CASING FOR PROTECTING FOOD AND BEVERAGES PRODUCTS, CASING BLANK AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH CASING FROM THE CASING BLANK

Abstract

Casing (1000) for transporting food or beverage product, comprising a side panel part (1200) comprising at least two side panels (1201, 1202), each side panel comprising a peripheral free edge (1211, 1212) and a sealing margin (1221, 1222) along the peripheral free edge, and one band (1100), made from one sheet, and comprising a sealing area which is sealed to the sealing margin (1221, 1222) of both side panels, forming a flange (1300) extending outward. Blank for forming such casing and method for manufacturing such casing.

Claims

1. Casing for transporting food or beverage product, the casing comprising: a side panel part comprising at least two side panels, each side panel comprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin along the peripheral free edge, and one band, made from one sheet, and comprising a sealing area, and the sealing area of the band being sealed to the sealing margin of both side panels, forming a flange extending outward.

2. Casing according to claim 1, wherein the side panel part is made of one sheet which comprises the two side panels and a linking part between the two side panels linking both side panels one to the other, the side panel part is folded in a U-shape and the linking part forms a bottom of the U, the linking part further comprising two free edges on either side between the two side panels, and a sealing margin along its two free edges, the peripheral free edge of each side panel extending from one free edge of the linking part to the other, and the band being sealed to the sealing margin of both side panels, and to the sealing margin of both free edges of the linking part, forming the flange extending outward.

3. Casing according to claim 1, wherein it comprises an opening system comprising at least one opening and a closing element configured to close the opening.

4. Casing according to claim 3, wherein it comprises a pre-cut line demarcating the closing element and the opening.

5. Casing according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of the pre-cut line is done in the sealing area of the band in which the band is sealed to at least the sealing margin of one side panel.

6. Casing according to claim 1, wherein the flange comprises at least one notch formed in at least a part of the flange surrounding a corner of the casing.

7. Casing blank to manufacture a casing, the casing blank comprising: a side panel part comprising at least two side panels, configured to build two side panels of the casing, each side panel comprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin along the peripheral free edge which is configured to be bent outward to form a flange, and one band, made from one sheet, comprising a sealing area configured to be sealed to at least the sealing margin of both side panels.

8. Casing blank according to claim 7, wherein the side panel part is made of one sheet which comprises the two side panels and a linking part between the two side panels linking both side panels one to the other.

9. Casing blank according to claim 7, wherein it comprises an opening system comprising at least one opening.

10. Casing blank according to claim 9, wherein the opening system further comprises at least a closing element configured to close the opening, and a pre-cut line demarcating the closing element and the opening.

11. Casing blank according to claim 10, wherein at least a part of the pre-cut line is done in the sealing area of the band in which the band is configured to be sealed to at least the sealing margin of one side panel.

12. Casing blank according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the side panels comprises a press-formed line which is parallel to at least one peripheral free edge of the side panel, and which is formed a few millimetres at a distance from the peripheral free edge of the side panel, thus forming the sealing margin between the peripheral free edge and the press-formed line.

13. Casing blank according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the sealing margin of one side panel or the sealing area of the band comprises at least one notch in at least a part configured to surround a corner.

14. Method for manufacturing a casing comprising steps of: providing a blank casing for transporting food or beverage product, the casing comprising: a side panel part comprising at least two side panels, each side panel comprising a peripheral free edge and a sealing margin along the peripheral free edge, one band, made from one sheet, and comprising a sealing area, and the sealing area of the band being sealed to the sealing margin of both side panels, forming a flange extending outward; sealing a sealing area of the band on at least a part of the sealing margin of a first of the two side panels, forming at least a part of the flange extending outward; placing product on the first side panel; and sealing a sealing area of the band along the sealing margin of a second of the two side panels, finalizing forming the flange extending outward.

15. Method according to claim 14, comprising a step of folding a sealing margin of at least one of the side panels along a corresponding press-formed line which is parallel to at least a part of the peripheral free edge of the side panel in order to form at least a part of the flange.

