EP4674778A1

EP4674778A1 - Opening device for a package and package having an opening device

Info

Publication number: EP4674778A1
Application number: EP25183607.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Angelo Sorbara; Pietro Martini; Elena ZUNARELLI; Stefano GIORDANO; Tiziano VIANI; Martina LINGUITI
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-07-01
Filing date: 2025-06-18
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: WO2026008330A1

Abstract

There is described an opening device (3) comprising a collar (4) and a closure (6) controllable between a closing position, an opening position and an intermediate position The opening device (3) comprises an interaction device (16) comprising a main cam (30), one or more main cam followers (31), an auxiliary cam (50) and one or more auxiliary cam followers (51). The one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) comprise an engagement surface (52) configured to engage the auxiliary cam (50) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in a first direction of rotation and an auxiliary surface (65) opposite to the engagement surface (52) and configured to interact with the main cam (30) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation, and to guide the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) into a space (54) delimited between the main cam (30) and the auxiliary cam (50).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an opening device for a package, in particular for a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, more in particular filled with a pourable food product.
The present invention also relates to a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular 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 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 fiber-based 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 surface area, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the package. Typically, the designated pour opening surface area 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. It is also known to arrange an opening device having a collar and a closure coupled and/or couplable to the collar on the main body about the designated pour opening surface area so as to control the outpouring of the pourable product. The collar has a pouring outlet so as to allow a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the closure allows to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.
Some of the known opening devices comprise an opening assembly so as to pierce and/or open the pour opening surface area in a controlled manner.
There are known opening devices as e.g. described in EP-A-3805126 , which comprise a collar, a closure and a connecting element connected to the closure and coupled to the collar. The collar is provided with a cam and a pair of cam followers protruding from an inner face of the closure and configured to interact with the cam during rotation of the closure around a rotation axis for moving the closure from a closed position to a partially open position.
It is also known that such opening devices require an angular movement of the closure with respect to the connecting element around a turning axis to move the closure from the partially open position to an opening position. Moreover, it is possible to angularly move the closure around the rotation axis or to simply flip the closure with respect to the connecting element around the turning axis to move the closure from the opening position to the closing position.
Even though the known opening devices work satisfyingly well, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the opening devices and/or the packages having the opening devices.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for a package filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device applied on the main body.
According to the present invention, there is provided an opening device according to the independent claim.
Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are specified in the respective dependent claims.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment 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 an opening device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 is a side view of a detail of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the detail of the opening device of Figure 2, with parts removed for clarity;
Figures 4A to 4D are side views of the opening device of Figure 1 being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity;
Figures 5A to 5C are side views of details of the opening device of Figure 1 being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity;
Figures 6A to 6C are perspective views of details of the opening device of Figure 1 when being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of another detail of the opening device, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a package, comprising:

a main body 2, in particular a sealed main body 2, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such); and
an opening device 3, in particular a plastic opening device 3, fitted to the package, in particular to main body 2 about the designated pour opening surface area.

Main body 2 is obtained from a multilayer packaging material, e.g. being provided in the form of a web.
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 but not necessarily, 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 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.
Opening devices 3 may be applied onto the respective main bodies 2 prior to, during or after forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 by means of a molding process and/or adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic bonding.
Alternatively, opening devices 3 may be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material within a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 from the packaging material.
With particular reference to Figure 1, each main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, main body 2 extends along a first transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first transversal axis.
In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2 is configured to be at least partially (non-reversibly) opened and/or ruptured and/or cut and/or pierced so as to allow out-pouring of the pourable product from main body 2, in particular through opening device 3. Even more particular, the pour opening surface area is configured to allow out-pouring of the pourable product after its loss of integrity and to protect the pourable product from the outer environment prior to its cutting and/or opening and/or rupturing and/or piercing.
The pour opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) configured to be ruptured and/or opened and/or cut and/or pierced. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening surface area the inside of main body 2 from the outside of main body 2. Preferentially but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.
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.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 7, opening device 3 comprises at least:

a collar 4 having a pouring outlet 5 configured to allow for an (controlled) outflow of the pourable product from package 1; and
a closure 6 coupled to the collar 4 and configured to cover the pouring outlet 5.

