EP4678547A1

EP4678547A1 - Package for a pourable product

Info

Publication number: EP4678547A1
Application number: EP25185072.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giovanni PALLAORO; Marcello Barbieri; Pietro Martini
Original assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Current assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings and Finance SA
Priority date: 2024-07-09
Filing date: 2025-06-25
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: WO2026012747A1

Abstract

There is described a package (1) for a pourable product comprising a bottom wall (3), a top wall (4) spaced apart from the bottom wall (3) along a longitudinal axis (A) of the package (1), a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (4) and the bottom wall (3), a top transversal sealing band (8) associated to the top wall (4) and folded on the top wall (4), a designated pour opening (6) at least partially arranged on the top wall (4) and a peel foil (7) associated to at least the top wall (4), covering the designated pour opening (6) and being removable from the designated pour opening (6). The peel foil (7) comprises a first end portion (30) and a second end portion (31) opposite to the first end portion (30). The second end portion (31) is interposed between the top transversal sealing band (8) and the top wall (4).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a package for a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, having a designated pour opening and a peel foil covering the designated pour opening.

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 liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging blank. The packaging blank has a multilayer structure comprising a fibrous base layer, e.g. of paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging blank also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material (an oxygen-barrier layer), 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.
Packages of this sort are normally produced on fully automatic packaging apparatuses, which form the packages from respective packaging blanks. These packaging blanks can be provided in the form of single packaging blanks or in the form of a web, which is formed from a plurality of successively arranged packaging blanks.
In the case of the packaging apparatus being designed to form the packages from a web, the packaging apparatus advances and sterilizes the web, which is then formed into a tube and filled with the pourable product before the tube is formed into individual sealed packages.
It is known to produce packages having a bottom wall and a top wall being spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the packages and a side wall interposed between the top wall and the bottom wall. One variant comes along with the top wall being inclined with respect to the bottom wall. Such packages are known as packages provided with a slanted top wall. In another variant, the top wall and the bottom wall are parallel to one another.
It is also known that some packages are designed such to allow the consumption on the go or in other words packages that are designed so that the consumer can consume the product directly from the package.
Some packages are provided with a designated pour opening and a peel foil covering the designated pour opening. In order to consume the product, it is necessary for a consumer to remove the peel foil so as to free the designated pour opening.
Even though the known packages provide for excellent results, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the known packages.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved package.
According to the present invention, there is provided a package according to the independent claim.
Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the package are claimed in the respective dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One 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 perspective view of a package filled with a pourable product; and
Figures 2 and 3 are an enlarged views of details of the package of Figure 1.