16. Method according to claim 14, further comprising steps of: folding the side panel part made of one sheet into a U about the linking part; sealing the linking part of the side panel part to at least one end of the band; and completing sealing a sealing area of the band along a sealing margin of the side panel part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0182] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the description of the presently preferred embodiments which are set out below with reference to the drawings in which:

[0183] FIG. 1a shows an example embodiment of one individual portion of product like a food or beverage precursor;

[0184] FIG. 1b shows an example embodiment of a wound strip of packages comprising a plurality of food or beverage precursor's portion packages;

[0185] FIG. 2 shows a casing according to a first example embodiment of the invention, in a closed configuration (FIG. 2a) and open configuration (FIG. 2b);

[0186] FIG. 3 shows a casing according to a second example embodiment of the invention, in a closed configuration (FIG. 3a) and open configuration (FIG. 3b);

[0187] FIG. 4 shows a band blank according to one example embodiment of the invention;

[0188] FIG. 5 shows a side panel blank according to a first example embodiment of the invention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3;

[0189] FIG. 6 shows a casing according to a third example embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration;

[0190] FIG. 7 shows a band blank according to another example embodiment of the invention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 6;

[0191] FIGS. 8a and 8b show examples of a sealing of a band according to one example embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 6;

[0192] FIG. 9 shows a casing according to a fourth example embodiment of the invention;

[0193] FIG. 10 shows a casing according to a fifth example embodiment of the invention;

[0194] FIG. 11 shows a band blank according to an example embodiment of the invention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10;

[0195] FIG. 12 shows a side panel blank according to an example embodiment of the invention, for example as used in the casing of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10;

[0196] FIG. 13 shows method steps (FIG. 13a, FIG. 13b and FIG. 13c) for manufacturing a casing according to one example embodiment of the invention; and

[0197] FIG. 14 shows an illustration of a food or beverage preparation apparatus receiving a casing according to an example embodiment of the invention comprising a strip of packages of individual portions (flowpack) for individually dispensing one portion from one package of the strip of packages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0198] FIG. 1a illustrates an individual food and beverage portion 1 such as roast-and-ground coffee compacted piece, adapted for the preparation of a food or a beverage in a food or beverage preparation apparatus.

[0199] One portion 1 may contain a few grams of food or beverage precursors, for example 3 to 12 grams, corresponding to at least one or part of a serving of food or beverage, one serving may need several precursors to form a beverage depending on the type of beverage to be done (expresso, lungo . . . ). The beverage precursor is preferable essentially roast-and-ground coffee. The beverage precursor may also comprise a mix of roast-and-ground coffee and soluble coffee or roast-and ground coffee, chocolate powder and milk powder. For example, one portion may be suitable for preparing one cup of coffee, but for a lungo, two portions may be needed.

[0200] The portions are preferably spherical. In the present description, the term “spherical” encompasses also designs such as multiple facets (e.g. like a “football” shape) or a sphere having truncated faces of diameter less than the diameter of the sphere or slightly ovoid or oval or egg shapes. A preferred shape is however a ball with substantially circular cross-sections.

[0201] Such individual portions 1, for example 20 to 30 of them, can be packed directly in a casing. Spacers or interlayers may be added in the casing to separate and/or preserve the integrity of the individual portions, thereby defining a storing pattern.

[0202] FIG. 1b shows food or beverage precursor's portions packed into a primary packaging, also called “flowpack” as an example embodiment.

[0203] Such flowpack is a flexible strip of packages 100 comprising at least two packages 30, 40, each comprising a cavity, for example between twenty and thirty packages, often about 24 packages, each cavity of them receiving one pearl of product, i.e. one portion of product as presented in FIG. 1a.

[0204] A flowpack as described above can be easily wound in superimposed layers, with the portions of one package 30, 40 arranged in quincunx between two adjacent layers of the strip of packages 100, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0205] However, the storing pattern may vary depending on desired dimensions of a casing in which it should be stored.

[0206] Such wound strip of packages 100, or individual portions like portion 1, or even loose product (not illustrated here), can then be packed in a casing according to the invention.

[0207] The casing is here shaped as a box with an overall parallelepipedal form. As illustrated in FIG. 2 for example, it has a narrow rectangular bottom and top, two large side panels and narrower front and rear walls.

[0208] The casing is expected to ensure an optimized, or at least a certain level of barrier to protect the product so it is built in a tight manner. In particular, it allows to protect food and beverage products included in the casing from oxygen, moisture, humidity and/or other external possible aggressions, while also offering a mechanical shield to protect the products from impacts, vibrations or other constrains occurring along the life of the products.

[0209] In addition, at least a part of the casing, or all, is preferably made of at least a recyclable and/or recycled material, for example a biodegradable material, or even possibly a compostable material, preferably bio-sourced biodegradable or bio-sourced compostable material.