Closure 6 is controllable between at least:

a closing position (see Figures 1 and 4C) in which closure 6 covers pouring outlet 5;
an opening position (see Figure 4D) in which closure 6 opens pouring outlet 5.

Closure 6 is also controllable in an intermediate position (see Figure 4B) in which closure 6 is interposed between the closing position and the opening position.
Opening device 3 may also comprise a base frame 7 carrying collar 4 and being configured to be fitted and/or being fitted about the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2.
In further detail, opening device 3 also comprises a coupling ring 8 rotatably arranged around collar 4, in particular such that coupling ring 8 is inseparable from collar 4.
Preferentially, closure 6 is connected, in particular hinged, to coupling ring 8 and is angularly movable with respect to coupling ring 8 around a respective turning axis.
In particular, opening device 3 comprises a connecting element connected to coupling ring 8 and closure 6.
According to the example shown, the connecting element is a hinge element. Alternatively, the connecting element is different from a hinge element, such as a tethering element.
Moreover, closure 6 is movable in the opening position, the closing position and the intermediate position by an angular movement around the turning axis. Moreover, closure 6 performs an angular movement around the turning axis when moving in the opening position, the closing position and the intermediate position.
Advantageously, opening device 3 is configured such that the angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis for moving closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B (and in a first direction of rotation).
In particular, closure 6 is in a first angular position, a second angular position and a third angular position with respect to the turning axis when being in, respectively, the closing position, the opening position and the intermediate position. The third angular position is interposed between the first angular position and the second angular position.
In further detail, collar 4 extends along a longitudinal axis A (and away from base frame 7), preferentially but not necessarily parallel to the longitudinal axis of main body 2.
In particular, longitudinal axis A defines (is equal to) a central axis of collar 4 and/or pouring outlet 5.
Preferentially, collar 4 and pouring outlet 5 have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
In even more detail, opening device 3 comprises a coupling element configured to connect closure 6 to coupling ring 8 and defining the turning axis.
In particular, in use, control of closure 6 from the closing position to the opening position requires at first control from the closing position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the opening position. In other words, in use, control of closure 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position requires at first control of closure 6 from the first angular position to the third angular position and then from the third angular position to the second angular position.
Preferentially, closure 6 comprises:

a main wall 13 configured to cover pouring outlet 5 with closure 6 being in the closing position; and
a lateral wall 14 protruding from main wall 13 and configured to at least partially surround collar 4 with closure 6 being in the closing position.

In particular, and with closure 6 being in the closing position, main wall 13 is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A and side wall 14 is (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis A.
According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, closure 6 is, in particular main wall 13 and/or side wall 14 are, coupled to collar 4 when closure 6 is, in use, in the closing position (and in the intermediate position).
Preferentially, side wall 14 comprises an inner surface, in particular the inner surface of side wall 14 faces collar 4 with closure 6 being in the closing position (and in the intermediate position).
Advantageously, opening device 3 comprises an interaction device 16 partially associated to (and/or connect to and/or carried by) collar 4 and partially associated to (and/or connect to and/or carried by) closure 7 and being configured to control closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6, preferentially of closure 6 and coupling ring 8, around a (common) rotation axis B, and in particular in a first direction of rotation.
In particular, interaction device 16 is configured such that control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only by rotation of closure 6, preferentially of closure 6 and coupling ring 8, around rotation axis B.
In particular, rotation axis B is parallel, even more particular coaxial, to longitudinal axis A.
Furthermore, interaction device 16 is configured such to actuate a movement of closure 6 around the turning axis for moving closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B (and in the first direction of rotation).
In particular, interaction device 16 is configured to actuate a movement of closure 6 from the first angular position to the third angular position.
Control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the opening position (i.e. from the third angular position to the second angular position) is obtained by (the user) angularly moving closure 6 around the turning axis.
Similarly, control of closure 6 from the opening position to the intermediate position (i.e. from the second angular position to the third angular position) is obtained by angularly moving closure 6 around the turning axis.
Advantageously, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.
Advantageously, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is selectively possible:

by a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the third angular position to the first angular position (i.e. by a sole flipping); or
by an angular movement of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation; or
by an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the third angular position to the first angular position and by an angular movement of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

