CN111278741A

CN111278741A - Closure for a bag

Info

Publication number: CN111278741A
Application number: CN201880071362.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: P.范登虎纳尔德; K.埃里克森
Original assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
Current assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
Priority date: 2017-11-01
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2020-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-30
Also published as: CN111278741B; EP3704031A1; WO2019088831A1

Abstract

A lid (20) for a spouted pouch has a plurality of axial and radial coupling means. The axial coupling means enables the grip portion (41) of the handle member (24) to engage with the tamper-evident ring (50) of a further cap or its lower end (28) or lower flange. The radial coupling means may enable the handle tab (31) of the handle member to engage with the slots (32 ', 33', 34 ') of the handle member of the further cap (20'), the central axes (22a) of which define a single angle or a plurality of different straight and/or oblique angles between them by means of the same oriented unidirectional slot (32) or differently oriented unidirectional slots (32,33) and/or multidirectional slots (34), respectively. The radial and axial coupling means may form part of a handle member comprising two diametrically opposed lateral wings (25).

Description

Closure for a bag

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a lid for a spouted pouch, and more particularly to a lid that provides utility as both a closure member and a toy that may be coupled to other lids to form a structure. It should be understood that while the same is discussed in the context of a bag, the bag is intended herein to include all types of containers, including both rigid and flexible.

Background

Wherein the closure cap is configured to be secured on the tubular neck of a spout provided to the bag, which in this context comprises all types of containers, as mentioned. Wherein the mouth neck defines a product channel in the mouth and forms a mouth at a top end of the product channel.

Such known lids typically include, firstly, a top wall and, secondly, a central body depending downwardly from the top wall about a central axis thereof. The central body defines a central aperture configured to engage the mouth neck portion such that the cap seals the product channel in the closed position of the cap.

The cap is usually provided with a swivel connection means in its central bore, which swivel connection means is configured to cooperate with swivel connection means provided at the outer surface of the spout neck. This enables the cap to be manually rotated in an opening direction from the closed position of the cap away from the spout neck while rotating about the central axis, thereby opening the product channel.

This type of bag is often used for food, and sometimes for children's food, including but not limited to sauces and purees (including what is commonly referred to as baby food) for example. Such bags typically hold about three to four ounces of food product (about 90g to 115 g). Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular bag, or to any particular material stored in such a bag.

Generally, once the contents of the bag (e.g., food product) have been consumed and/or used, the bag and lid are discarded together. Typically, such bags and lids will eventually be landfilled. From this point of view, it would be beneficial if such a cover had additional utility.

It is known from the prior art that one way to increase the utility of such caps is to couple the caps together to form a toy, for example. One such bottle cap and construction toy is shown in U.S. patent No. 5,361,919 to Hull et al. Another such configuration is shown in GB specification 2410493. Yet another configuration is shown in U.S. patent No. 9,016,473 to Tamarindo.

After the user removes the lid from the bag and consumes the material (food) within the bag. Finally, the user has multiple lids, and the user can begin assembling the different lids into different structures by coupling the different lids in different ways.

While these designs advance the art, these solutions still have deficiencies. For example, some configurations are limited to coupling in a few ways in an axial direction relative to the central axis, allowing stacking, or planar coupling in a radial direction, both with the central axes of only two interconnected caps lying in the same plane. Other configurations are even more limited as to how multiple covers can be assembled. In addition, many configurations require a large number of covers before forming a meaningful size structure because the close proximity and small nature of the covers is limited.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the present invention aims to propose an alternative lid for a bag, which lid may provide additional utility as a toy, enabling it to be coupled to another such lid by stacking it on another such lid. To this end, in a first aspect thereof, the invention provides a cap according to claim 1.

The cap according to the first aspect of the present invention first comprises a handle member integrally molded with and extending outwardly from the central body. The handle member is sized to be anti-jamming, so that the cover is also anti-jamming.

It also includes a radial coupling assembly as part of the handle member such that the radial coupling assembly is radially spaced from the central body of the cap. By means of the radial coupling assembly, the cover is radially connectable to a further corresponding cover via the handle member.

The radial coupling assembly includes one or more handle tabs and one or more slots, each handle tab being integrally formed with the handle member. Each slot is defined in the handle member about a respective central slot axis and is adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap so as to radially connect the cap with the further cap.

As is known, for example, from us patent No. 9,016,473, the cap according to the first aspect further comprises a tamper-evident ring integrally moulded to the central body and forming a lower flange of the cap. The tamper-evident ring comprises at least one base portion connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible joints, and at least one indicator portion connected to the base portion via one or more frangible joints.

The cover further comprises an axial coupling function as part of the handle member by means of a plurality of clamping portions, each forming an upwardly extending transverse shoulder of the upper surface of the handle member. The clamping portion is adapted to engage a base portion of the tamper-evident ring of a further corresponding cap so as to axially connect the cap with the further cap.

The configuration of the axial coupling function advantageously enables stacking of a plurality of lids on top of each other by means of engagement between the handle member of the lowermost lid and the tamper-evident ring of the lid above it.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention aims to propose a lid for a bag which can provide additional utility as a toy, enabling coupling to another such lid in different orientations of the central axes of the coupled lids relative to each other. To this end, in a second aspect thereof, the invention provides a cap according to claim 2.

Similarly to the cap according to the first aspect of the invention, the cap according to the second aspect of the invention comprises first an anti-jamming handle member integrally moulded with and extending outwardly from the central body.

The radial coupling assembly according to the second aspect is a multimode radial coupling assembly. It includes one or more handle tabs and one or more slots, each handle tab being integrally formed with the handle member. Each slot is defined in the handle member about a respective central slot axis.

Furthermore, each slot is here advantageously adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cover, the central axis of which is at a plurality of different angles to the central axis of the cover, as seen in a parallel plane to the central axis, in order to connect the cover radially with the further cover in orientations corresponding to the different angles.

In this way, the configuration of the axial coupling function enables a couplable manner of the covers with respect to two of the known interconnectable cover extension covers, i.e. from an orientation of the two covers with respect to each other in case the central axes lie only in the same plane, to an orientation of the two covers with respect to each other in case the central axes intersect each other at an angle when seen in parallel planes of the central axes.

In an embodiment, even like the cap according to the first aspect, the cap according to the second aspect may further comprise a tamper-evident ring integrally moulded to the central body and forming the lower flange of the cap. The tamper-evident ring in the cap comprises at least one base portion connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible joints, and at least one indicator portion connected to the base portion via one or more frangible joints.

In an embodiment, the handle member of the cover further comprises an axial coupling function by means of a plurality of clamping portions. Each of which forms an upwardly extending transverse shoulder of the upper surface of the handle member. Each clip portion is adapted to engage the lower end of the central body, or, when present, the base portion of the tamper-evident ring of the further corresponding cap, so as to axially connect the cap with the further cap.

In an embodiment, the handle member of the cap according to any one of the first or second aspects comprises two or more radial spoke portions. The spoke portions are integrally formed with the central body and extend radially outward from the central body in a transverse direction so as to leave an open air passage between the radial coupling assembly and the central body.

Each of the spoke portions terminates at its radial end in a surrounding portion. These peripheral portions are integrally formed with the spoke portions and project from the spoke portions toward adjacent spoke portions such that the peripheral portions together extend generally concentrically about the central body.

Wherein the handle tab projects radially outwardly from the peripheral portion and the slot is defined in the peripheral portion.

Wherein, in case the cover also has clamping portions, each of these clamping portions may form an upwardly extending lateral shoulder of the upper surface of a respective one of the spoke portions of the handle member.

Furthermore, the peripheral portions may extend continuously between the lateral ends of two adjacent spoke portions and be connected to each other therein so as to together continuously surround the central body.

Successive peripheral portions may have slots defined therein (without the handle tab projecting therefrom) and handle tabs projecting therefrom (without the slots defined therein) alternately in the opening direction of the lid.