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 in Figure 1 indicates a package filled with a pourable product, preferentially a pourable food product, such as pasteurized milk, milk, milk-products, drinking yoghurt, yoghurt-drinks, beverages, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc.
In more detail, package 1 may be formed from a packaging blank. More specifically, each package 1 may be formed from a respective packaging blank by means of an automatic packaging machine.
The automatic packaging machine may be configured to form packages 1 from the respective packaging blanks and to fill packages 1 with the pourable product.
Preferentially but not necessarily, each package 1 (and the respective packaging blank) may be formed from a multilayer packaging material.
In more detail, the multilayer packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. a paper or cardboard layer, 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 the respective package 1 eventually contacting the pourable product.
Preferably but not necessarily, the multilayer 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. Preferentially but not necessarily, the multilayer 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.
With particular reference to Figure 1, package 1 may extend along a longitudinal axis A, and preferentially also along a first transversal axis B perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and a second transversal axis C perpendicular to longitudinal axis A and first transversal axis B.
Advantageously, an extension, i.e. a dimension, of package 1 along longitudinal axis A may be larger than respective extensions, i.e. respective dimensions, of package 1 along first transversal axis B and second transversal axis C.
Package 1 may be configured for consumption on the go, i.e. package 1 may be designed for a direct consumption of the pourable product from package 1.
In more detail and with reference to Figures 1 to 3, package 1 may comprise a bottom wall 3 and a top wall 4 spaced apart from one another along longitudinal axis A.
In particular, longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to bottom wall 3.
Additionally, package 1 comprises a side wall 5 extending between (and connected to) bottom wall 3 and top wall 4.
More specifically, bottom wall 3 may be defined as the wall of package 1 that has a substantially planar shape and that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
Bottom wall 3 is configured to be placed on a support surface, such as a support surface of a shelf, a fridge, a table, a working plane or the like.
With package 1 being placed on the support surface (and in its nominal position, i.e. when being used by a user in an intended manner), bottom wall 3 is in contact with the support surface and top wall 4 is distanced from the support surface.
Additionally, side wall 5 may be the portion of package 1 that is gripped by a user during outpouring and/or consumption of the pourable product from package 1.
Bottom wall 3, top wall 4 and side wall 5 may define a main body of package 1. In particular, the main body is formed from the multilayer packaging material.
As shown in Figure 1, top wall 4 is parallel to bottom wall 3. Alternatively, top wall 4 may be inclined with respect to bottom wall 3.
According to the example shown, top wall 4 has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, top wall 4 may have a trapezoid shape or other shapes like rounded ones.
Package 1 may comprise a designated pour opening 6 at least partially arranged on top wall 4 and being configured to allow for an outpouring of the pourable product from package 1.
According to the example shown, only top wall 4 comprises designated pour opening 6. According to a non-shown example, top wall 4 may comprise a first portion of designated pour opening 6 and side wall 5 may comprise a second portion of designated pour opening 6.
Designated pour opening 6 may be closed by a separation membrane of package 1. In particular, prior to a first-time outpouring action the separation membrane needs to be removed.
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.
Alternatively, the separation membrane may be formed from a foil, e.g. comprising one or more layers of heat-seal material, being connected, in particular sealed, even more in particular heat-sealed, to an inner surface of package 2.
Package 1 also comprises a peel foil 7 covering designated pour opening 6 (see Figures 1 and 2) and being removable (see Figure 3) from designated pour opening 6, in particular by strapping.
Moreover, peel foil 7 is configured to be torn away or detached or strapped from designated pour opening 6 by a consumer so as to access the content of package 1. Once peel foil 7 is removed from designated pour opening 6, the consumer can directly drink from package 1.
In particular, peel foil 7 is associated, in particular connected, more in particular fixed, even more in particular sealed, to top wall 4. In one embodiment, peel foil 7 is associated, in particular connected, more in particular fixed, even more in particular sealed also to side wall 5.
Alternatively or additionally, designated pour opening 6 is closed by the separation membrane and peel foil 7 is connected, e.g. fused or bonded or sealed, to the separation membrane.
Alternatively, peel foil 6 may define the separation membrane.
Additionally, by removing peel foil 7 from the designated pour opening the consumer can access the inside of package 1.
Advantageously, peel foil 7 comprises one or more layers of heat seal material. Additionally, peel foil 7 may comprise a layer of gas-barrier material or gas- and light-barrier material, in particular interposed between two layers of heat seal material.
According to the example shown, peel foil 7 has a (substantially) rectangular shape.
As will be explained in more detail, peel foil 7 is placed such that peel foil 7 remains attached to top wall 4 after removing peel foil 7 from designated pour opening 6.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 3, each package 1 comprises a top transversal sealing band 8, preferentially being transversal to longitudinal axis A, and in particular also a bottom transversal sealing band.
Preferentially, top transversal sealing band 8 is comprised by and/or associated to top wall 4.
In particular, top transversal sealing band 8 is folded on top wall 4.
Moreover, the bottom transversal sealing band may be comprised by and/or associated to bottom wall 3.
Additionally, top transversal sealing band 8 and the bottom transversal sealing band are spaced apart from one another along longitudinal axis A.
