EP4139224B1 - Closure assembly for a thin-walled packaging pouch - Google Patents
Closure assembly for a thin-walled packaging pouch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4139224B1 EP4139224B1 EP21724036.5A EP21724036A EP4139224B1 EP 4139224 B1 EP4139224 B1 EP 4139224B1 EP 21724036 A EP21724036 A EP 21724036A EP 4139224 B1 EP4139224 B1 EP 4139224B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- closure assembly
- cap
- spout
- assembly according
- coupling
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 45
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 45
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 45
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009459 flexible packaging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013572 fruit purees Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012827 research and development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B65D47/14—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures and closure-retaining means
- B65D47/142—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having removable closures and closure-retaining means for threaded caps
-
- 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
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3442—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container
- B65D41/3447—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
- B65D41/3452—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with rigid bead or projections formed on the tamper element and coacting with bead or projections on the container the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges with drive means between closure and tamper element
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of thin-walled packaging, usually referred to as "pouches," and in particular to the field of packaging equipped with a spout for the outflow of the product.
- the object of the present invention is a closure assembly for a flexible a thin-walled packaging.
- Such packaging is now widely spread and used above all for containing products for children, such as fruit juices and purees, yogurt, vegetable purees, and drinks.
- products for children such as fruit juices and purees, yogurt, vegetable purees, and drinks.
- the enormous known diffusion of such packaging is attributable to the great convenience of use and ease of use by children, as well as to the playful component linked to the use of the spout and the need to crush the packaging to make the product outflow.
- closure assemblies are known from JP 2007 204124 A , JP 2006 335416 A , US 2008/073348 A1 , EP 3 628 608 A1 , and JP 2012 166824 A .
- the cap which remains connected to the spout hinders the use of the spout itself.
- the cap touches the region around the lips, annoying the child.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a closure assembly which meets the needs of the field and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the background art.
- a flexible thin-walled packaging P comprises a flexible bag B having at least a front wall and a rear wall, made from a thin film, joined together along peripheral edges by a weld. Above, between the upper edge of the front wall and the upper edge of the rear wall, a spout S is attached for the outflow of the product contained in the packaging; the spout is closed by a closure C.
- the bag comprises a first side wall, welded between first side edges of the front wall and of the rear wall, for example on a first side; according to a still further embodiment, the bag comprises a second side wall, welded between second side edges of the front wall and the rear wall, for example on a second side.
- the bag comprises a bottom wall, welded between the lower edges of the front wall and the rear wall, to form a base of the packaging.
- the thin film is single-layer or multi-layer; permeable to oxygen or impermeable to oxygen.
- the reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a closure assembly comprising the spout S and the closure C which can be attached to the spout S.
- the closure C in turn comprises a cap 6 and a connecting device 8 for the permanent connection between the cap 6 and the spout S.
- the spout S comprises a connecting portion 9, generally referred to as the "welding boat,” intended to be attached between the upper edges of the front wall and the rear wall of the bag B, a lower plate 10, which delimits the connecting portion 9 at the top, a lower flange 12, axially spaced apart from the lower plate 10, and an upper flange 14, axially spaced apart from the lower flange 12.
- annular connecting seat 15 is formed between the lower flange 12 and the upper flange 14, while an annular coupling seat 17 is formed between the lower plate 10 and the lower flange 12.
- the spout S further comprises a tube 16, projecting axially from the upper flange 14, ending with a tube edge 18 which peripherally delimits an opening 20 for the outflow of the product from the packaging.
- the tube 16 extends along a main axis X and has a thread 22 outside for the engagement of the spout S with the cap 6.
- the spout 2 further has an inner duct 24, coaxial to the main axis X, which extends from the mouth 20 to the lower end of the connecting portion 9 or, in a variant embodiment, there below.
- the spout S is made in a single piece of plastic material, for example by means of injection molding.
