EP3892563A1 - Spout for a package, lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a spout - Google Patents
Spout for a package, lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a spout Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3892563A1 EP3892563A1 EP21166550.0A EP21166550A EP3892563A1 EP 3892563 A1 EP3892563 A1 EP 3892563A1 EP 21166550 A EP21166550 A EP 21166550A EP 3892563 A1 EP3892563 A1 EP 3892563A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- surface portion
- spout
- slanted surface
- package
- covering member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/12—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures
- B65D47/122—Threaded caps
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0857—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures made separately from the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0876—Hinges without elastic bias
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/10—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having frangible closures
- B65D47/106—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having frangible closures with devices for removing frangible parts of the pouring element or of its closure
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
- B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
- B65D51/22—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure
- B65D51/228—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing having means for piercing, cutting, or tearing the inner closure a major part of the inner closure being removed from the container after the opening
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0025—Upper closure of the 47-type
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/10—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having frangible closures
- B65D47/103—Membranes with a tearing element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/74—Spouts
- B65D5/746—Spouts formed separately from the container
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
- the present invention also relates to a lid-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
- the present invention also relates to a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, and comprising a spout.
- liquid or pourable food products such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc.
- packages in particular sealed packages, made of sterilized packaging material.
- a typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material.
- the packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and/or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene.
- the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.
- Some of the known packages in particular respective sealed main bodies of the packages formed from the packaging material, comprise a designated pour opening, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the packages.
- the designated pour opening is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates the inside of the package from the outer environment and which is to be opened or to be removed or to be ruptured or to be cut or to be pierced prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product so as to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product through the designated pour opening.
- a lid-spout assembly having a spout arranged on the main body about the designated pour opening. The spout has a pouring outlet so as to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the lid-spout assembly comprises a lid allowing to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.
- the spout comprises a collar, which carries the pouring outlet at a first axial end and an inlet opening arranged at a second axial end.
- the collar comprises an inner surface delimiting a flow channel extending between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet.
- the collar also comprises a plurality of inner protrusions. While these inner protrusions are advantageous with respect to the removal of the separation membrane, it has been observed that they may lead to a disturbance of a back-flow of the pourable product back into the package after the termination of an outpouring action.
- Number 1 indicates as a whole a package (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the present invention) comprising:
- main body 2 is obtained from a packaging material, in particular a composite packaging material, having a multilayer structure (not shown and known as such).
- the packaging material is provided in the form of a web.
- main body 2 is obtained by forming a tube from the packaging material, longitudinally sealing the tube, filling the tube with the pourable product and by transversally sealing and cutting the tube.
- the packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another.
- a layer of fibrous material such as e.g. paper or cardboard
- heat-seal plastic material e.g. polyethylene
- the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material.
- a layer of gas- and light-barrier material e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film
- EVOH ethylene vinyl alcohol
- the packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.
- spout(s) 4 is (are) applied to base package(s) 2 prior, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of main body(ies) 2.
- spout(s) 4 can be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material through a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 from the packaging material.
- spout(s) 4 to the packaging material or to main body 2 occurs by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding.
- lid 5 is coupled to spout 4 prior or after application of spout 4 onto main body 2 or onto the packaging material.
- main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transversal axis B and a second transversal axis C.
- the extension of package 2 along longitudinal axis A is larger than the extension of package 2 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.
- main body 2 is parallelepiped-shaped.
- main body 2 comprises a first wall portion (not shown and known as such), in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A, from which main body 2 extends along longitudinal axis A.
- the first wall portion defines a support surface of package 1, in particular main body 2, which is designed to be put in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point or when being stored.
- a support such as e.g. a shelf
- the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion.
- main body 2 also comprises a plurality of lateral walls 6 being (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion and extending, in particular substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A, from the first wall portion.
- main body 2 also comprises a second wall portion 7 opposite to the first wall portion and being (fixedly) connected to at least some of lateral walls 6.
- lateral walls 6 are interposed between the first wall portion and second wall portion 7.
- when being arranged on a support second wall portion 7 defines a top wall portion.
- first wall portion and second wall portion 7 may be parallel to one another.
- first wall portion and second wall portion 7 could be inclined with respect to one another.
- second wall portion 7 carries and/or comprises the designated pour opening.
- package 1 in particular main body 2, comprises an inner space configured to contain and/or containing the pourable product.
- first wall portion, lateral walls 6 and second wall portion 7 delimit the inner space.
- package 1 comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) covering the designated pour opening.
- the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening the inner space from the outer environment.
- the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.
- the separation membrane is at least partially removed for allowing the pourable product to flow out of the inner space and main body 2.
- the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.
- spout 4 comprises at least a collar 10 having an inlet opening 11 configured to allow for the pourable product to enter collar 10, in particular from the inner space of main body 2 and a pouring outlet 12 configured to allow for the outflow of the pourable product from collar 10 (and package 1).
- spout 4 also comprises a base frame 13 coupling and/or configured to couple spout 4 to main body 2, in particular to second wall portion 7, about the designated pour opening.
- base frame 13 carries collar 10.
- collar 10 extends along a longitudinal (central) axis E, in particular parallel to longitudinal axis A.
- pouring outlet 12 and inlet opening 11 are arranged at respectively a first axial end 14 of collar 10 and a second axial end 15 of collar 10 opposite to first axial end 14.
- collar 10 delimits (and/or comprises) a flow channel 16 for the pourable product extending between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12.
- collar 10 is configured such to receive the pourable product from the inner space through inlet opening 11 and such that the pourable product flows out of pouring outlet 12.
