EP3704031A1

EP3704031A1 - Closure cap for a pouch

Info

Publication number: EP3704031A1
Application number: EP18815824.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul Van Den Hoonaard; Kyle ERICKSON
Original assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
Current assignee: Scholle IPN IP BV
Priority date: 2017-11-01
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2020-09-09
Also published as: CN111278741B; CN111278741A; WO2019088831A1

Abstract

Cap (20) for a spouted pouch, with multiple axial and radial coupling means. Axial coupling means enable engagement of clamping portions (41) of a handle member (24) with a tamper-evident ring (50) of a further cap, or a lower end (28) or lower flange thereof. Radial coupling means may enable engagement of handle tabs (31) of the handle member with slots (32', 33', 34') of the handle member of a further cap (20'), with central axes (22a) thereof defining a single angle, or multiple different straight and/or oblique angles in between them, respectively by means of equally oriented single-direction slots (32), or differently oriented single-direction slots (32,33) and/or multidirectional slots (34). Radial and axial coupling means may form part of a handle member comprising two diametrically opposite lateral wings (25).

Description

Title: Closure cap for a pouch The disclosure relates in general to a cap for a spouted pouch, and more particularly, to a cap that provides utility both as a closure member, and a toy that can be coupled to other caps to make structures. It will be understood that while the same is discussed in the context of a pouch, pouch shall include, herein, containers of all types, both rigid and flexible. The closure cap is therein configured to be secured on a tubular neck of a spout provided to the pouch - the pouch, as said, in this context including containers of all types. The spout neck therein defines a product passage in the spout, and forms a mouth at a top end of the product passage. Known caps of this kind generally firstly comprise a top wall, and secondly a central body that downwardly depends from the top wall around a central axis thereof. The central body defines a central bore configured to engage the spout neck such that the cap seals the product passage in a closed position of the cap. The cap is thereto in its central bore generally provided with rotational connection means configured to cooperate with rotational connection means provided at an outer surface of the spout neck. This enables the cap to be manually screwed off the spout neck, while rotating around the central axis, from the closed position of the cap in an opening direction, so as to open the product passage.

The pouch is of the type that is often utilized for foodstuffs, and, at times, for children's foodstuffs, including, but not limited to, for example, sauces and purees (including what is commonly referred to as baby food). Such a pouch is typically on the order of retaining three to four ounces of foodstuffs (approximately 90g to 1 15 g). Of course, the disclosure is not limited to any particular pouch, or to any particular material retained in such a pouch.

Generally, once the contents of a pouch, for example foodstuffs, have been consumed and/or used, pouch is discarded, along with the cap. Typically, such pouches and caps end up in a landfill. In this light it would therefore be helpful if such caps had additional utility.

It has been known from the prior art that one manner in which to enhance the utility of such caps is to provide for the coupling of caps together to form a toy, for example. One such bottle cap and construction toy is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361 ,919 issued to Hull et al. Another such construction is shown in GB Specification 2410493. Still another construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,016,473 issued to Tamarindo. After the user removes the cap from the pouch and consumes the material (foodstuffs) within the pouch. Eventually, the user has a plurality of caps and the user can begin to assemble the different caps into different structures by coupling the different caps in different manners. While these designs have advanced the art, these solutions nevertheless have deficiencies. For example, some of the constructions are limited to coupling in few manners, thereby allowing stacking, in an axial direction relative to the central axis, or planar coupling, in the radial direction, both only with the central axes of two interconnected caps lying in the same plane. Other configurations are even more limited, as to how multiple caps can be assembled. Further still, many of the constructions require a large quantity of caps prior to forming a meaningfully sized structure in that the close proximity and small nature of the caps is limiting.

According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention aims to propose an alternative cap for a pouch which can provide additional utility as a toy, enabling coupling to another such cap by stacking the caps above one another. To this end, in its first aspect the invention provides a cap according to claim 1.

The cap according to the first aspect of the invention comprises, firstly, a handle member, which is moulded integrally with, and extending outwardly from, the central body. The handle member is sized such as to be choke-proof, thereby rendering the cap choke-proof as well.

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

The radial coupling assembly comprises one or more handle tabs, each formed integrally with the handle member, and one or more slots. Each of the slots is defined in the handle member around a respective central slot axis, and is adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap, so as to radially connect the cap with the further cap. As is for instance known from U.S. Pat. No. 9,016,473, the cap according to the first aspect further comprises a tamper-evident ring that is integrally moulded to the central body and forms a lower flange of the cap. The tamper-evident ring comprises at least one base portion, connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible junctions, and at least one indicator portion, connected to the base portion via one or more frangible junctions.

The cap further comprises an axial coupling functionality as a part of the handle member by means of multiple clamping portions, each forming an upwardly extending lateral shoulder of an upper surface of the handle member. The clamping portions are adapted to engage the base portion(s) of the tamper-evident ring of a further corresponding cap, so as to axially connect the cap with the further cap.

The configuration of the axial coupling functionality advantageously enables to stack multiple caps above one another by an engagement between the handle member of the lowermost cap and the tamper-evident ring of the cap above it.

According to a second aspect thereof, the present invention aims to propose a cap for a pouch which can provide additional utility as a toy, enabling coupling to another such cap in different orientations of the central axes of the coupled caps with respect to one another. To this end, in its second aspect the invention provides a cap according to claim 2.

Alike the cap according to the first aspect of the invention, the cap according to the second aspect comprises, firstly, a choke-proof handle member, which is moulded integrally with, and extending outwardly from, the central body.

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

Furthermore, each slot is herein advantageously adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap, with the central axis of the further cap being under a plurality of different angles with the central axis of the cap when seen in parallel planes of the central axes - so as to radially connect the cap with the further cap in orientations that correspond to these different angles. In this way, the configuration of the axial coupling functionality enables the cap to extend the manners in which two of the caps may be coupled with respect to known interconnectable caps, namely from orientations of the two caps relative to one another with the central axes lying in the same plane only, to relative orientations thereof with the central axes intersecting one another under an angle, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes.

In embodiments, the cap according to the second aspect may, evenas the cap according to the first aspect, further comprise a tamper-evident ring that is integrally moulded to the central body and forms a lower flange of the cap. The tamper-evident ring therein comprises at least one base portion, connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible junctions, and at least one indicator portion, connected to the base portion via one or more frangible junctions.

In embodiments, the handle member of the cap further comprises an axial coupling functionality, by means of multiple clamping portions. Each clamping portion therein forms an upwardly extending lateral shoulder of an upper surface of the handle member. Each clamping portion is adapted to engage a lower end of the central body, or when present, the base portion(s) of the tamper-evident ring of a further corresponding cap, so as to axially connect the cap with the further cap. The handle member of a cap according to either the first or second aspect comprises, in embodiments, two or more radial spoke portions. These spoke portions are formed integrally with the central body and extend radially outwards therefrom in a lateral direction, such as to leave open air passages between the radial coupling assembly and the central body. Each of the spoke portions, at a radial end thereof, end into surrounding portions. These surrounding portions are formed integrally with the spoke portions and project from the spoke portions towards adjacent spoke portions, such that the surrounding portions together extend generally concentrically about the central body, Therein the handle tabs radially project outwards from the surrounding portions, and the slots are defined in the surrounding portions. Therein, in case the cap also has clamping portions, each of these clamping portions may form an upwardly extending lateral shoulder of an upper surface of a respective one of the spoke portions of the handle member.

