EP2766279B1

EP2766279B1 - A collapsible pouch closure assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2766279B1
Application number: EP12768857.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Jan van der Molen; Jeroen Gerrit Anton Gebbink; Paul Van Den Hoonaard
Original assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
Current assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
Priority date: 2011-10-11
Filing date: 2012-10-05
Publication date: 2017-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-05
Also published as: NL2007572C2; EP2766279A1; WO2013053651A1

Description

The present invention relates to a collapsible pouch closure assembly, a collapsible pouch provided with a closure assembly, and methods for the manufacturing of such closure assembly and pouch.
US 2010213213 discloses a collapsible pouch closure assembly with a spout and with a screw cap having at the lower edge of the skirt a tamper-evident ring that is composed of two segments. A first end portion of each segment is connected to the skirt via a non-frangible connector. The second end portion is connected via a single integrally moulded frangible rod portion to an adjacent first end portion of the other segment. The neck of the spout has for each segment a rotation preventing boss that is engageable with a corresponding abutment face on the second end portion of the segment. Upon first time removal of the cap, the frangible rod portion breaks and evidences the removal of the cap.
The present invention aims to provide an improved collapsible pouch closure assembly, or at least to provide an alternative for known closure assemblies.
The present invention aims to provide a collapsible pouch closure assembly, wherein the tamper-evident function is very reliable and its function well recognizable for the user.
According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention achieves one or more of the above-mentioned objects by providing a collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the preamble of claim 2, which is characterized in that the cap is provided with at least one projection comprising at least one anchoring portion that is adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch, said projection being moulded of plastic material and extending outward from said skirt such that said at least one anchoring portion is sealable between said peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch at a location different than the location of the spout seal portion, and said projection comprising a frangible zone with one or more frangible bridges connecting the anchoring portion to the projection such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
The first aspect of the present invention is advantageous for relatively small closure assemblies, e.g. with a diameter of the product passage between 4 and 15 millimeters, as the invention does not require intricate cooperating elements on the spout and the cap to bring about a tamper-evident function.
The first aspect of the invention is advantageous as it easily allows to embody the at least one projection comprising the at least one anchoring portion as an anti-choking feature of the cap, e.g. having dimensions such that the cap (when removed from the spout) with said at least one projection can not pass through a 3 centimeter inner diameter tube.
The first aspect of the invention is advantageous as it easily allows to embody the at least one projection comprising the at least one anchoring portion as a finger grip that allows the user to engage one or more of his fingers thereon at a greater radius than the diameter of the skirt of the cap. This allows the user to exert a greater torque for opening of the cap without increased effort. It also allows to embody the one or more frangible bridges with a certain robustness, as the user can rather easily create the effort needed to break the one or more bridges.
In a practical embodiment the spout seal portion comprises sealing walls that are symmetric with respect to an imaginary vertical central plane of the spout seal portion.
In a practical embodiment a fin extending in said plane is provided at each joint of the ends of the sealing walls.
In a practical embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the one or more anchoring portions are located in said imaginary vertical central plane when the cap is mounted on the neck in its closed position.
In a practical embodiment of the first aspect of the one or more projections are moulded as a unitary, monolithic part with the cap.
In an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the one or more projections are moulded as a unitary, monolithic plastic auxiliary body that is manufactured separately from the cap with the top wall and the skirt. The auxiliary body can then be mounted on the cap, e.g. the auxiliary body having a central opening into or through which the cap fits. The auxiliary body could be mounted on the cap such that the auxiliary body is not rotated along with the cap, when the user rotates the cap. It is however preferred for the auxiliary body to be connected to the cap in such a manner that the cap and auxiliary body rotate together, e.g. a form fit connection between the auxiliary body and the cap or a weld or an adhesive connection. For example the auxiliary body and cap can be connected by a snap fit arrangement, preferably a permanent snap fit In a possible embodiment the auxiliary body and cap have all the features of claim 1 of EP 2 033 906 .
In a preferred embodiment the closure assembly of the first aspect of the invention has two anchoring portions, one on each side of the spout, but other embodiment, e.g. with a single anchoring portion or with multiple anchoring portions at one side of the spout, are also possible.
It is preferred that an anchoring portion is connected to the rest of the projection via multiple frangible bridges, e.g. three bridges. It is preferred that said one or more bridges are formed during the injection moulding process.
The first aspect of the present invention also relates to a collapsible pouch provided with a collapsible pouch closure assembly.
The first aspect of the present invention also relates to a method according to claim 14, and to a method for manufacturing a closure assembly as described herein.