- pouring outlet 12 and inlet opening 11 extend within respectively a first plane H1 and a second plane H2 being axially displaced from first plane H1 with respect to longitudinal axis E.
- first plane H1 and second plane H2 are perpendicular to longitudinal axis E.
- collar 10 comprises an inner surface 17 delimiting flow channel 16.
- collar 10 also comprises an outer surface 18 opposite to inner surface 17.
- collar 10 comprises a first rim 19 arranged at first axial end 14 and delimiting pouring outlet 12 and a second rim 20 arranged at second axial end 15 and delimiting inlet opening 11.
- collar 10 is designed to allow for a back-flow of the pourable product remaining within flow channel 16 after an outpouring action. Such a back-flow of the pourable product occurs through inlet opening 11 and into the inner space of main body 2.
- inner surface 17 comprises at least a slanted surface portion 24, in particular allowing for an improved back-flow of the pourable product towards inlet opening 11 and into the inner surface of main body 2.
- inner surface 17 also comprises at least a main surface portion 25, in particular connected to slanted surface portion 24.
- main surface portion 25 is closer to pouring outlet 12 than slanted surface portion 24 and/or slanted surface portion 24 is closer to inlet opening 11 than main surface portion 25.
- slanted surface portion 24 is transversal to main surface portion 25.
- slanted surface portion 24 is inclined with respect to longitudinal axis E or in other words, slanted surface portion 24 is transversal, but not perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E. Even more preferentially, main surface portion 25 is parallel to longitudinal axis E.
- collar 10 comprises a main portion 26 carrying (and/or having) main surface portion 25 and an auxiliary portion 27 carrying (and/or having) slanted surface portion 24.
- main portion 26 and auxiliary portion 27 are connected to one another.
- main portion 26 carries and/or comprises first rim 19.
- auxiliary portion 27 carries and/or comprises second rim 20.
- main surface portion 25 and slanted surface portion 24 are designed such that:
- first portions F1 and second portions F2 always coincide after superimposing first one-dimensional curves F and second one-dimensional curves F' with one another.
- slanted surface portion 24 has rotational symmetry with respect to a center point of slanted surface portion 24.
- slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry such that any rotation of slanted surface portion 24 around any arbitrary angle results in a rotated/transformed slanted surface portion being identical to slanted surface portion 24. It should be noted that slanted surface portion 24 is rotational symmetric with respect to any arbitrary angle between 0° and 360°.
- any angular movement around a rotation axis intersecting with the center point results in the rotated/transformed slanted surface portion having the identical shape of slanted surface portion 24.
- slanted surface portion 24 delimits a space, in particular a frustoconical space.
- the (frustoconical) space tapers towards inlet opening 11.
- slanted surface portion 24 lies on an outer surface of an imaginary truncated cone.
- the imaginary truncated cone tapers towards inlet opening 11.
- an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in a circular cross-sectional profile, in particular having a respective circle having a defined diameter.
- the defined diameter is dependent on an axial distance (with respect to longitudinal axis E) of the respective circle and inlet opening 11. Even more particular, the defined diameter decreases with decreasing the axial distance.
- slanted surface portion 24 comprises a first delimiting ring at a first axial end of slanted surface portion 24 and a second delimiting ring at a second axial end of slanted surface portion 24, the second axial end being opposed to the first axial end.
- first delimiting ring is closer to pouring outlet 12 than second delimiting ring and the second delimiting ring is closer to the inlet opening 11 than the first delimiting ring.
- the first delimiting ring is larger than the second delimiting ring. Even more preferentially, a diameter of the first delimiting ring is larger than a diameter of the second delimiting ring.
- main surface portion 25 and slanted surface portion 24 are connected to one another, in particular at the first delimiting ring.
- main surface portion 25 continuously goes over to slanted surface portion 24.
- a diameter of main surface portion 25 at the first delimiting ring (substantially) equals the diameter of the first delimiting ring.
- main surface portion 25 delimits a cylindrical space.
- the cylindrical space and the frustoconical space are directly adjacent to one another (i.e. the cylindrical space and the frustoconical space comprise a common interface).
- lid 5 is controllable between at least:
- lid 5 comprises a top wall 28 configured to cover the pouring outlet with lid 5 being controlled in the closed configuration and a side wall 29 protruding from top wall 28 and being configured to at least partially surround collar 10 with lid 5 being arranged in the closed configuration.
- top wall 28 and side wall 29 delimit an internal space having a (substantially) cylindrical shape.
- the internal space houses, with lid 5 being arranged in the closed configuration, at least a portion of collar 10 and flow channel 16.
- lid-spout assembly 3 also comprises a coupling ring 30 configured to be arranged and/or being arranged around at least a portion of spout 4, in particular around at least a portion of collar 10, in particular such that coupling ring 20 is inseparable from spout 4, in particular from collar 10.
- lid-spout assembly 3 also comprises rupturable coupling bridges 31 connecting coupling ring 30 and lid 5 with one another.
- the coupling bridges are designed to irreversibly rupture when lid 5 is controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
- lid 5 is hinged to coupling ring 27 and is adapted to angularly move around a hinge axis.
- the hinge axis being transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E and/or longitudinal axis A.
- lid 5 is movable around the hinge axis between at least a first angular position and a second angular position in which lid 5 is controlled in respectively the closed configuration and the open configuration.
- spout 4 comprises a (polymer) covering member 33 designed to control and/or interrupt a fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12.