- the cap 6 comprises an annular side wall 30, which extends around a main axis Y of the cap 6, between an upper cap edge 32 and a lower cap edge 33, and a base 34 which closes it at the top, connected to said upper cap edge 32.
- the side wall 30 of the cap 6 is internally threaded for screwing onto the tube 16 of the spout 2.
- the cap 6 comprises a cap flange 36 at the bottom, projecting radially outwards from the lower cap edge 33 and having a free lower surface 37, for example in the form of a flat circular crown.
- the connecting device 8 comprises a connecting element or ring 40, which can be axially constrained to the spout S, for example arranged in the connecting seat 15, between the lower flange 12 and the upper flange 14, freely rotatable in said connecting seat 15.
- the ring 40 has a predefined axial height, between a lower surface 42, for example in the form of a flat circular crown, and an upper surface 44, for example rounded, which, when the cap 6 is screwed to the spout 2, faces the lower surface 37 of the cap flange 36.
- the ring 40 also has an outer side surface 45a, for example cylindrical, and an annular inner side surface 45b. On said annular inner surface 45b there is an annular protuberance 45c, continuous or in sections, which, when the ring is attached to the spout 2, creates an axial constraint, snapping into the connecting seat 15.
- the connecting device 8 further comprises a plurality of breakable jumpers 46 which, when intact, join the ring 40 to the cap 6, and in particular the ring 40 to the cap flange 36.
- said jumpers 46 join the upper surface 44 of the ring 40 to the lower surface 37 of the cap flange 36.
- the connecting device 8 comprises at least one tooth 47a, projecting from the ring 40, for example axially, and in particular from the lower surface 37 of the cap flange 36, and at least one recess 47b, obtained in the ring 40, and in particular in the upper surface 44 thereof.
- the tooth 47a is at least partially received in the recess 47b and is configured to abut against a wall delimiting said recess 47b.
- the tooth 47a abuts against a wall of the recess 47b and easily drags the ring 40 in rotation.
- the connecting device 8 further comprises a flexible connecting band or fastener 50, having a main extension along a dimension which forms the length thereof, between a ring end 52, joined to the ring 40, and in particular to the outer side surface 45a thereof, and a cap end 54, joined to the cap 6, and in particular to the cap flange 36, and preferably to an outer side surface thereof.
- a flexible connecting band or fastener 50 having a main extension along a dimension which forms the length thereof, between a ring end 52, joined to the ring 40, and in particular to the outer side surface 45a thereof, and a cap end 54, joined to the cap 6, and in particular to the cap flange 36, and preferably to an outer side surface thereof.
- the fastener 50 has a cross section, obtained with a rectangular section plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, preferably oriented so that the shorter side is parallel to the central axis Y of the cap 6.
- the fastener 50 is configured to break by traction near the end of the ring 52, so that if the child tries, for example playing, to tear the cap 6 from the spout 2 by pulling it, the fastener 50 breaks near the ring 40, while a main portion remains connected to the cap.
- this allows the spout to be used, placing it between the lips, without incurring the discomfort which would be caused by a possible piece of fastener connected to the ring.
- the fastener 50 has a weakening 60, for example consisting of a notch made at the connection between the fastener 50 and the ring 40, or a reduction of the resistant section between the fastener 50 and the ring 40.
- the cap 6 further comprises a coupling portion 70 adapted to engage with a coupling region 72 of the spout S in order to retain the cap 6 in a predefined position with respect to said spout S.
- the fastener 50 forms a permanent connection between the cap 6 and the spout S, but when the cap 6 is unscrewed, it assumes a random position with respect to the spout, often such as to hinder the use of the spout itself.
- the engagement between the coupling portion 70 of the cap 6 and the coupling region 72 of the spout S can be obtained only when the cap 6 is unscrewed from the spout S and allows the cap to be kept in a predefined position with respect to the spout, such as not to bring discomfort to the user when the spout is between the lips.
