CN117715834A - Closure assembly, container provided with a closure assembly and method for producing a filled container provided with a closure assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure assembly (1) for a container and a method for producing and filling a container having such a closure assembly. The closure assembly comprises a plastic spout having an attachment portion (5 a) configured to be sealed to a container or to a container. The closure assembly further comprises a plastic cap (10) to be mounted on the spout, the plastic cap comprising a cap body (11) having a protective slotted skirt (11 b) and a connecting rod (14). The lever is provided with a spout connector portion (14 a) at a lower end portion thereof. The nozzle is provided with an associated rod connector portion (5 k), wherein the nozzle connector portion and the rod connector portion are interconnectable.

Description

Closure assembly, container provided with a closure assembly and method for producing a filled container provided with a closure assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a closure assembly, a container provided with such a closure assembly and a method for producing a filled container provided with such a closure assembly.

Background

Closure assemblies comprising a spout and a cap are known in the art, wherein a user can remove a plastic cap from the spout, such as a spout already fitted on a collapsible bag-like container, by lifting and/or rotational movement. For example, WO2017/135824 of the same applicant discloses a closure assembly having a spout and a cap which in its closed and installed condition sealingly interacts with the spout to close and seal the product passageway of the spout. WO2020/221801 by the same applicant also relates to a spout and discloses a closure assembly which attempts to avoid separation of the cap from the spout.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention aims to provide an improved closure assembly, or at least to provide an alternative to known closure assemblies.

In particular, the present invention aims to provide an easy to handle closure assembly which seeks to avoid separation of the cap from the spout, for example to reduce the chance that the cap is discarded in the environment rather than being disposed of properly, for example in view of recycling.

According to the invention, one or more of the above objects are achieved by a closure assembly according to claim 1.

The closure assembly of the present invention allows for the combination of a spout and a tubular neck and the attractive manufacture of a cap, as well as easy opening by a user, and allows for a simple and attractive structural design of the cap. The connecting rod of the cap allows easy assembly with the spout via the associated connector portion when the cap is mounted on the spout, preferably by an axial fastening movement of the cap along the main axis.

The connecting rod also allows for easy manual movement of the cover, which requires little relative movement of the cover with respect to the article to disengage the snap connection, as compared to a screw type cover, for example.

The closure assembly of the present invention preferably allows the lid to be opened and closed at least 15 times.

The closure assembly includes a plastic spout, such as an injection molded spout, having an attachment portion configured to be sealed to a container or to a container, such as a bag-type container. The container is suitable for being filled with a fluid product, such as a food product, such as a beverage.

In an embodiment, the attachment portion is a so-called sealing boat adapted to be fastened to the container, for example by heat sealing, for example between opposite film walls of the collapsible bag-like container.

In another embodiment, the attachment portion is implemented with a lower circumferential flange or plate portion adapted to be fastened or fastened to a panel of the container, such as a panel of a carton or a wall of a collapsible bag.

The nozzle also has a tubular neck, preferably an elongated neck, with a vertical main axis, the diameter of the elongated neck being smaller than the length of the elongated neck. Such a neck, for example, allows the product to be consumed as if the neck were a straw and/or facilitates the product to flow from the container. It will be understood that the terms vertical and top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. are used merely to identify the relative orientation and location of components and their details in the closure assembly. In actual use, the spout may be disposed at the top of a container, such as a pouch container, but other arrangements, such as neck facing sideways, inclined, facing downwards, etc., are included within the present invention.

The product channel extends through the neck to a mouth at the top of the neck, allowing product to be dispensed from the container. At the lower end of the spout, a lower opening of the product channel is provided opposite the mouth. Typically, the attachment portion is provided at the lower end of the spout, and thus the lower opening is provided at the lower end of the attachment portion. The mouth is generally circular in shape, having a similar diameter to the tubular neck. In an embodiment, the lower opening is also circular in shape. It is also conceivable that the lower opening is larger than the diameter of the tubular neck. In an embodiment, the geometry of the lower opening is determined by the configuration of the attachment portion.

In an embodiment, the spout further comprises a circumferential flange structure comprising an annular flange portion integrally formed, e.g. injection molded, to the spout and extending around the neck, e.g. between the attachment portion of the spout and the tubular neck, e.g. at the bottom end of the neck.

The plastic cap of the closure assembly is integrally formed, e.g. (injection) molded as a separate piece from the spout. Typically, the cover has an attractive color and design to distinguish between the products and/or the manufacture. The cap is configured to be mounted on the spout. In the cap assembly of the present invention, it is contemplated that the cap is mounted on the spout or is to be mounted on the spout.

For mounting the cap on the spout, the cap is provided with a spout connector portion and the spout is provided with an associated connector portion, wherein the spout connector portion and the associated connector portion are configured to be connected to each other. The connector parts are interconnected when the cap is mounted on the spout, preferably by axial movement of the cap along the main axis.

In the installed state, the cap and spout cannot be manually disconnected by disconnecting the connector portion. The associated connector portion is for example formed by a hook member and a slot, wherein the hook member engages for example a catch in the slot. When a certain separation force is reached, this is irreversible. The separation force is estimated to be less than 90N, preferably greater than 25N.

The cover comprises a cover body, seen in the closed and mounted state of the cover, the cover body having: a top end wall extending over the mouth of the neck; and a protective fluted skirt depending downwardly from the top end wall along the neck to the open lower cap end of the cap body.

The cap body is provided with a sealing portion which in the closed and mounted state of the cap sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout to close and seal the product passage of the spout. It is envisaged that the product channel is sealed at its interior, or at the mouth, or at the periphery of the neck. The seal may be provided at the upper end of the neck or at the lower end of the neck.