According to a second aspect thereof, the present invention achieves one or more of the above-mentioned objects by providing a collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the preamble of claim 1, which is characterized in that the cap is provided with at least one integrally moulded anchoring portion that overlaps an area of the exterior surface of the spout seal portion and that is adapted to be sealed between the spout seal portion and a peripheral edge zone of one of the foil walls of the collapsible pouch, said cap including a frangible zone with one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges connecting the anchoring portion to the skirt of the cap such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
In a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the spout body is provided with a recess in the exterior surface of the spout seal portion, in which recess the anchoring portion is accommodated.
More preferably, the recess - at least seen in side view onto the exterior of the sealing portion - is shaped complementary to the anchoring portion so that a form-locking fit of the anchoring portion in the recess is obtained, at least in rotational direction of the cap.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the anchoring portion is provided with a hole and wherein the spout seal portion is provided with a boss, which boss projects into the hole of the anchoring portion and thereby further secures the anchoring portion relative to the spout body.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the height of the spout seal portion is greater than the height of the anchoring portion so that the respective foil wall is sealable to the spout seal portion in a region below the anchoring portion.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the cap has two anchoring portions at diametrically opposed locations.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention each anchoring portion forms a downward extension of the skirt of the cap.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the frangible zone comprises at least one bridge that is arranged at in inclined orientation in a direction against the opening direction thereby - in a first phase of breakage of the bridge - at least partially compensating for upward motion of the cap relative to the spout body and thereby reducing or avoiding in said phase upward pull force on the anchoring portion.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention two parallel arranged inclined bridges are provided.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention at least one frangible bridge extends substantially in peripheral direction, so as to be subjected to tensile load upon first opening of the cap.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the spout seal portion comprises a tubular, possibly circular, section with two diametrically opposed fins extending in a common plane, the recess being provided in the tubular portion, preferably two recesses at diametrically opposed locations that are each spaced from said common plane.
In a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the exterior surface of the spout seal portion has multiple parallel ribs above one another including an upper rib, and wherein the recess forms a discontinuity in the upper rib and possibly also in one or more lower ribs.
The second aspect of the present invention also relates to a collapsible pouch provided with a collapsible pouch closure assembly as described in claim 1, which is characterized in that the cap is provided with at least one integrally moulded anchoring portion that overlaps an area of the exterior surface of the spout seal portion and that is sealed between the spout seal portion and a peripheral edge zone of one of the foil walls of the collapsible pouch, said cap including a frangible zone with one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges connecting the anchoring portion to the skirt of the cap such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
Preferably in said collapsible pouch according to the second aspect of the present invention the spout body is provided with a recess in the exterior surface of the spout seal portion, in which recess the anchoring portion is accommodated.
More preferably in said collapsible pouch the recess is - at least seen in side view onto the exterior of the sealing portion - shaped complementary to the anchoring portion so that the anchoring portion has a form-locking fit in the recess is obtained, at least in rotational direction of the cap.
Preferably in said collapsible pouch according to the second aspect of the present invention the height of the spout seal portion is greater than the height of the anchoring portion, and wherein the respective foil wall is sealed to the spout seal portion underneath the anchoring portion.
Preferably in said collapsible pouch according to the second aspect of the present invention the anchoring portion extends partly above the peripheral edge of the respective foil wall so that it is visible for the user and remains visible when the cap has been removed.
In an embodiment the frangible zone is established in the projection or in the cap not during the injection moulding process thereof, but by an additional manufacturing step. For example one or more holes or slits, or other weakenings, e.g. grooves, are made in the moulded projection or cap to create the one or more frangible bridges. This additional manufacturing step could even be performed after the cap is mounted on the neck of the spout, or even after the closure assembly has been sealed between the opposed edge zones of the foil walls, e.g. using a cutting device, e.g. a laser cutting device, or a punching device, or other suitable tool, e.g. arranged at a dedicated station in a FFS installation.
The inventive closure assemblies according to the first or second aspect of the invention allow for a highly reliable functioning of the tamper-evident feature, in particular with respect to the breakage of the bridges that provide the visible evidence of the earlier removal of the cap. The arrangement operates reliable even when the plastic parts are rather flexible, which allows for a limited use of plastic material which is relevant for such mass-produced plastic caps.
The assembly can be embodied to cause breakage of said frangible bridges on the basis of a very limited rotation of the cap from its closed position, so that the user experiences a rather immediate breakage when he starts to open the closure.