In each of the peripheral portions having a slot defined therein, a plurality (e.g., two) of unidirectional slots may extend across substantially the entire peripheral portion perpendicular to the central axis and axially spaced from one another.

Wherein, in each of the peripheral portions from which the handle tabs project, a plurality (e.g., two) of the handle tabs extend across substantially the entire peripheral portion perpendicular to the central axis and are axially spaced from one another.

The peripheral portion may for example consist of six peripheral portions and the spoke portion may consist of six spoke portions. Wherein the slot may for example consist of six one-way slots and the handle tab may consist of six handle tabs.

In other embodiments, the handle member includes two diametrically opposed wings. The wings are integrally formed with the central body and extend outwardly therefrom in a transverse direction in a vertical plane.

Wherein the handle tabs are each integrally formed with the wing at a lateral end of the wing, with the slot therein being defined in the wing.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the invention aims to propose a lid for a bag which can provide additional utility as a toy, enabling coupling to another such lid via its two radially extending wings. To this end, in a third aspect thereof, the invention provides a cap according to claim 12.

Similarly to the caps according to the first and second aspects of the invention, the cap according to the third aspect of the invention comprises first an anti-jamming handle member integrally moulded with and extending outwardly from the central body.

The handle member also includes two diametrically opposed wings integrally formed with the central body and extending radially outward from the central body in a transverse direction in a vertical plane.

The radial coupling assembly includes one or more handle tabs and one or more slots, each handle tab being integrally formed with a respective wing at a lateral end of the wing. Each of the slots is defined in a respective one of the wings about a central slot axis and is adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap to radially connect the cap with the further cap. In this way, the wings bisect the central body and extend through the central axis.

In an embodiment, the handle member of the cover further comprises an axial coupling function by means of a plurality of clamping portions. Each of which forms an upwardly extending lateral shoulder of the upper surface of a respective wing of the handle member. Wherein the clamping portion is adapted to engage the lower end of the central body or, when present, the base portion of the tamper-evident ring of the further corresponding cap, so as to axially connect the cap with the further cap.

As discussed above, caps according to any aspect of the present invention may be coupled together using a radial coupling assembly and/or its axial coupling function. It should be understood that there is no limitation in the configuration formed by the coupling of the plurality of caps, and there is no limitation in the number of caps that can be coupled together.

Covers according to any aspect of the invention may be used to couple the covers together in releasable engagement. As a result, these caps can be used as toys to attract children, for example, and the caps can be used to build structures. The configuration of these structures is constrained by the coupling assembly and the imagination of the child or other user.

A lid according to any aspect of the invention may in embodiments have one or more of the features discussed below, thereby yielding similar advantages.

In an embodiment of the cap, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member comprise one or more first one-way slots and one or more further one-way slots. Wherein the one-way slot is adapted to receive a handle tab of an additional cap having a central axis at a first angle to the central axis of the cap when viewed in a plane parallel to the central axis. The one or more further one-way slots are adapted to receive a handle tab of a further cap having a central axis at an angle to the central axis of the cap when viewed in a plane parallel to the central axis, the angle being different from the first angle.

This configuration advantageously enables the connection of further covers in different orientations, corresponding to different relative angles of the mentioned axes.

Wherein one or more of the additional one-way slots of the radial coupling assembly may be adapted to receive the handle tab of the additional cap, and the central axis of the additional cap is at an angle to the central axis of the cap that is perpendicular to the first angle.

Further, wherein the first angle may be, for example, a right angle.

In an embodiment, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member comprise one or more multi-directional slots. Each of these multi-directional slots has a central opening surrounding a central slot axis and a plurality of diametrically opposed pairs of radial grooves surrounding the central opening, the pairs of grooves being radially offset about their slot axes. Wherein each pair of grooves is adapted to receive a handle tab of an additional corresponding cap spanning the central opening of the multi-directional slot, the central axis of the additional cap being at a different angle to the central axis of the cap when viewed in a plane parallel to the central axis. Thus, the cover may be connected with the further cover in different orientations corresponding to these different angles accompanying the pair of grooves.

Wherein the groove pairs of each multi-directional groove may include two or more groove pairs. For example, each multi-directional slot may include exactly two groove pairs, or three or four groove pairs. Embodiments are also contemplated in which the multi-directional slot includes more than four groove pairs.

In embodiments of the cap in which there is no slot (by means of which a further cap may be connected to the cap in a different orientation), the radial coupling assembly may be a single mode handle coupling assembly. Wherein the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly comprise only one or more unidirectional slots. The one-way slots are adapted to each receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap, the central axis of the further corresponding cap being oriented at the same angle as the central axis of the cap when viewed in a plane parallel to the central axis.

In an embodiment of the cap, any slot spaced from the central axis extends through the central axis in the axial plane. In a top view of the cover, a central groove axis of the groove extends through the central axis in the cover, preferably perpendicularly to the radial direction. For example, in embodiments where the handle member includes two wings, the slot extends in this manner.

In an embodiment of the cap, any slot spaced from the central axis extends parallel to the central axis in the axial plane. In a top view of the cover, the central groove axis of the groove extends in the cover through the central axis, preferably in a radial direction. For example, in embodiments where the handle member includes a spoke portion and a peripheral portion, the slot extends in this manner.

In embodiments, the radial coupling assembly includes one or more slots defined in the handle member above the top surface of the central body, e.g., bisected by the central axis. The handle member may, for example, have a planar portion extending across the top surface in an axial plane and have one or more slots defined therein. The central slot axis may then, for example, intersect the central axis, extend radially and perpendicular to the central axis. For example, two axially spaced apart slots may be defined one above the other in the planar portion, one being a multi-directional slot and one being an elongated unidirectional slot extending radially. Or in other examples, only radially extending elongated unidirectional slots are defined, only multi-directional slots are defined, or two elongated unidirectional slots, both extending axially on opposite sides of the central axis.

In an embodiment, the radial coupling assembly has a plurality of slots and/or handle tabs defined in the handle member on opposite lateral sides of the central axis. These are for example defined on opposite lateral sides of the central body.

In an embodiment, the central axis bisects the handle member.

In embodiments, such as those including wings, the handle tabs are formed on opposite lateral sides of the central axis.

In an embodiment, one or more of the handle tabs and/or one or more of the slots are configured to receive a handle tab of an additional cap such that a plane defined by a lower end of the central body of the cap and a plane defined by a lower end of the additional cap are coplanar.

In an embodiment, the one or more slots adapted to receive the handle tabs of a further corresponding cap having its central axis at one or more respective angles to the central axis of the cap are also adapted to receive the handle tabs of a further corresponding cap having its central axis at the same respective angle but with its top surface pointing in the opposite direction along its central axis, when seen in a plane parallel to the central axis, in order to connect the further cap to the cap in the opposite orientation.

In an embodiment, the radial coupling assembly comprises a one-way slot defined in the handle member so as to form a notch in an outer profile in an axial plane thereof. These indentations may for example be embodied as slits or grooves and may for example be defined in the wings of the handle member (when present) or in the surrounding parts of the handle member (when present).

In an embodiment, each handle tab is formed of a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration.

In an embodiment, the handle tab extends away from the central axis, with its protruding edge substantially perpendicular to the central axis and substantially parallel to the top surface of the lid.

In an embodiment, the length of the handle tabs is such that in the direction in which they are to be inserted into the slots of the further cover, the handle tabs are dimensioned to be at least greater than the thickness of the handle member in the area around the slot defined therein, such that when the handle tabs are inserted into one of the slots of the further cover, the handle tabs will extend through. Where the length may, for example, exceed twice the thickness of the handle member.

In an embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of one or more of the handle tabs are substantially coplanar with the upper and lower surfaces of one or more other handle tabs of the cover.

In embodiments, the front and rear surfaces of the handle tab are substantially parallel to each other and/or coplanar with the front and rear surfaces of the other handle tabs of the cover.