In other words, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible by rotating closure 6 around rotation axis B, by flipping closure 6 around the turning axis or by rotating closure 6 around rotation axis B and by flipping of closure 6 around the turning axis.
Hence, a user can freely choose whether to control closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position by the sole angular movement around the turning axis or whether to control closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position by the rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. It should be further noted that also a combination of both means of controlling closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible.
It should be noted that a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis that occurs while closure 6 remains angularly fixed with respect to rotation axis B. In other words, any angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is a sole angular movement if closure 6 does not rotate around rotation axis B.
Opening device 3 may also comprise:

a (ring-shaped) cutter 70 (only shown in Figure 3) movably coupled to collar 4 and being configured to at least partially cut and/or rupture and/or open and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane; and
a control device configured to interact with and to control cutter 70 between a rest position, in which cutter 70 is configured to be and/or is retracted from the designated pour opening surface area, and an operative position, in which cutter 70 is configured to at least partially cut and/or rupture and/or open and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area.

In particular, the control device is configured to control cutter 70 from the rest position to the operative position upon rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. Even more particular, the control device is configured to control cutter 70 from the rest position to the operative position the first time closure 6 is, in use, moved from the closing position to the intermediate position.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 6A to 6C, collar 4 delimits a flow channel 18.
More specifically, collar 4 comprises an inner surface 19 facing flow channel 18 and an outer surface 20 being opposite to inner surface 19.
Furthermore, cutter 70 is at least partially placed within flow channel 18.
Moreover, cutter 70 is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, during its movement from the rest position to the operative position.
Preferentially, cutter 70 comprises a cutting section (arranged at and/or defining an axial end portion of cutter 70) configured to open and/or cut and/or rupture and/or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. Even more preferentially, the cutting section has a serrated profile.
Advantageously, the control device comprises a cam group configured to guide movement of cutter 70 from the rest position to the operative position.
Preferentially, the cam group comprises a cam profile and at least one, preferentially a plurality of, guiding element(s) 71 configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and guiding element(s) 71 cooperate in such a manner that cutter 70 executes, in use, a rototranslatory movement when moving from the rest position to the operative position.
Preferentially, the cam profile is associated and/or connected and/or integral to cutter 70 and guiding element(s) 71 is/are connected and/or associated and/or integral to collar 4, even more particular to inner surface 19.
Advantageously, the control device comprises:

one or more interaction elements connected to, in particular integrally connected to, cutter 70; and
one or more interaction members 73, e.g. flaps, connected to and/or coupled to closure 6 and each one being configured to interact with one respective interaction element.

In particular, each interaction member 73 is coupled and/or connected to closure 6 such that rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B leads also to rotation of interaction members 73 around rotation axis B.
Preferentially, in use, rotation of closure 6 and interaction members 73 around rotation axis B causes at least a translatory, preferentially a rototranslatory, movement of cutter 70 by means of the interaction between interaction members 73 and the interaction elements and the cooperation between the cam profile and guiding element(s) 71.
With particular reference to Figures 4A to 4C, opening device 3 may also comprise a tamper-evidence ring 21 arranged around collar 4 and preferentially also rupturable coupling bridges 22 connected to coupling ring 8 and tamper-evidence ring 21 and configured to rupture during a first-time rotation of collar 6 and/or coupling ring 8 around rotation axis B (thereby separating tamper-evidence ring 21 from coupling ring 8 as shown in Figures 4A, 4B and 4D).
Additionally, opening device 3 may also comprise further rupturable coupling bridges 23 connected to coupling ring 8 and closure 6 and configured to rupture during a first-time rotation of collar 6 around rotation axis B (thereby separating coupling ring 8 from closure 6 as shown in Figures 4A, 4B and 4D) and the first-time control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.
Advantageously, collar 4 comprises an interaction ring 24, in particular protruding from outer surface 20 and configured to interact with coupling ring 8. Preferentially, interaction ring 24 is configured to inseparably couple coupling ring 8 to collar 4 and to allow for rotation of coupling ring 8 around rotation axis B.
Advantageously and with particular reference to Figures 2, 3 and 5A to 6C, interaction device 16 comprises at least:

a main cam 30 protruding from collar 4, in particular outer surface 20; and
one or more main cam followers 31, preferentially at least two, even more preferentially exactly two, protruding from closure 6, in particular the inner surface of side wall 14, and configured to interact with main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

Main cam 30 is designed such that interaction between the one or more main cam followers 31 and main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the first direction of rotation leads to movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.
In particular, main cam 30 comprises and extends between a first terminal portion 32 and a second terminal portion 34 opposite to first terminal end 32.
Additionally, first terminal portion 32 has a first end 33 and second terminal portion 34 has a second end 35 opposite to first end 33. In particular, first end 33 and second end 35 defines respective ends of main cam 30.
Moreover, second end 35 is closer to pouring outlet 5 than first end 33. In other words, main cam 30 is inclined towards pouring outlet 5 extending from first end 33 to second end 35.
Preferentially, the interaction of main cam 30 and the one or more main cam followers 31 is such that when rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B is actuated for the first time, angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis, in particular from the closing position to the intermediate position, is executed only after movement of cutter 70 from the rest position to the operative position.
In particular, first end 33 and second end 35 are arranged at, respectively, a first angular position u and a second angular position v with respect to rotation axis B.
In particular, first angular position u is chosen such that cutter 70 is moved in the operative position before closure 6 reaches the intermediate position.
Preferentially, each main cam follower 31 comprises an engagement surface 36 configured to slide along a guiding surface 37 of main cam 30 extending from first end 33 to second end 35 so as to actuate movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.
In particular, each engagement surface 36 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.
The Applicant has observed that the forces acting on main cam 30 are, in particular when considering at least two main cam followers 31, the highest in the proximity of second end 35.
Therefore, main cam 30 comprises a reinforcing element 38 connected to second end 35 and designed to strengthen and/or enhance the mechanical stability of second terminal portion 34.
The Applicant has observed that the stability is particularly improved when reinforcing element 38 together with second terminal portion 34 delimits a substantially triangular area.
Advantageously, reinforcing element 38 comprises a center portion 39 void of any material and/or being a cavity. In the embodiment shown, center portion 39 cooperates with collar 4, in particular outer surface 20, to define the cavity. In particular, outer surface 20 defines an end closing wall of the cavity.
In more detail, second terminal portion 34 extends from an intermediate point 40 of main cam 30 to second end 35 with intermediate point 40 being interposed between first end 33 and second end 35.
Preferentially, reinforcing element 38 is also connected to intermediate point 40.
In further detail, reinforcing element 38 comprises a first wall 44 transversal to main cam 30 and connected to second end 35 and a second wall 45 connected to intermediate point 40, transversal to main cam 30 and connected to first wall 44. In particular, second terminal portion 34, first wall 44 and second wall 45 define a triangle, even more particular defining center portion 39 void of any material and/or being a cavity.
Advantageously, a first distance between first end 33 and intermediate point 40 and a second distance between intermediate point 40 and second end 35 substantially equal one another.
In particular, the first distance and the second distance are obtained by projecting first end 33, second end 35 and intermediate point 40 on a common plane.
Advantageously, second end 35 comprises a curved surface 46, in particular merging into reinforcing element 38.
Moreover, curved surface 46 may define an angle different from 90° with outer surface 20.
With particular reference to Figures 2, 3, 4B and 5A to 6C, opening device 3 also comprises an auxiliary cam 50 connected to collar 4, in particular to outer surface 20, and being angularly and axially spaced apart from main cam 42.
In particular, auxiliary cam 50 has a first end 48 and a second end 49. Even more particular, second end 49 is closer to pouring outlet 5 than first end 48.
Additionally, auxiliary cam 50 extends from a third angular position w to a fourth angular position x with respect to rotation axis B. In particular, third angular position w is interposed between first angular position u and second angular position v.