The cooperating rotational connection means between the neck and the cap can be embodied as screw threads as is preferred. In the alternative these means can be embodied as a bayonet connection or a twist connection wherein the neck is provided with track formations and the cap with one or more bosses that cooperate with said track formations.
The cooperating rotational connection means between the neck and the cap can be embodied to allow for complete disengagement of the cap in less than one full revolution of the cap with respect to the spout, e.g. between a half turn and a three-quarters turn of the cap.
Preferably and as known in the art one or more cooperating angular cap positioning members are present on the neck and on the skirt that allow to secure the cap on the neck at relatively high speed, normally with automated equipment, wherein the finally obtained closed position of the cap on the neck is such that the one or more anchoring portions are in an imaginary central vertical plane through the spout sealing portion. The closure assembly is arranged with this plane parallel to the peripheral edge zones of the foil walls.
In the inventive closure assembly an anchoring portion may be embodied as a tab, e.g. a tab having generally planar, possibly roughened or with one or more ribs, main faces. The anchoring portion can also be shaped differently. e.g. as a rod, a ring, etc.
In a practical embodiment the cap may be provided with two diametrically extending wings that form two projections of the cap. Preferably each wing extends at least 10 millimeters outward from the skirt of the cap. Preferably the wings are moulded integrally with the cap. In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention said wings each being provided with a single anchoring portion and one or more associated breakable bridges.
In a practical embodiment the spout seal portion is - in horizontal cross-section - boat or eye shaped as is known in the field of spouts for collapsible pouches. A circular shape of the spout seal portion is also practical.
The spout seal portion may be embodied as a solid and rigid portion having a central channel therein aligned with the passage in the neck of the spout, e.g. the solid portion having a boat or eye shaped outer contour in horizontal cross-section.
In a practical embodiment the spout seal portion comprises two sealing walls, preferably easily flexing, that delimit a boat or eye shaped space between them, each sealing wall being at its upper edge integral with a common transverse wall of the spout seal portion and each sealing wall having a free lower edge. In a practical embodiment the sealing walls have a thickness between 0.5 and 2.0 millimeters.
In a practical embodiment the sealing walls are symmetric with respect to an imaginary vertical central plane of the spout seal portion.
In a practical embodiment a fin extending in said plane is provided at each joint of the ends of the sealing walls.
Further preferred details of the inventive closure assemblies are disclosed in the claims and in the description with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the first aspect of the invention,
Fig. 2 shows the assembly of figure 1 in assembled condition,
Fig. 3 shows the assembly of figure 2 sealed into a collapsible pouch,
Fig. 4 shows in partly cut-away view a portion of the assembly of figures 1 and 2,
Fig. 5 shows in perspective view an alternative embodiment of a collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the first aspect of the invention,
Fig. 6 shows in perspective view an embodiment of the collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the second aspect of the invention,
Fig. 7 shows the assembly of figure 6 in side view,
Fig. 8 shows the assembly of figure 6 in perspective view from below,
Fig. 9 shows the assembly of figure 6 in another side view,
Fig. 10 shows the spout of the assembly of figure 6,
Fig. 11 shows the cap of the assembly of figure 6,
Fig. 12 shows on an enlarged scale the assembly of figure 6 in the region of the tamper-evident structure,
Fig. 13 shows the assembly of figure 6 sealed between opposed foil walls of a collapsible pouch,
Fig. 14 shows in perspective view a further embodiment of the collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

With reference to figures 1 - 4 now an embodiment of the collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the first aspect of the invention will be discussed.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a spout with a unitary injection moulded plastic spout body forming a tubular neck 2 around a product passage 3 in the article. The neck 2 forms a mouth at a top end of the product passage. The neck 2 has an exterior side.
The spout body also has a spout seal portion 5 that is adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of two foil walls of a collapsible pouch 30.
The portion 5 here includes diametrically opposed fins 5a, 5b as is known in the art.
Reference numeral 20 denotes a rotational cap, preferably a screw cap, that is injection moulded of plastic material.
The cap 20 is adapted to be secured on the neck 2 of the spout 1 as is shown in figures 2 - 4. The cap 20 seals the product passage 3 in closed position of the cap on the neck. Here the cap 20 seals the product passage at the mouth at the top end of the product passage, but other designs, e.g. wherein sealing is at a distance below the mouth, are also possible.
The cap 20 is adapted to be manually rotated by a user from the closed position in an opening direction to allow for removal of the cap from the neck of the article by a user to open the product passage 3. The cap may be tethered to the spout if desired.
The cap 20 comprises a top wall 21 and a downward depending skirt 22. The skirt 22 has an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall 21.