In an embodiment, the clamping portion is positioned in or radially adjacent to a radially central region of the handle member.

In embodiments of the cover in which the handle member comprises two diametrically opposed wings, the one or more slots may be adapted to receive the handle tabs of a further corresponding cover from both sides of the axial plane of the wings.

In embodiments of the cap in which the handle member includes two diametrically opposed wings, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member may include one or more first one-way slots defined in each wing. For example, when present, the first one-way slots are radially defined between the multi-way slots defined in the respective wings and the handle tabs at the lateral ends of the respective wings. The one or more slots also include, for example, an additional one-way slot defined in the handle member above the top surface of the central body, which may be defined such as bisected by the central axis.

In an embodiment of the cap in which the tamper-evident ring is present, the tamper-evident ring of the cap is composed of at least two ring segments, each having one of the base portions and one of the indicator portions. Wherein each indicator portion is integral with the respective base portion at the junction and via one or more integrally molded frangible bridges having a head end connected to an adjacent tail end of the base portion of another ring segment.

In embodiments of the cap in which the tamper-evident ring is present, the base portion of the tamper-evident ring of the cap is an upper ring portion and the indicator portion is a lower ring portion. Wherein the upper and lower annular portions are axially interconnected via one or more integrally molded frangible bridges.

In an embodiment, the engagement of the tamper-evident ring of the cap (when present) or the lower end or lower flange of its central body (when present) with the clamping portion of the second cap is achieved by a mating engagement and based on an interference fit. It will be appreciated that the interference fit between adjacent covers prevents inadvertent separation. However, when desired, the user may separate two adjacent covers from each other.

Wherein the dimensions of the gripping portion match the dimensions of the tamper-evident ring or the lower end of the central body. For example, the inner surface of each gripping portion may match the outer surface of the tamper-evident ring, the lower end of the central body or the lower flange. Alternatively, the outer surface of each grip portion may match the inner surface of the tamper-evident ring, the lower end of the central body or the lower flange, depending on which of them is present.

In an embodiment, the lateral shoulder of each grip portion forms a lateral edge of a respective downward notch of the upper surface of the handle member, when seen in an axial plane of the downward notch.

In an embodiment, when the cap is axially coupled with a further cap, the central region of the handle member of the cap is within the central bore of the further cap, e.g. clamped by the wall of the central body, the further cap being on top of the cap.

The central body and the handle member of the cap according to the invention are preferably integrally moulded, preferably made of a polymer. It should be understood that other configurations with additional components are contemplated. One such multi-part cap is shown and described in U.S. patent No. 9,751,677B 2 to schole ip corporation of north lake, illinois, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is contemplated that, for example, the structure of the plug may be incorporated into the cap of the present invention. Other configurations are also contemplated for the cover member. It is also contemplated that the body and handle member may comprise separate components that are coupled together in a fixed engagement, such as by adhesive, press fit, heat seal, radio frequency welding, and the like.

The shape of the handle member and of the central body may assume various configurations, taking into account the particular constraints associated with the filling equipment, the use of the plastic and the size of the bag and the weight of its contents, etc.

In an embodiment, a central body extends or depends downwardly from the top surface in a generally cylindrical or slightly conical configuration defining an inner surface, an outer surface, and a central bore.

In an embodiment, the central axis of the central body corresponds to the axis of rotation of the lid relative to the mouth of the bag, which axis of rotation is determined by the rotational connection means of the lid and the mouth.

In embodiments, the central body has a non-cylindrical or non-conical outer surface configuration, such as parabolic, stepped, or other shape. The cross-sectional configuration of the central body may also be polygonal, elliptical, or may have another shape or configuration.

In an embodiment, for example in an embodiment wherein the inner surface of the central body is cylindrical or conical, the rotational connection means of the cap are in the form of one or more threads protruding from the inner surface of the central body into the central bore, corresponding to matching threads on the mouth of the bag.

In an embodiment, the cap includes a sealing structure in the central aperture, e.g., near the top surface, for sealing engagement with the spout. Wherein the central body may, for example, comprise a pair of substantially cylindrical portions spanning therebetween in a frusto-conical configuration. The diameter of the upper cylinder in the cylindrical configuration is smaller than the diameter of the lower cylinder in the cylindrical configuration. In embodiments that also include threads within the central bore, the threads may be limited to a lower cylinder of cylindrical configuration.

In an embodiment, the central body terminates at a lower annular flange. Wherein the top surface of the lid is preferably parallel to the lower annular flange and is generally circular in configuration defining a central axis substantially corresponding to the central axis of the central body.

Wherein the lower annular flange extends outwardly from the central body at a lower end thereof proximate an opening thereof to the central bore. The lower flange includes an upper surface and a lower surface and defines an outer edge. It preferably defines a plane substantially perpendicular or slightly inclined to the central axis. On the lower flange and lower end of the central body, a structure that interfaces with the mouth to facilitate locking therewith, a tamper-evident structure (e.g., a tamper-evident ring), or other interfacing or cooperating structures may be connected. A frangible portion of the tamper-evident structure, such as a frangible portion of the tamper-evident ring, may be associated with the mouth-engaging body, which may provide evidence of tampering.

In an embodiment, the cap has one or more engagement structures at its lower end (e.g., the lower surface of its lower flange, or the lower surface of the tamper-evident ring of the cap). Each engagement structure may include a protrusion therein defining an engagement base. The structure (e.g., the portion that engages the base) may include a protrusion or the like to define a rotational stop that prevents relative rotation of the axially coupled covers relative to one another about the central axis. Wherein it is envisaged that a plurality of stops may be defined so as to allow coupling at a predetermined relative angle such that the handle members of adjacent caps may be oriented at a predetermined angle relative to one another. Wherein the angles may be such that the handle members are inclined to each other in a top view of the axially coupled cover.

In an embodiment, the assembly of the outer profile of the handle member and/or the defined slot and the assembly of the tab formed therein and/or the clamping portion formed therein are symmetrical about a bisecting plane of the central body.

It is contemplated that the shape of the handle member may not be symmetrical with respect to the bisecting plane while maintaining some spatial relationship between the different coupling assemblies.

In an embodiment, the handle member of the lid has a central region above the top surface, which region extends, for example, over a diameter of the top surface. Wherein, for example, the central region of the handle member extends upwardly from the top surface of the central body a distance similar to the height of the central body itself.

Wherein, in embodiments including two wings, one of the wings may extend outwardly from one lateral side of the central region and the other wing may extend outwardly from an opposite lateral side thereof. In embodiments including a spoke portion and a peripheral portion, the spoke portion can extend outwardly from a plurality of lateral sides of the central region.

In embodiments that include two wings, the two wings span outwardly well beyond the central body. Wherein in embodiments further comprising a lower flange, the wings each extend more than, e.g., more than twice as far from the central axis as the outer edge defined by the lower flange.

It should be understood that the cover may interface with other covers, and the handle member may have a different configuration. For example, the outer periphery of the handle member may vary, while the position and/or shape of, for example, the handle tabs and/or slots may remain similarly or identically configured.

A method of coupling a plurality of caps including a first cap and a second cap, comprising the steps of:

providing a first cover and a second cover, each cover having a configuration such as that described above; and

attaching a second cover to the first cover by one of the multi-mode handle coupling assembly and the first stacking coupling assembly.

Wherein, the method can also comprise the following steps:

providing a subsequent lid;

coupling a subsequent lid to the previously assembled lid; and

repeating the steps of providing and coupling.

It should be understood that these steps may be repeated to build structures with an unlimited number of lids. When a user purchases the bag and opens the bag, the components of the lid may be provided in sets or separately, and the user then uses the lid for its originally intended purpose, at which point the lid may be used for other purposes.

