US20230182975A1

US20230182975A1 - Device for automatically opening containers including means for breaking the sealing element of the container

Info

Publication number: US20230182975A1
Application number: US16/977,428
Authority: US
Inventors: Ivan Ferreira Da Costa; Mario Luiz Novaes AVILA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-01
Filing date: 2019-03-01
Publication date: 2023-06-15
Also published as: AU2019227846A1; ZA202006096B; WO2019165529A1

Abstract

The present invention refers to an automatic opening device for a package, the device comprising an spout, a cap and a means for tearing the sealing element of a package, which can be either the aluminium layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element located under the spout or the plastic material of a plastic pouch or the like.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an automatic opening device for packages, the device comprising a spout, a cap and means for tearing the sealing element of a package, which may be an aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element located below a spout, or the plastic material of a plastic pouch or the like.

RELATED ART

It is well known to use packages to store products such as condiments for food, soups, liquid or pasty products, medicines, cosmetics and other products. Frequently these packages are provided with spouts that allow the product to be removed from the package. These spouts can be part of the package itself or, alternatively, they can be part of opening devices for packages, as is the case of aseptic carton packages or plastic pouch packages, known by the English expression “stand-up pouch”.
Normally the aseptic carton packages sold in the market are provided with automatic opening devices for packages, whereby unscrewing the cap is the only operation necessary to tear the sealing element of the package so as to allow to pour the contents of the package through the spout.
The sealing element of aseptic carton packages is formed by the aluminum and plastic layers of the multilayer laminated material in which these packages are manufactured. A hole is made in the paperboard layer of said multilayer laminated material before laminating the other layers, which comprise an aluminum film and layers of plastic material. After the package is formed and the product is properly filled, and the package is closed, the aluminum layer will be exposed in the region where a hole was made in the layer of paperboard.
An automatic opening device for packages will be applied to the aseptic carton package, superposing said hole, by means of gluing or welding, the geometric axis of the spout of the device being substantially coincident with the geometric axis of the hole in the paperboard layer of the packaging material. Usually, this type of device is provided with a flange whose lower region is substantially flat, which will facilitate the bonding or welding of the device to the packaging material. When the cap of the automatic opening device for packages is unscrewed the first time, this will cause tearing of the aluminum and plastic layers covering said hole, thereby opening the package and allowing its contents to be poured through the spout.
Several models of automatic opening devices for aseptic carton packages are known. The document WO2016082008 disclose a device which comprises segments of a screw thread having opposite orientations so as to provide the tearing of the aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package.
The invention relates to automatic opening device for packages that can be applied to an aseptic carton package, wherein a sealing element is installed below the spout or below the plastic material of a plastic pouch or the like, as will be immediately perceived through the detailed description of the invention to be made below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention will be better understood through the detailed description that will be made hereinafter in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view showing a spout and a cap, in cut, of an embodiment of the automatic opening device for packages according to the invention, in a situation in which the spout and the cap are in a position prior to the assembly of these components, to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view, in cut, of the spout of the automatic opening device for packages depicted in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the cap of the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 1A, shown in cut, the cap already mounted on the spout to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the automatic opening device for packages depicted in FIG. 2 after the cap, shown in cut, had been rotated to activate the cutting device of the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 1A after the cap, shown in cut, had been rotated to be unscrewed from the spout;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view referring to an additional embodiment of the automatic opening device for packages shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , which depicts a spout and a cap, in cut and with its closing element open, in a position prior to the assembly of these components, to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a step of assembling the cap on the spout, the cap shown in cut, to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 6 after the cap, shown in cut, is already mounted on the spout to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 5 after the cap, shown in cut, had been rotated to activate the cutting device of the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a detail X of the automatic opening device for packages shown in FIG. 8 ;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are front perspective views of the automatic opening device for packages depicting the closing element of the cap, both shown in cut, in the closed and open positions, respectively;

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of a further embodiment of the automatic opening device for packages according to the invention, in a situation where the spout and the cap are depicted in a position prior to the assembly of these components, to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention, the closing element of the cap shown in the open position;

FIG. 13 is a front view showing the cap of the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 12 , shown in cut, in a situation before being mounted on the spout to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view showing the cap of the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 13 shown in cut and already mounted on the spout to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a lower perspective view showing the automatic opening device for packages of FIG. 13 , with the cap shown in cut and already mounted on the spout, to form the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the automatic opening device for packages of FIGS. 14 and 15 after the cap, shown in cut, had been rotated to activate the cutting device of the automatic opening device for packages of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a front view showing a detail Z of the automatic opening device for packages shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are front perspective views of the automatic opening device for packages depicting the closing element of the cap, both shown in cut, in the closed and open positions, respectively;

FIG. 20 shows an aseptic carton package provided with an automatic opening device for packages according to the embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 21 and 22 depict plastic pouch packages provided with automatic opening device for packages according to the embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 23 to 26 depict a further embodiment of the invention, which makes use of a pivoting cutting means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter the terms “automatic opening device for packages provided with means for tearing the sealing element” and “automatic opening device for packages” will be used interchangeably herein. Similarly, the use of the expressions “package”, or “carton package”, in the singular or in the plural, should always be understood as “aseptic carton package”, in the singular or in the plural, respectively.