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

Succeeding surrounding portions may in the opening direction of the cap alternately have slots being defined therein with no handle tabs protruding therefrom, and handle tabs protruding therefrom with no slots being defined therein. Each of the surrounding portions in which the slots are defined, multiple, e.g. two, single- direction slots may extend perpendicularly to the central axis across substantially the whole surrounding portion, axially spaced from each other.

Therein, in each of the surrounding portions from which the handle tabs protrude, multiple, e.g. two, handle tabs extend perpendicularly to the central axis across substantially the whole surrounding portion, axially spaced from each other.

The surrounding portions may for instance consist of six surrounding portions, and the spoke portions of six spoke portions. Therein the slots may for instance consist of six single- direction slots, and the handle tabs of six handle tabs.

In other embodiments, the handle member comprises two diametrically opposite wing parts. These wing parts are formed integrally with the central body and extend in a vertical plane outwards from said central body in a lateral direction.

Therein the handle tabs are each integrally formed with the wing parts at lateral ends of the wing parts, the slots therein being defined in the wing parts. According to a third aspect thereof, the present invention aims to propose a cap for a pouch which can provide additional utility as a toy, enabling coupling to another such cap via two radially extending wings thereof. To this end, in its third aspect the invention provides a cap according to claim 12.

Alike the caps according to the first and second aspect of the invention, the cap according to the third aspect comprises, firstly, a choke-proof handle member, which is moulded integrally with, and extending outwardly from, the central body. It further comprises a radial coupling assembly as a part of the handle member, such that the radial coupling assembly is radially spaced from the central body of the cap. By means of the radial coupling assembly, the cap is via the handle member radially connectable to further, corresponding caps. The handle member further comprises two diametrically opposite wing parts, formed integrally with the central body and extending in a vertical plane radially outwards from the central body in a lateral direction.

The radial coupling assembly comprises one or more handle tabs, each formed integrally with a respective wing part at a lateral end of the wing part, and one or more slots. Each of these slots is defined in a respective one of the wing parts around a central slot axis, and is adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap, so as to radially connect the cap with the further cap. As such, the wing parts bisect the central body, and extend through the central axis.

In embodiments, the handle member of the cap further comprises an axial coupling functionality, by means of multiple clamping portions. Each clamping portion therein forms an upwardly extending lateral shoulder of an upper surface of a respective wing part of the handle member. The clamping portions are therein adapted to engage a lower end of the central body, or, when present, the base portion(s) of the tamper-evident ring of a further corresponding cap, so as to axially connect the cap with the further cap.

As discussed above, the caps according to any aspect of the invention can be coupled together utilizing the radial coupling assemblies and/or the axial coupling functionalities thereof. It will be understood that therein there is no limit on the configurations that are formed through the coupling of multiple caps and there is no limit as to how many caps can be coupled together. A plurality of caps according to the any aspect of the invention can be utilized to couple these caps together in releasable engagement. As a result, the caps can be utilized as toys to engage a child, for example, and the caps can be utilized to build structures. The configuration of the structures is bound by the coupling assemblies along with the imagination of the child or other user.

A cap according to any aspect of the invention may in embodiments have one or more of the features hereafter discussed, with similar advantages emanating therefrom.

In embodiments of the cap, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member comprises one or more first single-direction slots and one or more further single-direction slots. Therein the single-direction slots are adapted to receive a handle tab of a further cap with the central axis of the further cap being under a first angle with the central axis of the cap, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes. The one or more further single-direction slots are adapted to receive a handle tab of a further cap with the central axis of the further cap being under an angle with the central axis of the cap, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes, that differs from the first angle.

This configuration advantageously enables to connect further caps under different orientations, corresponding to the mentioned different relative angles of the axes.

Therein, one or more of the further single-direction slots of the radial coupling assembly may be adapted to receive a handle tab of a further cap with the central axis of the further cap being under an angle with the central axis of the cap that is perpendicular to the first angle. Furthermore, therein, the first angle may for instance be a right angle. In embodiments, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member comprise one or more multidirectional slots. Each of these multidirectional slots has a central opening enclosing the central slot axis, and a plurality of diametrically opposite radial groove pairs around the central opening, radially offset around the slot axis thereof. Therein each groove pair is adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap across the central opening of the multidirectional slot, with the central axis of the further cap being under a different angle with the central axis of the cap, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes. Thereby, the cap is connectable with the further cap in different

orientations corresponding to these different angles going with the groove pairs.

Therein, the groove pairs of each multidirectional slot may comprise two or more groove pairs. For instance, each multidirectional slot may comprise exactly two groove pairs, or three, or four groove pairs. Embodiments wherein the multidirectional slot comprises more than four groove pairs are also envisaged.

In embodiments of the cap wherein no slots are present by means of which further caps are connectable thereto in different orientations, the radial coupling assembly may be a single- mode handle coupling assembly. Therein, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly comprise one or more single-direction slots only. These single-direction slots are adapted to each receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap with the central axis thereof being oriented under the same angle with the central axis of the cap, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes.

In embodiments of the cap, any slot that is spaced from the central axis extends in an axial plane through the central axis. The central slot axis of this slot therein preferably extends perpendicularly to a radial direction through the central axis, in a top view of the cap. The slots for instance extend in this way in embodiments in which the handle member comprises the two wing sections. In embodiments of the cap, any slot that is spaced from the central axis extends in an axial plane parallel to the central axis. The central slot axis of this slot therein preferably extends in a radial direction through the central axis, in a top view of the cap. The slots for instance extend in this way in embodiments in which the handle member comprises the spoke portions and the surrounding portions. In embodiments, the radial coupling assembly comprises one or more slots defined in the handle member above the top surface of the central body, e.g. bisected by the central axis. The handle member may for instance have a planar part extending in an axial plane across the top surface, and have the one or more slots defined therein. The central slot axes may then for instance intersect the central axis, running radially and perpendicularly thereto. For example, two axially spaced slots may be defined above each other in the planar part, of which one is a multidirectional slot and one is an elongate single-direction slot running radially. Or in other examples, only an elongate single-direction slot is defined, running radially, only a multidirectional slot is defined, or two elongate single-direction slots, both running axially on opposite sides of the central axis.

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

In embodiments the central axis bisects the handle member.

In embodiments, e.g. embodiments comprising wing parts, the handle tabs are formed at opposite lateral sides of the central axis.

In embodiments, one or more of the handle tabs and/or one or more of the slots are configured to receive the handle tab(s) of a further cap such that a plane defined by a lower end of the central body of the cap, and a plane defined by a lower end of the further cap are coplanar.

In embodiments, the or more of the slots which are adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap with the central axis thereof under one or more respective angles with the central axis of the cap, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes, are also adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap with the central axis thereof being under the same respective angle(s), but with the top face thereof pointing in the opposite direction(s) along the central axis thereof, so as to connect the further cap thereto in an opposite orientation thereof.

In embodiments, the radial coupling assembly comprises single-direction slots defined in the handle member, such as to form indentations therein, in the outer contours thereof in an axial plane thereof. These indentations may for example be embodied as slits or grooves, and may for example be defined in the wing parts of the handle member, when present, or in the surrounding portions of the handle member, when present.

In embodiments each handle tab is formed of a substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration.

