Abstract: The invention provides a process for gripping a layer of standing containers (23) such as bottles, and a head for gripping a whole layer of such containers. The process is characterized in that the layer of containers (23) is framed by four simultaneously actuated jaws (12 to 15), the jaws being movably positioned to nip or bear against the outer container of the layer while subjecting the jaws to vibrations, thereby causing the containers to align themselves in rows, bearing against each other. The rows are offset from each other in a longitudinal direction by a direction such that the containers are disposed in a staggered or quincunx arrangement. The rows of containers are acted upon in the direction in which they bear against each other with a nipping force (F.sub.1, F.sub.2). The nipping force (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) may be greater than the force (f.sub.1, f.sub.2) with which the containers are acted upon in the direction in which they bear against each other in their row.