Additionally, opening device 3 comprises one or more auxiliary cam followers 51, in the specific case shown one, configured to interact with auxiliary cam 50 for contributing to the movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B, in particular during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the first direction of rotation.
In more detail, each auxiliary cam follower 50 comprises an engagement surface 52 configured to engage auxiliary cam 50, in particular a guiding surface 53 of auxiliary cam 50, during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.
In particular, guiding surface 53 bevels from outer surface 20.
In more detail, guiding surface 53 comprises a first section and a second section. The first section is closer to outer surface 20 than the second section.
In further detail, auxiliary cam follower 51 is connected to the inner surface of lateral wall 14. In particular, auxiliary cam follower 51 comprises a connection portion in contact with the inner surface of lateral wall 14 and an end portion opposite to, and in particular connected to, the connection portion.
In particular, the end portion carries engagement surface 52.
In particular, the connection portion does not carry and/or comprise a portion of engagement surface 52. In other words, only a part of auxiliary cam follower 51 facing (during movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position) guiding surface 53 is effectively intended to engage with guiding surface 53.
As mentioned above, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position can occur by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.
In order to avoid undesired interferences between auxiliary cam follower 51 and main cam 30, auxiliary cam follower 51 comprises an auxiliary surface 65 opposite to engagement surface 52 and configured to interact with main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation and to guide auxiliary cam follower 51 into a space 54 delimited between main cam 30 and auxiliary cam 50.
In more detail, auxiliary surface 65 is inclined with respect to main wall 13.
In even more detail, auxiliary surface 65 comprises a first terminal section 55 and a second terminal section 56 opposite to first terminal section 55.
In particular, first terminal section 55 is closer to main wall 13 than second terminal section 56. Additionally, second terminal section 56 is arranged upstream of first terminal section 55 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation (hence, second terminal section 56 engages with main cam 30 prior to first terminal section 55 during rotation of closure 6 in the second direction of rotation).
Advantageously, auxiliary surface 65 is chamfered from the connection portion to the end portion.
Advantageously, main cam 30 comprises a surface section 57 opposite to guiding surface 37.
In particular, reinforcement element 38 carries surface section 57.
In particular, auxiliary surface 65 is configured to engage surface section 57 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation for guiding auxiliary cam follower 51 into space 54.
Advantageously, surface section 57 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.
With reference to Figures 4B, 4D and 5A to 6C, opening device 3 also comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock closure 6 in the closing position and such that control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.
In other words, the locking mechanism is configured to block control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position by means of a sole flipping of closure 6 (i.e. the locking mechanism inhibits the possibility of a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the first angular position to the third angular position without any rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B).
In particular, the locking mechanism comprises a locking element 59, in particular having an arc-shaped portion, arranged on outer surface 20.
Additionally, the locking mechanism comprises an engagement element configured to abut against locking element 59 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.
Preferentially, auxiliary cam follower 51 defines the engagement element. Moreover, auxiliary surface 65 of auxiliary cam follower 51 opposite to engagement surface 52 is configured to abut against locking element 59 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.
With particular reference to Figures 5C and 6C, opening device 3 further comprises an abutment element connected to collar 4, in particular outer surface 20 and an interaction element connected to closure 6 and configured to abut against the abutment element during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation such that a further rotation of closure 6 in the second direction of rotation is inhibited.