In embodiments the handle tab extends away from the central axis, with protruding edges thereof being substantially perpendicular to the central axis, and substantially parallel to the top surface of the cap.

In embodiments the length of the handle tabs are such that these are, in the direction in which these are to be inserted into the slots of a further cap, dimensioned larger than the thickness of at least the thickness of the handle member in regions around the slots defined therein, such that when inserted into one of the slots of a further cap, the handle tabs will extend through. The length may e.g. be in excess of twice the thickness of the handle member in these places.

In embodiments the upper and lower surfaces of one or more of the handle tabs are substantially coplanar with those of one or more other handle tabs of the cap.

In embodiments the front and back surfaces of the handle tabs are substantially parallel to each other and/or coplanar with that of other handle tabs of the cap.

In embodiments the clamping portions are positioned in, or radially close to, a radially central region of the handle member.

In embodiments of the cap wherein the handle member comprises two diametrically opposite wing parts, the one or more slots may be adapted to receive a handle tab of a further corresponding cap from both sides of the axial plane of the wings.

In embodiments of the cap wherein the handle member comprises two diametrically opposite wing parts, the one or more slots of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member may comprise one or more first single-direction slots defined in each wing part. These are for instance, when present, defined radially in between a multidirectional slot defined in the respective wing part and the handle tab at the lateral end of the respective wing part. The one or more slots for example further comprise a further single-direction slot defined in the handle member above the top surface of the central body, which may be defined such as to be bisected by the central axis.

In embodiments of the cap wherein a tamper-evident ring is present, the tamper-evident ring of the cap is composed of at least two ring segments, each ring segment having one of the base portions and one of the indicator portions. Therein each indicator portion is integral with a respective base portion at a junction, and via the one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges with a head end thereof connected to an adjacent trailing end of the base portion of another ring segment.

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

In embodiments the engagement of the tamper-evident ring of a cap, when present, or the lower end of the central body thereof, or the lower flange, when present with the clamping portions of a second cap is achieved through mated engagement and based on an interference fit. It will be understood that an interference fit between the adjacent caps precludes inadvertent decoupling. When desired, however, a user can separate two adjacent caps from each other.

Therein the dimensions of the clamping portions match those of the tamper-evident ring or the lower end of the central body. For example, an inward surface of each clamping portion may match an outward surface of the tamper-evident ring, lower end of the central body, or the lower flange. Or, an outward surface of each clamping portion may match an inward surface of the tamper-evident ring, lower end of the central body, or the lower flange, depending on which of these is present. In embodiments, the lateral shoulder of each clamping portion forms a lateral edge of a respective downward indentation of an upper surface of the handle member when seen in the axial plane of the downward indentation.

In embodiments a central region of the handle member of a cap is within the central bore, e.g. sandwiched by walls of the of the central body, of a further cap when the cap is axially coupled with the further cap, with the further cap on top of the cap. The central body and the handle member of a cap according to the invention are preferably integrally molded, preferably from a polymer. It will be understood that other configurations having additional components are contemplated. One such multi-component cap is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,751 ,677 B2 issued to Scholle IPN Corporation of Northlake, Illinois, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is contemplated that, for example, the structures of the plug may be incorporated into the present cap. Other configurations are likewise contemplated for the cap member. It is further contemplated that the body and the handle member may comprise separate components that are coupled together in fixed engagement, through, for example, adhesion, press fitting, heat sealing, RF welding, among others.

Various configurations are contemplated for the shape of the handle member, as well as the central body, bearing in mind special constraints related to filling equipment, plastics usage, as well as the dimensions of the pouch, and the weight of the contents thereof, among others.

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

In embodiments the central axis of the central body corresponds to the rotational axis of the cap relative to a spout of the pouch that is determined by the rotational connection means of the cap and the spout. In embodiments, the central body has a non-cylindrical or non-conical outer surface configuration, such as parabolic, stepped, or otherwise. The cross-sectional configuration of the central body may further be polygonal elliptical or may have another shape or configuration. In embodiments, e.g. embodiments wherein the inner surface of the central body is cylindrical or conical, the rotational connection means of the cap are in the form of one or more screw threads protruding from an inner surface of the central body into the central bore, which correspond to mating screw threads on the spout of the pouch. In embodiments the cap includes sealing structures in the central bore, e.g. proximate the top surface, for sealing engagement with the spout. Therein, the central body may e.g.

include a pair of generally cylindrical portions with a frustoconical configuration spanning therebetween. The upper one of the cylindrical configurations having a diameter that is smaller than that of the lower one of the cylindrical configurations. In embodiments also including a screw thread within the central bore, this screw thread may be confined to the lower one of the cylindrical configurations.

In embodiments the central body terminates at a lower annular flange. Therein the top surface of the cap is preferably parallel to the lower annular flange, and is generally circular in configuration, defining a central axis which substantially corresponds to the central axis of the central body.

Therein, the lower annular flange extends outwardly from the central body at the lower end thereof, proximate its opening to the central bore. The lower flange includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines an outer edge. It preferably defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular, or slightly oblique to the central axis. To the lower flange as well as the lower end of the central body, structures may be connected which interface with the spout to facilitate locking therewith, tamper evident structures, e.g. the tamper-evident ring, or other interfacing or cooperative structures. Frangible portions of the tamper-evident structures, e.g. that of the tamper-evident ring, may be associated with the spout engaging body, which frangible portions may provide evidence of tampering.

In embodiments, the cap has at a lower end thereof, e.g. at the lower surface of the lower flange thereof, or a lower surface of a tamper-evident ring of the cap, one or more engagement structures. Each engagement structure may therein include a protrusion defining an engagement base. The structures, e.g. portions of this engagement base, may comprise protrusions or the like to define a rotational stop, which precludes relative rotation of the axially coupled caps relative to each other about the central axis. Therein, it is contemplated that a plurality of stops may be defined so as to allow for coupling at predetermined relative angles so that handle members of adjacent caps can be oriented at predetermined angles relative to each other. Therein those angles may render the handle members oblique to each other in a top view of the axially coupled caps.

In embodiments the outer contours of the handle member and/or the assembly of slots defined and tabs formed therein and/or the assembly of clamping portions formed therein, is symmetrical about a bisecting plane of the central body. It is contemplated that the shape of the handle member may be other than symmetrical relative to the bisecting plane, while, maintaining some of the spatial relationships between the different coupling assemblies. In embodiments, the handle member of the cap has a central region above the top surface, e.g. extending over a diameter thereof. Therein, e.g. the central region of the handle member extends upwardly from the top surface of the central body a distance that is similar to the height of the central body itself. Therein, in embodiments comprising two wing parts, one of these wing parts may extend outwardly from one lateral side of the central region and the other wing part from the opposite lateral side thereof. In embodiments comprising the spoke portions and the surrounding portions, the spoke portions may extend outwardly from multiple lateral sides of the central region.

In embodiments comprising the two wing parts, these two wing parts span outwardly well beyond the central body. Therein, in embodiments also comprising the lower flange, the wing parts each extend e.g. more than twice as far from the central axis as the outer edge defined by the lower flange.

It will be understood that caps may interface with other caps while the handle members may have different configurations. For example, the outer perimeter of the handle member may be varied while, for example, the position and/or shape of the handle tabs and/or slots can remain in similar or identical special configurations.

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

• providing a first cap and a second cap, each cap having the configurations such as those configurations identified above; and

• attaching the second cap to the first cap through one of the multimode handle

coupling assembly and the first stacking coupling assembly.