The exterior side of the neck 2 and the interior side of the skirt 22 have cooperating rotational connection means. In this example the neck is provided with track formations 23 which cooperate with one or more bosses (not shown) on the interior side of the skirt. Opening of the cap 20 requires about half a turn of the cap in this example. The rotational connection means can also be embodied as first and second screw threads on the neck and skirt respectively or as a bayonet structure.
The cap 20 does not comprises a tamper-evident ring, neither is such a ring mounted about the neck 2 of the spout.
The cap 20 is provided with two diametrically extending wings 25 that here both serve as finger grips to enhance the exertion of torque on the cap by the user and as anti-choke feature of the cap 20.
As can be seen the wings 25 here extend - as is preferred - in a common plane and are embodied generally as plate shaped wings. It is envisaged that a wing may be perforated by one or more openings, both to reduce the amount of plastic and to enhance the anti-choke function. Perforations may also be used to create an aesthetical effect.
As is preferred each wing 25 is provided with a single anchoring portion 26. Between the anchoring portion 26 and the rest of the wing 25 a frangible zone is present having one or more, here three as is preferred, associated frangible bridges 27.
A frangible bridge can be embodied as a rod like bridge (as shown here), but other weak bridges, e.g. like a film hinge where the thickness of the projection is locally weakened, are also possible.
Each anchoring portion 26 is adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch, preferably the same edge zones as between which the spout seal portion is sealed.
The wings 25 are moulded of plastic material and extend outward from said skirt such a distance that each anchoring portion 26 is sealable between said peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch at a location different than the location of the spout seal portion.
The anchoring portions 26 are each firmly sealed between the edge zones of the two foil walls, so that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges 27 break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck 2.
In an embodiment, as shown in this example, the anchoring portion extends upward from the edges zones so as to be easily visible by the user. This enhances the warning function of the tamper-evident structure according to the invention.
The figure 3 shows a top portion of a collapsible pouch 30 with two foil walls 31, 32. In this figure it is illustrated that the pouch 30 is provided in a state with a single opening at the top of the pouch so that the pouch can be filled via said opening, e.g. with a liquid, powdery, or pasty substance, e.g. a food or beverage product, a chemical product, e.g. a detergent, etc.
Prior to the arranging of the closure assembly in said opening the pouch 30 is filled with a substance, e.g. at a filling station of a form-fill-seal (FFS) installation as is known in the art.
After the step of filling the pouch, e.g. at a closure assembly placement and sealing station of the FFS installation, the closure assembly 1, 20 with the cap in its closed position is arranged in this opening. Then the sealing of the pouch opening and the spout therein is performed in one or more sealing steps, e.g. using heated sealing jaws that press the foil walls onto each other, onto the spout sealing portion 5, and onto the anchoring portions 26.
As is preferred, the sealing of the edge zones of the foil walls 31 , 32 is performed such that foil walls are sealed directly onto one another in the region beneath and to the sides of each anchoring portion 26, so that effectively the portion 26 is shielded by said sealed together foil walls from the interior of the pouch. This enhances the stable anchoring of the anchoring portion 26 in the pouch and avoids any risk of leakage along the anchoring portion 26.
As is preferred, in assembled state of the pouch, each anchoring portion 27 is spaced from the spout seal portion 5 so that the foil walls 31, 32 are sealed directly onto one another in between.
The embodiment of figures 1 - 4 also illustrates that the spout seal portion comprises two sealing walls 6, 7, that delimit a boat shaped space between them. Each sealing wall 6, 7 is at its upper edge integral with a common transverse wall 8 of the spout seal portion and each sealing wall has a free lower edge.
The sealing walls 6, 7 are symmetric with respect to an imaginary vertical central plane of the spout seal portion 5. Each fin 5a, 5b extends in said central plane and is provided at each joint of the ends of the sealing walls 6, 7.
The one or more anchoring portions 26 are located in said vertical central plane when the cap is mounted on the neck in its closed position.
The skilled person will appreciate that the closure assembly is provided with its cap in closed position on the spout prior to the arranging of the assembly in the opening and the performance of one or more sealing steps (e.g. using heated sealing jaws).
Preferably the sealing of the spout and the one or more anchoring portions 26 is performed in a single sealing step, using a single pair of sealing jaws.
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the inventive collapsible pouch closure assembly. As many features clearly correspond to features discussed with reference to figures 1 - 4 they have been given the same reference numeral and they will not be discussed here again.
The assembly 40 comprises a spout 1 with spout seal portion 5 and fins 5a, 5b.