Preferentially, top transversal sealing band 8 and the bottom transversal sealing band are (substantially) parallel to one another.
In particular, top transversal sealing band 8 (and the bottom transversal sealing band) results from forming the respective packaging blank into a tube and transversally sealing the tube.
In further detail, package 1 may comprise a longitudinal seam portion 10, e.g. resulting from forming packages 1 from a tube filled with the pourable product, the tube having a longitudinal seal. Preferentially but not necessarily, longitudinal seam portion 10 may be substantially parallel to longitudinal axis A.
In further detail, side wall 5 may comprise a front panel 11 and a back panel opposite to front panel 11.
Additionally, side wall 5 also comprises a plurality of, in the example shown two, lateral panels 12, each one interposed between and connected to front panel 11 and the back panel.
Preferentially but not necessarily, the back panel may comprise longitudinal seam portion 10.
With reference to Figures 1 to 3, top wall 4 comprises a front edge 17 and a back edge 18 opposite to front edge 17.
In particular, designated pour opening 6 is closer to front edge 17 than to back edge 18.
Advantageously, top transversal sealing band 8 is folded towards front edge 17.
Additionally, top wall 4 also comprises two spaced-apart lateral edges 19, each lateral edge 19 extending between and being connected to front edge 17 and back edge 18.
In further detail, top transversal sealing band 8 is interposed between front edge 17 and back edge 18.
In even further detail, top transversal sealing band 8 divides top wall 4 into a first wall portion 20 having front edge 17 and a second wall portion 21 having back edge 18.
Additionally, top transversal sealing band 8 partially overlaps first wall portion 20.
Advantageously, peel foil 7 is connected, in particular fixed, even more in particular sealed, to first wall portion 20.
In particular, peel foil 7 comprises a portion extending between top transversal sealing band 8 and front edge 17. Even more in particular, peel foil 7 is not in contact with second wall portion 21 (i.e. peel foil 7 does not comprise a section extending between top transversal sealing band 8 and back edge 18).
It should be noted that the terms front and back refer to the nominal use of package 1. For example, if package 1 is correctly used during an outpouring action, back edge 18 is interposed between front edge 17 and the fingers (excluding the thumb) of the consumer executing the outpouring action, which are in contact with package 1.
Additionally, front panel 11 may comprise a decoration aimed to be exposed to the consumer in a sales point.
Additionally, in use, the palm of the consumer may face during a nominal outpouring action the back panel or one of lateral panels 12.
According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, front edge 17 is rectilinear. Alternatively, front edge 17 may be curved.
Additionally, back edge 18 is rectilinear. Moreover, lateral edges 19 are rectilinear. Alternatively, one or more of back edge 18 and lateral edges 19 may be curved.
With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, longitudinal seam portion 10 comprises a portion associated to top wall 4, in particular second wall portion 21. In particular, longitudinal seam portion 10 comprises a further portion (not visible) associated to the back panel. More in particular, longitudinal seam portion 10 comprises another portion (not visible) associated to bottom wall 3.
Advantageously, front edge 17 is void of longitudinal seam portion 10. In other words, longitudinal seam portion 10 does not contact (and does not intersect) front edge 17.
According to the embodiment shown, bottom wall 3 may have a (substantially) rectangular shape.
Advantageously, at least a portion of top transversal sealing band 8 extends between lateral edges 19 and/or is parallel to front edge 17 and/or is parallel to back edge 18.
With particular reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, peel foil 7 is designed such that removal of peel foil 7 from designated pour opening 6 requires movement of peel foil 7 towards top transversal sealing band 8.
Peel foil 7 comprises a first end portion 30 and a second end portion 31 opposite to first end portion 30.
In particular, peel foil 7 is designed such that removal of peel foil 7 from designed pour opening 6 results from movement of first end portion 30 towards second end portion 31.
Second end portion 31 is interposed between (a respective section of) top transversal sealing band 8 and (a respective section of) top wall 4, in particular (a respective section of) first wall portion 20.
Advantageously, second end portion 31 is associated, in particular connected, more in particular fixed, even more in particular sealed, to top wall 4, in particular first wall portion 20.
Advantageously, second end portion 31 is parallel to top transversal sealing band 8.
Preferentially, top transversal sealing band 8 is folded on second end portion 31.
Moreover, a dimension of second end portion 31 along an extension direction D parallel to top transversal sealing band 8 is smaller than a distance between lateral edges 19 along extension direction D.
Additionally, peel foil 7 is not fixed, in particular is not sealed, to top transversal sealing band 8.
Advantageously, first end portion 30 is loose and/or designed to be gripped by a consumer.
In particular, first end portion 30 is designed so that the consumer grips, in use, first end portion 30 and moves first end portion 30 substantially towards second end portion 31 so as to remove peel foil 7 from designated pour opening 6.
In further detail, peel foil 7 comprises a cover portion 32 interposed between first end portion 30 and second end portion 31 and covering designated pour opening 6.
In use, the consumer grips first end portion 30 and moves first end portion 30 towards second end portion 31, which leads to removal of peel foil 7 from designated pour opening 6.
Then the consumer can outpour the pourable product present within package 1.
The advantages of package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, by arranging second end portion 31 between top transversal sealing band 8 and top wall 4 (and by folding sealing band 8 on second end portion 31) it is possible to obtain a peel foil 7 that remains attached to package 1 after removal of peel foil 7 from designated pour opening 6.
Clearly, changes may be made to package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Package (1) for a pourable product comprising:
- a bottom wall (3);