- said coupling region 72 is outside the tube 16 of the spout S, so as to be sufficiently far from the mouth 20.
- the cap 6 when the coupling portion 70 of the cap 6 is engaged with the coupling region 72 of the spout, the cap 6 is arranged so that the central axis Y lies on an imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the main axis X of the tube 16.
- the cap 6 comprises a gripping paddle 80, for example axially projecting from the base 34 and/or radially projecting from the side wall 30, provided with a peripheral edge 82.
- the paddle 80 has a flat shape, substantially lying on an imaginary plane which contains the central axis Y of the cap 6, for example also passing through a center line of the fastener 50.
- a portion 84 of the peripheral edge 82 obtains said coupling portion 70; preferably, said portion 84 is enlarged with respect to the remaining part of the peripheral edge 82.
- the cap 6 preferably has a plurality of coupling portions 70.
- the peripheral edge 82 comprises said portion 84 and a further portion 86, symmetrical to the portion 84 with respect to the main axis Y of the cap 6.
- the coupling seat 17 of the spout S forms said coupling region 72.
- the cap 6 is screwed to the tube 16 of the spout S, the ring 40 is arranged in the connecting seat 15, axially constrained to the spout S and free to rotate in said connecting seat 15, and the jumpers 46 are intact and join the ring 40 to the cap flange 36.
- the coupling portion 70 of the cap 6 is engaged with the coupling region 72 of the spout S, so as to retain the cap 6 in a predefined position with respect to the spout S, such as not to hinder the use of the spout S.
- the engagement between the coupling portion 70 and the coupling region 72 is a pressure engagement, obtained by forced insertion of the coupling portion 70 in the coupling region 72, for example of the portion 84 of the cap 6 in the coupling seat 17 of the spout S.
- the engagement between the coupling portion 70 and the coupling region 72 is a snap-in engagement.
- the engagement between the coupling portion 70 and the coupling region 72 is a positive-fit engagement, i.e., between a shaped element of the coupling portion and a counter-shaped element of the coupling region, with or without forcing.
- the closure assembly according to the present invention meets the needs of the field, as it allows the cap to be kept in permanent connection with the bag, by means of the fastener which joins it to the spout, and at the same time overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, as the cap is arranged in a position in which it does not hinder the use of the spout.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to the field of thin-walled packaging, usually referred to as "pouches," and in particular to the field of packaging equipped with a spout for the outflow of the product. In particular, the object of the present invention is a closure assembly for a flexible a thin-walled packaging.
- Such packaging is now widely spread and used above all for containing products for children, such as fruit juices and purees, yogurt, vegetable purees, and drinks. The enormous known diffusion of such packaging is attributable to the great convenience of use and ease of use by children, as well as to the playful component linked to the use of the spout and the need to crush the packaging to make the product outflow.
- Currently, several hundreds of millions of flexible packaging with a spout are produced worldwide. In the prior art, closure assemblies are known from
JP 2007 204124 A JP 2006 335416 A US 2008/073348 A1 ,EP 3 628 608 A1 , andJP 2012 166824 A - As is occurring for numerous other widely consumed goods, even in the field of flexible packaging with spouts there are significant efforts in research and development by producers, in order to produce and market a good which is respectful of the environment, as well as capable of meeting the needs mentioned above.
- In this regard, one of the most felt drawbacks in the sector is that the cap which closes the spout, once unscrewed, can be inadvertently lost by the user, due to the small size thereof, or incorrectly disposed of, without proceeding to proper disposal.
- Given the volumes produced and marketed each year, one can imagine how important it is that such caps are disposed of correctly. It is therefore essential that, after unscrewing the cap, the cap remains connected to the spout so that the entire packaging is disposed of correctly.
- There are already known solutions of caps for spouts of thin-walled packaging, provided with a fastener which keeps the cap connected to the spout, for example by means of a collar.
- However, the known solutions have some drawbacks.