[0210] Preferably, the casing is made out of a minimum of parts that are assembled together with a minimum of junction areas aiming to reduce any potential leakage.

[0211] Consequently, its construction comprises preferably at most three parts: two side panels and one surrounding “belt”.

[0212] Those parts are bounded and/or linked together, preferably sealed together.

[0213] For example, three main embodiments can be considered, in which where the casing is made out of one, two or three parts. [0214] 1/The casing can be made out of three parts (two side panels and one surrounding band). These three parts are sealed or glued together in a tight manner, as illustrated in FIG. 6 for example. For this construction, the band can be overlapping, even by forming an external tongue, made out of the two ends of the band, sealed or glued together. Optionally, this tongue can then be folded by 90° and if necessary, can be crushed or flattened by a mechanical tool (with or without heat), as illustrated in FIG. 8b for example. This step aims at closing the potential remaining leakage paths at this 3-points junction. FIG. 8a shows another example embodiment in which both ends of the band are juxtaposed and the casing is sealed by an additional envelop wrapped around both ends. [0215] 2/The casing can be made out of two parts: for example, both side panels are linked together and are fully assembled with the band. Such an embodiment is illustrated by FIGS. 2 to 5, and FIGS. 9 to 13. [0216] 3/At last, in a most optimized version, the casing can be made out of only one part and/or pre-formed part, which is folded/bended and sealed or glued by a specific tooling and process in order to obtain a fully tight structure. Such an embodiment is not illustrated here.

[0217] This is enhanced by some specific functionalities of the base material (as its stretchability) and some specific pre-processing steps (like pre-cutting enabling a double curvatures of the material to ensure the junction at the rounded angles).

[0218] Some embodiments are described here below in connection with FIGS. 2 to 12.

[0219] FIG. 2 shows a casing 1000 for transporting food or beverage precursor's portions, in a closed configuration in FIG. 2a, and in an open configuration in FIG. 2b. The casing 1000 comprises here two main parts: a side panel part 1200, and one band 1100 made from one sheet.

[0220] The side panel part 1200 is made from one sheet too, and comprises here two side panels 1201, 1202 and a linking part 1203 between the two side panels 1201, 1202 linking both side panels one to the other.

[0221] Thus here, both side panels are made from one sheet.

[0222] The side panel part is folded in a U-shape, with the linking part forming a bottom of the U.

[0223] To provide a tight casing, the side panel part 1200 is sealed to the band 1100 forming a flange 1300 extending outward.

[0224] Such flange 1300 comprises a sealing area of the band 1100 and a sealing margin of the side panel part 1200 which are sealed to each other.

[0225] Owing to such a flange 1300, it is possible to provide a casing, which can be made of paper-based material, in which a junction between two different parts can be tight.

[0226] Here, the band 1100 remains flat while the sealing margin of the side panel part 1200 is bent outward, and according to the illustrated embodiment, the sealing margin is folded perpendicularly compared to a side panel core (which is a part of the side panel surrounded by the sealing margin).

[0227] Furthermore, the casing is here provided with an opening system 1400.

[0228] More specifically here, the band 1100 comprises said opening system 1400 which comprises an opening 1430 and closing element 1410 configured to close the opening 1430.

[0229] The opening 1430 (indicated in dotted line in FIG. 2a as seen through the closing element 1410) is for example configured to pull food or beverage precursor out of the casing.

[0230] The closing element 1410 configured to close the opening 1430 is here a lid, or a cap.

[0231] The closing element is sealed in an airtight manner, for example glued, over the opening, on a part of the band in which the opening 1430 is made.

[0232] For example, the closing element 1410 is a leaf. Such a leaf can be transparent and/or of any colour. It could also be of the same material as the band.

[0233] The closing element can be sealed before or after construction of the casing. The closing element can be applied to the band and sealed during sealing of the band to the side panels. For example, the closing element can be of a same width as the band and sealed to the sealing area of the band.

[0234] To ease the opening, the closing element 1410 can comprise a tip configured to be pulled by a user in order to peel the closing element off.

[0235] The opening system is preferably located nearby one corner of the casing.

[0236] In the embodiment of FIG. 2a, a tip of the opening system 1400 is situated nearby a folded portion of the band 1100.