It should be understood that caps according to any aspect of the invention that are still coupled to the bag may be radially coupled to each other by a radial coupling assembly. It should also be understood that the lid still coupled to the bag may be coupled to a further lid on top thereof with an axial coupling function, in particular with a clamping portion of such a lid coupled to the bag.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, it is an object of the invention to provide a closure assembly for a spouted pouch.

The closure assembly according to the fourth aspect comprises first a mouth for the bag. Wherein the mouth includes a tubular neck defining a product channel in the mouth and forming a mouth at a top end of the product channel.

The closure assembly also includes a closure lid. The cap is configured to be secured over the tubular neck of the spout and is in accordance with any of the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, it is an object of the invention to provide a spouted pouch.

The bag is provided with a closure assembly according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

This type of bag is often used for food products, and sometimes for children's food products, including but not limited to sauces and purees (including what is commonly referred to as baby food), for example. Such bags typically hold about three to four ounces of food product (about 90g to 115 g). Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular bag, or to any particular material stored in such a bag. The foregoing is merely exemplary and is not to be considered as limiting. For example, the lid may be used for containers other than bags, and may be used for materials other than food. Any reference to a bag should be understood to apply to other types of containers, including both flexible and rigid.

Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

figure 1a shows a mouth of a bag and a lid according to the invention;

figure 1b shows a spouted pouch provided with a lid according to the invention;

FIG. 2a shows a lid according to the present invention in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 2b shows the lid of FIG. 2a in a front view;

FIG. 2c shows the lid of FIG. 2a in a front bottom perspective view;

fig. 2d shows the cover of fig. 2a in a bottom view;

fig. 2e shows an axial cross-section of the cap of fig. 2a, and a further corresponding cap axially coupled thereto;

FIG. 2f shows a front top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 2a and two additional corresponding caps axially coupled to each other;

FIG. 2g shows a front top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 2a and two additional corresponding caps radially coupled to each other;

FIG. 2h shows a front top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 2a and an additional corresponding cap radially coupled to each other;

FIG. 2i shows a front top perspective view of two covers according to the present invention radially coupled to each other;

FIG. 2j illustrates a front top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 2a radially coupled with four additional corresponding caps radially coupled with six additional corresponding caps and axially coupled with additional corresponding caps that are also axially coupled with additional caps;

FIG. 3a shows a lid according to the present invention in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 3b shows the lid of FIG. 3a in a top view;

FIG. 3c shows the cap of FIG. 3a and a plurality of additional corresponding caps, coupled to each other radially and/or axially, in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 4a shows a lid according to the present invention in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 4b shows the lid of FIG. 4a in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 4c shows the cap of FIG. 4a and a plurality of additional corresponding caps, coupled to each other radially and/or axially, in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 4d shows the cap of FIG. 4a and a plurality of additional corresponding caps, coupled to each other radially and/or axially, in a front top perspective view;

FIG. 5a shows a lid according to the present invention in a front top perspective view;

fig. 5b shows the cap of fig. 5a radially coupled to three further corresponding caps, which in turn are radially connected to three further corresponding caps.

Detailed Description

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail four specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated.

It should be understood that throughout the drawings, similar or analogous elements and/or components referenced herein may be identified by similar reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention and that some of the elements may have been distorted from actual scale for clarity of illustration.

Further, any portion of the "additional cover" according to the present invention, except the corresponding cover 20 according to the present invention, will be denoted by the same reference numeral as that for the corresponding cover 20, with a prime added thereto.

Throughout this application, directional terms such as, for example, top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, upward, downward, axial, lateral, and radial, are used based on the cap being oriented as the cap 20 illustrated in its front view in fig. 2 b.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to fig. 1a, there is shown a closure cap 20 according to the present invention, the closure cap 20 being injection moulded from a plastics material, and there is also shown a spout 10 having a tubular neck 11, the cap 20 being configured to be secured on the tubular neck 11 in the relative orientation illustrated as an arrow. Wherein the mouth neck 11 defines a product channel 12 in the mouth and forms a mouth 13 at the top end of the product channel.

The spout 10 is part of a spouted pouch 1, as shown in fig. 1 b. This figure shows the cap 20 of figure 1a secured to the mouth neck 11 of the mouth 10.

Fig. 2a to 5b show four possible embodiments of the closure cap 20 according to the invention: a first embodiment in fig. 2a to 2j, a second embodiment in fig. 3a to 3c, a third embodiment in fig. 4a to 4d and a fourth embodiment in fig. 5a to 5 b.

All illustrated embodiments of the cover 20 are in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The first, third and fourth embodiments are in accordance with both the second and third aspects of the invention.

Any of the embodiments shown may be used to couple the various covers together in a releasable engagement. As a result, these caps can be used as toys to attract children, for example, and the caps can be used to build structures. Some such structures are shown in fig. 2e to 2j, 3c, 4c to 4d and 5 b. The configuration of these structures is constrained by the coupling assembly and the imagination of the child or other user.

This can be verified in the figures, wherein the first embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of the cap 20 shown in fig. 1a and 1b compared to fig. 1a and 1b, although other embodiments are also configured to be secured to the mouth neck 11 of the mouth 10 of the bag 1 in the same relative orientation.

The figures show that any embodiment of the cap 20 includes a top wall 21 and a central body 22, the central body 22 depending downwardly from the top wall about a central axis 22a thereof and defining a central bore 23, the central bore 23 being configured to engage the mouth neck 11 such that the cap 20 seals the product channel 12 in the closed position of the cap 20.

In either illustrated embodiment, the cap 20 is provided with a swivel connection means 23a in its central bore, which swivel connection means 23a is configured to cooperate with a swivel connection means 14 provided on the outer surface of the spout neck 11, such that the cap 20 is adapted to be manually screwed onto the spout neck 11 and, while being rotated from its closed position about the central axis 22a in an opening direction, to be screwed off the spout neck 11, thereby opening the product channel 12.

In either illustrated embodiment, the cover 20 further includes an anti-jamming handle member 24, the handle member 24 being integrally molded with and extending radially outward from the central body. The handle member includes a radial coupling assembly radially spaced from the central body 22.

In either illustrated embodiment, the radial coupling assembly first includes one or more handle tabs 31, each integrally formed with the handle member 24, and further includes one or

more slots

32,33, 34. These one or more slots are each defined in the handle member 24 about a respective

central slot axis

32a, 33a, 34 a. These one or more slots are adapted to receive the handle tabs 31 'of a further corresponding cap 20' in order to radially connect the cap 20 with the further cap. This is the first, second, third and fourth embodiments visible from fig. 2g to 2j, 3c, 4c to 4d and 5b, respectively, which show the cover 20 axially coupled to one or more further corresponding covers 20'.

In either of the illustrated embodiments, the cap 20 further includes a tamper-evident ring 50, the tamper-evident ring 50 being integrally molded to the central body 22 and forming a lower flange of the cap. The tamper-evident ring 50 comprises at least one

base portion

51a, 52a connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible joints, and at least one

indicator portion

51b, 52b connected to the base portion via one or more frangible joints.

In the first, second and third embodiments, the handle member 24 further comprises an axial coupling function comprising a plurality of gripping portions 41. Each of these gripping portions forms an upwardly extending transverse shoulder 41a of the upper surface 24a of the handle member. In the first and third embodiments, each of the plurality of gripping portions 41 forms an upwardly extending lateral shoulder 41a of the upper surface 25a of the respective wing 25 of the handle member.

In the second embodiment, the clamping portion 41 forms an upwardly extending transverse shoulder 41a of the upper surface 26a of a respective one of the spoke portions 26 of the handle member.

The clamping portion is adapted to engage the lower end of the central body 22, i.e. the base portions 51a ', 52a ' of the tamper-evident ring 50 ' of the further corresponding cap 20', so as to axially connect the cap 20 with the further cap 20 '.