In an embodiment, the top end wall comprises a W-shaped sealing arrangement protruding into the neck. In this context, the W-shaped sealing arrangement comprises an annular top wall section surrounding a central raised top wall section and a downwardly protruding bulbous member. It will be appreciated that the top end wall may have other designs, for example like a generally flat disc, or a downwardly projecting hollow pin design fitted inside the neck to provide a seal well below the mouth, etc.

In an embodiment, the cap has an annular top end wall having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, wherein the downwardly depending skirt is integral with the outer perimeter, and wherein a hollow pin portion depends from the inner perimeter, the hollow pin portion having a peripheral face extending along its length and a closed pin bottom, e.g., the hollow pin portion is open at its top, wherein the peripheral face of the hollow pin portion and the spout have at least one pair of mating sealing surfaces such that the hollow pin portion closes the product channel in the closed position of the cap.

The protective slotted skirt protects the neck of the spout, for example from impact, in the closed and installed condition of the cap. In an embodiment, the skirt is of an open design, for example comprising decorative perforations.

In an embodiment, the open lower cap end of the cap body extends to the lower end of the neck, near or adjacent to the attachment portion or flange portion (if present). It is also conceivable that a portion of the neck is not protected by the skirt, for example when the skirt does not extend over its entire length to the lower end of the neck. For example, the lower end of the skirt may have a zig-zag shape, a cross shape, a wavy shape, a zigzag shape, a pointed shape, or a scalloped shape.

The skirt defines a slot on the back side of the cap body extending upwardly from the open lower cap end toward the top end wall of the cap body and allowing the neck to pass through when the cap is manually opened. The manual opening takes place by a pivoting movement of the cover, wherein the user grips the cover on the front side of the cover and pivots the cover about two parallel pivot axes extending perpendicular to the main axis.

The width of the groove is preferably between 50% and 100%, in particular between 75% and 90% of the diameter of the tubular neck. The length of the groove is preferably between 50% and 100%, in particular between 75% and 90%, of the length of the tubular neck. The slot is sized to allow the tubular neck to pass through the slot when open.

In an embodiment, the width of the groove, or at least the width of the smallest part of the groove, is as small as the width of the neck. This requires the user to rotate the lid portion sufficiently open in the primary pivoting movement before opening the lid by the secondary pivoting movement. This is particularly advantageous when the lid is re-closed: the primary pivoting movement may be performed only after the secondary pivoting movement is completed.

The groove may have a generally rectangular shape, but it is also conceivable that the skirt surrounds the groove in a more rounded manner, for example, wherein the groove has the shape of an inverted "U" or the shape of the upper part of an (elongated) "O" shape, wherein the skirt portion adjacent to the groove has the shape of a bracket () or { }. In such embodiments, the slot narrows slightly towards the open lower cap end, still allowing the tubular neck to pass through the slot to some extent.

In addition to the cap body, the cap includes a connecting rod. The connecting rod extends along the neck at the back side of the cap body in the closed and mounted state of the cap. The stem may extend in a slot defined by the skirt or in the vicinity of the slot, for example in a plane parallel to the slot. The lever extends from an upper end of the lever to a lower end of the lever, the lever being integral with the cover body via an integrally formed upper hinge defining an upper pivot axis. The integrally formed upper hinge is formed, for example, from one or more weakened portions of plastic, such as film hinges or living hinges. The upper pivot axis extends perpendicular to the main axis of the nozzle.

The stem is provided with a spout connector portion at its lower end and the spout is provided with an associated stem connector portion. The nozzle connector portion and the stem connector portion are configured to be interconnected or interconnected, preferably by axial movement of the cap along the main axis when mounting the cap on the nozzle. Thus, when the cap is mounted to the spout, the connecting rod provides a connection between the spout and the cap. The connection is preferably not separable by the user to avoid separation of the cap from the spout and thereby reduce the chance that the cap will eventually be discarded into the environment rather than being disposed of properly, for example, in view of recycling.

Furthermore, the connecting rod is pivotable about a lower hinge defining a lower pivot axis. The upper and lower pivot axes are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis of the nozzle.

The cover of the present invention is configured to be manually moved from the closed state into the open state by a user by:

-a primary pivoting movement of the cap body about the upper pivot axis, moving the cap body to a semi-open position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is disengaged from the neck of the spout, during the primary pivoting movement of the cap body the lever remains on said back side of the cap body extending up along the neck, and

A subsequent secondary pivoting movement of the lever about the lower pivot axis moves the cap body from the half-open position towards the back side, i.e. the side of the lever, to the open eating position, wherein the cap body is remote from the neck.

During the primary pivoting movement, the lower end of the skirt part describes a portion of a circle during the primary pivoting movement, for example between 30 ° and 180 °, in particular between 30 ° and 90 °. During the first 90 ° of the circle, the lower end of the skirt starts to move from the 6 o' clock position to the forward direction, further away from the spout and stem. In an embodiment, the primary pivoting movement allows a further pivoting of the cap body, wherein the lower end of the skirt is moved from the 9 o 'clock position towards the lever, for example to the 12 o' clock position, i.e. 180 °. In embodiments, the cover body may allow for a further pivoted configuration of the lower end, which may pivot or up to 270 °, or even up to almost 360 ° is possible. In an embodiment, the fixation of the cover after the primary pivoting movement is foreseen.

During the secondary pivoting movement, the lever pivots about the lower pivot axis and describes a portion of a circle during the secondary pivoting movement. The rod is moved from an upwardly extending 12 o ' clock direction adjacent the nozzle, for example over 90 °, until a 3 o ' clock position in which the rod extends perpendicular to the nozzle, or the rod is further moved, for example over 180 °, to a 6 o ' clock position in which the rod extends parallel to the nozzle in a downwardly extending direction. Intermediate positions between 90 ° and 180 ° are foreseen: the cap body should be remote from the neck in the open position, for example, to allow a consumer to drink from the neck as if the neck were a straw, or pour material from a container via the neck of a spout without interference from the cap.

