EP4606728A1

EP4606728A1 - Closure for an opening device, opening device for a package and package

Info

Publication number: EP4606728A1
Application number: EP25159004.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pietro Martini; Angelo Sorbara; Stefano Piccinini; Stefano GIORDANO
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-02-26
Filing date: 2025-02-20
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Also published as: WO2025180927A1; IT202400004030A1

Abstract

There is described a closure (10, 10') for an opening device (3), the closure (10, 10') comprising a main wall (13) configured to be arranged on a pouring outlet of a collar of the opening device (3), a support ring (15) displaced from the main wall (13) along a longitudinal axis (B), a plurality of ribs (16) interposed between and connected to the main wall (13) and the support ring (15) and being angularly displaced from one another about the longitudinal axis (B) and a plurality of spaces (17), each space (17) being interposed between two neighboring ribs (16). At least one of the spaces (17) is void of any material.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a closure for an opening device, in particular an opening device for a package.
The present invention further relates to an opening device for a package, more specifically a composite package, filled with a pourable product, even more specifically filled with a pourable food product.
The present invention also relates to a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, more specifically filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the main body.

BACKGROUND ART

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 made of composite 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 web of 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 sealed main bodies of the packages, comprise a designated pour opening that allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the package.
The designated pour opening can be covered by a separation membrane, which isolates an inner space of the main body from an outer environment, and which is cut or removed prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product.
It is known to arrange an opening device onto the main body, the opening device being provided with a collar having a pouring outlet and a closure. The closure is movable between a closing position in which the closure covers the collar, and an opening position in which the closure is distanced from the collar to allow for the outpouring.
There are known closures that comprise a main wall covering the pouring outlet and a side wall protruding from the main wall and surrounding the collar when the opening device is in the closing position.
Even though such closures and/or opening devices work satisfyingly well, a need is felt in the sector to further improve the closures and/or the opening devices having closures.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved closure for an opening device.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an opening device for a package, more specifically a composite package, filled with a pourable product, even more specifically filled with a pourable food product.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, more specifically filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the main body.
According to the present invention, there is provided a closure according to the independent claim.
Further advantageous embodiments of the closure are specified in the respective dependent claims.
According to the present invention, there is also provided an opening device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Two 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 package having a main body and an opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 is a sectioned view of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of a closure according to the present invention and being part of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 4 is a sectioned view of the detail of the closure of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the detail of the closure of Figure 3, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figures 6 and 7 are different perspective views of a detail of a second embodiment of a closure according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The elements and features illustrated in the various preferred embodiments, including drawings, may be combined with each other without going beyond the scope of protection of this application as described below.
Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, more specifically a composite package, comprising:

a main body 2, more specifically a composite main body, even more specifically a sealed composite main body, being filled with a pourable product, more specifically a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening (not shown and known as such) configured to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product from main body 2; and
an opening device 3, more specifically an opening device being at least partially formed from a polymer, even more specifically being partially formed from a polymer and partially formed from another material such as a fiber-based material, fitted to main body 2, more specifically fitted to main body 2 about the designated pour opening.