Therein, the method may further include the steps of:

providing a subsequent cap;

• coupling the subsequent cap to a previously assembled cap; and

repeating the steps of providing and cou It will be understood that these steps can be repeated to build structures with unlimited numbers of caps. Assemblies of caps can be provided in kits or alone as a user purchases a pouch, and opens the pouch, and then has utilized the cap for its initial intended purpose, at which time, the cap can be used for other purposes.

It will be understood that caps according to any aspect of the invention still coupled to pouches can be radially coupled to each other through the radial coupling assembly. It will further be understood that a cap that is still coupled to a pouch can be coupled to further caps on top thereof utilizing the axial coupling functionalities, and in particular the clamping portions of such a cap that is coupled to a pouch.

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

The closure assembly according to the fourth aspect comprises firstly a spout for a pouch. The spout therein comprises a tubular neck that defines a product passage in the spout, and forms a mouth at a top end of the product passage. The closure assembly further comprises a closure cap. This cap is configured to be secured on the tubular neck of said spout, and accords to any of the first, second, or third aspect of the invention.

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

This pouch is provided with the closure assembly according to the fourth aspect of the invention.

The pouch is of the type that is often utilized for foodstuffs, and, at times, for children's foodstuffs, including, but not limited to, for example, sauces and purees (including what is commonly referred to as baby food). Such a pouch is typically on the order of retaining three to four ounces of foodstuffs (approximately 90g to 1 15 g). Of course, the disclosure is not limited to any particular pouch, or to any particular material retained in such a pouch. The foregoing is merely exemplary and are not to be deemed limiting. For example, the cap may be utilized with containers other than pouches, and may be utilized with materials other than foodstuffs. Any reference to a pouch will be understood to apply to other types of containers, both flexible and rigid.

The invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings. Therein:

Fig. 1 a shows a spout of a pouch along with a cap according to the invention;

Fig. 1 b shows a spouted pouch provided with a cap according to the invention; Fig. 2a shows a cap according to the invention in a front-side-top perspective view;

Fig. 2b shows the cap of Fig.2a in a front view;

Fig. 2c shows the cap of Fig.2a in a front-side-bottom perspective view;

Fig. 2d shows the cap of Fig.2a in a bottom view;

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

Fig. 2f shows a front-side-top perspective view of the cap of Fig.2a and two further corresponding caps, axially coupled with one other;

Fig. 2g shows a front-side-top perspective view of the cap of Fig.2a and two further corresponding caps, radially coupled with one other;

Fig. 2h shows a front-side-top perspective view of the cap of Fig.2a and a further corresponding caps, radially coupled with one other;

Fig. 2i shows a front-side-top perspective view of two caps according to the

invention, radially coupled with one other;

Fig. 2j shows a front-side-top perspective view of the cap of Fig.2a, radially coupled with one four further corresponding caps, which are radially coupled with six further corresponding caps, and axially coupled with a further corresponding cap, which is also axially coupled with a further cap;

Fig. 3a shows a cap according to the invention in a front-side-top perspective view; Fig. 3b shows the cap of Fig.3a in a top view;

Fig. 3c shows the cap of Fig.3a and a plurality of further corresponding caps in a front-side-top perspective view being radially and/or axially coupled to one another; Fig. 4a shows a cap according to the invention in a front-side-top perspective view;

Fig. 4b shows the cap of Fig.4a in a front-top perspective view; Fig 4c shows the cap of Fig.4a and a plurality of further corresponding caps being radially and/or axially coupled with one another, in a front-top perspective view;

Fig 4d shows the cap of Fig.4a and a plurality of further corresponding caps being radially and/or axially coupled with one another, in a front-top perspective view;

Fig 5a shows a cap according to the invention in a front-side-top perspective view; Fig 5b shows the cap of Fig.5a, radially coupled to three further corresponding caps, which are in turn radially connected to three further corresponding caps.

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, in the drawings four specific embodiments are illustrated, and described herein in detail, with the

understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

Furthermore, any part of a 'further cap' according to the invention in addition to a

corresponding cap 20 according to the invention, will be indicated by the same reference numeral as that used for a corresponding part of a corresponding cap 20, with an

apostrophe added thereto.

Throughout the application, the directional terms as e.g. top, bottom, front, back, side, horizontal, vertical, upward, downward, axial, lateral and radial, are used based on a cap oriented as the cap 20 shown in Fig. 2b in a front view thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Fig. 1 a, a closure cap 20 according to the invention is shown, being injection moulded of plastic material, along with a spout 10 with a tubular neck 1 1 on which said cap 20 is configured to be secured, as indicated by the arrow, in the illustrated relative orientations thereof. Therein the spout neck 1 1 defines a product passage 12 in the spout, and forms a mouth 13 at a top end of the product passage. The spout 10 is part of a spouted pouch 1 , shown in Fig. 1 b. This figure shows the cap 20 of Fig. 1 a being secured on the spout neck 1 1 of the spout 10.

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

All of the shown embodiments of the cap 20 accord to the first aspect of the invention. The first, third, and fourth embodiment accord to both the second and the third aspect of the invention.

Either of the shown embodiments can be utilized to couple various caps together in releasable engagement. As a result, the caps can be utilized as toys to engage a child, for example, and the caps can be utilized to build structures. Some of such structures are shown in Figures 2e-j, 3c, 4c-d and 5b. The configuration of the structures is bound by the coupling assemblies along with the imagination of the child or other user.

It may be verified in the figures, therein comparing to Fig.1 a and Fig. 1 b, that the first embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of the cap 20 shown in Fig.1 a and Fig.1 b, though the other embodiments are also configured to be secured to the spout neck 1 1 of the spout 10 of the pouch 1 in the same relative orientation.

The figures show that either embodiment of cap 20 comprises a top wall 21 and a central body 22 that downwardly depends from the top wall around a central axis 22a thereof, and defines a central bore 23 configured to engage the spout neck 1 1 such that the cap 20 seals the product passage 12 in a closed position of the cap 20.

In either shown embodiment the cap 20 is in its central bore provided with rotational connection means 23a configured to cooperate with rotational connection means 14 provided at an outer surface of the spout neck 11 , so that the cap 20 is adapted to be manually screwed on and off the spout neck 1 1 while rotating the cap around the central axis 22a from the closed position of the cap in an opening direction, so as to open the product passage 12. In either shown embodiment the cap 20 further comprises a choke-proof handle member 24 moulded integrally with, and extending radially outwards from, the central body. The handle member comprises a radial coupling assembly, radially spaced from the central body 22. In either shown embodiment the radial coupling assembly firstly comprises one or more handle tabs 31 , each formed integrally with the handle member 24, and furthermore, one or more slots 32,33,34. These one or more slots are each defined in the handle member 24 around a respective central slot axis 32a, 33a, 34a. These one or more slots are adapted to receive a handle tab 31' of a further corresponding cap 20', so as to radially connect the cap 20 with the further cap. This is for the first, second, third, and fourth embodiment

respectively visible from Figs.2g-j, Fig.3c, Fig.4c-d, and Fig.5b, which illustrate the caps 20 as being axially coupled to one or more further corresponding caps 20'.

In either shown embodiment, the cap 20 further comprises a tamper-evident ring 50 that is integrally moulded to the central body 22 and forms a lower flange of the cap. The tamper- evident ring 50 comprises at least one base portion 51 a, 52a, connected to the central body via one or more non-frangible junctions, and at least one indicator portion 51 b, 52b, connected to the base portion via one or more frangible junctions.

