Packaging

Abstract

A packaging sleeve for a beverage pouch having a spout through which the pouch can be filled and a removable cap for closing the spout until it is desired to consume the beverage. The sleeve is configured to define a cavity arranged to receive the pouch so that the spout projects from the sleeve at one end and the sleeve is capable of standing unsupported on a surface at the other end while the pouch is supported in the sleeve. The sleeve is flexible to allow the pouch to be squeezed while consuming the beverage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]This invention relates to the packaging and delivery of flowable bulk materials intended to be consumed, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a sleeve arranged to receive a pouch in which the flowable bulk material is contained. The invention has application to a wide range of flowable bulk materials including beverages and other flowable food products such as soups, sauces, syrups, ice cream, sorbet and the like. For convenience the invention is described hereinafter with reference to the packaging and delivery of beverages but it will be understood that we do not intend to be limited thereto and that the invention extends to and includes any flowable bulk materials that can be consumed either directly or when added to another food product.[0002]Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are traditionally sold pre-packaged in plastic or glass bottles, cans or pre-filled cartons. They are sold through different retail outlets such as shops, ba...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In this way, blank pouches or pouches carrying information common to all products to be dispensed can be provided for filling and labelling with specific details of the type of product being applied to the pouch at the point of dispense. As a result, non-product specific pouches can be supplied and the product specific information applied in response to selection of a particular product to be dispensed. This simplifies packaging of different products at the point of sale with resulting advantages for the retailer. Also the consumer benefits from the packaging of product dispensed at the point of sale thereby ensuring product freshness.

[0022]The sleeve may be configured to fit in a carrier and the carrier may be capable of supporting a plurality of sleeves having pouches located therein. For example, the carrier may comprise a tray having recesses in which the base end of the sleeve is received to support the sleeve. In this way, several pouches may be carried in a safe and convenient manner that reduces the risk of the contents of the pouches being spilled.

Problems solved by technology

However, the pouches can be unstable and difficult to handle, especially if containing a particularly hot or cold beverage.

It may also prove difficult to sufficiently distinguish different brands of beverages.

Images