Additionally, the cover of the present invention is also advantageously configured to be manually moved by a user from an open state into a closed state by:

a pivoting movement of the lever about the lower pivot axis, moving the lid body from the open eating position to the semi-open position, wherein the lever extends up the neck on the back side of the lid body, and

a subsequent pivoting movement of the cap body about the upper pivot axis, thereby moving the cap body from the semi-open position to the closed position in which the sealing portion of the cap body engages the neck of the spout, the stem remaining on said back side of the cap body extending upwardly along the neck during the pivoting movement of the cap body.

During the pivoting movement of the lever, the lever pivots about a lower pivot axis and describes a portion of a circle that pivots toward the upwardly extending 12 o ' clock direction adjacent the spout, e.g., over 90 ° from a 3 o ' clock position in which the lever extends perpendicular to the spout, or over 180 ° from a 6 o ' clock position in which the lever extends parallel to the spout in the downwardly extending direction.

During the pivoting movement of the cap body, the lower end of the skirt part describes a portion of a circle, for example starting pivoting from a 12 o' clock position, where the lower end extends upwards and parallel to the spout. From this position, during the first 90 ° of the circle, the lower end of the skirt moves away from the stem to a 9 o' clock position away from the spout and stem. During the last 90 ° of the circle, the lower end of the skirt moves from the 9 o 'clock position towards the stem to the 6 o' clock position.

In an embodiment, the cap body includes positioning ribs at an upper end of its interior that engage the neck of the spout during movement of the cap to the closed state. In particular, in order to ensure the sealing of the cap against the product channel of the spout, the sealing portion of the cap must be positioned precisely. Positioning ribs extending inwardly from the skirt or from the top wall, for example, may engage the mouth or neck of the spout to improve such positioning.

According to the invention there is a lower pivot axis about which the lever pivots. Alternative positions of the lower pivot axis are envisioned.

In an embodiment, the lower pivot axis is defined by the interconnection between the spout connector portion and the complementary lever connector portion. Thus, the connection does not provide for rigidly fixing the nozzle to the lever, but provides for both a connection and a pivot axis.

In an alternative embodiment, the lever includes an integrally formed lower hinge at a lower end thereof defining a lower pivot axis. In an embodiment, the lower hinge is implemented similar to the upper hinge, for example as a film hinge or a living hinge. The lower hinge is disposed above the nozzle connector portion of the lever. Thus, the connecting rod has a relatively small fixing portion at the lower end portion, which includes a nozzle connector portion connected with the nozzle. The portion of the connecting rod extending between the two hinges operates as a rod.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the closure assembly, the spout includes an integrally formed lower hinge defining a lower pivot axis below the stem connector portion. In such embodiments, the connecting rod pivots with the rod connector portion of the nozzle about the lower pivot axis.

In particular, in the two last-mentioned embodiments, it is conceivable that the lower end of the connecting rod extends beyond the lower end of the slotted skirt. For the first mentioned embodiment, the lower end of the connecting rod may be flush with the lower end of the slotted skirt, or even slightly above this level, as long as this configuration allows the opening of the lid as claimed.

In an embodiment, the connecting rod is arranged inside the outer periphery of the cover body in a top view. This is advantageous, for example, in preventing damage caused by the protruding portion. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that a part of the rod, for example comprising a nozzle connector part, extends outside the periphery. This attractive appearance may be attributed to the characteristics of the closure assembly.

In an embodiment, the connecting rod is mirror symmetrical about an axis parallel to the main axis of the spout due to the appearance of the closure assembly.

In an embodiment, the nozzle is mirror symmetrical about an axis parallel to the main axis of the nozzle. In particular, a spout having 2 (or more) symmetrically disposed stem connector portions would be advantageous during assembly of the spout and cap of the closure assembly. With one stem connector portion, only a single mating orientation of the cap will enable connection between the spout and the pouch. With two rod connector portions, two opposite orientations of the cap will enable interconnection of the spout with the cap during installation.

In an embodiment, the skirt is connected to the connecting rod via one or more breakable tamper-evident bridges in the fastened and closed position of the cap. Such tamper-evident bridges are well known in the art and are commonly used to prove that the lid has not been opened prior to sale.

In an embodiment, the connecting rod further comprises an engagement (snap) portion located below the lower hinge for receiving and engaging a portion of the connecting rod portion in the open eating position. Still alternatively, it is contemplated that the spout includes such an engagement portion for receiving and engaging a portion of the connecting rod portion in the open eating position.

Drawings

The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention as follows:

fig. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a closure assembly 1 for a container in a slightly open configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a plastic cover of the closure assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plastic spout of the closure assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a shows the back side of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 in its closed configuration;

FIG. 4b shows the back side of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 with the plastic cap and plastic spout shown separated;

FIG. 5 shows the front side of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 in its closed configuration;

FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e show side views of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating an opening and/or closing process;

6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j illustrate cross-sectional side views of the closure assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the process of opening and/or closing;

FIG. 7a shows a second embodiment of a closure assembly in its semi-open configuration;

FIG. 7b is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the closure assembly illustrating the assembly process;

figures 8a, 8b and 8c show side views of the closure assembly of figures 7a, 7b illustrating the process of opening and/or closing of a second embodiment of the closure assembly;

Fig. 9a shows the front side of the closure assembly of fig. 7a, 7b in its closed configuration;

FIG. 9b shows the back side of the closure assembly of FIG. 9a in its closed configuration;

10a, 10B and 10c show isometric views of the backside of the closure assembly of FIGS. 7a, 7B in its closed configuration, wherein FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional isometric view of the closure assembly along the plane spanned by lines A-A 'and A-A ", and FIG. 10c is a cross-sectional isometric view of the closure assembly along the plane spanned by lines B-B' and B-B";

FIG. 11a shows the front side of a third embodiment of a closure assembly in its closed configuration;