Similarly, the use of expressions such as “open the package” or “open package” should be interpreted herein as a package whose sealing element, or the like, had been cut by an automatic opening device for packages provided with a sealing element. The term “sealing element” should be interpreted as a substantially flexible element that serves to keep the package sealed, which can comprise multiple layers of different materials or a layer consisting of only one material. Consequently, the terms “sealing element” and “aseptic carton aluminum layer”, or simply “aluminum layer”, will be used interchangeably herein. The terms “packaging” and “package” used herein should be understood as equivalent.
In the following description similar components will always be mentioned and indicated in the Figures by the same indicative numerals. Terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “ascending” or “descending” that may be used in this description refer specifically to the positions in which the elements, parts, portions, regions are depicted in the Figures, etc., of the of the invention.
Note that the Figures are not depicted in the same scale, due to the fact that in some of them it was necessary to enlarge the objects to facilitate visualization. The terms “anterior” and “posterior”, if used in reference to objects, parts, components, etc., depicted in the Figures, must be understood in a sequence of visualization from left to right in the Figure, or from the top to the lower part of the Figure, the term “anterior” related to the one to the left and/or the highest, and the term “posterior” to the one to the right and/or the lowest, with possible combinations of this positioning.
In the description that follows, reference will be made to parts of the specification or to the Figures of the patent application. Mention may also be made of components that are an integral part of the embodiments and variations of the invention described herein, or are elements that interact with elements integral to those embodiments and variations of the invention.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, 3 and 4 show an automatic opening device for packages 90 according to the an embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in the Figures, the automatic opening device for packages 90 comprises a cap 89, a spout 94 and a locking device 96. In the Figures, the cap 89 is depicted in cut.
The spout 94, shown in more detail in FIG. 1B, comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose external surface is provided with at least one segment of external screw thread 95, in the Figures three external segments of screw thread 95 being represented, just for the sake of illustration, but not limited to only three. The upper region of the hollow cylindrical body of the spout 94 is provided with an upper ring 94 a, located near to the upper edge of the hollow body of the spout 94, with a spacing between the upper region of the upper ring 94 a and the upper region of the spout 94.
The lower region of the spout 94 is affixed to the upper region of a locking ring 97, the lower region of which is affixed to the upper region of a base element 98, which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose internal diameter must be larger or at least identical to the internal diameter of the spout 94. The lower region of the base element 98 is affixed to the upper region of a flange 99, which is provided with a hole whose diameter must be larger or at least identical to the internal diameter of the base element 98, to which it is connected. The geometric axis of the base element 98 and of the orifice of the base element 99 are coincident.
Each segment of external screw thread 95 comprises two threads, upper and lower. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 4 , the upper thread extends beyond the upper ring 94 a, and the upper end of the upper thread is located near to the upper edge of the hollow cylindrical body of the spout 94. The upper end of the lower thread of the external screw thread 95 is connected to the lower portion of the upper ring 94 a, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 4 . The lower ends of the upper and lower threads of each segment of external screw thread 95 extend to the lower portion of the body of the spout 94.
