facing first surfaces bonded via a removable adhesive, the removable adhesive is an array of packages including at least three areas of removable adhesive.

18. 20. The array of packages of claim 17, wherein each of said facing first surfaces is adhered to the first surface toward which it faces with at least three areas of removable adhesive.

19. 19. An array of packages according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that at least one of the three areas of removable adhesive is in the form of spots.

20. 20. An array of packages according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that at least one of the three areas of removable adhesive is in the form of a strip.

21. 21. An array of packages according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that at least one of the facing second faces is adhered to the facing second face with at least three areas of removable adhesive.

22. 22. The array of packages according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the three areas of removable adhesive is in the form of spots.

23. 23. An array of packages according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that at least one of the three areas of removable adhesive is in the form of a strip.

24. 24. An array of packages according to any one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that at least one strip-like region is linear.

25. 25. An array of packages according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that at least one strip-like region extends in a direction perpendicular to an upper surface defined by one end face of each package in the array.

26. 25. An array of packages according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that at least one strip-like region extends in a direction parallel to an upper surface defined by one end face of each package in the array.

27. 25. An array of packages as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that at least one strip-like region extends in an angled direction relative to an upper surface defined by one end face of each package in the array.

28. 28. An array of packages according to any one of claims 17 to 27, characterized in that the removable adhesive is transparent.

29. 29. The array of packages of any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the removable adhesive comprises a cool melt or hot melt adhesive.

30. an array of packages, each package in the array being rectangular in shape and including a set of opposing first faces, a set of opposing second faces, and a set of opposing end faces; The packages are arranged in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, the first faces of the packages in one row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages are exposed at an end of each row; at least one of the first facing surfaces and at least one of the second facing surfaces are adhered to the first and second facing surfaces, respectively, using a removable adhesive, such that the packages are organized into an arrayed group; The removable adhesive is arranged in a transparent package.

31. 1. A method for holding a plurality of packages in an ordered group, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular shaped packages, each package including a set of opposing first sides, a set of opposing second sides, and a set of opposing end sides; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages are exposed at an end of each row; and adhering at least one of the facing first surfaces and at least one of the facing second surfaces to the respective facing first and second surfaces using a removable adhesive such that the packages are organized in an arranged group.

32. 1. A method for holding a plurality of packages in an ordered group, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular shaped packages, each package including a set of opposing first sides, a set of opposing second sides, and a set of opposing end sides; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages are exposed at an end of each row; and adhering at least one of said facing first surfaces and at least one of said facing second surfaces to the respective facing first and second surfaces using areas of removable adhesive such that the packages are organized in an arranged group; For at least one of said facing first surfaces bonded via a removable adhesive, the removable adhesive comprises at least three areas of adhesive.

33. 1. A method for holding a plurality of packages in an ordered group, the method comprising: providing a plurality of rectangular shaped packages, each package including a set of opposing first sides, a set of opposing second sides, and a set of opposing end sides; arranging the packages in a plurality of rows such that the second faces of the packages face the second faces of adjacent packages in the same row, the first faces of the packages in a row face the first faces of the packages in an adjacent row, and the second faces of the packages are exposed at an end of each row; and adhering at least one of said facing first surfaces and at least one of said facing second surfaces to the respective facing first and second surfaces using a transparent removable adhesive such that the packages are organized in an arranged group.

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