In the first, second and third embodiment, the handle member 24 further comprises an axial coupling functionality comprising multiple clamping portions 41. Each of these clamping portions form an upwardly extending lateral shoulder 41 a of an upper surface 24a of the handle member. In the first and third embodiment, the multiple clamping portions 41 each form an upwardly extending lateral shoulder 41 a of an upper surface 25a of a respective wing part 25 of the handle member.

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

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

This may be verified in Fig.2e-f,j for the first embodiment, and in Fig.3c and Figs.4c-d for the second and third embodiment, respectively, in which the caps are illustrated as being axially coupled to a further cap 20' by means of the clamping portions 41.

In the first, third and fourth embodiment, shown in Figs.2a-j, Figs.4a-d and Figs.5a-b, the handle member 24 comprises two diametrically opposite wing parts 25, formed integrally with the central body 22 and extending in a vertical plane outwards from said central body 22 in a lateral direction. Therein the handle tabs 31 are each integrally formed with the wing parts 25 at lateral ends of the wing parts 25, the slots 32,33,34 being defined in the wing parts 25.

In the first, third, and fourth embodiment, the radial coupling assembly of the handle member 24 is a multimode radial coupling assembly, radially spaced from the central body 22. The one or more slots 32,33,34 thereof are adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further corresponding cap 20' with the central axis 22' of the further cap 20' being under a plurality of different angles with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22', so as to radially connect the cap 20 with the further cap 20' in orientations corresponding to these different angles.

This may for the first embodiment for instance be verified by comparing Figs.2g-i with each other. In Fig.2g two further caps 20' are coupled to the cap 20 with the central axis 22' of each further cap 20' being under an angle of 0° with the central axis 22. In Fig.2h a further cap 20' is coupled to the cap 20 with the central axis 22' of the further cap 20' being under an angle of 90° with the central axis 22. In Fig.2i a further cap 20' is coupled to the cap 20 with the central axis 22' of the further cap 20' being under an angle of 45° with the central axis 22. Thereby, the slots 32,33,34 of the first embodiment are shown to be adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further corresponding cap 20' with the central axis 22' of the further cap 20' being under three different angles with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22', namely 0°, 45° and 90°, so as to radially connect the cap 20 with the further cap 20' in orientations corresponding to these different angles.

In this first embodiment the one or more slots 32,33,34 of the radial coupling assembly comprise one first single-direction slot 32, two further single-direction slots 33 and furthermore two multidirectional slots 34.

Each multidirectional slot 34 is defined in a respective wing part 25 of the handle member 24 on opposite sides of the central body 22. It comprises central opening 34b enclosing the central slot axis 34a, and three diametrically opposite radial groove pairs 34c around the central opening, radially offset around the slot axis 34a thereof. Therein each groove pair is adapted to receive a handle tab 31' of a further corresponding cap 20' across the central opening 34b of the multidirectional slot 34, with the central axis 22' of the further cap 20' being under a different angle with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22', so as to connect the cap 20 with the further cap 20' in a different orientation corresponding to this angle.

This may for instance be verified in Fig. 2i, in which the cap 20 is illustrated to be radially coupled to a further cap 20' by means of one of the multidirectional slots 34 with the central axes 22,22' under a relative angle of 45°, though may be envisaged to be coupled thereto such that this relative angle is 0° or 90° as well.

The first single-direction slot 32 is provided above the top surface 21 of the central body 22, therein bisected by the central axis. It is adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further cap 20' with the central axis 22' of the further cap being under a first angle with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22', being 90° - a right angle. The further single-direction slots 33 are each defined in a respective wing part 25 of the handle member 24 on opposite sides of the central body 22, namely each radially in between the multidirectional slot 34 and the handle tab 31 of the respective wing part 25. Each single-direction slot 33 is adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further cap 20' with the central axis 22' of the further cap being under an angle with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22', that differs from the first angle, being 0° - which is perpendicular to the first angle.

For the third embodiment, the caps are in Figs.4a-d only shown to be radially coupled such as to have relative angles of the central axes being 0°, however, from the shape of the slots it may be envisaged that radial coupling with relative angles of 45° and 90° is also possible.

In this embodiment as well, this is enabled by having defined in each wing part 25 one multidirectional slot 34 as earlier defined in relation to the first embodiment, again having three groove pairs 34c, for radial coupling to a further cap 20' with relative angles of the central axes 22,22' of 0°, 45° and 90°, and another multidirectional slot 34, defined in the handle member above the top surface 21 , bisected by the central axis 22, and having two groove pairs 34c for radial coupling to a further cap 20' with relative angles of the central axes 22,22' of 0° and 90°. Likewise, for the fourth embodiment, Fig.5b also shows the caps being radially coupled with the relative angles of the central axes 22,22' being 0°, 45° and 90°. Also in this embodiment this is enabled by having defined in each wing part 25 one multidirectional slot 34 as earlier defined, with again three groove pairs 34c, for radial coupling to a further cap 20' with relative angles of the central axes 22,22' of 0°, 45° and 90°, three first single-direction slots 32, for radial coupling with a relative angle of 90° at three different positions on the wing, and three further single-direction slots 33 for radial coupling with a relative angle of 0° at three other positions on the wing part 25.

Therein two of the first single-direction slots are each defined in the handle tab 31 of a respective wing part 25, such as to form indentations, in the form of grooves, in the outer contour of the handle member in an axial plane 24b thereof. The other one is defined above the top surface 21 , bisected by the central axis 22.

Therein two of the further single-direction slots are each defined in a respective wing part 25, such as to form indentations, in the form of grooves, in the outer contour of the handle member in an axial plane thereof. The other one is defined above the top surface 21 , also such as to form an indentation in the form of a groove, in the outer contour of the handle member in an axial plane thereof, and is furthermore bisected by the central axis 22.

In the first, third, and fourth embodiment, the one or more slots 32,33,34 are adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further corresponding cap 20' from both sides of the axial plane of the wings 25. After all, the single-direction slots and/or the grooves of the multidirectional slots, evenas the tabs, have corresponding shapes when viewed from either of these sides.

In the first, third, and fourth embodiment, the one or more slots 32,33,34 of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member 24 comprise one or more first single-direction slots 32 defined in each wing part 25.

These are radially in between a multidirectional slot 34 defined in the respective wing part 25 and the handle tab 31 at the lateral end of the respective wing part 25, e.g. wherein the one or more slots 32,33,34 further comprise a further single-direction slot 33 defined in the handle member 24 above the top surface 21 of the central body 22, e.g. bisected by the central axis 22a.

In the second embodiment, as visible from Figs.3a-3c, the handle member 24 comprises six radial spoke portions 26, formed integrally with the central body 22 and extending radially outwards therefrom in a lateral direction, such as to leave open air passages between the radial coupling assembly and the central body 22. Each of the spoke portions 26 is at a radial end thereof ending into surrounding portions 27. The six surrounding portions 27 are formed integrally with the spoke portions 26 and project from the spoke portions towards adjacent spoke portions. The surrounding portions 27 together extend generally concentrically about the central body 22 and extend continuously between the lateral ends of two adjacent spoke portions 26. They are connected to each other so as to together continuously encircle the central body 20.

