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.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
   
   
       25 . A sleeve for a pouch for a flowable bulk material, the sleeve being configured to define a cavity arranged to receive a pouch. 
   
   
       26 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is flexible. 
   
   
       27 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve comprises a single sheet of a material defining a plurality of panels for assembly of the sleeve. 
   
   
       28 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is self-supporting. 
   
   
       29 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve has an opening to the cavity for passage of a pouch. 
   
   
       30 . A sleeve according to  claim 29 , wherein the sleeve has an open base and is arranged to slide over a pouch. 
   
   
       31 . A sleeve according to  claim 29 , wherein the sleeve has an open top for inserting a pouch. 
   
   
       32 . A sleeve according to  claim 29 , further comprising retaining means arranged to retain a pouch in the sleeve. 
   
   
       33 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is tapered out towards the bottom of the sleeve. 
   
   
       34 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein in one plane the sleeve is narrower at a centre portion than at either the top or bottom. 
   
   
       35 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is made of thermally insulating material. 
   
   
       36 . A sleeve according to  claim 35  wherein the sleeve is made of corrugated cardboard. 
   
   
       37 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is pre-printed before assembly. 
   
   
       38 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , further comprising a window arranged to enable the contents of the beverage pouch to be seen. 
   
   
       39 . A sleeve according to  claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is rigid or semi-rigid. 
   
   
       40 . Packaging for a flowable bulk material comprising a pouch and a pouch sleeve, the sleeve being configured to define a cavity in which the pouch can be received. 
   
   
       41 . A method of serving a flowable bulk material comprising the steps of selecting a flowable bulk material, dispensing the flowable bulk material into a pouch, selecting a sleeve corresponding to the selected flowable bulk material and inserting the pouch into the sleeve. 
   
   
       42 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein the flowable bulk material is a chilled beverage. 
   
   
       43 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein the flowable bulk material is a hot beverage. 
   
   
       44 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein the flowable bulk material is a high-viscosity beverage.