- covering member 33 is movable between an active position in which covering member 33 interrupts the fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12 (see Figures 2 and 3 ) and a rest position in which covering member 33 allows for the fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12 (see Figures 4 and 5 ) .
- covering member 33 is arranged within flow channel 16 when being in the active position.
- covering member 33 contacts inner surface 17, in particular at second rim 20.
- covering member 33 is (even) fixed to inner surface 17, in particular prior to the first time covering member 33 is controlled from the active position to the rest position.
- covering member 33 is reversibly controllable between the active position and the rest position. In particular, after the first-time control from the active position to the rest position covering member 33 only contacts inner surface 17 but is not fixed to inner surface 17.
- package 1 is delivered to a user with covering member 33 being in the active position.
- covering member 33 comprises a coupling membrane 35 fixing closing element 14 to inner surface 17, in particular prior to the first-time control of covering member 33 from the active position to the rest position.
- coupling membrane 35 guarantees sealing of any fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12.
- coupling membrane 35 is configured to irreversibly rupture during the first-time control of covering member 35 from the active position to the rest position. This means that after the rupture of coupling membrane 35 and by arranging again covering member 33 in the active position, there is contact between covering member 33 and inner surface 17 but covering member 33 is not fixed to inner surface 17.
- coupling membrane 35 has an annular shape.
- covering member 33 is convex with respect to second plane H2.
- covering member 33 is fused and/or connected to the separation membrane and/or at least partially defines the separation membrane.
- covering member 33 defines a portion of the separation membrane and one or more layers of the packaging materials defines another portion of the separation membrane.
- covering member 33 defines the separation membrane.
- covering member 33 is coupled to lid 5 so that any movement of lid 5 imparts a movement to covering member 33 so that covering member 33 is in the active position and the rest position with lid 5 being respectively in the closed configuration and the open configuration.
- spout 4 also comprises a coupling member 34 connected to and protruding from covering member 33 and configured to couple covering member 33 to lid 5.
- coupling member 33 is also connected to lid 5, in particular top wall 28.
- the angular movement of lid 5 around the hinge axis also leads to an angular movement of covering member 33 around the hinge axis.
- a user In use, a user receives package 1 with lid 5 being respectively in the closed configuration. In order to allow for an outflow of the pourable product from package 1, the user controls lid 5 in the open configuration.
- Control of lid 5 from the closed configuration to the open configuration also leads to a movement of covering member 33 from the active position and the rest position.
- slanted surface portion 24 guarantees that all the pourable product still present within flow channel 16 flows back into the inner space of main body 2.
- number 4' indicates a second embodiment of a spout according to the present invention.
- spout 4' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
- spout 4' differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in an oval cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4' also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in an oval cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4' further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 does not have a rotational symmetry.
- package 1 having spout 4' As the operation of package 1 having spout 4' is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.
- number 4'' indicates a third embodiment of a spout according to the present invention. As spout 4'' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
- spout 4'' differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in an elliptical cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4'' also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in an elliptical cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4'' further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 180°.
- a rotation of slanted surface portion 24 at an angle of 180° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slanted surface portion 24 being identical to slanted surface portion 24.
- package 1 having spout 4'' is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.
- number 4''' indicates a fourth embodiment of a spout according to the present invention. As spout 4''' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
- spout 4''' differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in a rounded rectangular cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4''' also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in a rounded rectangular cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4''' further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 180°.
- a rotation of slanted surface portion 24 at an angle of 180° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slanted surface portion 24 being identical to slanted surface portion 24.
- package 1 having spout 4''' is similar to the one of package 1 having spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description.
- number 4'''' indicates a fifth embodiment of a spout according to the present invention.
- spout 4'''' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
- spout 4'''' differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted surface portion 24 results in a rounded square cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4'''' also differs from spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with main surface portion 25 also results in a rounded square cross-sectional profile.
- spout 4'''' further differs from spout 4 in that slanted surface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 90°.
- a rotation of slanted surface portion 24 at an angle of 90° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slanted surface portion 24 being identical to slanted surface portion 24.
- inner surface 17 may also comprises an auxiliary surface portion delimiting a cylindrical space.
- the auxiliary surface portion is arranged closer to inlet opening 11 than slanted surface portion 24.
- slanted surface portion 24 is interposed between and connected to main surface portion 25 and the auxiliary surface portion.
- the auxiliary surface portion comprises second rim 20.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
- Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a lid-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
- Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, and comprising a spout.
- As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages, in particular sealed packages, made of sterilized packaging material.
- A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and/or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-seal plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of heat-seal plastic material forming the inner face of the package eventually contacting the food product.
- Some of the known packages, in particular respective sealed main bodies of the packages formed from the packaging material, comprise a designated pour opening, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the packages. Typically, the designated pour opening is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates the inside of the package from the outer environment and which is to be opened or to be removed or to be ruptured or to be cut or to be pierced prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product so as to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product through the designated pour opening. It is also known to arrange a lid-spout assembly having a spout arranged on the main body about the designated pour opening. The spout has a pouring outlet so as to allow for a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the lid-spout assembly comprises a lid allowing to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.
- The spout comprises a collar, which carries the pouring outlet at a first axial end and an inlet opening arranged at a second axial end. The collar comprises an inner surface delimiting a flow channel extending between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet.
- The collar also comprises a plurality of inner protrusions. While these inner protrusions are advantageous with respect to the removal of the separation membrane, it has been observed that they may lead to a disturbance of a back-flow of the pourable product back into the package after the termination of an outpouring action.