[0237] This construction as illustrated in FIG. 2 generates for example two main physical specificities compared to a “traditional” not-tight casing: [0238] Rounded corners, for example with a radius of about 10 mm; [0239] two surrounded sealing flange 1300 (at least one on each side panel), for example with a width of about 4 mm.

[0240] The outer dimensions of the casing 1000 are for example 280 mm×90 mm×50 mm. These dimensions could change.

[0241] The thickness of the material constituting the casing is for example about 0.3 mm. However, it can vary from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm for example.

[0242] FIGS. 3 to 12 show different embodiments of casings.

[0243] On these figures, same numeral references are used to designate same features as in FIGS. 2a and 2b but starting by an incremented number “x---” instead of “1---”.

[0244] FIGS. 3a and 3b show an example embodiment of a casing 2000.

[0245] The casing 2000 differs from the casing 1000 of FIGS. 2a and 2b in that the tip of the opening system 2400 is situated nearby an end of the band 2100, instead of a folded portion of the band and in that the opening system is different.

[0246] Such an embodiment can provide an easier take of the opening system by a user in order to open the casing, while keeping the casing tight when it is closed.

[0247] In this embodiment, the opening 2430 is similar to the opening 1430 of FIG. 2.

[0248] But, the closing element 2410 here comprises a pulling tongue which is demarcated by at least one pre-cut line delimiting the opening 2430.

[0249] A pre-cut here designates a cut performed in only a part of a thickness of the sheet.

[0250] Such a cut is for example a few microns deep to realise such pre-cut.

[0251] Such a pre-cut can be realised by means of a laser for example.

[0252] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, a part of the pre-cut (corresponding to a rim of the wide part 2431 of the opening 2430) is formed in the sealing area of the band 2100 forming the flange 2300.

[0253] Thus, it keeps a full tightness of the casing before it is open.

[0254] According to one example embodiment, the closing element 2410 comprises a string, not shown. For example, the string can be embedded into a material layer of the sheet of the band 2100.

[0255] By pulling on the closing element 2410, the base material of the band 2100 is teared along the pre-cut line, following the pre-defined shape of the opening 2430.

[0256] The casing thus has an easy opening system.

[0257] For example, once the casing is opened, the closing element 2410 may remain attached to the casing. Optionally, it is then locked on position.

[0258] FIG. 4 show an example embodiment of a blank to form a band 2100′.

[0259] The band 2100′ comprises a length which is at least equal to a length of a peripheral free edge of one corresponding side panel.

[0260] For example, by definition, the length of the band extends along a length direction of the band, and the band comprises a width extending perpendicularly to the length direction of the band.

[0261] The band 2100′ is similar to the band 2100 of FIG. 3a, except in that the opening system 2400′ comprises closing element 2410′ defining the opening which here comprises only a main wide part 2431′, but no tail.

[0262] Furthermore, as better visible in this figure; the band 2100′ comprises press-formed lines 2500′ configured to fold the band 2100′, in particular around a corner of a corresponding side panel.

[0263] Such press-formed lines 2500′ extends alongside the width direction of the band 2100′.

[0264] In addition, ends of the band 2100′ here have rounded shape; however, they could have square shapes, optionally with rounded corners, as band 2100 of FIG. 3a or band 1100 of FIG. 2a.

[0265] FIG. 5 shows a blank for the side panel part 1200, or 2200, in which both side panels are made from one sheet.

[0266] Thus, numeral references of FIG. 2 are indicated here, but same would apply with numeral references of FIG. 3, as side panel parts of FIGS. 2 and 3 are identical.

[0267] The side panel part 1200 is of a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0268] The side panel part 1200 comprises a peripheral free edge 1210 and a sealing margin 1220 along the peripheral free edge 1210.

[0269] Both side panel 1201, 1202, said first side panel 1201 and second side panel 1202, comprise a free peripheral edge 1211, 1212, and a sealing margin 1221, 1222 along their respective free peripheral edges 1211, 1212.

[0270] The linking part 1203 comprises two free edges 1213 on either side between the two side panels 1201, 1202, and a sealing margin 1223 along its two free edges 1213.

[0271] The peripheral free edge 1211, 1212 of each side panel 1201, 1202 extends from one free edge 1213 of the linking part to the other.

[0272] Then, the peripheral free edge 1210 of the side panel part 1200 is here constituted by the peripheral free edge 1211 of the first side panel 1201, the peripheral free edge 1212 of the second side panel 1202, and the peripheral free edges 1213 of the linking part 1203.