Main body 2 may be obtained from a multilayer packaging material, for example being provided in the form of a web. The packaging material may comprise at least a layer of fibrous material, 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 may define an inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.
The packaging material may also comprise 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 heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. More specifically, the packaging material may also comprise 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.
In further detail, each opening device 3 is applied to the respective main body 2 prior, during or after forming, filling and sealing of the respective main body 2 by means of at least one of a molding process, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding and welding.
Alternatively, each opening device 3 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 the respective main body 2 from the packaging material.
Main body 2 may contain a pourable food product such as water, milk, milk-based drinks, yoghurt drinks, coffee-based drinks, fruit juice, beverages with pulp, tomato sauce, salt, sugar and the like.
With particular reference to Figure 1, main body 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A.
In particular, package 2 may comprise a first wall 4, in particular being transversal, even more particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A, from which main body 2 extends along longitudinal axis A. Preferentially, first wall 4 may define a supporting surface of package 2, which, in use, can be put in contact with a support element, e.g. a shelf, when, in use, being e.g. exposed within a sales point, placed within a storage chamber, placed within a refrigerator or similar. In particular, when being arranged on a support element, first wall 4 may define a bottom wall.
Moreover, main body 2 may also comprise a side wall 5 being (fixedly) connected to first wall 4 and extending from first wall 4 along longitudinal axis A.
Additionally, main body 2 may also comprise a second wall 6 opposite to first wall 4 and being (fixedly) connected to side wall 5. In other words, side wall 5 may be interposed between first wall 4 and second wall 6. In particular, when package 1 is arranged on a support element, second wall 6 may define a top wall of package 1.
First wall 4 and second wall 6 may be parallel to one another or, alternatively, first wall 4 and second wall 6 may be inclined with respect to one another (in other words, second wall 6 may define a slanted-top or a gable-top).
In more detail, second wall 6 may comprise at least a portion of the designated pour opening.
Furthermore, package 1, in particular main body 2, may comprise a separation membrane covering the designated pour opening so as to isolate an inner space of main body 2 from an outer environment. Additionally, the separation membrane may be at least partially (and non-reversibly) breakable (i.e. openable and/or rupturable and/or cuttable and/or pierceable and/or removable), in particular so as to allow a loss of the integrity of the separation membrane, which therefore allows the outpouring of the pourable product through the designated pour opening and out of main body 2.
Preferentially but not necessarily, the separation membrane may comprise a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.
Preferentially but not necessarily, the separation membrane may be 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. Preferentially, the separation membrane may comprise a portion of the layer of gas- and light-barrier material.
Opening device 3 comprises at least:

a collar (not shown and known as such), in particular being aligned with the designated pour opening and, delimiting a flow channel for the pourable product; and
a closure 10 coupled to the collar.

In further detail, the collar may comprise an inlet opening configured to allow an inflow of the pourable product, in particular from the inner space, into the flow channel and a pouring outlet configured to allow an outflow of the pourable product from the flow channel (and the collar).
Closure 10 is configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet.
Advantageously, closure 10 may be controllable in at least:

a closing position (see Figure 1) in which closure 10 covers the pouring outlet, in particular for impeding an outflow of the pourable product from the collar; and
an opening position (not specifically shown) in which closure 10 is detached from the pouring outlet so as to allow an outflow of the pourable product.

With particular reference to Figures 1 to 5, closure 10 comprises a base structure 11.
Closure 10 also comprises a cover 12 arranged over base structure 11.
Preferentially but not necessarily, base structure 11 is made from a first material and cover 12 is made from a second material different from the first material.
In particular, the first material and the second material differ in the type of material and not only in a specific composition of the same material category.
The first material may be a plastic material and the second material may be a fiber-based material.
In the example shown, base structure 11 is formed from a plastic material, in particular by means of an injection or compression molding process.
Additionally, cover 12 is formed from a fiber-based material such as paper or cardboard.
With reference to Figures 2 to 5, closure 10, in particular base structure 11, comprises:

a main wall 13 configured to be arranged on the pouring outlet of the collar, in particular when closure 10 is in the closing position; and
a lateral wall 14, in particular an annular lateral wall, protruding from main wall 13.

In particular, main wall 13 and lateral wall 14 are formed in a single piece.
In more detail, lateral wall 14 comprises:

a support ring 15, in particular an annular support ring 15, more in particular a circular support ring 15, displaced from main wall 13 along a longitudinal axis B of closure 10; and
a plurality of ribs 16 interposed between and connected to, in particular integrally connected to, main wall 13 and support ring 15 and being angularly displaced from one another, i.e. staggered, about longitudinal axis B.