FIG. 11b shows the back side of the closure assembly of FIG. 11a in its closed configuration;

FIGS. 12a, 12b illustrate a spout and cap of a third embodiment of a closure assembly from the front side;

fig. 13a, 13b show a spout and cap of a third embodiment of the closure assembly, seen from the rear side;

FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional isometric view of a third embodiment of a closure assembly in a closed configuration, as seen from the front side, along a plane spanned by lines A to A 'and B to B';

fig. 14b shows a third embodiment of the closure assembly in its closed configuration, seen from the front side;

FIG. 14c is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the closure assembly in a closed configuration, as seen from the front side;

15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e and 15f show a third embodiment of a closure assembly in its open configuration, FIG. 15a being viewed from above; FIG. 15b is from an equidistant front view; FIG. 15c is from a slightly rotated lateral view; fig. 15d from the front; fig. 15e is viewed from the side; fig. 15f is viewed from the rear;

16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e show side views of a third embodiment of a closure assembly and illustrate the opening and/or closing process of the closure assembly;

fig. 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i, 16j show a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of a closure assembly and illustrate the opening and/or closing process of the closure assembly.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 to 6j, a first embodiment of a closure assembly 1 according to the invention is shown. The closure assembly will be attached to a container, which is known per se and is not shown in the drawings. Examples of containers are bags and hard or flexible containers.

The closure assembly comprises a plastic spout 5 and a plastic cap 10. The plastic spout 5 shown in detail in fig. 3 comprises an attachment portion 5a, the attachment portion 5a being configured to be sealed to a container. The attachment portion 5a here comprises a rib 5a' known in the state of the art for sealingly attaching to the container, enabling a fluid tight seal. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment portion 5a is provided with an alternative solution to achieve a fluid tight seal.

The plastic spout 5 also has a tubular neck 5b, the tubular neck 5b having a vertical main axis a illustrated in fig. 1 and 3. The neck 5b contains a product channel 6, the product channel 6 being arranged here along the axis a. The product channel 6 extends through the neck 5b to a mouth 6a located at the top 5c of the neck 5 as shown in figure 4b, allowing product to be dispensed from the container. In alternative embodiments, not shown, the product channel may be offset from axis a, for example by incorporating a bend, so long as the product channel remains unobstructed and the plastic cover and accompanying mechanisms that are part of the assembly may still operate as intended.

The top 5c of the tubular neck of the spout as shown in fig. 3, 4b is in the embodiment shown slightly narrower than the tubular neck 5 b. This can facilitate alignment and proper sealing with the cap 10.

The mouth 6a of the neck 5b extends in a plane perpendicular to the product channel 6. In an embodiment not shown, it is envisaged that (a portion of) the mouth 6a extends at an angle of, for example, 70 ° to 88 ° with respect to the product channel, in particular at an angle of, for example, 70 ° to 88 ° on the side of the lid 10 hinged to the spout. This may be due to the re-closing of the cap 2 onto the neck 5 b.

In fig. 4b, the spout 5 is shown further comprising a circumferential flange structure comprising an annular flange portion 5f, the annular flange portion 5f being integrally formed, e.g. injection molded, to the spout and extending around the neck at its bottom end between the attachment portion 5a of the spout and the tubular neck 5 b.

In fig. 4b, above the flange portion 5f, a rib 5r is provided on the neck of the spout, the rib 5r extending in a direction parallel to the product channel 6. These ribs "bridge" the space between the relatively narrow neck 5b of the spout and the relatively wide skirt 11 of the cap 10. Thus, the rib 5r provides tactile and audible feedback when reclosing the cap onto the spout: the consumer will feel the cap engaging the rib.

The product channel 6 is, for example, a liquid suitable for dispensing for human consumption and in this embodiment the neck is intended for direct ingestion and, therefore, is of a suitable size to accommodate this action.

The plastic cover 10 is integrally formed, for example molded as a separate piece from the spout 5. In fig. 1 the cap 10 is mounted on a spout, the closure assembly 1 being shown in a partially open configuration.

To facilitate manual opening and closing of the closure assembly, the lid 10 of this first embodiment has been provided with two protruding wing portions 2 on both sides of the lid. As seen in fig. 5, the wing part 2 is curved and dome-shaped to increase stiffness, which can be used to increase the allowable forces on the wing part. Alternatively or additionally, a finger print may be added to the cap body 11 to assist the consumer in opening the cap. In particular, the "∈" shape guides the consumer to open the lid along this direction.

The plastic cap 10 shown in detail in fig. 2 includes a cap body 11, the cap body 11 having: a top end wall 11a, the top end wall 11a extending over the mouth of the neck; and a protective slotted skirt 11b, the skirt 11b depending downwardly from the top end wall 11a along the neck to an open lower cap end 11c of the cap body 11.

The skirt 11b defines a slot 13 on the back side of the cap body 11, the slot 13 extending upwardly from the open lower cap end 11c toward the top end wall 11a of the cap body. The slot 13 allows the neck 5 of the spout to pass through when the cap is opened.

As best seen in fig. 2, the lower end of the slotted skirt 11b includes two protrusions 15 directed inwardly towards each other. During the operation of opening the closure assembly 1, the protrusion 15 will bend slightly along the contour of the neck.

The cap body 11 is provided with a sealing portion 11d, which is shown in cross-section in fig. 6f to 6j, the sealing portion 11d sealingly interacting with the neck of the spout 5 to close and seal the product channel of the spout in the closed state of the closure assembly and in the mounted state of the cap.

The plastic cover 10 further comprises a connecting rod 14. In the closed and mounted state of the cap, the connecting rod 14 extends along the neck of the spout on the back side of the cap body.