- Thus, the need is felt in the sector to improve such spouts in order resolve such an inconvenience.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
- In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved spout for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, which reduces or even eliminates any disturbance of a backflow of the pourable product.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved lid-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product.
- In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved lid-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, which reduces or even eliminates any disturbance of a backflow of the pourable product.
- It is an even further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, having an improved spout.
- In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package, in particular a package having a sealed main body, filled with a pourable product, even more particular filled with a pourable food product, having a spout that reduces or even eliminates any disturbance of a backflow of the pourable product.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a spout according to the independent claim 1.
- Further advantageous embodiments of the spout are specified in the respective
dependent claims 2 to 14. - According to the present invention, there is also provided a lid-spout assembly according to
claim 15. - According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to
claims - Five non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a package having a spout according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the package ofFigure 1 , with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 3 is a sectionized view of some details of the spout ofFigure 1 and a lid arranged on the spout, with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 4 is a sectionized view of some details of the spout ofFigure 1 , with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the spout ofFigure 1 , with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; -
Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; and -
Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a spout according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. - Number 1 indicates as a whole a package (only partially shown to the extent necessary for the comprehension of the present invention) comprising:
- a sealed
main body 2, in particular a sealed carton package, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening (not shown and known as such) configured to allow for an outflow of the pourable product frommain body 2; and - a lid-
spout assembly 3 coupled to the sealedmain body 2 and having at least aspout 4 arranged and/or arrangeable about the designated pour opening and alid 5 coupled and/or couplable to spout 4. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
main body 2 is obtained from a packaging material, in particular a composite packaging material, having a multilayer structure (not shown and known as such). - Preferentially, the packaging material is provided in the form of a web.
- Preferentially,
main body 2 is obtained by forming a tube from the packaging material, longitudinally sealing the tube, filling the tube with the pourable product and by transversally sealing and cutting the tube. - Preferentially, the packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner face of
main body 2 contacting the pourable product. - Preferably, the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of the heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.
- According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, spout(s) 4 is (are) applied to base package(s) 2 prior, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of main body(ies) 2.
- Alternatively, spout(s) 4 can be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material through a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing
main bodies 2 from the packaging material. - In particular, application of spout(s) 4 to the packaging material or to
main body 2 occurs by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding. - Preferentially,
lid 5 is coupled to spout 4 prior or after application ofspout 4 ontomain body 2 or onto the packaging material. - With particular reference to
Figure 1 ,main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transversal axis B and a second transversal axis C. In particular, the extension ofpackage 2 along longitudinal axis A is larger than the extension ofpackage 2 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C. - Preferentially,
main body 2 is parallelepiped-shaped. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
main body 2 comprises a first wall portion (not shown and known as such), in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A, from whichmain body 2 extends along longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first wall portion defines a support surface of package 1, in particularmain body 2, which is designed to be put in contact with a support, such as e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point or when being stored. In particular, when being arranged on a support the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion. - Preferably,
main body 2 also comprises a plurality oflateral walls 6 being (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion and extending, in particular substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A, from the first wall portion. - Preferably,
main body 2 also comprises asecond wall portion 7 opposite to the first wall portion and being (fixedly) connected to at least some oflateral walls 6. In particular,lateral walls 6 are interposed between the first wall portion andsecond wall portion 7. In particular, when being arranged on a supportsecond wall portion 7 defines a top wall portion. - According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first wall portion and
second wall portion 7 may be parallel to one another. - According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, the first wall portion and
second wall portion 7 could be inclined with respect to one another. - According to some non-limiting embodiments,
second wall portion 7 carries and/or comprises the designated pour opening. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, package 1, in particular
main body 2, comprises an inner space configured to contain and/or containing the pourable product. In particular, the first wall portion,lateral walls 6 andsecond wall portion 7 delimit the inner space. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, package 1 comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) covering the designated pour opening. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening the inner space from the outer environment. Preferentially, the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.
- In particular, during the first-time use (see further below for more details), the separation membrane is at least partially removed for allowing the pourable product to flow out of the inner space and
main body 2. - According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.