The cap 20 here is provided with an alternative for the wing type projections 25, here a generally annular projection 50 extending as a flange around the skirt of the cap 20.
The projection 50 is, as is preferred, provided with perforations, e.g. to enhance the anti-choke property provided by the projection 50.
The projection 50 could be moulded as a unitary, monolithic plastic part with the cap 20.
In this example it is envisaged that the projection 50 is embodied as an auxiliary body that is manufactured separately from the cap 20 with the top wall and the skirt.
The auxiliary body can then be mounted on the cap 20, here the auxiliary body 50 having a central opening into or through which the cap fits. The auxiliary body could be mounted on the cap such that the auxiliary body is not rotated along with the cap, when the user rotates the cap. It is however preferred, as shown here, for the auxiliary body to be connected to the cap in such a manner that the cap and auxiliary body rotate together, e.g. a form fit connection between the auxiliary body and the cap or a weld or an adhesive connection. For example the auxiliary body 50 and cap 20 can be connected by a snap fit arrangement, preferably a permanent snap fit In a possible embodiment the auxiliary body and cap have all the features of claim 1 of EP 2 033 906 .
The auxiliary body is provided with one or more, here a single, anchoring portion 26. Here, as is preferred, said anchoring portion lying in the same central vertical plane as the fins 5a, 5b.
As explained with reference to figures 1 - 4 one or more frangible bridges 27 are provided. When the spout 1 with its spout seal portion 5 and the anchoring portion 26 have been sealed between opposed edge zones of two foil walls of the pouch, and it is attempted to unscrew the cap, the bridges 27 break thus evidencing the opening of the closure assembly.
With reference to figures 6 - 13 now an example of a collapsible pouch closure assembly according to the second aspect of the invention will be discussed. Figure 14 illustrates an alternative version thereof.
Reference numeral 60 denotes a spout with a unitary injection moulded plastic spout body 61 forming a tubular neck 62 around a product passage 63 in the article. The neck 62 forms a mouth at a top end of the product passage. The neck 62 has an exterior side.
The spout body also has a spout seal portion 65 that is adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of two foil walls of a collapsible pouch 80 (see figure 13).
The portion 65 here includes a tubular section 65a having an open bottom, here of circular cross-section but possibly of oval or other non-circular cross-section, e.g. oval or boat shaped.
The portion 65 here includes diametrically opposed fins 65a, 65b that protruded in from opposite sides of the central tubular section 65a and are located in a common vertical plane as is known in the art.
In the embodiment shown here, the sealing faces of the portion 65 are not generally smooth, e.g. as shown in figure 1, but are provided with a series of parallel horizontal ribs 69 that are formed as protrusions on the portion 65 in an arrangement above one another including an upper rib and one or more lower ribs. The ribs 69 continue in the corner region between the central section 65a and each fin 65b, 65c as a triangular portion.
The spout body is provided with a recess 68 in the exterior of the spout body, at least a part of said recess 68 being located in the sealing portion 65, which recess in this example extends through the upper rib 69 and ends above the rib below. The function of said recess 68 will be explained in more detail below.
Reference numeral 90 denotes a rotational cap, preferably a screw cap, that is injection moulded of plastic material.
The cap 90 is adapted to be secured on the neck 62 of the spout 60 as is shown. The cap 90 seals the product passage 63 in closed position of the cap on the neck. Here the cap 90 seals the product passage at the mouth at the top end of the product passage, but other designs, e.g. wherein sealing is at a distance below the mouth, are also possible.
The cap 90 is adapted to be manually rotated by a user from the closed position in an opening direction to allow for removal of the cap from the neck of the article by a user to open the product passage 63. The cap 90 may be tethered to the spout if desired.
The cap 90 comprises a top wall 91 and a downward depending skirt 92. The skirt has an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall.
The exterior side of the neck 62 and the interior side of the skirt 92 have cooperating rotational connection means. In this example the neck is provided with screw thread formation 66 which cooperates with a screw thread formation (not shown) on the interior side of the skirt.
The cap 90 is provided with two diametrically extending wings 67 that here both serve as finger grips to enhance the exertion of torque on the cap by the user and as anti-choke feature of the cap 90. The cap may also be provided with a separate anti-choke body secured onto the cap.
The cap 90 is provided with at least one integrally moulded anchoring portion 100, here two portions 100 - as is preferred - at diametrically opposed positions.
Each portion 100 overlaps or lies against an area of the exterior surface of the spout seal portion 65.