In the embodiment shown, the rod 14 extends within the slot 13. In figures 1, 2 and 4, a breakable tamper-evident bridge 17 is provided across the groove 13 between the skirt 11b of the cap and the stem 14, acting as a seal that can indicate whether the closure assembly 1 has been previously opened. Instead of the tamper-evident bridge 17, a tear film may also be provided across the groove between the skirt 11b of the cap and the stem 14 to protect the spout top from contamination. The tear film will open on the first opening and thus act as a visual tamper-evident indication. Instead of or in addition to the tamper-evident bridge 17 or the tear film, a tamper-evident bridge may be provided adjacent to the lip 20 (described below) on the side of the cap visible in fig. 5.

The illustrated embodiment of the connecting rod 14 has a rib 16 which rib 16 extends over almost the entire length of the rod 14, parallel to the vertical main axis a of the neck of the spout of the closure assembly 1. The rib 16 increases the structural rigidity of the lever and allows the assembly to be easily and correctly opened.

The lever 14 extends from an upper end of the lever integral with the cover body 11 to a lower end of the lever via an integrally formed upper hinge 14b defining a pivot axis P1.

The upper hinge 14b defining the pivot axis P1 includes rounded cutouts 18a and 18b for the purpose of reducing stress concentrations in the material when the hinge is operated. In addition, these cuts 18a, 18b may be advantageous in reducing the material required to produce the cap.

The wing portions 2 on both sides of this embodiment of the cover 10 extend in a direction parallel to the pivot axis P1 but are spaced apart from the pivot axis such that a moment can be generated about the pivot axis P1 by exerting a force on the wing portions 2.

The stem 14 is provided with a spout connector portion 14a at a lower end portion thereof, and in this embodiment, the spout connector portion 14a is formed in the shape of an anchor as seen in fig. 2. Here, the anchor-shaped spout connector portion 14a is provided with a cutout 14e, the cutout 14e being intended to facilitate the process of assembling the cap onto the spout in the mounting direction.

As shown in fig. 3, the spout 5 is provided with an associated rod connector portion 5k.

The spout connector portion 14a and the stem connector portion 5k are connected to each other in fig. 1, 4a, 5 and 6a to 6 j. It can be seen in fig. 4a and 4b that the spout connector portion 14a and the stem connector portion 5k are interconnected by axial movement of the cap 10 along the main axis a when the cap 10 is mounted on the spout 5. In order to prevent tangential displacement of the spout connector portion 14a when mounted to the stem connector portion 5k, an end stop 5x is provided, as best seen in fig. 3.

According to the invention, the lever 14 is pivotable about a lower hinge defining a lower pivot axis P2, wherein the upper pivot axis P1 and the lower pivot axis P2 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis a of the spout.

In the first embodiment as shown in fig. 1 to 6j, the lower pivot axis P2 is defined by the interconnection between the anchor nozzle connector portion 14a at the lower end of the lever 14 and the complementary lever connector portion 5k. In other words, in the interconnected state, the lever connector portion 5k and the spout connector portion 14a together form a lower hinge and define a lower pivot axis P2.

In the configuration shown in fig. 1, the closure assembly 1 is in a partially open state, in which the cap 10 has been released from the spout 5 and has been pivoted slightly about the lower pivot axis P2.

The opposite side of the cover 10 can be seen in fig. 5 compared to the side shown in fig. 1, 2, 4a, 4 b. In fig. 5, the cap 10 is mounted on the spout 5 and the cap is in a fully closed position. Fig. 5 also shows a lip 20 located at the lower cap end 11c of the cap body 11 opposite the spout connector portion 14 a. The lip 20 is provided for easy manual opening of the closure assembly.

Near the lip 20, there is an open space 21 at the tubular neck 5b when in the closed position. This open space 21, along with the lip 20, may allow easy access to the lid when the closure assembly is opened. The open space 21 may also allow for greater torque to be applied to the lid to cause the closure assembly to open.

In the embodiment shown, the nozzle is symmetrical, and the rod connector portions 5k are provided on opposite sides of the nozzle. This is advantageous from a production point of view. In the illustrated embodiment, in the lever connector portion 5k, an open space 21 is provided. On one side, this open space 21 in the rod connector portion 5k is filled by the spout connector portion 14a when connected to each other. On the opposite side, visible in fig. 5, the open space 21 together with the lip 20 may allow easy access to the cover.

In the embodiment shown, the top of the plastic cap 10 is provided with a recess 19 and an intermediate projection 19a, which facilitate the correct sealing of the cap to the spout.

The sequence shown in fig. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e of the first embodiment of the closure assembly 1 and its cross-sectional views 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i and 6j illustrate the process of opening the closure assembly or closing the closure assembly when the sequence is reversed.

Fig. 6a to 6j also show the pivoting of the lever 14 about the lower hinge defined by the lower pivot axis P2 and about the upper pivot axis P1, wherein the upper and lower pivot axes P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis a of the spout.

The sequence of fig. 6a to 6j of the first embodiment of the assembly shows how the cover 10 is configured to be manually moved by a user from the closed state visible in fig. 6a and 6f into the open state visible in fig. 6e and 6j via intermediate states 6b, 6c, 6d and intermediate states 6g, 6h, 6i, respectively.

In the cross-sectional views of fig. 6f to 6j, the beam structure 22 is visible. These beam structures 22 may help guide the cover onto or off the spout and/or help keep the assembly closed.

Also evident from the cross-sectional views of fig. 6f to 6j is the sealing portion 11d of the cap, which sealing portion 11d of the cap sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout to close and seal the product passageway of the spout. The sealing portion here comprises a circular groove 11d, the circular groove 11d together with the narrowed end of the spout 5c ensuring centering of the cap 10 on the spout 5 to facilitate a correct fluid-tight seal of the spout end.

Manual movement from the closed to the open state, operated by a user of the lid, is achieved by a primary pivoting movement of the lid body about the upper pivot axis P1 as shown in fig. 6a and 6 b. By this primary pivoting movement, the cap body 10 is moved to a half-open position as can be seen in fig. 6b, wherein the sealing portion 11d of the cap body 11 is disengaged from the neck 5b of the spout. During the primary pivoting movement of the cap body 11, the lever 14 remains extended up the neck 5b on the back side of the cap body.