- With particular reference to
Figures 1 to 5 ,spout 4 comprises at least acollar 10 having aninlet opening 11 configured to allow for the pourable product to entercollar 10, in particular from the inner space ofmain body 2 and a pouringoutlet 12 configured to allow for the outflow of the pourable product from collar 10 (and package 1). - Preferentially,
spout 4 also comprises abase frame 13 coupling and/or configured to couplespout 4 tomain body 2, in particular tosecond wall portion 7, about the designated pour opening. In particular,base frame 13 carriescollar 10. - In more detail,
collar 10 extends along a longitudinal (central) axis E, in particular parallel to longitudinal axis A. - Preferentially, pouring
outlet 12 and inlet opening 11 are arranged at respectively a firstaxial end 14 ofcollar 10 and a secondaxial end 15 ofcollar 10 opposite to firstaxial end 14. - In particular,
collar 10 delimits (and/or comprises) aflow channel 16 for the pourable product extending between inlet opening 11 and pouringoutlet 12. In use,collar 10 is configured such to receive the pourable product from the inner space through inlet opening 11 and such that the pourable product flows out of pouringoutlet 12. - Preferentially, pouring
outlet 12 and inlet opening 11 extend within respectively a first plane H1 and a second plane H2 being axially displaced from first plane H1 with respect to longitudinal axis E. In particular, first plane H1 and second plane H2 are perpendicular to longitudinal axis E. - Preferentially,
collar 10 comprises aninner surface 17 delimitingflow channel 16. - Even more preferentially,
collar 10 also comprises anouter surface 18 opposite toinner surface 17. - Preferentially,
collar 10 comprises afirst rim 19 arranged at firstaxial end 14 and delimiting pouringoutlet 12 and asecond rim 20 arranged at secondaxial end 15 and delimitinginlet opening 11. - In particular,
collar 10 is designed to allow for a back-flow of the pourable product remaining withinflow channel 16 after an outpouring action. Such a back-flow of the pourable product occurs through inlet opening 11 and into the inner space ofmain body 2. - Advantageously,
inner surface 17 comprises at least aslanted surface portion 24, in particular allowing for an improved back-flow of the pourable product towards inlet opening 11 and into the inner surface ofmain body 2. - Preferentially,
inner surface 17 also comprises at least amain surface portion 25, in particular connected to slantedsurface portion 24. - Even more preferentially,
main surface portion 25 is closer to pouringoutlet 12 than slantedsurface portion 24 and/or slantedsurface portion 24 is closer to inlet opening 11 thanmain surface portion 25. - In particular, slanted
surface portion 24 is transversal tomain surface portion 25. - Preferentially, slanted
surface portion 24 is inclined with respect to longitudinal axis E or in other words, slantedsurface portion 24 is transversal, but not perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E. Even more preferentially,main surface portion 25 is parallel to longitudinal axis E. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
collar 10 comprises amain portion 26 carrying (and/or having)main surface portion 25 and anauxiliary portion 27 carrying (and/or having) slantedsurface portion 24. Preferentially,main portion 26 andauxiliary portion 27 are connected to one another. - In particular,
main portion 26 carries and/or comprisesfirst rim 19. - According to the specific non-limiting embodiment shown in
Figures 2 to 5 ,auxiliary portion 27 carries and/or comprisessecond rim 20. - Advantageously and with particular reference to
Figures 4 and5 ,main surface portion 25 and slantedsurface portion 24 are designed such that: - a first intersection of an (imaginary) first intersection plane I containing longitudinal axis E and intersecting with
inner surface 17 results in obtaining at least one first one-dimensional curve F, in particular two first one-dimensional curves F (as intersection plane I intersects with two different portions of inner surface 17); - a second intersection of an (imaginary) second intersection plane I' containing longitudinal axis E, being angularly displaced with respect to first intersection plane I around longitudinal axis E and intersecting with
inner surface 17 results in obtaining at least one second one-dimensional curve F', in particular two second one-dimensional curves F' (as intersection plane I' intersects with two different portions of inner surface 17); - each first one-dimensional curve F and each second one dimensional curve F' comprises a respective first portion F1 and a respective second portion F2 lying on respectively slanted
surface portion 24 andmain surface portion 25; and - each first one-dimensional curve F is superimposable on each second one-dimensional curve F' such that at least the respective first portions F1 and the respective second portions F2, preferentially first one-dimensional curve F and second one-dimensional curve F', are superposable (coincide) irrespective of the relative angular displacement between first intersection plane I and second intersection plane I'.
- It should be noted that upon varying the relative angular displacement between first intersection plane I and second intersection plane I' the respective first portions and the respective second portions remain always superposable. In other words, irrespective of the relative angular displacement between first intersection plane I and second intersection plane I', first portions F1 and second portions F2 always coincide after superimposing first one-dimensional curves F and second one-dimensional curves F' with one another.
- It should be noted that according to the present description, the use of the term superimpose implies that the at least two objects and/or portions, which become superimposed may not necessarily coincide, while the use of the term superpose implies that the objects coincide.
- Preferentially, slanted
surface portion 24 has rotational symmetry with respect to a center point of slantedsurface portion 24. With particular reference toFigures 2 to 5 , slantedsurface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry such that any rotation of slantedsurface portion 24 around any arbitrary angle results in a rotated/transformed slanted surface portion being identical to slantedsurface portion 24. It should be noted that slantedsurface portion 24 is rotational symmetric with respect to any arbitrary angle between 0° and 360°. Thus, any angular movement around a rotation axis intersecting with the center point (in particular the rotation axis being parallel, even more particular coaxial, to longitudinal axis E) results in the rotated/transformed slanted surface portion having the identical shape of slantedsurface portion 24. - Preferentially, slanted
surface portion 24 delimits a space, in particular a frustoconical space. In particular, the (frustoconical) space tapers towards inlet opening 11. - Preferentially, slanted
surface portion 24 lies on an outer surface of an imaginary truncated cone. In particular, the imaginary truncated cone tapers towards inlet opening 11. - Preferentially, an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slanted
surface portion 24 results in a circular cross-sectional profile, in particular having a respective circle having a defined diameter. In particular, the defined diameter is dependent on an axial distance (with respect to longitudinal axis E) of the respective circle andinlet opening 11. Even more particular, the defined diameter decreases with decreasing the axial distance. - Preferentially, an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with
main surface portion 25 results in a circular cross-sectional profile. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, slanted
surface portion 24 comprises a first delimiting ring at a first axial end of slantedsurface portion 24 and a second delimiting ring at a second axial end of slantedsurface portion 24, the second axial end being opposed to the first axial end. In particular, the first delimiting ring is closer to pouringoutlet 12 than second delimiting ring and the second delimiting ring is closer to the inlet opening 11 than the first delimiting ring. - Preferentially, the first delimiting ring is larger than the second delimiting ring. Even more preferentially, a diameter of the first delimiting ring is larger than a diameter of the second delimiting ring.