Support ring 15 may be a continuous annular support ring 15, in particular a continuous circular support ring 15.
Lateral wall 14 also comprises a plurality of spaces 17, each space 17 being interposed between two respective neighboring ribs 16.
In particular, at least one, preferentially a plurality, of spaces 17 may be void of any material, i.e. these spaces 17 define respective through-holes.
In particular, a first group of spaces 17 may be void of any material, i.e. the spaces 17 of the first group define through-holes.
Additionally, a second group of spaces 17 may be at least partially filled with a material being connected to the respective neighboring ribs 16.
According to the example shown in Figures 2 to 5, all spaces 17 are void of any material, i.e. there is only the first group of spaces 17 while there is no second group of spaces 17.
Alternatively and as not shown, some of the spaces 17 may belong to the second group. For example, the spaces 17 of the second group may comprise a membrane, in particular each membrane being connected to, more particular being integrally connected to, the respective neighboring ribs 16. In particular, a minimum thickness of ribs 16 is larger than a thickness of the respective membranes.
Advantageously, an angular extension of each rib 16 with respect to longitudinal axis B, i.e. about longitudinal axis B, is smaller than an angular extension of each space 17 with respect to longitudinal axis B, i.e. about longitudinal axis B.
For example, all the ribs 16 may have the same angular extension.
For example, all the spaces 17 may have the same angular extension.
With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, ribs 16 are equidistant from one another about longitudinal axis B.
With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, each rib 16 comprises two lateral portions 18 and a central portion 19 interposed between the respective lateral portions 18.
In particular, each central portion 19 is connected to, more particular is integral to, the respective lateral portions 18.
Moreover, the respective lateral portions 18 of each rib 16 are angularly displaced from one another about longitudinal axis B.
Additionally, a thickness of each central portion 19 (in particular corresponding to the minimum thickness of the rib 16) is smaller than a thickness of the respective lateral portions 18.
Advantageously, each rib 16 is symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane comprising longitudinal axis B.
With particular reference to Figures 2, 4 and 5, closure 10, in particular main structure 11, comprises a first threading 20 configured to interact with a second threading of opening device 3 protruding from the collar, in particular from an outer surface of the collar.
In particular, first threading 20 and the second threading are configured to allow for controlling closure 10 between the closing position and the opening position.
In particular, first threading 20 and/or the second threading define respective helical shapes.
With particular reference to Figures 2, 4 and 5, first threading 20 comprises a plurality of thread elements 21 disconnected from one another, i.e. first threading 20 is not continuous, but discontinuous.
Additionally, thread elements 21 together with imaginary extensions between them, i.e. connecting them, define a helical shape.
Each thread element 21 is connected to, in particular integrally connected to, at least one rib 16.
In particular, each thread element 21 is connected to and protrudes from only one respective rib 16.
Additionally, an angular extension of each thread element 21 about longitudinal axis B (substantially) corresponds to, or is smaller than, an angular extension of the respective rib 16 about longitudinal axis B.
Moreover, thread elements 21 are connected to respective inner surfaces of the respective ribs 16 and project towards a center of a space 23 delimited by lateral wall 14.
Moreover, each rib 16 may be connected to only one respective thread element 21.
Alternatively, one or more or all ribs 16 may be connected to more than one thread element 21.
Additionally, at least some thread elements 21 may be spaced apart from one another along an axis parallel to the rib 16, and in particular parallel to longitudinal axis B.
In particular, at least two thread elements 21 may be connected to the same rib 16 and may be spaced apart along an axis parallel to the rib 16, and in particular parallel to longitudinal axis B.
In particular, the combination of each rib 16 and the respective thread element 21 is not symmetric with respect to a central plane comprising longitudinal axis B. This is because the thread element 21 is inclined with respect to longitudinal axis B. However, the outer part of the combination of each rib 16 and the respective thread element 21 (which is solely defined by the respective rib 16, in particular by the lateral portions 18 and the central portion 19, and not by the respective thread element 21) is symmetric with respect to the central plane.
Additionally, closure 10, in particular base structure 11, comprises a sealing lip 24, in particular an annular sealing lip 24, more in particular a circular sealing lip 24, configured to interact with the collar, in particular when closure 10 is in the closing position.
Sealing lip 24 may be a continuous annular sealing lip 24, in particular a continuous circular sealing lip 24.
More specifically, sealing lip 24 is configured to engage an inner surface of the collar, in particular the inner surface facing the flow channel.
Moreover, sealing lip 24 is configured to contribute to a sealing function when closure 10 is in the closing position.
Advantageously, sealing lip 24 protrudes from main wall 13.
In particular, sealing lip 24 may be integral to main wall 13.
Sealing lip 24 is curved in a direction perpendicular to main wall 13.
According to the example shown, support ring 15 comprises a first annular portion 25 and a second annular portion 26 connected to one another by rupturable coupling elements 27. In particular, coupling elements 27 are configured to rupture during the first-time control of closure 10 from the closing position to the opening position so that first portion 25 and second portion 26 get separated from one another.
According to an example not shown, first annular portion 25 and second annular portion 26 are connected by a connecting device, for example a hinge, or one or more tethering elements. The connecting device is configured to maintain first annular portion 25 and second annular portion 26 attached to each other once coupling elements 27 have been ruptured during the first-time control of closure 10 from the closing position to the opening position.
Alternatively, support ring 15 is void of any rupturable coupling elements.
With reference to Figures 6 and 7, number 10' indicates an alternative embodiment of a closure according to the present invention; as closure 10' is similar to closure 10, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and using the same references, where possible, for identical or corresponding parts.
Closure 10' differs from closure 10 in that each thread element 21' is connected to at least two neighboring ribs 16.
In the example shown, each thread element 21' is connected to at least three neighboring ribs 16.
In particular, each thread element 21' comprises at least one portion that extends between two neighboring ribs 16.
The advantages of closure 10 or 10' and/or opening device 3 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, by having ribs 16 and spaces 17 it is possible to obtain lighter closures 10 and 10' with good functional properties.
Additionally, the respective main wall 13 provides for good mechanical properties of closures 10 and 10'.
Additionally, as thread elements 21 form first threading 20 it is possible to further reduce weight due to reduced amount of material.
Moreover, as thread elements 21 are connected to one or more ribs 16, stability of thread elements 21 is guaranteed.
Clearly, changes may be made to closures 10 and 10' and/or opening device 3 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