- For example, the cap which remains connected to the spout hinders the use of the spout itself. In fact, it is not uncommon that while using the spout, the cap touches the region around the lips, annoying the child.
- The object of the present invention is to provide a closure assembly which meets the needs of the field and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the background art.
- Such an object is achieved by a closure assembly according to
claim 1. The dependent claims identify further advantageous embodiments of the invention. - The features and advantages of the closure assembly according to the present invention will be apparent from the description given below, provided by way of nonlimiting example, in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
figures 1a and 1b show a packaging comprising a closure assembly according to the present invention, respectively in a closing configuration and in an opening configuration; -
figures 2a and 2b depict a closure assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively in a closing configuration and in an opening configuration; -
figures 3 and4 show a closure of the closure assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
figures 5 and7 show the closure assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a coupling configuration; -
figure 6 is an enlargement of box VI offigure 5 ; -
figure 8 shows a detail of the connection between the fastener and the ring in the closure assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. - A flexible thin-walled packaging P comprises a flexible bag B having at least a front wall and a rear wall, made from a thin film, joined together along peripheral edges by a weld. Above, between the upper edge of the front wall and the upper edge of the rear wall, a spout S is attached for the outflow of the product contained in the packaging; the spout is closed by a closure C.
- The bag comprises a first side wall, welded between first side edges of the front wall and of the rear wall, for example on a first side; according to a still further embodiment, the bag comprises a second side wall, welded between second side edges of the front wall and the rear wall, for example on a second side.
- The bag comprises a bottom wall, welded between the lower edges of the front wall and the rear wall, to form a base of the packaging.
- The thin film is single-layer or multi-layer; permeable to oxygen or impermeable to oxygen.
- In accordance with the figures of the accompanying drawings, the
reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole a closure assembly comprising the spout S and the closure C which can be attached to the spout S. The closure C in turn comprises acap 6 and a connectingdevice 8 for the permanent connection between thecap 6 and the spout S. - From a lower end toward an upper end, the spout S comprises a connecting
portion 9, generally referred to as the "welding boat," intended to be attached between the upper edges of the front wall and the rear wall of the bag B, alower plate 10, which delimits the connectingportion 9 at the top, alower flange 12, axially spaced apart from thelower plate 10, and anupper flange 14, axially spaced apart from thelower flange 12. - Therefore, an annular connecting
seat 15 is formed between thelower flange 12 and theupper flange 14, while anannular coupling seat 17 is formed between thelower plate 10 and thelower flange 12. - The spout S further comprises a
tube 16, projecting axially from theupper flange 14, ending with atube edge 18 which peripherally delimits anopening 20 for the outflow of the product from the packaging. Thetube 16 extends along a main axis X and has athread 22 outside for the engagement of the spout S with thecap 6. - The spout 2 further has an
inner duct 24, coaxial to the main axis X, which extends from themouth 20 to the lower end of the connectingportion 9 or, in a variant embodiment, there below. - The spout S is made in a single piece of plastic material, for example by means of injection molding.