Each anchoring portion 100 is adapted to be sealed, at least partly, between the spout seal portion 65 and a peripheral edge zone 81 of one of the foil walls of the collapsible pouch 80.
As is preferred the sealing process, e.g. heat sealing with heated sealing tools, e.g. heated jaws engaging on the outside of the peripheral edge zones and pressing said zones onto the spout seal portion, is performed such that a connection is obtained not only between the anchoring portion 100 and the foil wall lying against it, but possibly also between the anchoring portion and the spout body. The foil wall is also adhered, preferably in one sealing operation, to the remaining areas of the sealing portion of the spout body. If desired, a two-step approach may be employed for the sealing process, e.g. first the anchoring portion 100 to the spout body and then in a second step of the foil wall to the anchoring portion and the areas of the sealing portion of the spout body.
The recess 68 in the spout body is shaped complementary to the anchoring portion 100, preferably at least in rotational direction of the cap 9, so that a form-locking fit of the anchoring portion 100 in the recess 68 is obtained, at least in rotational direction of the cap 90.
The cap 90 includes for each anchoring portion 100 a frangible zone with one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges 102, 103 connecting the anchoring portion 100 to the skirt of the cap 90 such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges 102, 103 break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
As can be seen, e.g. in figure 13, this example illustrates the feature that the height of the spout seal portion 65 is greater than the height of the anchoring portion 100 so that the lower edge of the portion 100 is spaced from the lower edge of the portion 65 and the respective foil wall 81 is sealed to the spout seal portion also underneath the anchoring portion 100 in addition to the exterior surfaces of sealing portion 65 located to the sides of the anchoring portion 100. The sealing also underneath the anchoring portion 100 allows to ensure a reliable hermetic seal between the spout body and the foil wall.
As is shown here, each anchoring portion 100 forms a downward extension of the skirt of the cap 90.
As illustrated here the anchoring portion 100 and the frangible zone including one or more bridges 102, 103 are located in a common cylindrical plane with the lower cylindrical portion of the skirt of the cap 90. Other arrangement are also possible, e.g. with the anchoring portion being offset outwardly from the lower end portion of the skirt of the cap, with the one or more bridges in the frangible zone extending in radial between the anchoring portion and the lower portion of the skirt of the cap.
As illustrated here, the frangible zone comprises at least one bridge 102, here a pair of bridges 102, that is arranged at in inclined orientation in a direction against the opening direction thereby causing enhanced plastic deformation of the breaking bridges which is beneficial in view of the visual evidence of first opening created for the user/consumer. This inclined orientation is also beneficial - in a first phase of breakage of the bridges - as it at least partially compensates for upward motion of the cap 90 relative to the spout body and thereby reducing or avoiding in said phase upward pull force on the anchoring portion 100.
In view of evidencing the first time opening of the cap 90 it is preferred to have two parallel arranged inclined bridges 102.
As illustrated here, and as preferred in combination with one or more inclined oriented bridges 102, at least one frangible bridge 103 extends substantially in peripheral or rotation direction, so as to be subjected to tensile load upon first opening of the cap 90. This causes a clear and discernible break upon first opening of the cap, with the bridges 102 showing great plastic deformation by bending, twisting, etc. and the bridge 103 by being broken mainly under tensile load.
The recess 68 preferably, as shown here, is provided in the tubular section 65a of the spout seal portion of the spout body, e.g. such tubular section with two diametrically opposed fins 65b, c, extending in a common plane.
Preferably two recesses 68 are envisaged at diametrically opposed locations on the spout body seal portion that are each spaced from said common plane.
As illustrated here, the exterior surface of the spout seal portion may have multiple parallel ribs 69 above one another including an upper rib, and wherein the recess 68 forms a discontinuity or break in the upper rib and possibly in one or more lower ribs. So the rib extends to the left and to the right of the recess 68 when seen in side view.
During manufacturing of the pouch with closure assembly the spout is placed between opposed the peripheral edge zones of the film walls 81 with each integrally moulded anchoring portion 100 of the cap overlapping an area of the exterior surface of the spout seal portion. Then one or more sealing steps are performed wherein the anchoring portion becomes sealed between the spout seal portion and a peripheral edge zone of one of the foil walls of the collapsible pouch. The sealing is preferably performed such that the portion 100 then adheres at least to the peripheral edge zone of the foil wall and possibly also to the spout body, e.g. along parts of the contour of the anchoring portion. For example the sealing is done by heat sealing using one or more heated sealing jaws or by means of induction sealing, which techniques are commonly known in the field of spouted pouch manufacturing.