In this embodiment the radial coupling assembly is a single-mode handle coupling assembly. Six handle tabs 31 radially project outwards from said surrounding portions 27, and six first single-direction slots 32 are defined in the surrounding portions.

The six first single-direction slots 32 are adapted to each receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further corresponding cap 20' with the central axis 22a' thereof being oriented under the same angle, being 0°, with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22'.

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

In this embodiment the opening direction of the cap 20 succeeding surrounding portions 27 alternately have two slots 32 being defined therein with no handle tabs 31 protruding therefrom, and two handle tabs protruding therefrom with no slots being defined therein. Each of the surrounding portions in which the slots 32 are defined in this embodiment, the two single-direction slots 32 extend perpendicularly to the central axis 22a across substantially the whole surrounding portion, axially spaced from each other.

In each of the surrounding portions from which the handle tabs 31 protrude, the two handle tabs extend perpendicularly to the central axis 22a across substantially the whole surrounding portion, axially spaced from each other.

In the first, third and fourth embodiment of the cap, the slots 32,33,34 which are spaced from the central slot axis 22, all extend in the same axial plane through the central axis. The central slot axis of each of these slots extends perpendicularly to a radial direction through the central axis, in a top view of the cap. In the second embodiment of the cap, the central slot axis of each one of the slots 32 extend in an axial plane parallel to the central axis. The central slot axis of each of these slots extends in a radial direction through the central axis, in a top view of the cap. In either embodiment, each slot 32,33,34 is are adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further corresponding cap 20' with the central axis 22a' thereof under one or more respective angles with the central axis 22a of the cap 20, when seen in parallel planes of the central axes 22,22'. However it may be verified in the figures that at the same time, all slots are are also adapted to receive a handle tab 31 ' of a further corresponding cap 20' with the central axis 22a' thereof being under the same respective angle(s), but with the top face 21' thereof pointing in the opposite directions along the central axis 22a' thereof, so as to connect the further cap 20' thereto in an opposite orientation thereof.

For instance, in relation to the first embodiment, in Fig. 2g two caps 20' are shown as being coupled to the cap 20 by having the handle tabs 31 ' thereof received by the single-direction slots 33 of the cap 20. Therein the top surface 21' thereof is pointed upwards, and the lower end thereof is pointed downwards. It may however be recognized that the shape of the slots 33 and the handle tabs 31 enables the cap 20' to through these same slots 33 and handle tabs 31 ' be coupled to the cap 20 in an opposite orientation as well, with the top surface 21 ' pointing downwards and the lower end upwards.

Likewise, the cap 20' in Fig.2h could through the shape of the handle tabs 31 ' and the slot 32 in addition to the shown orientation, also be flipped over to be coupled to the cap 20 in the opposite orientation, with the central bore thereof being visible instead of the top surface 21.

The same applies for the multidirectional slots 34, as may be verified in Fig.2i. The handle tab 31 ' may be positioned in any groove pair 34c of either slot 34 in two opposite

orientations.

This same feature is applicable to any slot 32,33,34 shown in the figures of the other embodiments as well.

In all shown embodiments each handle tab 31 is formed of a substantially uniform cross- sectional configuration. In all shown embodiments each handle tabs 31 extends away from the central axis 22a, with protruding edges 31 a, 31 b thereof being substantially perpendicular to the central axis 22a, and substantially parallel to the top surface 21 of the cap 20. In all shown embodiments the lengths of each handle tab is such that it is, in the direction in which the handle tab 31 is to be inserted into the slots 32,33,34 of a further cap, dimensioned larger than the thickness of at least the thickness of the handle member 24 in regions around the slots defined therein, such that when inserted into one of the slots of a further corresponding cap 20', the handle tabs 31 will extend through. In the shown embodiments, the lengths are in excess of twice the thickness of the handle member 24 around the slots.

In all shown embodiments the protruding edges 31 a, 31 b of one or more of the handle tabs 31 are substantially coplanar with those of one or more other handle tabs of the cap.

In embodiments the front and back surfaces 31 c, 31 d of the handle tabs are substantially parallel to each other and/or coplanar with that of other handle tabs 31 of the cap 20.

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

Therein each indicator portion is integral with a respective base portion at a junction 51 d, and via one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges 51e with a head end thereof connected to an adjacent trailing end of the base portion 51 a of another ring segment 51.

This composition of the tamper-evident ring is most clearly shown in Figs.3a and 3b.

In the second embodiment, the base portion of the tamper-evident ring 50 of the cap 20 is an upper annular portion 52a, and the indicator portion is a lower annular portion 52b, wherein the upper and lower annular portion are axially interconnected via one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges 52e. This composition of the tamper-evident ring is most clearly visible in Fig.5a for the fourth embodiment. In Fig.5b, the caps of this embodiment all have the indicator portions 52b removed. The same applies for the figures of the other embodiments. In the first and third embodiment, as visible in the figures thereof, the lateral shoulder 41 a of each clamping portion 41 forms a lateral edge 44a of a respective downward indentation 44 of an upper surface 24a, 25a, 26a of the handle member 24 when seen in the axial plane of the downward indentation.

The central body and the handle member of the shown embodiments are all integrally molded from a polymer. In the first, third and fourth embodiments it is shown that the central body terminates at a lower annular flange 28. Therein the top surface 21 of the cap is preferably parallel to the lower annular flange 28, and is generally circular in configuration, defining a central axis which substantially corresponds to the central axis of the central body. The lower annular flange 28 extends outwardly from the central body at the lower end thereof, proximate its opening to the central bore 23. The lower flange 28 includes upper surface 28a and lower surface 28b, and defines an outer edge. It preferably defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular, or slightly oblique to the central axis 22. The tamper- evident ring 50 of the cap depends from the lower flange 28.

In these embodiments, the lower surface of the upper annular portion 52a of the tamper- evident ring 50 has one or more engagement structures 53. Each engagement structure 53 may therein include a protrusion defining an engagement base 53a. The structures, e.g. portions of this engagement base 53a, may include protrusions or the like to define a rotational stop 53b, which precludes relative rotation of the coupled caps relative to each other about the central axis. This is indicated in Figs.2b-c for the first embodiment, though these parts may be identified in the other figures as well.

As may be verified from for instance Figs.2d-e, for the first embodiment, from Fig.3b, Fig.4d and Fig.5b for the second, third and fourth embodiment respectively, the dimensions of the clamping portions 41 match those of the tamper-evident ring 50. That is, the shoulder 41 a of each clamping portion 41 matches an outward surface 50a of the tamper-evident ring.

In all shown embodiments, the central axis 22a of the central body 22 corresponds to the rotational axis of the cap relative to a spout of the pouch that is determined by the rotational connection means of the cap and the spout. For the first embodiment, this may be verified in Fig.1a, though it may based on the other figures be imagined to apply to the other embodiments as well.

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

In the shown embodiments, though only visible in Fig.2c and Fig.2e for the first embodiment, the rotational connection means 23a of the cap are in the form of one or more screw threads protruding from an inner surface of the central body 22 into the central bore, which correspond to mating screw threads on the spout 10 of the pouch, which may be verified in Fig. l a.

In embodiments, as is visible from Fig.2e for the first embodiment, the cap includes sealing structures in the central bore 23, proximate the top surface 21 , for sealing engagement with the spout 10. This sealing structure forms part of the central body 22 and is in the form of a pair of generally cylindrical configurations with a frustoconical configuration spanning therebetween. The upper one of the cylindrical configurations having a diameter that is smaller than that of the lower one of the cylindrical configurations. In embodiments also including a screw thread 23a within the central bore 23, this screw thread 23a may be confined to the lower one of the cylindrical configurations.