- The
cap 6 comprises anannular side wall 30, which extends around a main axis Y of thecap 6, between anupper cap edge 32 and alower cap edge 33, and abase 34 which closes it at the top, connected to saidupper cap edge 32. - The
side wall 30 of thecap 6 is internally threaded for screwing onto thetube 16 of the spout 2. - The
cap 6 comprises acap flange 36 at the bottom, projecting radially outwards from thelower cap edge 33 and having a freelower surface 37, for example in the form of a flat circular crown. - The connecting
device 8 comprises a connecting element orring 40, which can be axially constrained to the spout S, for example arranged in the connectingseat 15, between thelower flange 12 and theupper flange 14, freely rotatable in said connectingseat 15. - The
ring 40 has a predefined axial height, between alower surface 42, for example in the form of a flat circular crown, and anupper surface 44, for example rounded, which, when thecap 6 is screwed to the spout 2, faces thelower surface 37 of thecap flange 36. - The
ring 40 also has anouter side surface 45a, for example cylindrical, and an annularinner side surface 45b. On said annularinner surface 45b there is anannular protuberance 45c, continuous or in sections, which, when the ring is attached to the spout 2, creates an axial constraint, snapping into the connectingseat 15. - The
connecting device 8 further comprises a plurality ofbreakable jumpers 46 which, when intact, join thering 40 to thecap 6, and in particular thering 40 to thecap flange 36. - According to a preferred embodiment, said
jumpers 46 join theupper surface 44 of thering 40 to thelower surface 37 of thecap flange 36. - Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the connecting
device 8 comprises at least onetooth 47a, projecting from thering 40, for example axially, and in particular from thelower surface 37 of thecap flange 36, and at least one recess 47b, obtained in thering 40, and in particular in theupper surface 44 thereof. Thetooth 47a is at least partially received in therecess 47b and is configured to abut against a wall delimiting saidrecess 47b. When thecap 6 is unscrewed, thetooth 47a abuts against a wall of therecess 47b and easily drags thering 40 in rotation. - The connecting
device 8 further comprises a flexible connecting band orfastener 50, having a main extension along a dimension which forms the length thereof, between aring end 52, joined to thering 40, and in particular to theouter side surface 45a thereof, and acap end 54, joined to thecap 6, and in particular to thecap flange 36, and preferably to an outer side surface thereof. - Preferably, the
fastener 50 has a cross section, obtained with a rectangular section plane which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, preferably oriented so that the shorter side is parallel to the central axis Y of thecap 6. - The
fastener 50 is configured to break by traction near the end of thering 52, so that if the child tries, for example playing, to tear thecap 6 from the spout 2 by pulling it, thefastener 50 breaks near thering 40, while a main portion remains connected to the cap. Advantageously, this allows the spout to be used, placing it between the lips, without incurring the discomfort which would be caused by a possible piece of fastener connected to the ring. - For this purpose, at the end of the
ring 52, thefastener 50 has a weakening 60, for example consisting of a notch made at the connection between thefastener 50 and thering 40, or a reduction of the resistant section between thefastener 50 and thering 40. - The
cap 6 and the connectingdevice 8 together form the closure C and are made in a single piece in plastic material, for example by means of injection molding. - The
cap 6 further comprises acoupling portion 70 adapted to engage with acoupling region 72 of the spout S in order to retain thecap 6 in a predefined position with respect to said spout S. - In other words, the
fastener 50 forms a permanent connection between thecap 6 and the spout S, but when thecap 6 is unscrewed, it assumes a random position with respect to the spout, often such as to hinder the use of the spout itself. The engagement between thecoupling portion 70 of thecap 6 and thecoupling region 72 of the spout S can be obtained only when thecap 6 is unscrewed from the spout S and allows the cap to be kept in a predefined position with respect to the spout, such as not to bring discomfort to the user when the spout is between the lips. - Preferably, said
coupling region 72 is outside thetube 16 of the spout S, so as to be sufficiently far from themouth 20. - Preferably, moreover, when the
coupling portion 70 of thecap 6 is engaged with thecoupling region 72 of the spout, thecap 6 is arranged so that the central axis Y lies on an imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the main axis X of thetube 16. - For example, the
cap 6 comprises agripping paddle 80, for example axially projecting from thebase 34 and/or radially projecting from theside wall 30, provided with aperipheral edge 82. - For example, the