Additionally, upon interaction of the abutment element and the interaction element also movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate is inhibited, in particular as an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is inhibited.
In particular, the abutment element and the interaction element define a rotation inhibition mechanism.
In this way, it is possible to indicate to the user that closure 6 is in the closing position.
More specifically, the abutment element comprises an abutment surface 61 and the interaction element an interaction surface configured to abut against abutment surface 61.
Advantageously, the interaction surface is complementary to abutment surface 61.
Advantageously, at least a portion of auxiliary cam follower 51 defines the interaction element.
Advantageously, auxiliary surface 65 defines the interaction surface.
In further detail, abutment surface 61 comprises a first abutment portion 62 and a second abutment portion 63 transversal to first abutment portion 62.
Additionally, abutment surface 61 comprises a third abutment portion 64.
In particular, first abutment portion 62 is interposed between and connected to second abutment portion 63 and third abutment portion 64.
Moreover, first abutment portion 62 is inclined with respect to third abutment portion 64.
Advantageously, auxiliary cam 50 carries and/or defines at least a portion of the abutment element, in particular abutment surface 61. In particular the portion of abutment portion 61 being opposite to guiding surface 53 carries and/or defines at least a portion of the abutment element. Preferentially, auxiliary cam 50 carries first abutment portion 62.
Additionally, the abutment element comprises a stopper portion 66 transversal to auxiliary cam 50, and in particular carrying second abutment portion 63.
Furthermore, locking element 59 carries third abutment portion 64.
In use, outpouring of the pourable product from package 1, in particular main body 2, requires liberating pouring outlet 5. This is done by controlling closure 6 from the closing position to the opening position. Even more particular, at first closure 6 is controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the opening position.
In particular, movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position requires rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. During rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B, main cam follower(s) 31 interact with main cam 30 for actuating movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.
Once closure 6 is in the intermediate position, the user can manually move closure 6 in the opening position by rotating closure 6 around the turning axis.
Preferentially, the first time closure 6 is to be controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position cutter 70 is controlled from the rest position to the operative position for opening and/or rupturing and/or piercing the pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. In particular, control of cutter 70 from the rest position to the operative position occurs prior to closure 6 reaching the opening position.
When a user intends to newly impede the outflow of the pourable product, the user can control closure 6 again (during a re-closing operation) in the closing position. At first closure 6 needs to be controlled from the opening position to the intermediate position, followed by controlling closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position. The latter can be obtained by a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis (sole flipping) or by a rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation or by an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis (flipping) and by a rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.
The advantages of opening device 3 and/or package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, auxiliary surface 65 is designed to interact in a desired manner with main cam 30 so as to avoid an unwanted impact between auxiliary cam follower 51 and main cam 50. This is further improved when having surface section 57.
Additionally, reinforcing element 38 allows to strengthen main cam 30 at a point of maximum load, in particular in the case of having more than one main cam follower 31.
Additionally, center portion 39 being void of any material and/or being a cavity guarantees the desired strength by limiting the raw material consumption.
Moreover, interaction between the abutment element and the interaction element allows to indicate to a user that closure 6 has reached the closing position after being controlled from the intermediate position to the closing position by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.
It is advantageous that at least a portion of auxiliary cam follower 51 acts as the interaction element.
Clearly, changes may be made to opening device 3 and/or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