The cap 89 comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper region is affixed to an upper element 89 a. The internal region of the hollow cylindrical body of the cap 89 is provided with at least one segment of internal screw thread 91, in the Figures three segments of internal screw threads 91 being shown, for the sake of example, but not limited to three. Each segment of internal screw thread 91 is designed to fit into the respective segment of external screw thread 95 of the spout 94. Of course, the number of segments of internal screw threads 91 employed in the cap 89 must be the same number of external segments of screw thread 95 of the spout 94.
As previously mentioned, in FIGS. 1 to 4 the cap 89 is shown in cut. However, to facilitate the understanding of the invention, the segment of internal screw threads 91 of the front portion of the cap 89 appears in the Figures, although it would not appear in the views when the cap 89 is depicted in cut.
The cap 89 is also provided with a cutting device 92, which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to the lower region of the upper element 89 a of the cap 89. The lower region of the cutting device 92 is provided with at least one cutting element 92 a.
The locking device 96 comprises a hollow body provided with a lower region in the form of a cylinder, the upper edge of which is affixed to an upper region shaped as a truncated cone. The upper edge of this upper region shaped as a truncated cone has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the lower edge. The edge of the internal lower region of the locking device 96 is provided with a plurality of lower locking elements 93, each of which in the present embodiment comprises a body that projects obliquely upwards towards the geometric axis of the locking device 96. The lower locking elements 93 are designed so that they can perform small radial bends in opposition to the geometric axis of the locking device 96.
The upper edge of the upper tapered region of the locking device 96 is provided with a plurality of rupture elements 96 a, which are also connected to the lower edge of the cap 89, forming a breakable interconnection between the locking device 96 and the cap 89. The function of the rupture elements 96 a will be realised from the description that will be made hereinafter regarding the operation mode of the automatic opening device for packages 90.
In FIG. 1A, the assembly formed by the cap 89 and the locking device 96 can be seen in a position immediately before the beginning of its insertion on the spout 94, to begin the assembly operation of the automatic opening device for packages 90, an operation made in factory using a tool specially dedicated for this purpose. The cap 89 must be inserted on the spout 94 in the direction indicated by the arrow W shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2 depicts the cap 89 already fully inserted in the spout 94. It is important to note that the situation depicted in this Figure indicates that the lower locking elements 93 of the locking device 96 have already passed the locking ring 97. By the time the lower locking elements 93 touches the upper edge of the locking ring 97, they flex in opposition to the geometric axis of the locking device 96, thereby allowing the lower locking elements 93 to pass through the locking ring 97.
Consequently, the cap 89 is locked in the position shown in FIG. 2 , and can no longer be removed by means of upward longitudinal movements. This is the mounting position in which the cap 89 and the spout 94 must remain to form the automatic opening device for packages 90, so that the latter can be applied to a package, an operation made in factory by means of a specially dedicated tool for that purpose. After being properly assembled, an automatic opening device for packages 90 should be applied, for example, to an aseptic carton package or a plastic pouch package.
When is necessary to remove the cap 89 from the automatic opening device for packages 90, initially a anticlockwise rotational movement is applied to the automatic opening device for packages 90, as indicated by the curved arrow T in FIG. 3 . When this anticlockwise rotational movement is applied, initially each segment of internal screw thread 91 of the cap 89 screws into its respective segment of external screw thread 95 of the spout 94. Next, with the continuation of the anticlockwise rotational movement, the rupture elements 96 a will be broken, thereby allowing the counter-clockwise rotation of the cap 89 to continue.
Note that an extension beyond the upper ring 94 a of the upper portion of each upper thread of the segment of external screw thread 95 ensures that each segment of internal screw thread 91 is screwed into its respective segment of external screw thread 95, because at the moment each segment of internal screw thread 91 touches the extended upper thread of the respective segment of external screw thread 95, the only possibility for the continuation of the anticlockwise rotational movement is the screwing of each segment of internal screw thread 91 in the respective segment of external screw thread 95.
As The cutting device 92 is rigidly attached to the cap 89, evidently it will perform the same movements made by the cap 89. Consequently, with the continuity of the anticlockwise rotational movement of the cap 89, the cutting device 92 executes the same anticlockwise rotational movement made by cap 89. Concomitantly with this anticlockwise rotational movement, cap 89 will also make an axial downward movement, resulting from the screwing of the segments of internal screw threads 91 of cap 89 in their respective external segments of screw thread 95 of the spout 94, as indicated by the arrow W in FIG. 3 . Consequently, the cutting device 92 will perform the same downward axial movement indicated by the arrow W in FIG. 3 .