[0273] Same, the sealing margin 1220 of the side panel part 1200 is here constituted by the sealing margin 1221 of the first side panel 1201, the sealing margin 1222 of the second side panel 1202, and the sealing margins 1223 of the linking part 1203.

[0274] The sealing margin 1220 of the side panel part 1200 is configured to be sealed to a sealing area of one band (either band 1100 of FIG. 2a, or band 2100 of FIG. 3a or band 2100′ of FIG. 4, or others).

[0275] The sealing margin 1220 is configured to be bent outward (compared to at least one side panel core 1204, 1205 which is a part of the side panel 1201, 1202 surrounded by the sealing margin 1221, 1222 respectively) in order to form the flange 1300 as illustrated in FIG. 2 (or in FIG. 3).

[0276] To this end, the side panel part 1200 comprises a press-formed line 1207 which is parallel to the peripheral free edge 1210 of the side panel part.

[0277] Such press-formed line 1207 is formed for example a few millimetres at a distance from the peripheral free edge 1210 of the side panel part 1200, for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, thus forming the sealing margin 1220 between the peripheral free edge 1210 and the press-formed line 1207.

[0278] Such press-formed line 1207 helps bending the sealing margin 1220 of the side panel part 1200 to later seal it to the band to forming the flange 1300 (visible FIG. 2, or FIG. 3).

[0279] Besides, the linking part 1203 comprises press-formed lines 1206 which are transverse to both free edges 1213 of the linking part 1203.

[0280] These press-formed lines ease folding the side panel part 1200 in the form of a U.

[0281] Furthermore, each corner of the side panel part 1200 here comprises notches 1208.

[0282] Additional notches 1208 are provided on edges 1213 of the linking part 1203 to help folding.

[0283] For example, a notch 1208 is a cut, like a V cut, made in a part of the sealing margin 1220.

[0284] Such notches enable to limit pleats, in particular where the flange surrounds a corner of the casing, as this may involve at least two curvatures of the part of the casing.

[0285] Thus, in general, notches 1208 may be provided anywhere more than one curvature shall be needed.

[0286] Therefore, such notches ease sealing of the side panel part and the band in corners in a tight manner as they help avoiding pleats when the sealing margin is folded around corners.

[0287] FIG. 6 now shows an example embodiment of a casing 3000 which is formed of three parts: two side panels 3201, 3202 and a surrounding band 3100. Such a casing measures for example about 260 mm×160 mm×46 mm.

[0288] In other words, the casing 3000 here comprises a side panel part 3200 which comprises two separated side panels, without linking part.

[0289] Both side panels 3201, 3202 are identical.

[0290] They are of a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and each comprises a peripheral free edge (all around the side panel) and a sealing margin along the peripheral free edge.

[0291] As in the embodiments above described, the sealing margin of each side panel is bent outward (compared to a side panel core, which is a part of the side panel 3201, 3202 surrounded by the sealing margin) in order to form the flange 3300.

[0292] A band 3100, as one which can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 6, is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0293] The band 3100 is of a rectangular shape, here with right angle corners.

[0294] The band 3100 comprises a length which is at least equal to a length of the peripheral free edge of the corresponding side panels, and preferably greater to allow the ends to overlap each other.

[0295] In case the band 3100 is connected end to end, without overlapping, its length is shorter that the length of the peripheral free edge of the corresponding side panels.

[0296] The band 3100 comprises four sets of press-formed lines 3500, extending alongside the width direction of the band 3100, configured to fold the band 3100 around the corners of the corresponding side panels.

[0297] The band 3100 further comprises an opening system 3400 which comprises closing element 3410, as a pulling tongue, and an opening which here comprises only a main wide part 3431, as the band of FIG. 4.

[0298] Here, the opening system 3400 is situated between two foldable zones, each of which is here formed by a set of press-formed lines 3500.

[0299] FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of a sealing of a band like band 3100 of FIG. 7, for a casing like casing 3000 of FIG. 6.

[0300] When the band surrounds all side panels, the casing may still be tight.

[0301] One solution is to have the ends of the band overlapping.

[0302] One solution, as illustrated in FIG. 8a, is to have the ends of the band joined end to end. In this case, an additional envelop 3130 can be added around both ends.

[0303] Another solution, as illustrated in FIG. 8b, the ends of the band are sealed one to the other by forming an external tongue, and then this tongue can then be folded to be flattened on the band, for example by 90°, by a mechanical tool, like for example rolls. This step aims at closing a potential remaining leakage path at such a 3-points junction.