As can be seen in figure 13, the anchoring portion 100 preferably has an upper area that extends above the peripheral edge of the respective foil wall 81 so that it is visible for the user and remains visible when the cap has been removed. This enhances the tamper-evident function of the assembly. Preferably also the one or more bridge 102, 103, preferably all bridges, are located above the peripheral edge of the wall 81 to be clearly visible.
In an embodiment shown in figure 14 the anchoring portion is provided with a hole 105 and the spout seal portion is provided with a boss 71, which boss projects into the hole of the anchoring portion and thereby further secures the anchoring portion relative to the spout body. This embodiment provides additional securement of the anchoring portion as the boss 71 locks the portion 100. Preferably the boss 71 is overlapped by the peripheral edge zone of the foil wall, so that the foil wall is also sealed onto the outer end of the boss 71 which further enhances the locking effect of the boss.
In other embodiments (not shown) the anchoring portion is shaped with an outer contour (when seen in side view) with form locking formations, the recess having complementary shaped edges, e.g. to obtain not only a form locking in rotational direction of the cap, but possibly also in lifting direction of the cap, so that said form locking provides additional resistance against the anchoring portion being lifted upon opening of the cap in addition to the anchoring portion being sealed to at least the adjoining peripheral edge zone of the foil wall.

Claims

A collapsible pouch closure assembly comprising:
- a spout having a spout body that is injection moulded of plastic material, said spout body having a spout seal portion with an exterior surface, the spout seal portion being adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of two foil walls of a collapsible pouch, and said spout body having, above said seal portion, a tubular neck (2), wherein a product passage (3) extends through the spout seal portion and the neck of the spout, said neck forming a mouth at a top end of said product passage, said neck having an exterior side;

- a rotational cap (20) that is injection moulded of plastic material and that is secured on said neck (2) of the spout in a closed position of the cap on said neck such that the cap seals the product passage (3), and the cap - for removal of the cap from the neck of the spout by a user to open the product passage - being adapted to be manually rotated from the closed position in an opening direction;
wherein the cap (20) comprises a top wall (21) and a downward depending skirt (22), said skirt having an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall,
wherein the exterior side of the neck (2) and the interior side of the skirt (22) have cooperating rotational connection means, preferably first and second screw threads on said neck and skirt respectively,
characterized in that
the cap is provided with
at least one integrally moulded anchoring portion (100) that overlaps an area of the exterior surface of the spout seal portion (65a,b,c) and that is adapted to be sealed between the spout seal portion and a peripheral edge zone (81) of one of the foil walls of the collapsible pouch (80), said cap including a frangible zone with one or more frangible bridges (102,103) connecting the anchoring portion (100) to the skirt (92) of the cap;
such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
A collapsible pouch closure assembly comprising:
- a spout having a spout body that is injection moulded of plastic material, said spout body having a spout seal portion with an exterior surface, the spout seal portion being adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of two foil walls of a collapsible pouch, and said spout body having, above said seal portion, a tubular neck (2), wherein a product passage (3) extends through the spout seal portion and the neck of the spout, said neck forming a mouth at a top end of said product passage, said neck having an exterior side;

- a rotational cap (20) that is injection moulded of plastic material and that is secured on said neck (2) of the spout in a closed position of the cap on said neck such that the cap seals the product passage (3), and the cap - for removal of the cap from the neck of the spout by a user to open the product passage - being adapted to be manually rotated from the closed position in an opening direction;
wherein the cap (20) comprises a top wall (21) and a downward depending skirt (22), said skirt having an interior side, an exterior side, and a lower edge remote from the top wall,
wherein the exterior side of the neck (2) and the interior side of the skirt (22) have cooperating rotational connection means, preferably first and second screw threads on said neck and skirt respectively,
characterized in that
the cap is provided with
at least one projection (25,50) comprising at least one anchoring portion (26) that is adapted to be sealed between peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch, said projection being moulded of plastic material and extending outward from said skirt (22) such that said at least one anchoring portion is sealable between said peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch at a location different than the location of the spout seal portion, and said projection comprising a frangible zone with one or more frangible bridges connecting the anchoring portion to the projection,
such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
A closure assembly according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projection (25,50) comprising the at least one anchoring portion (26) is embodied as an anti-choking feature of the cap, e.g. having dimensions such that the cap when removed from the spout with said at least one projection can not pass through a 3 centimeter inner diameter tube.
A closure assembly according to any of the claims 2-3, the at least one projection (25, 50) comprising the at least one anchoring portion is embodied as a finger grip that allows the user to engage one or more of his fingers thereon at a greater radius than the diameter of the skirt (22,92) of the cap.