The composition of the anticlockwise and downward axial rotational movements made by the cutting device 92 causes the cutting elements 92 a of the cutting device 92 to cut the sealing element of the package, located below the spout 94 of the automatic opening device for packages 90, which may be the aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element applied around the orifice of flange 99, or the plastic layer of a plastic pouch package. In FIG. 3 , the cutting device is depicted in the final position in which it will be after the cap 89 has reached the lowest position in the screwing operation described hereinbefore, when the lower region of the upper element of the cap 89 touches the rim of the spout 94.
After the package has been properly opened, as described hereinbefore, it suffices to unscrew the cap 89 in relation to the spout 94 to open a passage that allows the product contained inside the package to be poured. To this aim, it suffices to apply a rotational movement to the cap 89, in a clockwise direction, as indicated in FIG. 4 by the curved arrow T, and consequently the cap 89 will start to perform a concomitant upward axial movement, indicated in FIG. 4 by the arrow W, until it is fully unscrewed from the spout 94.
Note in FIGS. 1A to 4 that the segment of internal screw threads 91 of the cap 89 and the segment of external screw thread 95 of the spout 94 comprise a left-hand screw thread. The choice of this type of orientation was made in view of the fact that it is customary for people to use caps and spouts having right-hand oriented screw threads, in which the cap is unscrewed by applying rotational anticlockwise movements, which cause upward axial movements of the cap.
When the cap 89 is unscrewed the first time, it is necessary that it makes a downward axial movement so as to cause the tearing of the sealing element. In view of that it is preferably to use a screw thread with a left-hand orientation in the cap 89 and in the spout 94. If a right-hand oriented screw thread were used, certainly most of the users would immediately apply an anticlockwise rotational movement to the cap 89, which will cause an upward movement of the cap 89. After this first unscrewing operation of the cap 89, users would then be accustomed to using the cap 89 accordingly.
Note that the segments of internal screw threads 91 of the cap 89 and the segments of external screw thread 95 of the spout 94 may comprise right-hand oriented screw threads. In this case, users would have to be instructed to initially make a rotational movement of the cap 89 in a clockwise direction, to cause a downward axial movement of the cap, thereby causing the tearing of the sealing element.
FIGS. 5 to 11 show a further embodiment of the automatic opening device for packages according to the invention. As can be seen in the Figures, an automatic opening device for packages 100 is depicted which comprises an upper sealing element 101 a and a base element 101 b, a spout 107 and a locking device 104. In FIGS. 5 to 11 the upper sealing member 101 a, base member 101 b and locking device 104 are shown in cut.
The spout 107 comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper region is provided with an upper ring 107 a, located near to the upper edge of the hollow body of the spout 107. There is a spacing between the upper region of the upper ring 107 a and the upper edge of the spout 107. The middle region of the body of the spout 107 is provided with a secondary locking ring 107 b.
The lower edge of the spout 107 is affixed to the upper region of a primary locking ring 109, the lower region of which is affixed to the upper region of a base element 110, which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose internal diameter must be larger or at least identical to the internal diameter of the spout 107. The lower region of the base element 110 is affixed to the upper region of a flange 111, which is provided with a hole having a diameter which is larger or at least identical to the internal diameter of the base element 110. The geometric axis of the base element 110 and the orifice of the base element 111 are substantially coincident.
The external region of the spout 107 is provided with at least one segment of external screw thread 108, in the Figures, three segment of external screw thread 108 being depicted, for exemplification only, and not limited to three. Each segment of external screw thread 108 comprises two threads, upper and lower. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 , the upper portion 108 a of the upper thread extends beyond the upper ring 107 a, and the upper end of the upper portion 108 a of the upper thread is located near to the upper edge of the hollow cylindrical body of the spout 107. The upper end of the lower thread of the external screw thread 108 is connected to the lower portion of the upper ring 107 a, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 . The lower ends 108 b of the upper and lower threads of each segment of external screw thread 108 extend to the lower portion of the body of the spout 107.