[0304] FIG. 9 shows a casing 4000 according to a fourth example embodiment of the invention.

[0305] This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, in particular as it is made of two main parts: a side panel part 4200 and one band 4100, made from one sheet.

[0306] The side panel part 4200 is made from the one sheet and comprises here two side panels 4201, 4202 and a linking part 4203 between the two side panels 4201, 4202 linking both side panels one to the other.

[0307] As before, the side panel part is folded in a U-shape, with the linking part forming a bottom of the U.

[0308] To provide a tight casing, the side panel part 4200 is sealed to the band 4100 forming a flange 4300 extending outward.

[0309] This embodiment differs from the one of FIG. 3 mainly in that the linking part 4203 is narrower than the side panels 4201, 4202. Therefore, both side panels and the linking part here define one recess between both side panels.

[0310] The band 4100 is similar to the band 2100′ of FIG. 4, and comprises here an opening system 4400 which comprises a closing element 4410 as a pulling tongue and an opening which here comprises only a main wide part 4431.

[0311] In this example embodiment, a tip of the opening system is situated nearby an end of the band 4100 which is in the recess between both side panels.

[0312] FIG. 10 shows a casing 5000 according to a fifth example embodiment of the invention.

[0313] This embodiment only differs from the one of FIG. 9 in that the band 5100, which is identical to the band 4100, is placed the other way.

[0314] Then, the opening system 5400 is positioned nearby an edge of the linking part 5203 which is opposite the edge of the linking part in the recess between both side panels of the side panel part 5200.

[0315] FIG. 11 shows a blank for the band 4100 (or 5100), as used in the casings of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10.

[0316] Thus, numeral references of FIG. 9 are indicated here, but same would apply with numeral references of FIG. 10, as the bands of FIGS. 9 and 10 are identical.

[0317] Here the band 4100 is made of one sheet and is of a rectangular shape with rounded ends.

[0318] In addition, it comprises the opening system 4400, a tip of which is situated at one end of the band.

[0319] FIG. 12 shows a blank for the side panel 4200 (or 5200), as used in the casings of FIG. 9 or FIG. 10.

[0320] Thus, numeral references of FIG. 9 are indicated here, but same would apply with numeral references of FIG. 10, as the side panel parts of FIGS. 9 and 10 are identical.

[0321] The side panel part 4200 is made from the one sheet and comprises here a first side panel 4201 and a second side panel 4202 and a linking part 4203 between the two side panels 4201, 4202 linking both side panels one to the other.

[0322] In this embodiment, the linking part 4203 is narrower than the side panels 4201, 4202. Therefore, both side panels and the linking part here define one recess between both side panels, here on one side only of the linking part.

[0323] The side panels 4201, 4202 are of a rectangular shape with three rounded corners.

[0324] The side panel part 4200 comprises a peripheral free edge 4210 and a sealing margin 4220 along the peripheral free edge 4210.

[0325] To ease folding of the sealing margin 4220 to later seal it to the band in order to form the flange 4300, the side panel part 4200 comprises a press-formed line 4207 which is parallel to the peripheral free edge 4210 of the side panel part.

[0326] Such press-formed line 4207 is formed for example a few millimetres at a distance from the peripheral free edge 4210 of the side panel part 4200, for example between 2 mm and 10 mm, thus forming the sealing margin 4220 between the peripheral free edge 4210 and the press-formed line 4207.

[0327] Besides, each corner, including the recess, of the side panel part 4200 here comprises notches 4208.

[0328] For example, the notches 4208 are formed in the sealing margin 4220.

[0329] Such notches could also be added in the sealing margin of the linking part which is opposite the recess.

[0330] Such notches ease sealing of the side panel part 4200 and the band, for example band 4100, in corners in a tight manner as they help avoiding pleats when the sealing margin is folded around corners.

[0331] Thus, depending on the way of positioning the band 4100 of FIG. 11 relatively to the side panel part 4200 of FIG. 12, either casing 4000 of FIG. 9 or casing 5000 of FIG. 10 is obtained.

[0332] FIG. 13 shows method steps for manufacturing a casing according to one example embodiment of the invention.

[0333] For the example, numeral references of FIG. 2 are used, but same would apply to the other embodiments.