paddle 80 has a flat shape, substantially lying on an imaginary plane which contains the central axis Y of thecap 6, for example also passing through a center line of thefastener 50. - A
portion 84 of theperipheral edge 82 obtains saidcoupling portion 70; preferably, saidportion 84 is enlarged with respect to the remaining part of theperipheral edge 82. - Furthermore, the
cap 6 preferably has a plurality ofcoupling portions 70. For example, theperipheral edge 82 comprises saidportion 84 and afurther portion 86, symmetrical to theportion 84 with respect to the main axis Y of thecap 6. - According to the invention, the
coupling seat 17 of the spout S forms saidcoupling region 72. - In an initial configuration (
figures 1a and2a ), thecap 6 is screwed to thetube 16 of the spout S, thering 40 is arranged in the connectingseat 15, axially constrained to the spout S and free to rotate in said connectingseat 15, and thejumpers 46 are intact and join thering 40 to thecap flange 36. - By unscrewing the
cap 6 from the spout S, this drags thering 40 in rotation and simultaneously moves axially on thetube 16, causing thejumpers 36 to break. - Once the unscrewing has been completed (
figures 1b and2b ), theinner duct 24 of the spout S is accessible through themouth 20, thejumpers 36 are broken, reflecting the tampering, and thecap 6 remains constrained to the spout S by means of thefastener 50 which continues to join thecap 6 to thering 40, in turn constrained to the spout S. - Finally, in a coupling configuration (
figures 5 and7 ), thecoupling portion 70 of thecap 6 is engaged with thecoupling region 72 of the spout S, so as to retain thecap 6 in a predefined position with respect to the spout S, such as not to hinder the use of the spout S. - Preferably, the engagement between the
coupling portion 70 and thecoupling region 72 is a pressure engagement, obtained by forced insertion of thecoupling portion 70 in thecoupling region 72, for example of theportion 84 of thecap 6 in thecoupling seat 17 of the spout S. - According to a further embodiment, the engagement between the
coupling portion 70 and thecoupling region 72 is a snap-in engagement. - According to a still further embodiment, the engagement between the
coupling portion 70 and thecoupling region 72 is a positive-fit engagement, i.e., between a shaped element of the coupling portion and a counter-shaped element of the coupling region, with or without forcing. - Innovatively, the closure assembly according to the present invention meets the needs of the field, as it allows the cap to be kept in permanent connection with the bag, by means of the fastener which joins it to the spout, and at the same time overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks, as the cap is arranged in a position in which it does not hinder the use of the spout.
- It is apparent that, in order to meet contingent needs, those skilled in the art may make changes to the closure assembly described above, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.
Claims (15)
- A closure assembly (1) for a flexible thin-walled packaging (P), comprising:- a spout (S), which is sealingly attachable to a bag (B) of the packaging (P), provided with a tube (16) which extends along a central axis (X) and ends in a mouth (20), and is equipped with a coupling region (72);- a closure (C) which can be attached to the spout (S), comprising:i) a ring (40) which is attached to the spout (S) and is axially constrained and free to rotate;ii) a cap (6) which has a central axis (Y), can be screwed to the tube (16), and is adapted to close the mouth (20), comprising a coupling portion (70);iii) a fastener (50) which connects the ring (40) to the cap (6);wherein the coupling portion (70) can engage with the coupling region (72) in order to retain the cap (6) in a predefined position with respect to the spout (S); wherein the spout (S) comprises a lower plate (10) and a lower flange (12), which project radially outwards and are axially spaced apart so as to obtain a coupling seat (17) which forms said coupling region (72);wherein the closure assembly (1) is characterized in that the cap (6) comprises a paddle (80) for gripping and unscrewing it, which is provided with a peripheral edge (82), and a portion (84) of said peripheral edge (82) forms said coupling portion (70).
- A closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling region (72) is outside the tube (16).
- A closure assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the coupling portion (70) of the cap (6) engages with the coupling region (72) of the spout (S), the cap (6) is arranged such that the central axis (Y) lies on an imaginary plane which is orthogonal to the main axis (X) of the tube (16).
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement between the coupling portion (70) and the coupling region (72) is a pressure engagement.
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement between the coupling portion (70) and the coupling region (72) is a snap-in engagement.
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement between the coupling portion (70) and the coupling region (72) is a positive-fit engagement.