An opening device (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable product;
the opening device (3) comprises at least:
- a collar (4) having a pouring outlet (5) configured to allow out-pouring of the pourable product; and

- a closure (6) coupled to the collar (4);

wherein the closure (6) is controllable between at least:
- a closing position in which the closure (6) covers the pouring outlet (5);

- an opening position in which the closure (6) opens the pouring outlet (5); and

- an intermediate position in which the closure (6) is interposed between the closing position and the opening position;

wherein the opening device (3) comprises an interaction device (16) partially associated to the collar (4) and partially associated to the closure (6) and configured to control the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of the closure (6) around a rotation axis (B);

wherein the interaction device (16) comprises at least a main cam (30) protruding from the collar (4) and one or more main cam followers (31) protruding from the closure (6) and configured to interact with the main cam (30) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B); and
- an auxiliary cam (50) connected to the collar (4) and being angularly and axially spaced apart from the main cam (30) and one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) configured to interact with the auxiliary cam (50);

wherein the main cam (30) is designed such that interaction between the one or more main cam followers (31) and the main cam (30) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) leads to movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position;

wherein the closure (6) is designed such that control of the closure (B) from the closing position to the intermediate position occurs during rotation of the closure (6) in a first direction of rotation and control of the closure from the intermediate position to the closing position is actuatable by rotation of the closure (6) in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation;

wherein the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) comprise an engagement surface (52) configured to engage the auxiliary cam (50) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the first direction of rotation and an auxiliary surface (65) opposite to the engagement surface (52) and configured to interact with the main cam (30) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the second direction of rotation and to guide the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) into a space (54) delimited between the main cam (30) and the auxiliary cam (50).
Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the closure (6) comprises a main wall (13) and a lateral wall (14) connected to and protruding from the main wall (13);
wherein the lateral wall (14) carries the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51);

wherein the auxiliary surface (65) is inclined with respect to the main wall (13).
Opening device according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary surface (65) comprises a first terminal section (55) and a second terminal section (56) opposite to the first terminal section (55);
wherein the first terminal section (55) is closer to the main wall (13) than the second terminal section (56).
Opening device according to claim 3, wherein the second terminal section (56) is arranged upstream of the first terminal section (55) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the second direction of rotation.
Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) comprise a connection portion connected to the closure (6) and an end portion opposite to the connection portion;
wherein the auxiliary surface (65) is chamfered from the connection portion to the end portion.
Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main cam (30) comprises a guiding surface (37) configured to be engaged by the one or more main cam followers (31) for controlling movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position;
wherein the main cam (30) also comprises a surface section (57) opposite to the guiding surface (37);

wherein the auxiliary surface (65) is configured to engage the surface section (57) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the second direction of rotation for guiding the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) into the space (54) delimited between the main cam (30) and the auxiliary cam (50).
Opening device according to claim 6, wherein the surface section (57) is inclined with respect to the rotation axis (B).
Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main cam (30) extends between a first terminal portion (32) having a first end (33) and a second terminal portion (34) having a second end (35) opposite to the first end (33);
wherein the second end (35) is closer to the pouring outlet (5) than the first end (33);

wherein the main cam (30) comprises a reinforcing element (38) connected to the second end (35) and designed to strengthen and/or enhance the mechanical stability of the second terminal portion (34);

wherein the main cam (30) comprises a guiding surface (37) configured to be engaged by the one or more main cam followers (31) for controlling movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position;

wherein the main cam (30) also comprises a surface section (57) opposite to the guiding surface (37);

wherein the reinforcing element (38) comprises the surface section (57).
Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising an abutment element (50; 66) connected to the collar (4) and an interaction element (51) connected to the closure (6) and configured to abut against the abutment element (50; 66) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the second direction of rotation and such that a further rotation of the closure (6) in the second direction of rotation is inhibited.
Opening device according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51) define the interaction element and at least a portion of the auxiliary cam (50) defines at least a portion of the abutment element.
Opening device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the abutment element (50; 66) comprises an abutment surface (61) and the interaction element (51) comprises an interaction surface (65) configured to abut against the abutment surface (61);
wherein the interaction surface (65) is complementary to the abutment surface (61).
Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a coupling ring (8) rotatably arranged around the collar (4);
wherein the closure (6) is connected to the coupling ring (8) and angularly movable with respect to the coupling ring (8) around a respective turning axis;

wherein the closure (6) is angularly movable around the turning axis for moving the closure (6) between the closing position, the intermediate position and the opening position;

wherein the interaction device (16) is configured such that control of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only by rotation of the closure (6) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (B).
Opening device according to claim 12, wherein control of the closure (6) from the intermediate position to the closing position is selectively possible:
- by a sole angular movement of the closure (6) around the turning axis; or

- by a rotation of the closure (6) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (B); or

- by an angular movement of the closure (6) around the turning axis and by a rotation of the closure (6) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (B).
Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a locking mechanism (51; 59) configured to impede a movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position;
wherein the locking mechanism comprises the one or more auxiliary cam followers (51).
A package (1) comprising a main body (2), in particular formed from a multilayer packaging material, filled with a pourable product and comprising a designated pour outlet surface area and an opening device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims fitted about the designated pour outlet surface area.