- According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
main surface portion 25 and slantedsurface portion 24 are connected to one another, in particular at the first delimiting ring. In particular,main surface portion 25 continuously goes over to slantedsurface portion 24. In other words, a diameter ofmain surface portion 25 at the first delimiting ring (substantially) equals the diameter of the first delimiting ring. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
main surface portion 25 delimits a cylindrical space. In particular, the cylindrical space and the frustoconical space are directly adjacent to one another (i.e. the cylindrical space and the frustoconical space comprise a common interface). - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
lid 5 is controllable between at least: - a closed configuration, in which
lid 5 is configured to cover and/orcovers pouring outlet 12, in particular for impeding an outflow of the pourable product out of pouringoutlet 12; and - an open configuration in which
lid 5 is configured to be and/or is detached from pouringoutlet 12, in particular for allowing an outflow of the pourable product through pouringoutlet 12. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
lid 5 comprises atop wall 28 configured to cover the pouring outlet withlid 5 being controlled in the closed configuration and aside wall 29 protruding fromtop wall 28 and being configured to at least partially surroundcollar 10 withlid 5 being arranged in the closed configuration. - Preferentially,
top wall 28 andside wall 29 delimit an internal space having a (substantially) cylindrical shape. In particular, the internal space houses, withlid 5 being arranged in the closed configuration, at least a portion ofcollar 10 andflow channel 16. - Advantageously, lid-
spout assembly 3 also comprises acoupling ring 30 configured to be arranged and/or being arranged around at least a portion ofspout 4, in particular around at least a portion ofcollar 10, in particular such thatcoupling ring 20 is inseparable fromspout 4, in particular fromcollar 10. - Preferentially, lid-
spout assembly 3 also comprises rupturable coupling bridges 31 connectingcoupling ring 30 andlid 5 with one another. The coupling bridges are designed to irreversibly rupture whenlid 5 is controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration. - Preferentially,
lid 5 is hinged tocoupling ring 27 and is adapted to angularly move around a hinge axis. In particular, the hinge axis being transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis E and/or longitudinal axis A. - Preferentially,
lid 5 is movable around the hinge axis between at least a first angular position and a second angular position in whichlid 5 is controlled in respectively the closed configuration and the open configuration. - According to the non-limiting embodiment shown,
spout 4 comprises a (polymer) coveringmember 33 designed to control and/or interrupt a fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouringoutlet 12. - Preferentially, covering
member 33 is movable between an active position in which coveringmember 33 interrupts the fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12 (seeFigures 2 and3 ) and a rest position in which coveringmember 33 allows for the fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouring outlet 12 (seeFigures 4 and5 ) . - Even more preferentially and with particular reference to
Figures 2 and3 , coveringmember 33 is arranged withinflow channel 16 when being in the active position. In particular, coveringmember 33 contactsinner surface 17, in particular atsecond rim 20. - Preferentially, covering
member 33 is (even) fixed toinner surface 17, in particular prior to the firsttime covering member 33 is controlled from the active position to the rest position. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, covering
member 33 is reversibly controllable between the active position and the rest position. In particular, after the first-time control from the active position to the restposition covering member 33 only contactsinner surface 17 but is not fixed toinner surface 17. - In particular, package 1 is delivered to a user with covering
member 33 being in the active position. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, covering
member 33 comprises acoupling membrane 35 fixingclosing element 14 toinner surface 17, in particular prior to the first-time control of coveringmember 33 from the active position to the rest position. In particular,coupling membrane 35 guarantees sealing of any fluidic connection between inlet opening 11 and pouringoutlet 12. - Preferentially,
coupling membrane 35 is configured to irreversibly rupture during the first-time control of coveringmember 35 from the active position to the rest position. This means that after the rupture ofcoupling membrane 35 and by arranging again coveringmember 33 in the active position, there is contact between coveringmember 33 andinner surface 17 but coveringmember 33 is not fixed toinner surface 17. - In particular,
coupling membrane 35 has an annular shape. - According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, covering
member 33 is convex with respect to second plane H2. - According to some non-limiting embodiments, covering
member 33 is fused and/or connected to the separation membrane and/or at least partially defines the separation membrane. - According to some non-limiting embodiments, covering
member 33 defines a portion of the separation membrane and one or more layers of the packaging materials defines another portion of the separation membrane. - According to some alternative embodiments, covering
member 33 defines the separation membrane. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, covering
member 33 is coupled tolid 5 so that any movement oflid 5 imparts a movement to coveringmember 33 so that coveringmember 33 is in the active position and the rest position withlid 5 being respectively in the closed configuration and the open configuration. - According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments,
spout 4 also comprises acoupling member 34 connected to and protruding from coveringmember 33 and configured to couple coveringmember 33 tolid 5. In particular,coupling member 33 is also connected tolid 5, in particulartop wall 28. In particular, in use, the angular movement oflid 5 around the hinge axis also leads to an angular movement of coveringmember 33 around the hinge axis. - In use, a user receives package 1 with
lid 5 being respectively in the closed configuration. In order to allow for an outflow of the pourable product from package 1, theuser controls lid 5 in the open configuration. - Control of
lid 5 from the closed configuration to the open configuration also leads to a movement of coveringmember 33 from the active position and the rest position. - In particular, the first
time covering member 33 is moved from the active position to the rest position,coupling membrane 35 irreversibly ruptures. - The presence of slanted
surface portion 24 guarantees that all the pourable product still present withinflow channel 16 flows back into the inner space ofmain body 2. - With reference to
Figure 6 , number 4' indicates a second embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. - In particular, spout 4' differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slantedsurface portion 24 results in an oval cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4' also differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting withmain surface portion 25 also results in an oval cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4' further differs from
spout 4 in that slantedsurface portion 24 does not have a rotational symmetry. - As the operation of package 1 having spout 4' is similar to the one of package 1 having
spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description. - With reference to