[0334] In FIG. 13a, a blank for a side panel part 1200 comprising at least two side panels 1201, 1202, and a blank for a band 1100 is provided.

[0335] For example, the method comprises a step of bending outward a sealing margin of a first side panel 1201 in order to form a flange 1300 in which the band 1100 shall be sealed.

[0336] One step then comprises here sealing at least a part of the band 1100 on at least a part of the sealing margin of the first side panel 1201, and here on all sealing margin of the first side panel, forming a part of the flange 1300 extending outward.

[0337] For example, the method comprises a step of folding the band 1100 about at least one press-formed line to position the band 1100 around one corner of the first side panel 1201.

[0338] Another step comprises placing product, either portions of a strip of packages 100 like illustrated here, on the first side panel 1201, which is surrounded at least in part by the band 1100.

[0339] For example, the strip of packages 100 is wound as illustrated in FIG. 1b.

[0340] In FIG. 13b, the method comprises a step of folding the side panel part 1200 made of one sheet into a U about the linking part 1203, or preferably about at least one press-formed line of the linking part 1203.

[0341] The method also comprises a step of sealing the linking part 1203 of the side panel part 1200 to the ends of the band 1100.

[0342] In FIG. 13c, the method comprises a step of completing the sealing of the side panel part 1200 with the band 1100, in particular sealing the band 1100 with the sealing margin of the second side panel 1202, finalizing forming the flange 1300 extending outward.

[0343] In case the casing is receiving individual portions 1 not packaged in a flowpack, the individual portions are directly inserted in the casing. Spacers or interlayers may be added in the casing to separate and/or preserve the integrity of the individual portions, thereby defining a storing pattern. This embodiment is not represented.

[0344] In any case, the final closing of the casing is done under controlled atmosphere, in order to avoid entrance of oxygen that would have oxidizing and/or damaging effects on the product or precursor portions, especially in terms of preservation.

[0345] FIG. 14 shows an example embodiment of a food or beverage preparation apparatus 300 using a flowpack of packaged individual portions 1.

[0346] Such apparatus may be mainly as one described in WO 2019/219523 or WO 2019/219524.

[0347] The apparatus comprises a seat to receive a casing as described above, with the opening of the casing close to a portion removing assembly of the apparatus.

[0348] The portion removing assembly preferably comprises a portion capturing rotary drum 301 driven in rotation in a stepwise fashion by a driving assembly.

[0349] The portion capturing rotary drum comprises a plurality of receiving holes 302 formed in an outer annular wall 303 of the drum 301.

[0350] The receiving holes 302 are individually dimensioned and arranged at distance one another so as to match with the distance d between neighboring packages 30, 40 of the strip of packages 100.

[0351] As the portions are captured by the receiving cavities moving step-wisely, the strip of packages 100 is progressively withdrawn from the casing.

[0352] The apparatus 300 further comprises package opening means 304 such as a cutting tool arranged for opening the cavities of one package by cutting along one cutting line in at least one side of one package to remove each portion individually. The cutting tool may be driven by a linear motorized actuator configured for moving the cutting tool reciprocally between a retracted position and a cutting position. The cutting tool may be formed as a cylinder of diameter slightly larger than the diameter of one beverage portion and may comprise at least one blade arranged circumferentially on the free edge of the cylinder. Preferably, the cutting tool is arranged to cut the strip of packages 100 on at least 200° or preferably between 300 and 340° about the portion to provide sufficient opening of the cavity and facilitate ejection of the portion while keeping the package material in one piece.

[0353] The apparatus 300 may further comprise portion ejection means 305 for expulsing the portion from the cavity after the package is cut open. The portion ejection means 305 may take various forms. In the illustrated example, the portion ejection 305 means comprise a cam which is stationary arranged on an internal bearing which is arranged co-centrically relative to the rotary drum 301. The cam is preferably positioned angularly, e.g. an angle of 50-80 degrees after the cutting tool, to push the portion outside the corresponding cavity as the drum 301 rotates (as illustrated in FIG. 14 in clockwise direction R).

[0354] The apparatus 300 may further comprise a chute or the like, arranged for gently receiving and transporting by gravity or otherwise (e.g. air pressure), the portion to a food or beverage preparation device to prepare the food or beverage.

[0355] Then, the apparatus 300 preferably comprises at least one container to receive the used package material on one side and the organic residue (food or beverage precursor portion after use) on another side, which eases recycling and composting of waste.