In fig. 6c, a subsequent secondary pivoting movement of the lever 14 about the lower pivot axis P2 can be seen, thereby moving the cover body 11 from the half-open position towards the rear side, i.e. one side of the lever.

In fig. 6d, the cover body 11 has been moved to the back side. Additionally, the cover body 11 rotates back around the upper pivot axis P1. Such rotation contributes to enabling the range of rotational movement about axis P2 to the greatest extent possible. Such reverse rotation can prevent the cap from colliding with the container attached to the attachment portion 5 a.

In fig. 6e, the cap body 11 has been moved to an open eating position, wherein the cap body 11 is away from the tubular neck.

It can be seen that in all the steps shown in fig. 6a to 6j, the cap 10 will remain connected to the spout 5 by means of the interconnection of the spout connector portion and the stem connector portion. In the illustrated embodiment of these connector portions, a degree of play is incorporated, allowing a limited degree of "swing space" to facilitate the opening and/or closing process of the assembly, while still functioning properly as a hinge and preventing intentional or unintentional disassembly of the hinge.

Fig. 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b and 10c illustrate a second embodiment of a closure assembly 100, the closure assembly 100 comprising a plastic spout 105 and a plastic cap 110.

The spout includes an attachment portion 105a, the attachment portion 105a being sealably attachable to a container not shown. The nozzle further comprises a tubular neck 105b having a vertical main axis a. The neck 105b contains a product channel 106 disposed thereat along axis a, the product channel 106 extending through the neck toward the mouth 106a, thereby allowing product to be dispensed from the container.

The spout top portion 105c is slightly narrower than the tubular neck 105b.

In fig. 7a, the cap 110 is shown mounted on the spout 105, and in fig. 7b, the cap 110 is shown in an uninstalled or pre-installed configuration. Fig. 7a and 7b both show the cover 110 in a semi-open configuration.

The cover 110 includes a cover body 111, the cover body 111 having: a top end wall 111a, the top end wall 111a extending over the mouth of the neck; and a protective slotted skirt 111b, the skirt 111b depending downwardly from the top end wall along the neck to an open lower cap end 111c of the cap body. At the top end wall 111a, a recess 119 is provided, which is visible in fig. 9a and 9 b.

A groove 113 is defined by the skirt 111b at the back side of the cap body 111. The slot 113 extends upwardly from the open lower cap end 111c toward the top end wall 111a of the cap body.

As seen in fig. 7a and 7b, this slot 113 allows the neck 105 of the spout 105 to pass through when the cap is opened.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of the closure assembly of fig. 10a and 10c, the cap body 111 is provided with a sealing portion 111d, the sealing portion 111d sealingly interacting with the neck 105b of the spout 105 in the closed state of the closure assembly and in the mounted state of the cap to close and seal the product passageway of the spout.

The cap 110 further includes a connecting rod 114, the connecting rod 114 extending along the neck of the spout on the back side of the cap body in the closed and installed state of the cap. The lever 114 extends from an upper end of the lever 114 to a lower end of the lever via an integrally formed upper hinge 114b, the upper end of the lever 114 being integral with the cover body 111, the upper hinge 114b defining a pivot axis P1 as shown in fig. 9 b.

The stem 114 is provided with a spout connector portion 114a at the lower end of the stem, in this embodiment shown in fig. 7b, the spout connector portion 114a is formed by two hooked protrusions 114 a.

The nozzle is provided with an associated rod connector portion 105k.

According to the invention, the lever 114 is pivotable about a lower hinge defining a lower pivot axis P2. Unlike the first embodiment, the lower pivot axis P2 is not defined by the interconnection between the nozzle connector portion and the complementary rod connector portion.

In this second embodiment, the spout 105 includes an integrally formed lower hinge below the stem connector portion 105k defining a lower pivot axis P2, as seen in fig. 8 c.

As after fig. 7b, the spout connector portion 114a and the stem connector portion 105k of the second embodiment of the closure assembly are configured to be interconnected by axial movement of the cap along the primary axis a when the cap is mounted on the spout. This interconnection is preferably made with the two hooked protrusions 114a aligned with the rod connector portion 105k, which here includes corresponding openings.

The pivot axes P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis a of the nozzle.

To assist in manual opening and closing of the closure assembly, the cap 110 of the second embodiment has been provided with two protruding wing portions 102. The wing portions are arranged on two opposite sides of the cover in a direction parallel to the pivot axis P1, but spaced apart from the pivot axis, so that a moment can be generated about the pivot axis by applying a force on the wing portions 102.

The second embodiment of the closure assembly is provided with a tamper-evident portion 117.

Before opening, the tamper-evident bridge 117a forms a bridging connection between the cover 110 and the tamper-evident portion 117.

The tamper-evident portion 117 is provided with two hooked protrusions 117c. The two hooking protrusions 117c are here identical to the hooking protrusions 114a of the nozzle connector part, mirrored about a plane passing through the main axis a. The nozzle 105 is also symmetrical, with the rod connector portions 105k disposed on either side of the nozzle. The hook-like projection 117c of the tamper-evident portion fits into the lever connector portion 105 k.

When the cap 110 is mounted onto the spout 105, the hooked protrusion 117c of the tamper-evident portion 117 will lock into place in the stem connector portion 105k, opposite the stem connector portion 105k engaged by the spout connector portion 114a of the stem 114, during assembly.

After the tamper-evident portion 117 is locked in place, opening the closure assembly 100 will, under normal operating conditions, disconnect the tamper-evident bridge 117a from the cap 110. This action will lock the tamper-evident portion 117 in its associated rod connector portion 105 k. The breakage of these tamper-evident bridges 117a indicates that the closure assembly has been previously opened.