In all four embodiments the outer contours of the handle member and/or the assembly of slots 32,33,34 defined and tabs 31 formed therein and/or the assembly of clamping portions 41 formed therein, is symmetrical about a bisecting plane of the central body 22.

A comparison of the figures it may be understood that the shape of the handle member 24 may be other than symmetrical relative to the bisecting plane, while, maintaining some of the spatial relationships between the different coupling assemblies.

In the first, third, and fourth embodiment, the handle member of the cap has a central region 24d above the top surface 21 , extending over a diameter of the top surface. Therein, the central region 24d of the handle member extends upwardly from the top surface of the central body 22 a distance that is similar to the height of the central body itself. In either of these embodiments one of the wing parts 25 extends outwardly from one lateral side of the central region 24d and the other wing part 25 from the opposite lateral side thereof. In either of these embodiments the two wing parts 25 span outwardly well beyond the central body 22, namely more than twice as far from the central axis 22a as the outer edge defined by the lower flange 28.

It will be understood from comparing the figures that caps may interface with other caps while the handle members may have different configurations. For example, the outer perimeter of the handle member 24 may be varied while, for example, the position and/or shape of the handle tabs 31 and/or slots 32,33,34 can remain in similar or identical special configurations. The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

List of references:

1 pouch

10 spout of 1

1 1 neck of 10

12 product passage of 10

13 mouth of 10

14 rotational connection means of 10 20 closure cap

21 top wall of 20

22 central body of 20

22a central axis of 22

22c inner surface of 22

22d outer surface of 22

23 central bore of 20

23a rotational connection means of 20 24 handle member

24a upper surface of 24

24b axial plane of 24

24c axial plane of 24

24d central region of 24

25 wing part

25a upper surface of 25

26 spoke portion

26a upper surface of 26

27 surrounding portion

28 flange

28a upper surface of 28

28b lower surface of 28

31 handle tab

31 a edge of 31

31 b edge of 31

31 c front surface of 31

31 d back surface of 31

32 first single-direction slot

32a slot axis of 32

33 further single-direction slot

33a slot axis of 33

34 multidirectional slot

34a slot axis of 34

34b central opening of 34

34c groove of 34

41 clamping portions

41 a shoulder of 41

44 indentation

44a edge of 44

50 tamper-evident ring 50a outward surface of 50

51 ring segment of 50 51 a base portion of 51 51 b indicator portion of 51

51 d junction of 51

51 e bridges of 51

52a base portion of 50, upper annular portion 52b indicator portion of 50, lower annular portion

52c spout mating structure of 50

52e bridges of 50

53 engagement structure

53a engagement base

53b rotational stop

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Closure cap (20) for a spouted pouch (1), said cap (20) being injection moulded of plastic material and configured to be secured on a tubular spout neck (1 1) of a spout (10) of said spouted pouch, wherein the spout neck (1 1 ) defines a product passage (12) in the spout (10), and forms a mouth (13) at a top end of the product passage, the cap (20) comprising a top wall (21) and a central body (22) that downwardly depends from the top wall around a central axis (22a) thereof, and defines a central bore configured to engage the spout neck (11 ) such that the cap (20) seals the product passage (12) in a closed position of the cap (20), the cap (20) further comprising a tamper-evident ring (50) that is integrally moulded to the central body (22) and forms a lower flange of the cap, the tamper-evident ring (50) comprising:

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

• at least one indicator portion (51 b, 52b), connected to the base portion via one or more frangible junctions, the cap (20) in its central bore being provided with rotational connection means configured to cooperate with rotational connection means (14) provided at an outer surface of the spout neck (11), so that the cap (20) is adapted to be manually screwed off the spout neck (1 1) while rotating the cap around the central axis (22a) from the closed position of the cap in an opening direction, so as to open the product passage (12), the cap (20) further comprising a choke-proof handle member (24) moulded integrally with, and extending radially outwards from, the central body, the handle member comprising:

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

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

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

- an axial coupling functionality by means of: - multiple clamping portions (41), each forming an upwardly extending lateral shoulder (41 a) of an upper surface (24a) of the handle member, the clamping portions being adapted to engage the base portion(s) (51 a', 52a') of the tamper-evident ring (50') of a further corresponding cap (20'), so as to axially connect the cap (20) with the further cap (20').

2. Closure cap (20) for a spouted pouch (1), said cap (20) being injection moulded of plastic material and configured to be secured on a tubular neck (1 1 ) of a spout (10) of said pouch, wherein the spout neck (11) defines a product passage (12) in the spout (10), and forms a mouth (13) at a top end of the product passage, the cap (20) comprising a top wall (21) and a central body (22) that downwardly depends from the top wall around a central axis (22a) thereof, and defines a central bore configured to engage the spout neck (11) such that the cap (20) seals the product passage (12) in a closed position of the cap (20), the cap (20) in its central bore being provided with rotational connection means configured to cooperate with rotational connection means (14) provided at an outer surface of the spout neck (11 ), so that the cap (20) is adapted to be manually screwed off the spout neck (1 1 ) while rotating the cap around the central axis (22a) from the closed position of the cap in an opening direction, so as to open the product passage (12), the cap (20) further comprising a choke-proof handle member (24) moulded integrally with, and extending radially outwards from, the central body (22), the handle member comprising:

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

- one or more slots (32,33,34), each being defined in the handle member (24) around central slot axis (32a, 33a, 34a) and adapted to receive a handle tab

(31 ') of a further corresponding cap (20') in a plurality of orientations, in each of which the central axis (22a') of the further cap (20') has a different angle with the central axis (22a) of the cap (20), when seen in parallel planes of the central axes (22,22'), so as to radially connect the cap (20) with the further cap (20') in orientations corresponding to these different angles.

3. Cap (20) according to claim 2, the cap (20) further comprising a tamper-evident ring (50) that is integrally moulded to the central body (22) and forms a lower flange of the cap, the tamper-evident ring (50) comprising:

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

4. Cap (20) according to claim 3, the handle member (24) further comprising:

- an axial coupling functionality by means of:

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

5. Cap (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle member (24) comprises two or more radial spoke portions (26), formed integrally with the central body (22) and extending radially outwards therefrom in a lateral direction, such as to leave open air passages between the radial coupling assembly and the central body (22), each of said spoke portions (26) at a radial end thereof ending into surrounding portions (27) formed integrally therewith and projecting from the spoke portions towards adjacent spoke portions, the surrounding portions (27) together extending generally concentrically about the central body (22), wherein the handle tabs (31) radially project outwards from said surrounding portions (27), and the slots (32,33,34) are defined in the surrounding portions.

6. Cap (20) according to claim 4 and 5, wherein each of the clamping portions (41) form an upwardly extending lateral shoulder (41a) of an upper surface (26a) of a respective one of the spoke portions (26) of the handle member.

7. Cap (20) according to any of claims 5-6, wherein the surrounding portions (27) extend continuously between the lateral ends of two adjacent spoke portions (26) and are connected to each other so as to together continuously encircle the central body (22).