Figure 7 , number 4'' indicates a third embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4'' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. - In particular, spout 4'' differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slantedsurface portion 24 results in an elliptical cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4'' also differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting withmain surface portion 25 also results in an elliptical cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4'' further differs from
spout 4 in that slantedsurface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 180°. Thus, a rotation of slantedsurface portion 24 at an angle of 180° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slantedsurface portion 24 being identical to slantedsurface portion 24. - As the operation of package 1 having spout 4'' is similar to the one of package 1 having
spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description. - With reference to
Figure 8 , number 4''' indicates a fourth embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4''' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. - In particular, spout 4''' differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slantedsurface portion 24 results in a rounded rectangular cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4''' also differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting withmain surface portion 25 also results in a rounded rectangular cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4''' further differs from
spout 4 in that slantedsurface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 180°. Thus, a rotation of slantedsurface portion 24 at an angle of 180° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slantedsurface portion 24 being identical to slantedsurface portion 24. - As the operation of package 1 having spout 4''' is similar to the one of package 1 having
spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description. - With reference to
Figure 9 , number 4'''' indicates a fifth embodiment of a spout according to the present invention; as spout 4'''' is similar to spout 4, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts. - In particular, spout 4'''' differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting with slantedsurface portion 24 results in a rounded square cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4'''' also differs from
spout 4 in that an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to longitudinal axis E and intersecting withmain surface portion 25 also results in a rounded square cross-sectional profile. - In particular, spout 4'''' further differs from
spout 4 in that slantedsurface portion 24 has a rotational symmetry of an angle of 90°. Thus, a rotation of slantedsurface portion 24 at an angle of 90° with respect to longitudinal axis E results in the rotated slantedsurface portion 24 being identical to slantedsurface portion 24. - As the operation of package 1 having spout 4'''' is similar to the one of package 1 having
spout 4, we refer to the above-provided description. - The advantages of
spout 4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''' and/or lid-spout assembly 3 and/or of package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description. - In particular, by providing for slanted
surface portion 24 it is guaranteed that after an outpouring of the pourable product from package 1 all the pourable product flows in an undisturbed manner back into the inner space ofmain body 2. - Clearly, changes may be made to spout 4 and/or lid-
spout assembly 3 and/or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims. - According to a non-limiting embodiment not shown,
inner surface 17 may also comprises an auxiliary surface portion delimiting a cylindrical space. In particular, the auxiliary surface portion is arranged closer to inlet opening 11 than slantedsurface portion 24. - Preferentially, according to such an alternative embodiment, slanted
surface portion 24 is interposed between and connected tomain surface portion 25 and the auxiliary surface portion. - Preferentially, according to such an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary surface portion comprises
second rim 20.
Claims (17)
- Spout (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''') for a package (1) having a designated pour opening and being filled with a pourable product; the spout (4) comprises at least a collar (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (E), carrying a pouring outlet (12) at a first axial end (14) and an inlet opening (11) for the pourable product at a second axial end (11) and delimiting a flow channel (16) for the pourable product extending between the pouring outlet (12) and the inlet opening (11);
wherein the collar (10) comprises an inner surface (17) delimiting the flow channel (16);
wherein the inner surface (17) comprises at least a main surface portion (25) and an slanted surface portion (24) ;
wherein the main surface portion (25) and the slanted surface portion (24) are designed such that:- a first intersection of a first intersection plane (I) containing the longitudinal axis (E) and intersecting with the inner surface (17) results in obtaining at least one first one-dimensional curve (F);- a second intersection of a second intersection plane (I') containing the longitudinal axis (E), being angularly displaced with respect to the first intersection plane (I) around the longitudinal axis (E) and intersecting with the inner surface (17) results in obtaining at least one second one-dimensional curve (F');- the first one-dimensional curve (F) and the second one dimensional curve (F') each comprises a respective first portion (F1) and a respective second portion (F2) lying on respectively the slanted surface portion (24) and the main surface portion (25); and- the first one-dimensional curve (F) is superimposable on the second one-dimensional curve (F') such that at least the respective first portions (F1) and the respective second portions (F2) are superposed irrespective of the relative angular displacement between the first intersection plane (I) and the second intersection plane (I'). - Spout according to claim 1, wherein the first one-dimensional curve (F) is superimposable on the second one-dimensional curve (F') such that the first one-dimensional curve (F) and the second one-dimensional curve (F') are superposed irrespective of the relative angular displacement between the first intersection plane (I) and the second intersection plane (I').
- Spout according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slanted surface portion (24) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (E).
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main surface portion (25) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (E).
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angular slanted surface portion (24) is transversal to the main surface portion (25).
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an intersection of any cross-sectional plane being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (E) and intersecting with the slanted surface portion (24) results in a circular or elliptical or a rounded square or a rounded rectangular or oval cross-sectional profile.
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slanted surface portion (24) comprises a first delimiting ring at a first axial end of the slanted surface portion (24) itself and a second delimiting ring at a second axial end of the slanted surface portion (24) itself;
wherein the first delimiting ring is closer to the pouring outlet (12) than the second delimiting ring and the second delimiting ring is closer to the inlet opening (11) than the first delimiting ring;
wherein the first delimiting ring is larger than the second delimiting ring. - Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slanted surface portion (24) delimits a space tapering towards the inlet opening (11).