The sequence shown in fig. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrates the process of opening the closure assembly 100, or closing the closure assembly if the sequence is reversed.

Fig. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate that the lever 114 is pivotable about a lower hinge defined by a lower pivot axis P2, wherein the spout 105 comprises a lower hinge below the lever connector portion 105 k. Thus, with the lever 114 connected to the lever connector portion 105k, the assembly will pivot together about the lower pivot axis P2.

Fig. 8a, 8b and 8c show: upon opening of the closure assembly, in a primary pivoting motion, the cap 110 is able to pivot about the upper hinge 114b and pivot axis P1, allowing the tubular neck 105b of the spout 105 to pass through the opening formed by the slot 113.

The manual movement by the user from the closed to the open state 8c in fig. 8a is achieved by: the primary pivoting movement of the cap body 110 about the upper pivot axis P1 and the movement of the cap body to a half-open position in which the sealing portion 111d of the cap body 111, visible in the cross-sectional views of fig. 10a and 10c, is disengaged from the neck 105b of the spout, the stem 114 remaining on the back side of the cap body 111 extending upwardly along the neck during the primary pivoting movement of the cap body 111.

In fig. 8c, a subsequent secondary pivoting movement of the lever 114 and the lever connector part 105k about the lower pivot axis P2 is shown, thereby moving the lid body 111 from the half-open position towards the back side, i.e. the side of the lever 114, to the open eating position, wherein the lid body 111 is remote from the neck.

Fig. 11a to 16j show a third embodiment of a closure assembly 200, the closure assembly 200 comprising a plastic spout 205 and a plastic cap 210.

The spout includes an attachment portion 205a, which attachment portion 205a may be sealingly attached to a container not shown. In fig. 11a and 11b, the cap 210 is shown mounted on the spout 205 with the closure assembly 200 in a closed configuration. Fig. 12a, 12b, 13a and 13b illustrate the cap 210 in an uninstalled or pre-installed configuration with the mouthpiece 205. In fig. 12a, 12b and 13a, 13b, the mouthpiece 205 and the cap 210 are shown in front and rear views, respectively. These figures show that the spout 205 comprises a tubular neck 205b having a vertical main axis a.

The neck 205b includes a product channel 206 disposed along the axis a, the product channel 206 extending through the neck toward the mouth 206a, thereby allowing product to be dispensed from the container. Here, the top 205c of the spout is slightly narrower than the tubular neck 205b.

The cover 210 includes a cover body 211, the cover body 211 having: a top end wall 211a, the top end wall 211a extending over the mouth of the neck; and a protective slotted skirt 211b, the skirt 211b depending downwardly from the top end wall along the neck to an open lower cap end 211c of the cap body. Further, the cap 210 includes a groove 213 defined by a skirt 211b at the back side of the cap body 211. The slot 213 is visible in fig. 13b and extends upwardly from the lower cap end 211c towards the top end wall 11a of the cap body. The slot 213 allows the neck 205b of the spout 205 to pass through when the cap is opened.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of the closure assembly in fig. 14a and 14c, the cap body 211 is provided with a sealing portion 211d, the sealing portion 211d sealingly interacting with the neck 205b of the spout in the closed state of the closure assembly and in the mounted state of the cap to close and seal the product passageway of the spout.

The cap 210 further comprises a connecting rod 214, the connecting rod 214 extending along the neck of the spout at the back side of the cap body in the closed and mounted state of the cap.

The lever 214 is integral with the cover body 211 via an integrally formed upper hinge 214b defining a pivot axis P1. Rounded cutouts 218a and 218b are provided adjacent upper hinge 214b to reduce stress concentrations in the material when the hinge is operated. In the closed position of fig. 11b, the lever 214 extends from the upper end of the cap neck to the lower end of the lever.

The lever 214 is provided with a spout connector portion 214a at the lower end of the lever 214, in this embodiment, the spout connector portion 214a being formed by an extending protrusion at the lower end of the lever 214. The nozzle connector portion 214a forms a socket for enclosing the lever connector portion 205k when mounted in engagement. In fig. 13a, the rod connector portion 205k is shown in detail.

Fig. 16 f-16 j show the interaction between the nozzle connector portion 214a and the rod connector portion 205k in a cross-sectional side view. The socket-shaped spout connector portion 214a includes an inner socket slot 214d, the inner socket slot 214d receiving the end 205k 'of the rod connector portion 205k and locking the end 205k' of the rod connector portion 205k in place.

The action of locking the end of the rod connector portion 205k in place is aided by the socket bridge 214e, where the socket bridge 214e is inclined on the side facing the opening. These inner sockets 214d also allow for pivotal movement of the lever 214 about a pivot axis P2 defined by the interconnection between the spout connector portion 214a and the complementary lever connector portion 205 k. The pivot axes P1 and P2 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis a of the nozzle.

To assist in manual opening and closing of the closure assembly, the lid 210 of the third embodiment is provided with a wing portion 202, the wing portion 202 partially following the contour of the lid body 211 and wrapping around the front portion of the lid 210. The wing portions 202 increase the rigidity of the cap body 211 by following the contour of the cap. In addition, the wing portion 202 allows a force to be applied thereto and subsequently to the cover, thereby creating a moment about the pivot axis P1 and/or the pivot axis P2.

The cap 210 shown in fig. 11b to 13 is also provided with a recess 219 and an intermediate projection 219a to facilitate proper sealing of the cap to the spout.

The cap 210 includes four tamper-evident bridges 217. The tamper-evident bridge 217 is an integral part of the cap 210 and connects the stem 214 to the skirt 211b of the cap, before the cap 210 is mounted on the spout 205 and before the closure assembly is first opened. Upon opening of the closure assembly and cap, the tamper-evident bridge 217 will break allowing the skirt 211b to move away from the lever 214 and pivot about axis P1. The breakage of the tamper-evident bridge 217 indicates whether the closure assembly has been previously opened.