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spout (S) comprises an upper flange (14), which projects radially outwards and is axially spaced apart from the lower flange (12) on the opposite side to the lower plate (10) so as to form a connecting seat (15) together with the lower plate (12) for engagement with the ring (40).
- A closure assembly according to claim 7, wherein the spout (S) comprises a connecting portion (9) which is sealingly weldable to the bag (B), said connecting portion being axially delimited at the top by said lower plate (10).
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said portion (84) is enlarged with respect to the remaining adjacent part of the peripheral edge (82).
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cap (6) comprises a plurality of coupling portions (70).
- A closure assembly according to claim 10, wherein the cap (6) comprises two coupling portions (70) arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis (Y) of the cap (6).
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure (C) is formed in one piece of plastic material, for example by means of injection molding.
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastener (50) has a rectangular cross section.
- A closure assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, at a ring end (52) where it joins the ring (40), the fastener (50) has a weakened portion (60) for tearing the fastener (50) in a controlled manner.
- A closure assembly according to claim 14, wherein said weakened portion (60) consists of a reduction in the cross section between the fastener (50) and the ring (40) .
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT202000008638 | 2020-04-22 | ||
PCT/IB2021/053033 WO2021214596A1 (en) | 2020-04-22 | 2021-04-13 | Closure for a thin-walled packaging pouch |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4139224A1 EP4139224A1 (en) | 2023-03-01 |
EP4139224B1 true EP4139224B1 (en) | 2024-01-10 |
Family
ID=71575576
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21724036.5A Active EP4139224B1 (en) | 2020-04-22 | 2021-04-13 | Closure assembly for a thin-walled packaging pouch |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4139224B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115605405A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2021261649A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112022020565A2 (en) |
CL (1) | CL2022002509A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2022011494A (en) |
PL (1) | PL4139224T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021214596A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL2032534B1 (en) | 2022-07-18 | 2024-01-26 | Scholle Ipn Ip Bv | A spouted container and closure assembly. |
NL2033171B1 (en) | 2022-09-28 | 2024-04-05 | Sig Services Ag | Product package and method for dispensing a product. |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2012166824A (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2012-09-06 | Kanae Co Ltd | Package body and spout |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4828867B2 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2011-11-30 | 三笠産業株式会社 | Outlet |
JP4912689B2 (en) * | 2006-02-02 | 2012-04-11 | 日本クラウンコルク株式会社 | Spout with cap holder |
US7591398B2 (en) * | 2006-09-27 | 2009-09-22 | Pouchsmart, Inc. | Container closure assembly |
NL2016212B1 (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2017-08-11 | Scholle Ipn Ip Bv | A closure assembly and container provided with said closure assembly. |
-
2021
- 2021-04-13 PL PL21724036.5T patent/PL4139224T3/en unknown
- 2021-04-13 WO PCT/IB2021/053033 patent/WO2021214596A1/en active Search and Examination
- 2021-04-13 MX MX2022011494A patent/MX2022011494A/en unknown
- 2021-04-13 AU AU2021261649A patent/AU2021261649A1/en active Pending
- 2021-04-13 CN CN202180026789.6A patent/CN115605405A/en active Pending
- 2021-04-13 BR BR112022020565A patent/BR112022020565A2/en unknown
- 2021-04-13 EP EP21724036.5A patent/EP4139224B1/en active Active
-
2022
- 2022-09-14 CL CL2022002509A patent/CL2022002509A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2012166824A (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2012-09-06 | Kanae Co Ltd | Package body and spout |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2022011494A (en) | 2022-10-07 |
BR112022020565A2 (en) | 2022-12-06 |
PL4139224T3 (en) | 2024-04-08 |
EP4139224A1 (en) | 2023-03-01 |
CN115605405A (en) | 2023-01-13 |
AU2021261649A1 (en) | 2022-09-29 |
WO2021214596A1 (en) | 2021-10-28 |
CL2022002509A1 (en) | 2023-03-31 |
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