The upper sealing member 101 a comprises a substantially flat disk-shaped cylindrical body whose lower region is provided with a sealing projection 101 a′, the upper edge of the sealing projection 101 a′ being rigidly attached to the lower region of the upper sealing element 101 a, as can be seen in the Figures.
The base element 101 b comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose internal region is provided with at least one segment of internal screw thread 102, in the Figures three segment of internal screw threads 102 are shown, for exemplification only, and not limited to three. Each segment of internal screw thread 102 is designed to screw into the respective segment of external screw thread 108 of the spout 107. Evidently, the number of segments of internal screw threads 102 used in the base element 101 b must be the same number of segments of external screw thread 108 in the spout 107.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 the upper sealing element 101 a, when is in the closed position shown in FIG. 6 , rests on the base element 101 b, and both are connected each other by means of a pivoting connecting element 112, as shown in more detail in FIG. 5 . There are variations of this type of pivoting connection, which may be used in conjunction with the invention. In addition, any other type of connection means can be used to connect the upper sealing element 101 a to the base element 101 b. It is even possible to have no means of connection between them, and so the connection between these two parts may be made by pressure or by screwing, for example.
As previously mentioned, in FIGS. 5 to 11 the base element 101 b is shown in cut. However, in order to facilitate the description of the invention, the segment of internal screw threads 102 of the anterior portion of the base element 101 b appears in the Figures, which should not occur when the base element 101 b is depicted in cut.
The base element 101 b is also provided with a cutting device 106, which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to the upper internal region of the base element 101 b by means of a connecting ring 113. The lower region of the cutting device element 106 is provided with at least one cutting element 106 a.
The edge of the lower internal region of the base element 101 b is provided with a plurality of upper locking elements 103, each of which in the present embodiment comprising a body that projects obliquely upwards towards the geometric axis of the base element 101 b. The upper locking elements 103 are designed to perform small radial bends in opposition to the geometric axis of the base element 101 b.
The locking device 104 comprises a hollow body provided with a lower region in the form of a cylinder, whose upper edge is affixed to an upper region shaped as a truncated cone. The upper edge of this upper region shaped as a truncated cone has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the lower edge. The edge of the lower internal region of the locking device 104 is provided with a plurality of lower locking elements 105, each of which in the present embodiment comprises a body that projects obliquely and upwardly towards the geometric axis of the locking device 104. The lower locking elements 105 are designed to perform small radial bends in opposition to the geometric axis of the locking device 104.
The upper rim of the tapered upper region of the locking device 104 is provided with a plurality of rupture elements 104 a, which are also connected to the lower edge of the base element 101 b, forming a breakable connection between the locking device 104 and the base element 101 b. The function of the rupture elements 104 a will be realized by the description that will be made later in relation to the operation mode of the automatic opening device for packages 100.
In FIG. 5 , it is possible to observe the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b and the locking device 104 in a position immediately before the beginning of its insertion in the spout 107, in order to begin the assembly operation of the automatic opening device for packages 100, an operation made in factory using a tool specially dedicated for this purpose. The assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b and the locking device 104 must be inserted in the spout 107 in the direction indicated by the arrow W shown in FIG. 5 .
FIG. 6 depicts the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b and the locking device 104 partially inserted in the spout 107. FIG. 7 depicts the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b and the locking device 104 already fully inserted in the spout 107. Note that the situation depicted in FIG. 6 indicates that the lower locking elements 105 of the locking device 104 have already passed the primary locking ring 109. When the lower locking elements 105 touch the upper edge of the primary locking ring 109, they flex in opposition to the geometric axis of the locking device 104, thereby allowing the lower locking elements 105 to pass through the primary locking ring 109.
Consequently, the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b and the locking device 104 is locked in the position shown in FIG. 7 , and can no longer be removed by means of upward longitudinal movements. This is the mounting position in which the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b and the locking device 104 and the spout 107 must remain to form the automatic opening device for packages 100, so that the latter can be applied to a package, an operation made in factory using a tool specially dedicated for this purpose. After being properly assembled, the automatic opening device for packages 100 should be applied, for example, to an aseptic carton package or a plastic pouch package.