- a top wall (4) spaced apart from the bottom wall (3) along a longitudinal axis (A) of the package (1);

- a side wall (5) interposed between the top wall (4) and the bottom wall (3);

- a top transversal sealing band (8) associated to the top wall (4) and folded on the top wall (4);

- a designated pour opening (6) at least partially arranged on the top wall (4); and

- a peel foil (7) associated to at least the top wall (4), covering the designated pour opening (6) and being removable from the designated pour opening (6);

wherein the peel foil (7) comprises a first end portion (30) and a second end portion (31) opposite to the first end portion (30);

wherein the second end portion (31) is interposed between the top transversal sealing band (8) and the top wall (4).
Package according to claim 1, wherein the second end portion (31) is connected to the top wall (4).
Package according to claim 2, wherein the second end portion (31) is sealed to the top wall (4) and/or to a separation membrane closing the designated pour opening (6).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peel foil (7) is not fixed to the top transversal sealing band (8).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall (4) comprises a front edge (17) and a back edge (18);
wherein the designated pour opening (6) is closer to the front edge (17) than to the back edge (18);

wherein the top transversal sealing band (8) is folded towards the front edge (17).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top transversal sealing band (8) is folded on the second end portion (31).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end portion (30) is loose and/or designed to be gripped by a consumer.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peel foil (7) is associated to the top wall (4) and the side wall (5).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side wall (5) comprises a front panel (11) and a back panel opposite to the front panel (11);
wherein the peel foil (7) is connected to the top wall (4) or to the top wall (4) and the front panel (11).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peel foil is sealed to the top wall (4) or to the top wall (4) and the side wall (5).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peel foil (7) comprises a layer of heat seal material or the peel foil comprises one or more layers of heat seal material and a layer of gas-barrier material or gas- and light-barrier material.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top transversal sealing band (8) divides the top wall (4) into a first wall portion (20) and a second wall portion (21);
wherein the designated pour opening (6) is arranged on the first wall portion (20);

wherein the peel foil (7) is connected to the first wall portion (20) and is not connected to the second wall portion (21).
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall (4) has a rectangular shape or a trapezoid shape or a curved shape.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peel foil (7) has a substantially rectangular shape.
Package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package (1) is designed for the consumption directly from the package (1).