Fig. 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e illustrate the process of opening the closure assembly, or closing the closure assembly if the order is reversed.

Similar to the first embodiment, here in the cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the closure assembly in fig. 16 g-16 j, a beam structure 222 is provided to guide the cap onto or off the spout and/or to help keep the assembly closed. The beam structure 222 may also increase the stiffness and rigidity of the cover 210.

Also apparent from the cross-sectional views of the figures 16g to 16j is the utility of the recess 219 and the protrusion 219a in combination with the circular groove 223, the circular groove 223 being formed by the recess 219. Along with the narrowing of the end of the spout 205c, the recess 219, projection 219a and circular groove 223 help to center the cap on the spout when closed and to facilitate proper fluid tight sealing of the end of the spout.

The manual movement by the user from the closed to the open state 16e in fig. 16a is achieved by: the primary pivoting movement of the cap body 210 about the upper pivot axis P1 and moving the cap body to a half-open position in which the sealing portion 211d of the cap body 211, seen in the cross-sectional views of fig. 14a, 14c, 16f and 16g, is disengaged from the neck 205b of the spout, the lever 214 remaining on the back side of the cap body 211 extending upwardly therealong during the primary pivoting movement of the cap body 211. In a subsequent secondary pivoting movement of the lever 214, the lever 214 pivots about the lower pivot axis P2, thereby moving the lid body 211 from the half-open position towards the back side, i.e. the side of the lever 214, to an open eating position in which the lid body is remote from the neck.

Claims (12)

1. A closure assembly (1) for a container, the closure assembly (1) comprising:

a plastic spout (5) having an attachment portion (5 a) configured to be sealed to a container or to a container, the spout further having a tubular neck (5 b) with a vertical main axis (A), wherein a product channel (6) extends through the neck to a mouth (6 a) at a top (5 c) of the neck, allowing product to be dispensed from the container,

-a plastic cover (10), said cover (10) being integrally formed, e.g. molded, as one piece different from the spout, said cover (10) being configured to be mounted on or on the spout, wherein the cover comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state of the cover:

o cover body (11), said cover body (11) having: -a top end wall (11 a), said top end wall (11 a) extending over the mouth of the neck; and a protective slotted skirt (11 b), the skirt (11 b) depending downwardly from the top end wall along the neck to an open lower cap end (11 c) of the cap body, the skirt defining a slot (13) at a back side of the cap body, the slot (13) extending upwardly from the open lower cap end towards the top end wall of the cap body and allowing the neck to pass through when the cap is opened, wherein the cap body is provided with a sealing portion (11 d), the sealing portion (11 d) sealingly interacting with the neck of the spout (5) in a closed and installed state of the cap to close and seal the product passage of the spout;

o a connecting rod (14), the rod (14) extending along the neck at the back side of the cover body in the closed and mounted state of the cover, the rod extending from an upper end of the rod to a lower end of the rod, the rod being integral with the cover body via an integrally formed upper hinge (14 b) defining an upper pivot axis (P1),

wherein the stem (14) is provided with a spout connector portion (14 a) at the lower end of the stem (14), and wherein the spout is provided with an associated stem connector portion (5 k), wherein the spout connector portion and the stem connector portion are configured to be connected to each other or to each other, preferably by an axial movement of the cap along the main axis when mounting the cap on the spout,

wherein the lever is pivotable about a lower hinge defining a lower pivot axis (P2), wherein the upper pivot axis (P1) and the lower pivot axis (P2) are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the main axis (A) of the spout,

wherein the cover is configured to be manually moved from the closed state into the open state by a user by:

-a primary pivoting movement of the cap body about the upper pivot axis (P1), moving the cap body to a semi-open position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is disengaged from the neck of the spout, the lever remaining on the back side of the cap body extending upwardly along the neck during the primary pivoting movement of the cap body, and

-a subsequent secondary pivoting movement of the lever about the lower pivot axis (P2) moves the cap body from the semi-open position towards the back side, i.e. the side of the lever, to an open eating position, wherein the cap body is remote from the neck.

2. A closure assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower pivot axis (P2) is defined by the interconnection between the spout connector portion (14 a) and the complementary stem connector portion.

3. The closure assembly of claim 1 wherein the lever includes an integrally formed lower hinge defining the lower pivot axis above the spout connector portion at a lower end of the lever.

4. The closure assembly of claim 1 wherein the spout (105) includes an integrally formed lower hinge defining the lower pivot axis (P2) below the lever connector portion (105 k).

5. Closure assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the stem is arranged inside the outer periphery of the cap body in top view.

6. The closure assembly of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the stem is mirror symmetrical about an axis parallel to the major axis of the spout.

7. The closure assembly of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the spout is mirror symmetrical about an axis parallel to the major axis of the spout.

8. Closure assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the skirt is connected to the stem in the fastened and closed position of the cap via one or more breakable tamper-evident bridges (17).

9. Closure assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the cap body is fastened, for example, to the spout in the open, eating position.

10. Container, such as a collapsible bag-like container, provided with a closure assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims.

11. A method for manufacturing and filling a container on which a closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims is mounted, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a container having a spout mounting location, such as an opening in a top edge or seam of a bag package,

mounting the attachment portion of the nozzle in the nozzle mounting position,

Filling the container via the product channel of the spout,

-interconnecting the spout connector portion and the stem connector portion to mount the cap to the spout.

12. A method for manufacturing and filling a container on which a closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims is mounted, the method comprising the steps of:

providing and filling a container having a spout mounting location, such as an opening, for example an opening in a top edge or seam of a bag package,

mounting the attachment portion of the nozzle in the nozzle mounting position,

-interconnecting the spout connector portion and the stem connector portion to mount the cap to the spout.