When it is necessary to open the package, either an aseptic carton package or a plastic pouch package, it will be necessary to apply an anticlockwise rotational movement to the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b. When this anticlockwise rotational movement is applied, initially each segment of internal screw thread 102 of the base element 101 b screws into its respective segment of external screw thread 108 of the spout 107. Then, with the continuity of the anticlockwise rotational movement, the rupture elements 104 a will be broken, thereby allowing the anticlockwise rotational movement of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b to continue.
Note that the upper portion 108 a of each upper thread of the segment of external screw thread 108, which extends beyond the upper ring 107 a of the spout 107, will ensure that each segment of internal screw thread 102 of the base element 101 b is screwed into its respective segment of external screw thread 108, because when each segment of internal screw thread 102 touches the upper portion 108 a of the respective upper thread, the only possibility for the continuation of the rotational movement in the anticlockwise direction will be screwing of each segment of internal screw thread 102 in the respective segment of external screw thread 108.
As the cutting device 106 is rigidly attached to the base element 101 b, then it makes the same movements as the base element 101 b. Therefore, with the continuation of the anticlockwise rotational movement of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b, the cutting device 106 will execute the same anticlockwise rotational movement carried out by the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b.
Concomitantly with this movement, the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b will also make a downward axial movement resulting from the screwing of the segments of internal screw thread 102 of the base element 101 b in their respective segments of external screw thread 108 of the spout 107, as indicated by the arrow Win FIG. 7 . Consequently, the cutting device 106 will execute the same downward axial movement indicated by the arrow W in FIG. 7 .
The composition of the anticlockwise and downward axial rotating movements made by the cutting device 106 will cause the cutting elements 106 a of the cutting device 106 to tear the sealing element of the package, which is located under the automatic opening device for packages 100. The sealing element may be either the aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element applied around the orifice of the flange 111, or the plastic layer of a plastic pouch package.
In FIG. 8 the cutting device is depicted in the final position in which it remains after the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b reaches the lowest position as a consequence of the screwing operation described hereinbefore, when the upper rim of the spout 107 touches the lower region of the connecting ring 113, as can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 10 and 11 .
In FIG. 8 the upper locking elements 103 overtook the secondary locking ring 107 b of the spout 107. The moment the upper locking elements 103 touches the upper edge of the secondary locking ring 107 b they flexed in opposition to the geometric axis of the base element 101 b, thereby allowing the upper locking elements 103 to overtake the secondary locking ring 107 b. FIG. 9 depicts an enlarged view of a Detail X in FIG. 8 depicting the upper locking elements 103 after having overtook the secondary locking ring 107 b. Consequently, the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b is then locked in the position depicted in FIG. 8 and can no longer be removed by means of upward longitudinal movements. The use of the upper locking elements 103 is optional, and is only intended to prevent the removal of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a, the base element 101 b. Optionally, said locking can be achieved between the segment of internal screw threads 102 and the segment of external screw thread 108, at the end of their screwing.
After the package has been properly opened, as previously described, it suffices to pivot the upper sealing element 101 a so that the pouring of the product contained into the package can occur through the spout 107. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the automatic opening device for packages 100 with the upper sealing element 101 a shown in the closed and open positions, in cut, respectively.
As can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the upper sealing element 101 a is depicted with a front projection, in order to facilitate the pivoting operation, when it is necessary to open the passage of the product contained inside the package through the spout 107. The use of this front projection is optional, and other means can be used to facilitate the operation of pivoting the upper sealing member 101 a.
In FIGS. 5 to 11 the segment of internal screw threads 102 of the base element 101 b and the segment of external screw thread 108 of the spout 107 comprise a left-oriented screw thread. Similarly to what has been mentioned regarding the embodiment of the automatic opening device for packages 90 previously described, with reference to drawings 1A to 4, the choice of this type of orientation was made in view of the fact that it is customary for people to use caps and spouts having right-hand oriented screw threads, in which the cap is unscrewed by applying rotational anticlockwise movements, which cause upward axial movements of the cap.
As in the present embodiment of the invention it is necessary for the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b to make an axial downward movement in the first unscrewing so that the sealing element is torn, consequently it is preferably to use a left-hand oriented screw thread, as the use of right-hand oriented screw threads could cause most users to make an anticlockwise turn in the cap.