This can be verified in fig. 2e to 2f of the first embodiment, fig. 2j and fig. 3c and fig. 4c to 4d of the second and third embodiments, respectively, wherein the cap is shown axially coupled to the further cap 20' by means of the clamping portion 41.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments shown in fig. 2a to 2j, 4a to 4d and 5a to 5b, the handle member 24 comprises two diametrically opposed wings 25, which wings 25 are formed integrally with the central body 22 and extend outwardly in a transverse direction from said central body 22 in a vertical plane. Wherein the handle tabs 31 are each integrally formed with the wings 25 at the lateral ends of the wings 25, and

slots

32,33, 34 are defined in the wings 25.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments, the radial coupling assembly of the handle member 24 is a multi-mode radial coupling assembly radially spaced from the central body 22. One or

more slots

32,33, 34 thereof are adapted to receive the handle tab 31 'of the further corresponding lid 20', the central axis 22 'of the further lid 20' being at a plurality of different angles to the central axis 22a of the lid 20 when viewed in parallel planes to the central axes 22, 22', so as to radially connect the lid 20 and the further lid 20' in orientations corresponding to these different angles.

For example, for the first embodiment, this can be verified by comparing fig. 2g to fig. 2i with each other. In fig. 2g, two additional caps 20' are coupled to the cap 20, the central axis 22' of each additional cap 20' being at an angle of 0 ° to the central axis 22. In fig. 2h, a further cover 20' is coupled to the cover 20, the central axis 22' of the further cover 20' being at an angle of 90 ° to the central axis 22. In fig. 2i, a further cover 20' is coupled to the cover 20, the central axis 22' of the further cover 20' being at an angle of 45 ° to the central axis 22. Thus, the

slots

32,33, 34 of the first embodiment are shown as being adapted to receive the handle tabs 31 'of the further corresponding cap 20', the central axis 22 'of the further cap 20' being at three different angles, namely 0 °, 45 ° and 90 °, to the central axis 22a of the cap 20 when viewed in parallel planes to the central axes 22, 22', so as to radially connect the cap 20 and the further cap 20' in orientations corresponding to these different angles.

In this first embodiment, the one or

more slots

32,33, 34 of the radial coupling assembly include one first unidirectional slot 32, two additional unidirectional slots 33, and two additional multidirectional slots 34.

Each multi-directional slot 34 is defined in a respective wing 25 of the handle member 24 on opposite sides of the central body 22. The slot 34 includes a central opening 34b surrounding a central slot axis 34a, and three diametrically opposed pairs of radial grooves 34c surrounding the central opening, the pairs of radial grooves 34c being radially offset about their slot axes 34 a. Wherein each groove pair is adapted to receive a handle tab 31 'of a further corresponding cap 20' spanning the central opening 34b of the multi-directional slot 34, the central axis 22 'of the further cap 20' being at a different angle to the central axis 22a of the cap 20 when viewed in a parallel plane to the central axes 22, 22', so as to connect the cap 20 with the further cap 20' in a different orientation corresponding to the angle.

This can be verified, for example, in fig. 2i, where the cap 20 is shown radially coupled to the further cap 20' by means of one of the multi-directional slots 34, the central axes 22, 22' being at a relative angle of 45 °, although coupling to the further cap 20' such that the relative angle is 0 ° or 90 ° is also conceivable.

The first one-way slot 32 is disposed above the top surface 21 of the center body 22 and bisected by the center axis. The slot is adapted to receive the handle tab 31 'of the further cap 20', the central axis 22 'of which is at a first angle of 90 ° (right angle) to the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in a plane parallel to the central axes 22, 22'.

Further one-way slots 33 are each defined in a respective wing 25 of the handle member 24 on an opposite side of the central body 22, i.e. each radially between the multi-directional slot 34 and the handle tab 31 of the respective wing 25. Each one-way slot 33 is adapted to receive a handle tab 31 'of a further cap 20', the central axis 22 'of which is at an angle to the central axis 22a of the cap 20, which is different from the first angle, i.e. is 0 ° perpendicular to the first angle, when seen in a plane parallel to the central axes 22, 22'.

For the third embodiment, only covers that are radially coupled so that the relative angle of the central axes is 0 ° are shown in fig. 4a to 4d, however, it is conceivable from the shape of the slots that radial couplings with relative angles of 45 ° and 90 ° are also possible.

Also in this embodiment, this is achieved by: one multi-directional slot 34 is defined in each wing 25, which, as previously defined with respect to the first embodiment, likewise has three pairs of grooves 34c for coupling radially to the further cap 20 'with relative angles of the central axes 22, 22' of 0 °, 45 ° and 90 °; and another multi-directional groove 34 is defined in the handle member above the top surface 21, bisected by the central axis 22, and having two groove pairs 34c for radially coupling to the further cap 20 'at opposite angles of the central axes 22, 22' of 0 ° and 90 °.

Also, for the fourth embodiment, fig. 5b also shows the covers coupled radially at opposite angles of the central axes 22, 22' of 0 °, 45 ° and 90 °. Also in this embodiment, this is achieved by: one multi-directional groove 34 as previously defined is defined in each wing 25, this multi-directional groove 34 likewise having three groove pairs 34c for coupling radially to the further cover 20 'at relative angles of the central axes 22, 22' of 0 °, 45 ° and 90 °; three first unidirectional slots 32 for coupling radially at 90 ° relative angles at three different positions on the wing; and three further unidirectional slots 33 for coupling radially at a relative angle of 0 ° at three other positions on the wings 25.

Wherein two of the first one-way grooves are each defined in the handle tab 31 of the respective wing 25 so as to form a notch in the form of a groove in the outer profile in the axial plane 24b of the handle member. Another unidirectional slot is defined above the top surface 21, bisected by the central axis 22.

Wherein two of the further one-way grooves are each defined in a respective wing 25 so as to form a notch in the form of a groove in the outer contour in the axial plane of the handle member. The other is defined above the top surface 21 so as to form a notch in the form of a groove in the outer contour in the axial plane of the handle member and further bisected by the central axis 22.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments, one or

more slots

32,33, 34 are adapted to receive the handle tabs 31 'of the further corresponding cap 20' from both sides of the axial plane of the wings 25. After all, the grooves (even as tabs) of the unidirectional and/or multidirectional grooves have a corresponding shape when viewed from either of these sides.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments, the one or

more slots

32,33, 34 of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member 24 comprise one or more first unidirectional slots 32 defined in each wing 25.

These first one-way slots are located radially between the multi-way slots 34 defined in the respective wings 25 and the handle tabs 31 at the lateral ends of the respective wings 25, for example, wherein one or more of the

slots

32,33, 34 further comprises an additional one-way slot 33 defined in the handle member 24 above the top surface 21 of the central body 22, for example bisected by the central axis 22 a.

In a second embodiment, as shown in fig. 3a to 3c, the handle member 24 comprises six radial spoke portions 26, which are integrally formed with the central body 22 and extend radially outwardly from the central body 22 in a transverse direction so as to leave open air passages between the radial coupling assembly and the central body 22.

Each of the spoke portions 26 terminates at its radial end in a peripheral portion 27. Six peripheral portions 27 are formed integrally with the spoke portions 26 and project therefrom towards adjacent spoke portions. The peripheral portions 27 together extend generally concentrically around the central body 22 and extend continuously between the lateral ends of two adjacent spoke portions 26. Which are connected to each other so as to together continuously surround the central body 20.

In this embodiment, the radial coupling assembly is a single mode handle coupling assembly. Six handle tabs 31 project radially outwardly from the peripheral portion 27, and six first one-way slots 32 are defined in the peripheral portion.

The six first one-way slots 32 are adapted to each receive a handle tab 31 'of a further corresponding cap 20', the central axis 22a 'of which is oriented at the same angle, i.e. 0 °, as the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in a parallel plane to the central axes 22, 22'.

In this embodiment, each of the clamping portions 41 forms an upwardly extending transverse shoulder 41a of the upper surface 26a of a respective one of the spoke portions 26 of the handle member.

