Labeling machine and method of producing multipacks

A method of producing multipacks, each multipack comprising a group of individual products, the said method comprising the following steps:

• forming a group of products from a predetermined number of a plurality of individual products using a conveyor module;
• grasping the group of products with a pressure force using a first carrier and a second carrier of the conveyor module;
• mutually stabilizing the individual products within the group of products through the grasping with the pressure force using the first carrier and the second carrier
• providing the group of products to a labeling process using the conveyor module while the first and the second carrier grasp the group of products with the pressure force;
• and
• producing a multipack of products by applying a label around all or part of the group of products while the first and the second carrier grasp the group of products with the pressure force;
• wherein the grasping the group of products step comprises individually controlling the respective movement of the first carrier disposed on a first conveying unit and the second carrier on a second conveying unit of the conveyor module so the first carrier and the second carrier cooperate as a fixing unit for securing the group of products together and applying the pressure force to the group of products.

A labeling machine for producing respective multipacks of individual pre-packaged products, the labeling machine comprising:

• at least one labeler capable to affix at least one label to a plurality of individual pre-packaged products;
• a conveyor comprising at least a first conveying unit having a first carrier and a second conveying unit having a second carrier, wherein the at least two conveying units are capable to form a group of pre-packaged products comprising a predetermined number of the plurality of individual pre-packaged products;
• wherein the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are independently moveable as to apply a compressive force on said group of pre-packaged products disposed between the first carrier and the second carrier, wherein said compressive force fixes a position of each pre-packaged product of said group of pre-packaged products on said conveyor while said group of pre-packaged products is moved by said conveyor in a conveying direction toward said at least one labeler;
• and
• wherein said at least one labeler is disposed on the labeling machine relative to said conveyor such that said at least one labeler affixes at least one label on said group of pre-packaged products fixed on the conveyor to form a multipack while said conveyors are applying the compressive force on said group of pre-packaged products, the multipack comprising said group of pre-packaged products connected together with the at least one label.