8. Cap (20) according to any of claims 5-7, wherein in the opening direction of the cap (20) succeeding surrounding portions (27) alternately have slots (32) being defined therein with no handle tabs (31) protruding therefrom, and handle tabs protruding therefrom with no slots being defined therein.

9. Cap (20) according to any of claims 5-8, wherein in each of the surrounding portions in which the slots (32) are defined, multiple, e.g. two, single-direction slots (32,33) extend perpendicularly to the central axis (22a) across substantially the whole surrounding portion, axially spaced from each other, and in each of the surrounding portions from which the handle tabs (31) protrude, multiple, e.g. two, handle tabs extend perpendicularly to the central axis (22a) across substantially the whole surrounding portion, axially spaced from each other.

10. Cap (20) according to any of claims 5-9, wherein the surrounding portions (27) consist of six surrounding portions, and the spoke portions (27) consist of six spoke portions, and wherein the slots (32) consist of six single-direction slots, and the handle tabs (31) consist of six handle tabs.

1 1. Cap (20) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the handle member (24) comprises two diametrically opposite wing parts (25), formed integrally with the central body (22) and extending in a vertical plane outwards from said central body (22) in a lateral direction, wherein the handle tabs (31) are each integrally formed with the wing parts (25) at lateral ends of the wing parts (25), the slots (32,33,34) being defined in the wing parts (25).

12. Closure cap (20) for a spouted pouch (1), said cap (20) being injection moulded of plastic material and configured to be secured on a tubular neck (1 1) of a spout (10) of said pouch, wherein the spout neck (1 1 ) defines a product passage (12) in the spout (10), and forms a mouth

(13) at a top end of the product passage, the cap (20) comprising a top wall (21) and a central body (22) that downwardly depends from the top wall around a central axis (22a) thereof, and defines a central bore configured to engage the spout neck (11 ) such that the cap (20) seals the product passage (12) in a closed position of the cap (20), the cap (20) in its central bore being provided with rotational connection means configured to cooperate with rotational connection means

(14) provided at an outer surface of the spout neck (11 ), so that the cap (20) is adapted to be manually screwed off the spout neck (1 1 ) while rotating the cap around the central axis (22a) from the closed position of the cap in an opening direction, so as to open the product passage (12), the cap (20) further comprising a choke-proof handle member (24), comprising:

- two diametrically opposite wing parts (25), formed integrally with the central body (22) and extending in a vertical plane radially outwards from said central body (22) in a lateral direction,

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

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

- one or more slots (32,33,34), each defined in a respective one of the wing parts around a central slot axis (32a, 33a, 34a), and adapted to receive a handle tab (31 ') of a further corresponding cap (20'), so as to radially connect the cap (20) with the further cap. 13. Cap according to claim 12, the cap (20) further comprising a tamper-evident ring (50) that is integrally moulded to the central body (22) and forms a lower flange of the cap, the tamper-evident ring (50) comprising:

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

Cap according to claim 13, the handle member (24) of the cap further comprising:

- an axial coupling functionality by means of:

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

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

- one or more first single-direction slots (32) adapted to receive a handle tab (31 ') of a further cap (20') with the central axis (22') of the further cap being under a first angle with the central axis (22a) of the cap (20), when seen in parallel planes of the central axes (22,22'), and

- one or more further single-direction slots (33) adapted to receive a handle tab (31 ') of a further cap (20') with the central axis (22') of the further cap being under an angle with the central axis (22a) of the cap (20), when seen in parallel planes of the central axes (22,22'), that differs from the first angle.

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

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

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

- one or more multidirectional slots (34) defined in the handle member, each multidirectional slot having a central opening (34b) enclosing the central slot axis (34a), and a plurality of diametrically opposite radial groove pairs (34c) around the central opening, radially offset around the slot axis (34a) thereof, each groove pair being adapted to receive a handle tab (31') of a further corresponding cap (20') across the central opening (34b) of the multidirectional slot (34), with the central axis (22') of the further cap (20') being under a different angle with the central axis (22a) of the cap (20), when seen in parallel planes of the central axes (22,22'), so as to connect the cap (20) with the further cap (20') in a different orientation corresponding to this angle.

19. Cap (20) according to claim 18, wherein the groove pairs (34c) of each

multidirectional slot (34) comprise two or more, e.g. exactly two, three, or four, groove pairs (34c).

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

- one or more single-direction slots (32) adapted to each receive a handle tab

(31 ') of a further corresponding cap (20') with the central axis (22a') thereof being oriented under the same angle with the central axis (22a) of the cap (20), when seen in parallel planes of the central axes (22,22').

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

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

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

24. Cap (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the slots (32,33,34) which are adapted to receive a handle tab (31 ') of a further corresponding cap (20') with the central axis (22a') thereof under one or more respective angles with the central axis (22a) of the cap (20), when seen in parallel planes of the central axes (22,22'), are also adapted to receive a handle tab (31 ') of a further corresponding cap (20') with the central axis (22a') thereof being under the same respective angle(s), but with the top face (21 ') thereof pointing in the opposite direction(s) along the central axis (22a') thereof, so as to connect the further cap (20') thereto in an opposite orientation thereof.

25. Cap (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the radial coupling assembly comprises single-direction slots (32,33) defined in the handle member (24), e.g. in the wing parts (25) thereof, when present, or e.g. in the surrounding portions (27) thereof, when present, such as to form indentations, e.g. slits or grooves, in the outer contour of the handle member in an axial plane thereof.

26. Cap (20) according to any of claims 1 1-14 and optionally any of claims 15-25, wherein the one or more slots (32,33,34) are adapted to receive a handle tab (31 ') of a further corresponding cap (20') from both sides of the axial plane of the wings (25).

27. Cap (20) according to any of claims 1 1-14 and optionally any of claims 15-26, wherein the one or more slots (32,33,34) of the radial coupling assembly of the handle member (24) comprise one or more first single-direction slots (32) defined in each wing part (25), e.g. when present, radially in between a multidirectional slot (34) defined in the respective wing part (25) and the handle tab (31 ) at the lateral end of the respective wing part (25), e.g. wherein the one or more slots (32,33,34) further comprise a further single- direction slot (33) defined in the handle member (24) above the top surface (21) of the central body (22), e.g. bisected by the central axis (22a).

28. Cap (20) according to at least any of claims 1 , 3, and 13, and optionally also any of claims 4-1 1 and 14-27, wherein the tamper-evident ring of the cap (20) is composed of at least two ring segments (51), each ring segment having one of the base portions (51 a) and one of the indicator portions (51 b), wherein each indicator portion is integral with a respective base portion at a junction (51 d), and via the one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges (51 e) with a head end thereof connected to an adjacent trailing end of the base portion (51a) of another ring segment (51).

29. Cap (20) according to at least any of claims 1 , 3, and 13, and optionally also any of claims 4-1 1 and 14-27, wherein the base portion of the tamper-evident ring (50) of the cap (20) is an upper annular portion (52a), and the indicator portion is a lower annular portion (52b), wherein the upper and lower annular portion are axially interconnected via one or more integrally moulded frangible bridges (52e).

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

31. Closure assembly (10,20) comprising a spout (10) for a pouch (1), the spout comprising a tubular neck (1 1) that defines a product passage (12) in the spout (10), and forms a mouth (13) at a top end of the product passage (12), the closure assembly further comprising a closure cap (20) according to any of the preceding claims, configured to be secured on the tubular neck (1 1 ) of said spout (10).

Pouch (1) provided with a closure assembly according to claim 31