A closure assembly according to any of the claims 2-4, wherein the cap is provided with two diametrically extending wings (25) that form two projections of the cap, preferably said wings each being provided with a single anchoring portion (26) and one or more associated breakable bridges (27), e.g. three breakable bridges per anchoring portion.
A closure assembly according to any of the claims 2-5, wherein the spout seal portion comprises two sealing walls (6, 7) that delimit a boat shaped space between them, each sealing wall being at its upper edge integral with a common transverse wall (8) of the spout seal portion and each sealing wall having a free lower edge.
A closure assembly according to any of the claims 2-6, wherein an anchoring portion (26) is embodied as a tab, e.g. a tab having generally planar, possibly roughened or with one or more ribs, main faces.
A closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spout body is provided with a recess (68) in the exterior surface of the spout seal portion, in which recess the anchoring portion (100) is accommodated, wherein, preferably, - at least seen in side view onto the exterior of the seal portion - the recess (68) is shaped complementary to the anchoring portion (100) so that a form-locking fit of the anchoring portion in the recess is obtained, at least in rotational direction of the cap.
A closure assembly according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the anchoring portion (100) is provided with a hole (105) and wherein the spout seal portion is provided with a boss (71), which boss projects into the hole (105) of the anchoring portion and thereby further secures the anchoring portion relative to the spout body.
A closure assembly according to one or more of the claims 1, 8 - 9, wherein the height of the spout seal portion (65) is greater than the height of the anchoring portion (100) such that a region of the spout seal portion extends below the anchoring portion (100) allowing to seal the respective foil wall (81) to said region.
A closure assembly according to one or more of the claims 1, 8 - 10, wherein the spout seal portion comprises a tubular, possibly circular, section (65a) with two diametrically opposed fins (65b,c) thereon which extend in a common plane, a recess (68) accommodating the anchoring portion (100) therein being provided in the tubular portion, preferably two recesses (68) at diametrically opposed locations that are each spaced from said common plane, each accommodating an anchoring portion (100).
A collapsible pouch provided with a closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims.
A method for manufacturing a collapsible pouch with a collapsible pouch closure assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a collapsible pouch (80) comprising two foil walls (31,32), said two foil walls forming an opening between peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls,

- providing a collapsible pouch closure assembly according to any of the claims 1, 3-11,

- arranging said closure assembly in the opening between the opposed peripheral edge zones of the foil walls,

- sealing, in one or more sealing steps, the peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls against one another and each against the adjacent side of the spout seal portion, so as the close the peripheral edge and secure the spout in said pouch,
the method being characterized in that
the cap (20) is provided with
at least one integrally moulded anchoring portion (100) that overlaps an area of the exterior surface of the spout seal portion and in that the anchoring portion (100) is sealed between the spout seal portion (65) and a peripheral edge zone (81) of one of the foil walls of the collapsible pouch, said cap including a frangible zone with one or more frangible bridges (102,103) connecting the anchoring portion (100) to the skirt (92) of the cap;
such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
A method for manufacturing a collapsible pouch with a collapsible pouch closure assembly, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a collapsible pouch (30) comprising two foil walls (31,32), said two foil walls forming an opening between peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls,

- providing a collapsible pouch closure assembly according to any of the claims 2-7,

- arranging said closure assembly in the opening between the opposed peripheral edge zones of the foil walls,

- sealing, in one or more sealing steps, the peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls against one another and each against the adjacent side of the spout seal portion, so as the close the peripheral edge and secure the spout in said pouch,
the method being characterized in that
the cap (20) is provided with
at least one projection (25;50) comprising at least one anchoring portion (26) that is sealed between peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls (31,32) of the collapsible pouch, said projection being moulded of plastic material and extending outward from said skirt such that said at least one anchoring portion is sealed between said peripheral edge zones of the two foil walls of the collapsible pouch at a location different than the location of the spout seal portion, and said projection comprising a frangible zone with one or more frangible bridges (27) connecting the anchoring portion to the projection,
such that upon rotating the cap in opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time, the one or more frangible bridges break thereby evidencing the removal of the cap from the neck.
Method according to claim 14, wherein said pouch is provided in a state with a single opening at the top, and wherein prior to the arranging of the closure assembly in said opening the pouch is filled with a substance, e.g. a liquid, powdery or pasty substance, and wherein after the step of filling the pouch, the closure assembly is arranged in the opening and the sealing of the pouch opening and the spout therein is performed in one or more sealing steps.