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slanted surface portion (24) has rotational symmetry with respect to a center of the slanted surface portion (24).
- Spout according to claim 9, wherein the slanted surface portion (24) has rotational symmetry such that any rotation of the slanted surface portion (24) around any arbitrary angle or an angle of 90° or an angle of 180° results in a rotated slanted surface portion (24) being identical to the slanted surface portion (24).
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main surface portion (25) is arranged closer to the pouring outlet (12) than the slanted surface portion (24) .
- Spout according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a covering member (33) configured to interrupt a fluidic connection between the inlet opening (11) and the pouring outlet (12);
wherein the covering member (33) is fixed to the inner surface (17). - Spout according to claim 12, wherein the covering member (33) is movable between at least an active position in which the covering member (33) interrupts the fluidic connection between the inlet opening (11) and the pouring outlet (12) and a rest position in which the covering member (33) allows for the fluidic connection between the inlet opening (11) and the pouring outlet (12);
wherein prior to a first control of the covering member (33) from the active position to the inactive position the covering member (33) is fixed to the inner surface (17). - Spout according to claim 12 or 13, and further comprising a coupling member (34) connected to the covering member (33) and configured to connect the covering member (33) to a lid (5) of the package (1).
- Lid-spout assembly (3) for a package comprising a spout (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''') according to any one of the preceding claims and a lid (5) configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet (12).
- Package (1) filled with a pourable product and comprising at least one spout (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''') according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
- Package according to claim 16, and further comprising a main body (2) having the designated pour opening and being formed from a multilayer composite packaging material.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20168897 | 2020-04-09 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3892563A1 true EP3892563A1 (en) | 2021-10-13 |
Family
ID=70285436
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21166550.0A Pending EP3892563A1 (en) | 2020-04-09 | 2021-04-01 | Spout for a package, lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a spout |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230137895A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3892563A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023520293A (en) |
CN (1) | CN114981179A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112022013047A2 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2022011380A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021204674A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230137895A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2023-05-04 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Spout for a package, lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a spout |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3892560A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2021-10-13 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a lid-spout assembly |
CN117886023B (en) * | 2024-03-14 | 2024-05-14 | 乐美包装(昆山)有限公司 | Sealing device for injection moulding on sheet packaging material |
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DE202005004853U1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2005-05-25 | Seaquist-Löffler Kunststoffwerk Gmbh | Closure, especially for a drinks container, has a central section of a gas-tight closure element that can be broken away from an outer fixed section |
EP2361743A1 (en) * | 2010-02-23 | 2011-08-31 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Apparatus and method for injection molding opening devices on sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products |
EP2368807A1 (en) * | 2010-03-25 | 2011-09-28 | Procap France SAS | Closure assembly for a brick-type container |
JP2014065543A (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2014-04-17 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Opening plug for container and liquid container |
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US5755360A (en) * | 1996-07-11 | 1998-05-26 | Aptargroup, Inc. | Multi-material, multi-shot, injection molded dispensing closure having a removable seal |
US20060097006A1 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2006-05-11 | Erie County Plastics Corporation | Pour spout fitment with internal cut off |
DK2008787T3 (en) * | 2007-06-28 | 2012-05-21 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance | Method of injection molding openers on layered material for packaging of pourable foods, and packaging material and packaging obtained thereby |
ES2610737T3 (en) * | 2013-12-23 | 2017-05-03 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Opening device of a container and procedure for manufacturing such opening device |
ES2643911T3 (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2017-11-27 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | A cover for an opening device |
EP3025981B1 (en) * | 2014-11-25 | 2017-09-13 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | A lid for an opening device |
US20230137895A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2023-05-04 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Spout for a package, lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a spout |
-
2021
- 2021-04-01 US US17/914,025 patent/US20230137895A1/en active Pending
- 2021-04-01 CN CN202180009786.1A patent/CN114981179A/en active Pending
- 2021-04-01 JP JP2022549483A patent/JP2023520293A/en active Pending
- 2021-04-01 EP EP21166550.0A patent/EP3892563A1/en active Pending
- 2021-04-01 BR BR112022013047A patent/BR112022013047A2/en unknown
- 2021-04-01 WO PCT/EP2021/058623 patent/WO2021204674A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-04-01 MX MX2022011380A patent/MX2022011380A/en unknown
Patent Citations (4)
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DE202005004853U1 (en) * | 2005-03-24 | 2005-05-25 | Seaquist-Löffler Kunststoffwerk Gmbh | Closure, especially for a drinks container, has a central section of a gas-tight closure element that can be broken away from an outer fixed section |
EP2361743A1 (en) * | 2010-02-23 | 2011-08-31 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Apparatus and method for injection molding opening devices on sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products |
EP2368807A1 (en) * | 2010-03-25 | 2011-09-28 | Procap France SAS | Closure assembly for a brick-type container |
JP2014065543A (en) * | 2013-12-13 | 2014-04-17 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Opening plug for container and liquid container |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20230137895A1 (en) * | 2020-04-09 | 2023-05-04 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Spout for a package, lid-spout assembly for a package and package having a spout |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2022011380A (en) | 2022-10-10 |
WO2021204674A1 (en) | 2021-10-14 |
BR112022013047A2 (en) | 2022-10-25 |
CN114981179A (en) | 2022-08-30 |
JP2023520293A (en) | 2023-05-17 |
US20230137895A1 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
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