In this embodiment, in the opening direction of the lid 20, successive peripheral portions 27 alternately have two slots 32 defined therein (without the handle tab 31 projecting therefrom) and a handle tab projecting therefrom (without the slot defined therein).

In this embodiment, in each of the peripheral portions in which the grooves 32 are defined, the two unidirectional grooves 32 extend across substantially the entire peripheral portion perpendicular to the central axis 22a, and are axially spaced from each other.

In each of the peripheral portions from which the handle tabs 31 project, two handle tabs extend across substantially the entire peripheral portion perpendicular to the central axis 22a and are axially spaced from each other.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments of the cap, the

slots

32,33, 34 spaced from the central slot axis 22 all extend through the central axis in the same axial plane. In a top view of the cover, a central slot axis of each of the slots extends through the central axis perpendicular to the radial direction.

In the second embodiment of the cap, the central slot axis of each of the slots 32 extends in an axial plane parallel to the central axis. In a top view of the cap, a central slot axis of each of the slots extends in a radial direction through the central axis.

In either embodiment, each

slot

32,33, 34 is adapted to receive a handle tab 31 'of a further corresponding cap 20', the central axis 22a 'of which is at one or more respective angles to the central axis 22a of the cap 20 when viewed in a parallel plane to the central axes 22, 22'. However, it can be verified in the figures that at the same time all the grooves are also adapted to receive the handle tab 31 'of a further corresponding cap 20', whose central axis 22a 'is at the same corresponding angle, but whose top surface 21' is directed in the opposite direction along its central axis 22a 'in order to connect the further cap 20' thereto in the opposite orientation.

For example, with respect to the first embodiment, in fig. 2g, two lids 20 'are shown coupled to the lid 20 by having their handle tabs 31' received by the one-way slots 33 of the lid 20. Wherein its top surface 21' is directed upwards and its lower end is directed downwards. However, it will be appreciated that the shape of the slots 33 and handle tabs 31 enable the lid 20' to pass through these same slots 33, and that the handle tabs 31' are also coupled to the lid 20 in the reverse orientation, with the top surface 21 ' pointing downward and the lower end pointing upward.

Also, in addition to the orientation shown, the cap 20' in fig. 2h may be flipped over by the shape of the handle tab 31' and slot 32 to couple to the cap 20 in an opposite orientation, where the central aperture of the cap 20' is visible, rather than the top surface 21.

The same applies to the multi-directional slot 34, which can be verified in fig. 2 i. The handle tab 31' may be positioned in any pair of grooves 34c of either slot 34 in two opposite orientations.

The same applies to any of the

slots

32,33, 34 shown in the figures of the other embodiments.

In all of the illustrated embodiments, each handle tab 31 is formed of a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration.

In all illustrated embodiments, each handle tab 31 extends away from the central axis 22a with its protruding

edges

31a, 31b substantially perpendicular to the central axis 22a and substantially parallel to the top surface 21 of the lid 20.

In all illustrated embodiments, the length of each handle tab is such that in the direction in which the handle tab 31 is to be inserted into the

slots

32,33, 34 of the further cover, it is dimensioned to be at least greater than the thickness of the handle member 24 in the region around the slot defined therein, such that when the handle tab 31 is inserted into one of the slots of the further corresponding cover 20', the handle tab 31 will extend therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the length exceeds twice the thickness of the handle member 24 around the slot.

In all of the illustrated embodiments, the protruding

edges

31a, 31b of one or more handle tabs 31 are substantially coplanar with the protruding edges of one or more other handle tabs of the cover.

In an embodiment, the front and rear surfaces 31c, 31d of the handle tabs are substantially parallel to each other and/or coplanar with the front and rear surfaces 31c, 31d of the other handle tabs 31 of the cover 20.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments, the tamper-evident ring of the cover 20 is composed of at least two ring segments 51, each having one of the base portions 51a and one of the indicator portions 51 b.

Wherein each indicator portion is integral with the respective base portion at the junction 51d and via one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges 51e, the head end of which is connected to the adjacent tail end of the base portion 51a of the other ring segment 51.

This composition of the tamper-evident ring is best shown in fig. 3a and 3 b.

In the second embodiment, the base portion of the tamper-evident ring 50 of the cap 20 is an upper annular portion 52a and the indicator portion is a lower annular portion 52b, wherein the upper and lower annular portions are axially interconnected via one or more integrally molded frangible bridges 52 e.

This composition of the tamper-evident ring is best seen in fig. 5a for the fourth embodiment. In fig. 5b, the cover of this embodiment has the indicator portion 52b removed. The same applies to the drawings of the other embodiments.

In the first and third embodiments, as can be seen in the figures, the transverse shoulder 41a of each gripping portion 41 forms a transverse edge 44a of the respective downward notch 44 of the

upper surface

24a, 25a, 26a of the handle member 24, when seen in the axial plane of the downward notch.

The central body and handle member of the illustrated embodiment are both integrally molded from a polymer.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments, the central body is shown terminating at a lower annular flange 28. Wherein the top surface 21 of the lid is preferably parallel to the lower annular flange 28 and is generally circular in configuration defining a central axis substantially corresponding to the central axis of the central body.

A lower annular flange 28 extends outwardly from the central body at its lower end, near its opening into the central bore 23. The lower flange 28 includes an upper surface 28a and a lower surface 28b and defines an outer edge. It preferably defines a plane substantially perpendicular or slightly inclined to the central axis 22. A tamper-evident ring 50 of the lid depends from the lower flange 28.

In these embodiments, the lower surface of the upper annular portion 52a of the tamper-evident ring 50 has one or more engagement structures 53. Each engagement structure 53 may include a protrusion therein defining an engagement base 53 a. The structure (e.g., the portion that engages the base 53 a) may include a protrusion or the like to define a rotational stop 53b that prevents relative rotation of the coupled caps relative to one another about the central axis. This is indicated in fig. 2b to 2c for the first embodiment, although these parts may also be identified in other figures.

As can be verified from, for example, fig. 2d to 2e for the first embodiment, fig. 3b, fig. 4d and fig. 5b for the second, third and fourth embodiments, respectively, the dimensions of the clamping portion 41 match the dimensions of the tamper-evident ring 50. That is, the shoulder 41a of each grip portion 41 mates with the outer surface 50a of the tamper-evident ring.

In all the illustrated embodiments, the central axis 22a of the central body 22 corresponds to the axis of rotation of the lid with respect to the mouth of the bag, which is determined by the rotational connection means of the lid and the mouth. This can be verified in fig. 1a for the first embodiment, although it can be envisaged based on other figures to be applicable to other embodiments as well.

In the illustrated embodiment, the central body extends or depends downwardly from the top surface 21 in a generally cylindrical or slightly conical configuration, defining an inner surface 22c, an outer surface 22d, and a central bore 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, although only visible in fig. 2c and 2e for the first embodiment, the rotational connection means 23a of the cap are in the form of one or more threads protruding from the inner surface of the central body 22 into the central hole, corresponding to matching threads on the mouth 10 of the bag, as can be verified in fig. 1 a.

In an embodiment, as can be seen from fig. 2e for the first embodiment, the cap comprises a sealing structure in the central hole 23 near the top surface 21 for sealing engagement with the spout 10. The seal structure forms a portion of the central body 22 and is in the form of a pair of generally cylindrical configurations having a frusto-conical configuration spanning therebetween. The diameter of the upper cylinder in the cylindrical configuration is smaller than the diameter of the lower cylinder in the cylindrical configuration. In embodiments that also include threads 23a within central bore 23, threads 23a may be limited to a lower cylindrical shape of cylindrical configuration.

In all four embodiments, the assembly of the outer profile of the handle member and/or the defined

slots

32,33, 34 and the tab 31 formed therein and/or the clamping portion 41 formed therein is symmetrical about a bisecting plane of the central body 22.