- Closure (10, 10') for an opening device (3), the closure (10, 10') comprising:
- a main wall (13) configured to be arranged on a pouring outlet of a collar of the opening device (3);

- a support ring (15) displaced from the main wall (13) along a longitudinal axis (B);

- a plurality of ribs (16) interposed between and connected to the main wall (13) and the support ring (15) and being angularly displaced from one another about the longitudinal axis (B); and

- a plurality of spaces (17), each space (17) being interposed between two neighboring ribs (16);
wherein at least one of the spaces (17) is void of any material.
- Closure according to claim 1, wherein all the spaces (17) are void of any material.
- Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a first threading (20) configured to interact with a second threading protruding from the collar;
wherein the first threading (20) comprises a plurality of thread elements (21, 21') disconnected from one another, each thread element (21, 21') being connected to and protruding from at least one respective rib (16).
- Closure according to claim 3, wherein each thread element (21') is connected to at least two neighboring ribs (16); or
wherein each thread element (21) protrudes from only one respective rib (16).
- Closure according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least some thread elements (21, 21') are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis (B).
- Closure according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least two thread elements (21, 21') are connected to the same rib (16) and are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (B).
- Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising an annular sealing lip (24) configured to interact with the collar and protruding from the main wall (13).
- Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each rib (16) comprises two lateral portions (18) and a central portion (19) interposed between the respective lateral portions (18);
wherein a thickness of the central portion (19) is smaller than a thickness of the respective lateral portions (18).
- Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each rib (16) is symmetric with respect to a symmetry plane comprising the longitudinal axis (B).
- Closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main wall (13), the ribs (16) and the support ring (15) define a base structure (11);
wherein the closure (10, 10') also comprises a cover (12) arranged over the base structure (11);

wherein the base structure (11) is formed from a first material and the cover (12) is formed from a second material different from the first material.
- Opening device (3) for a package (1) having a designated pour opening and filled with a pourable product;
the opening device (3) comprises at least:
- a collar delimiting a flow channel extending between an inlet opening of the collar configured to allow an inflow of the pourable product into the flow channel and a pouring outlet of the collar configured to allow an outflow of the pourable product from the flow channel; and

- a closure (10, 10') according to any one of the preceding claims, the closure (10, 10') being movable between an opening position and a closing position for selectively opening and closing the pouring outlet.
- Opening device according to claim 11, wherein the closure (10, 10') comprises a first threading (20) configured to interact with a second threading of the opening device (3) protruding from the collar;
wherein the first threading (20) comprises a plurality of thread elements (21, 21') disconnected from one another and each thread element (21, 21') being connected to at least one rib (16).
- Opening device according to claim 12, wherein each thread element (21') is connected to at least two neighboring ribs (16); or
wherein each thread element (21) protrudes from only one respective rib (16).
- Opening device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the collar comprises an inner surface facing the flow channel;
wherein the closure (10, 10') comprises an annular sealing lip (24) protruding from the main wall (13) into the flow channel and interaction with the collar when the closure (10, 10') is in the closing position.
- Package (1) comprising:
- a main body (2) filled with a pourable product and having a designated pour opening; and

- an opening device (3) according to any one of claims 11 to 14 fitted about the designated pour opening.