As can be appreciated from a comparison of the figures, the shape of the handle member 24 may not be symmetrical with respect to the bisecting plane while maintaining some spatial relationship between the different coupling assemblies.

In the first, third and fourth embodiments, the handle member of the cap has a central region 24d above the top surface 21 which extends across the diameter of the top surface. Wherein the central region 24d of the handle member extends upwardly from the top surface of the central body 22a distance similar to the height of the central body itself.

In either of these embodiments, one of the wings 25 extends outwardly from one lateral side of the central region 24d and the other wing 25 extends outwardly from the opposite lateral side thereof.

In either of these embodiments, the two wings 25 span outwardly well beyond the central body 22, i.e., more than twice as far from the central axis 22a than the outer edge defined by the lower flange 28.

As can be appreciated by comparing the figures, the cover may interface with other covers, while the handle member may have a different configuration. For example, the outer perimeter of the handle member 24 may vary, while the location and/or shape of, for example, the handle tab 31 and/or the

slots

32,33, 34 may remain similar or identical in particular configuration.

The foregoing description merely illustrates and explains the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited thereto, unless the appended claims are so limited, since those skilled in the art having the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

List of reference numerals:

1 bag

101 mouth

1110 of a neck

1210 product channel

1310 of the mouth

1410 swivel joint arrangement

20 closure cap

2120 top wall

2220 central body

22a 22 central axis

22c 22 of the inner surface

22d 22 of the outer surface

2320 center hole

23a 20 swivel joint assembly

24 handle component

24a 24 of the upper surface

24b 24 of axial plane

24c 24 axial plane

Central region of 24d 24

25 wing part

25a 25 of the upper surface

26 spoke part

26a 26 of the upper surface

27 surrounding the periphery

28 Flange

28a 28 of the upper surface

28b 28 lower surface

31 handle tab

31a 31 of the edge

31b 31 of the edge

31c 31 front surface

31d 31 rear surface

32 first one-way slot

32a 32 groove axis

33 additional unidirectional slots

33a 33 groove axis

34 multidirectional groove

34a 34 groove axis

34b 34 of the center

34c 34 of the groove

41 clamping part

41a 41 shoulder

44 gap

44a 44 edge

50 ring for preventing fraudulent use

50a 50 of the outer surface

5150 Ring segment

51a 51 base portion

51b 51 indicator part

51d 51 joint

51e 51 bridge

52a 50, upper ring portion

52b 50, lower annular portion

52c 50 mouth mating structure

52e 50 bridge

53 joining structure

53a engagement base

53b rotation stopper

Claims

1. A closure cap (20) for a spouted pouch (1), the cap (20) being injection-moulded from a plastic material and configured to be fixed on a tubular spout neck (11) of a spout (10) of the spouted pouch, wherein the spout neck (11) defines a product channel (12) in the spout (10) and forms a mouth (13) at the top end of the product channel,

the cap (20) comprising a top wall (21) and a central body (22), the central body (22) depending downwardly from the top wall about a central axis (22a) thereof and defining a central aperture configured to engage the spout neck (11) such that the cap (20) seals the product channel (12) in a closed position of the cap (20),

the cap (20) further comprising a tamper-evident ring (50), the tamper-evident ring (50) being integrally molded to the central body (22) and forming a lower flange of the cap, the tamper-evident ring (50) comprising:

at least one base portion (51a, 52a) connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible joints,

at least one indicator portion (51b, 52b) connected to the base portion via one or more frangible joints,

said cap (20) being provided with a rotary connection means in its central hole configured to cooperate with a rotary connection means (14) provided at the outer surface of said spout neck (11) such that said cap (20) is adapted to be manually unscrewed from said spout neck (11) while being rotated in an opening direction about said central axis (22a) from said closed position of said cap, thereby opening said product channel (12),

the cap (20) further includes an anti-jamming handle member (24) integrally molded with and extending radially outward from the central body, the handle member including:

-a radial coupling assembly, for example radially spaced from the central body (22), and comprising:

-one or more handle tabs (31) each integrally formed with the handle member (24); and

-one or more slots (32,33, 34) each defined in the handle member (24) about a respective central slot axis (32a, 33a, 34a) and adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') so as to radially connect the cap (20) with the further cap, and

-an axial coupling function by means of:

-a plurality of gripping portions (41) each forming an upwardly extending transverse shoulder (41a) of the upper surface (24a) of the handle member, said gripping portions being adapted to engage a base portion (51a ', 52a ') of the tamper-evident ring (50 ') of a further corresponding cap (20') so as to axially connect said cap (20) with said further cap (20 ').

2. A closure cap (20) for a spout pouch (1), the cap (20) being injection moulded from a plastics material and configured to be secured on a tubular neck (11) of a spout (10) of the pouch, wherein the spout neck (11) defines a product channel (12) in the spout (10) and forms a mouth (13) at a top end of the product channel,

the cap (20) further includes an anti-jamming handle member (24) integrally molded with the central body (22) and extending radially outward from the central body (22), the handle member including:

-a multimode radial coupling assembly radially spaced from the central body (22) and comprising:

-one or more slots (32,33, 34) each defined in the handle member (24) about a central slot axis (32a, 33a, 34a) and adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') in a plurality of orientations, the central axis (22a ') of the further cap (20') having different angles to the central axis (22a) of the cap (20) in each of the plurality of orientations when viewed in parallel planes to the central axis (22, 22'), so as to radially connect the cap (20) and the further cap (20') in orientations corresponding to these different angles.

3. The cap (20) of claim 2, said cap (20) further comprising a tamper-evident ring (50), said tamper-evident ring (50) being integrally molded to said central body (22) and forming a lower flange of said cap, said tamper-evident ring (50) comprising:

at least one indicator portion (51b, 52b) connected to the base portion via one or more frangible joints.

4. The cap (20) of claim 3, the handle member (24) further comprising:

-an axial coupling function by means of:

-a plurality of gripping portions (41) each forming an upwardly extending transverse shoulder (41a) of the upper surface (24a) of the handle member, adapted to engage a lower end of the central body (22') or a base portion (51 a', 52a ') of the tamper-evident ring (50') of a further corresponding cap (20') so as to axially connect the cap (20) with the further cap (20').

5. The cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle member (24) comprises two or more radial spoke portions (26) integrally formed with the central body (22) and extending radially outwardly therefrom in a transverse direction so as to leave an open air passage between the radial coupling assembly and the central body (22),

each of the spoke parts (26) terminating at a peripheral part (27) at a radial end thereof, the peripheral parts (27) being integrally formed with the spoke parts and projecting therefrom towards an adjacent spoke part, the peripheral parts (27) together extending substantially concentrically around the central body (22),

wherein the handle tab (31) projects radially outwardly from the peripheral portion (27) and the slot (32,33, 34) is defined in the peripheral portion.

6. The cap (20) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein each of the clamping portions (41) forms an upwardly extending transverse shoulder (41a) of an upper surface (26a) of a respective one of the spoke portions (26) of the handle member.

7. The cap (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the peripheral portions (27) extend continuously between the transverse ends of two adjacent spoke portions (26) and are connected to each other so as to together continuously surround the central body (22).

8. Cap (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, in the opening direction of the cap (20), successive peripheral portions (27) alternately have slots (32) defined therein without handle tabs (31) protruding therefrom and handle tabs protruding therefrom without slots defined therein.

9. Cap (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, in each of the peripheral portions defining the groove (32), a plurality, for example two, unidirectional grooves (32,33) extend across substantially the entire peripheral portion, perpendicular to the central axis (22a), and are axially spaced from each other,

and in each of the peripheral portions from which the handle tabs (31) project, a plurality of, for example two, handle tabs extend across substantially the entire peripheral portion perpendicular to the central axis (22a) and are axially spaced from one another.

10. The cap (20) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the peripheral portion (27) consists of six peripheral portions and the spoke portion (27) consists of six spoke portions, and wherein the slot (32) consists of six unidirectional slots and the handle tab (31) consists of six handle tabs.

11. Cap (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the handle member (24) comprises two diametrically opposed wings (25) which are integrally formed with the central body (22) and extend outwardly in a transverse direction from the central body (22) in a vertical plane,

wherein the handle tabs (31) are each integrally formed with the wing (25) at a lateral end of the wing (25), the slots (32,33, 34) being defined in the wings (25).

12. A closure cap (20) for a spout pouch (1), the cap (20) being injection moulded from a plastics material and configured to be secured on a tubular neck (11) of a spout (10) of the pouch, wherein the spout neck (11) defines a product channel (12) in the spout (10) and forms a mouth (13) at a top end of the product channel,

the cover (20) further includes an anti-jamming handle member (24) comprising:

-two diametrically opposed wings (25) formed integrally with the central body (22) and extending radially outwards in a transverse direction from the central body (22) in a vertical plane,

-a radial coupling assembly radially spaced from the central body (22) and comprising:

-one or more handle tabs (31) each formed integrally with a respective wing (25) at a lateral end of said wing (25); and

-one or more slots (32,33, 34) each defined in a respective one of said wings about a central slot axis (32a, 33a, 34a) and adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') so as to radially connect said cap (20) with said further cap.

13. The cap of claim 12, said cap (20) further comprising a tamper-evident ring (50), said tamper-evident ring (50) being integrally molded to said central body (22) and forming a lower flange of said cap, said tamper-evident ring (50) comprising:

14. The cover according to claim 13, the handle member (24) of the cover further comprising:

-an axial coupling function by means of:

-a plurality of gripping portions (41) each forming an upwardly extending transversal shoulder (41a) of the upper surface (25a) of a respective wing (25) of the handle member, said gripping portions being adapted to engage the lower end of the central body (22') or, when present, the base portion (51 a', 52a ') of the tamper-evident ring (50') of a further corresponding cap (20') so as to axially connect said cap (20) with said further cap (20').

15. The cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more slots (32,33, 34) of the radial coupling assembly comprise:

-one or more first one-way slots (32) adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further cap (20'), the central axis (22') of the further cap being at a first angle to the central axis (22a) of the cap (20) when seen in a parallel plane to the central axis (22, 22'), and

-one or more further one-way slots (33) adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further cap (20'), the central axis (22') of the further cap being at an angle different from the first angle to the central axis (22a) of the cap (20) when seen in a parallel plane to the central axis (22, 22').

16. Cap (20) according to claim 15, wherein one or more of the further unidirectional slots (33) of the radial coupling assembly are adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further cap (20'), the central axis (22a ') of which is at an angle perpendicular to the first angle to the central axis (22a) of the central body (22) of the cap (20).

17. The cap (20) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first angle is a right angle.

18. The cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more slots (32,33, 34) of the radial coupling assembly comprise:

-one or more multi-directional slots (34) defined in the handle member, each multi-directional slot having a central opening (34b) surrounding the central slot axis (34a) and a plurality of diametrically opposed pairs of radial grooves (34c) surrounding the central opening, said radial groove pairs being radially offset about the groove axis (34a) of the multi-directional groove, each groove pair being adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') spanning the central opening (34b) of the multi-directional groove (34), the central axis (22') of the further cover (20') is at a different angle to the central axis (22a) of the cover (20) when seen in a parallel plane to the central axis (22, 22'), in order to connect said cap (20) with said further cap (20') in different orientations corresponding to the angle.

19. The cap (20) according to claim 18, wherein the groove pairs (34c) of each multi-directional groove (34) comprise two or more groove pairs (34c), such as exactly two, three or four groove pairs (34 c).

20. The cap (20) according to claim 1 and optionally any one of claims 5 to 11 or 12 and optionally any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the radial coupling assembly is a single mode handle coupling assembly and the one or more slots (32,33, 34) of the radial coupling assembly comprise:

-one or more one-way slots (32) adapted to each receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20'), the central axis (22a ') of the further cap (20') being oriented at the same angle as the central axis (22a) of the cap (20) when seen in a parallel plane to the central axis (22, 22 ').

21. Cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein any slot (32,33, 34) extends in an axial plane parallel to and/or through the central axis, the central slot axis (32a, 33a, 34a) of any slot spaced apart from the central axis (22) extending through the central axis (22a) of the central body (22) in a radial direction and/or perpendicular to a radial direction, respectively, in a top view of the cap.

22. The cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial coupling assembly comprises one or more slots (32,33, 34) defined in the handle member (24) above the top surface (21) of the central body (22), e.g. bisected by the central axis (22 a).

23. Cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial coupling assembly comprises one or more slots (32,33, 34) defined in the handle member (24) on opposite lateral sides of the central axis (22a), for example on opposite lateral sides of the central body (22).

24. Cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when seen in a parallel plane to the central axis (22, 22'), one or more of said slots (32,33, 34) adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') having a central axis (22a ') at one or more respective angles to said central axis (22a) of said cap (20) are also adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20'), the central axes (22a ') of said further corresponding caps (20') being at the same respective angle, but the top surface (21 ') of said further corresponding cap (20') points in the opposite direction along said central axis (22a ') of said further corresponding cap (20'), so as to connect said further lid (20') to said lid (20) in an opposite orientation.

25. Cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial coupling assembly comprises a one-way slot (32,33) defined in the handle member (24), for example, in a wing (25) of the handle member (24), when present; or for example the one-way slots (32,33) defined in a peripheral portion (27) of the handle member (24) when present so as to form an indentation, for example a slit or a groove, in the outer profile of the handle member in its axial plane.

26. Cap (20) according to any one of claims 11 to 14 and optionally 15 to 25, wherein the one or more slots (32,33, 34) are adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') from both sides of the axial plane of the wing (25).

27. The cap (20) according to any one of claims 11 to 14 and optionally any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the one or more slots (32,33, 34) of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member (24) comprise one or more first unidirectional slots (32), the one or more first unidirectional slots (32) being defined in each wing (25), for example, when present, radially between a multidirectional slot (34) defined in the respective wing (25) and the handle tab (31) at a lateral end of the respective wing (25), for example, wherein the one or more slots (32,33, 34) further comprise a further unidirectional slot (33), the further unidirectional slot (33) being defined in the handle member (24) above the top surface (21) of the central body (22), for example bisected by the central axis (22 a).

28. Cover (20) according to at least any one of claims 1, 3 and 13 and optionally also according to any one of claims 4 to 11 and 14 to 27, wherein the tamper-evident ring of the cover (20) is composed of at least two ring segments (51), each having one of the base portions (51a) and one of the indicator portions (51b),

wherein each indicator portion is integral with the respective base portion at a junction (51d) and via said one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges (51e) having a head end connected to an adjacent tail end of the base portion (51a) of the other ring segment (51).

29. The cap (20) according to at least any one of claims 1, 3 and 13 and optionally also according to any one of claims 4 to 11 and 14 to 27, wherein the base portion of the tamper-evident ring (50) of the cap (20) is an upper annular portion (52a) and the indicator portion is a lower annular portion (52b),

wherein the upper and lower annular portions are axially interconnected via one or more integrally molded frangible bridges (52 e).

30. Cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral shoulder (41a) formed by each grip portion (41) forms a lateral edge (44a) of a respective downward notch (44) of the upper surface (24a, 25a, 26a) of the handle member (24), when seen in the axial plane of the downward notch.

31. Closure assembly (10, 20) comprising a spout (10) for a bag (1), the spout comprising a tubular neck (11) defining a product channel (12) in the spout (10) and forming a mouth (13) at a top end of the product channel (12),

the closure assembly further comprises a closure cap (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be fixed on the tubular neck (11) of the mouth (10).

32. Bag (1) provided with a closure assembly according to claim 31.