After making said first unscrewing of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b, it is no longer necessary to apply any rotational movement to any of the components of the automatic opening device for packages 100. As noted from the description of the present embodiment of the invention made hereinbefore, it suffices to pivot the upper sealing element 101 a in order to open the passage through the spout 107 to pour the product contained in the package.
Note that the segments of internal screw threads 102 of the base element 101 b and the segments of external screw thread 108 of the spout 107 may comprise a right-hand oriented screw thread. In this case, users would have to be instructed to initially rotate the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 101 a and the base element 101 b in a clockwise direction, to cause a downward axial movement of the cap, thereby causing the tearing of the sealing element.
FIGS. 12 to 19 depict a further embodiment of the automatic opening device for packages according to the invention. As can be seen in the Figures, an automatic opening device for packages 120 is depicted, which comprises an upper sealing element 121 a and a base element 121 b, a spout 127 and a locking device 124. In FIGS. 12 to 19 the upper sealing member 121 a, base member 121 b and locking device 124 are depicted in cut.
The spout 127 comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper region is provided with an upper ring 127 a, located near to the upper rim 129 of the hollow body of the spout 127. There is a spacing between the upper region of the upper ring 127 a and the upper rim 129 of the spout 127. The lower edge of the spout 127 is affixed to the upper region of a flange 130, which is provided in its external region with at least one recess 131, in the Figures four recess 131 are depicted, just for exemplification and not limited to four. The flange 130 is provided with an orifice whose diameter is substantially identical to the internal diameter of the spout 127, to which it is superposed. The geometric axes of the flange 130 and the spout 127 are coincident.
The external region of the spout 127 is provided with at least one segment of external screw thread 128, in the Figures three segment of external screw thread 128 are shown, just by way of example, and not limited to three. Each segment of external screw thread 128 comprises two threads, upper and lower. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 19 , the upper portion 128 a of the upper screw thread extends beyond the upper ring 127 a, and the upper end of the upper portion 128 a of the upper screw thread is located near to the upper edge of the hollow cylindrical body of the spout 127.
The upper end of the lower screw thread of the external screw thread 128 is connected to the lower portion of the upper ring 127 a, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 19 . The lower ends 128 b of the upper and lower threads of each segment of external screw thread 128 extend up to the lower portion of the body of the spout 127.
The upper sealing element 121 a comprises a substantially flat disk-shaped cylindrical body whose lower region is provided with a sealing projection 121 a′, the upper edge of the sealing projection 121 a′ being rigidly attached to the lower region of the upper sealing element 121 a, as can be seen in the Figures.
The base element 121 b comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose internal region is provided with at least one segment of internal screw thread 122, in FIGS. 12 to 19 three segment of internal screw threads 122 are shown, for exemplification only, and not limited to three. Each segment of internal screw thread 122 is designed to screw into the respective segment of external screw thread 128 of the spout 127. Evidently, the number of segments of internal screw threads 122 used in the base element 121 b must be the same number of segments of external screw thread 128 of spout 127.
As previously mentioned, in FIGS. 12 to 19 the base element 121 b is shown in cut. However, in order to facilitate the description of the invention, the segment of internal screw threads 122 of the anterior portion of the base element 121 b appears in the Figures, which should not occur when the base element 101 b is depicted in cut.
The edge of the internal lower region of the base element 121 b is provided with a plurality of upper locking elements 123, each of which in the present embodiment comprising a body that projects obliquely upwards towards the geometric axis of the base element 121 b. The upper locking elements 123 are designed to perform small radial bends in opposition to the geometric axis of the base element 121 b.
The base element 121 b is also provided with a cutting device 126, which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to the upper region of the base element 121 b by means of a connecting ring 133. The lower region of the cutting device 126 is provided with at least one cutting element 126 a.
In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12 to 19 the upper sealing element 121 a, when are in the closed position, depicted in FIG. 13 , rests on the base element 121 b, and both are connected together by means of a pivoting connecting element 132, as shown in more detail in FIG. 12 . There are variations of this type of pivoting connection, which may be used in conjunction with the invention. Any other type of connection means may be used to connect the upper sealing element 121 a to the base element 121 b. It is even possible to have no means of connection between them, and so the connection between these two parts may be made by pressure or by screwing, for example.
The locking device 124 comprises a hollow body substantially cylindrical in shape, the upper edge of which is provided with a plurality of rupture elements 124 a, which are also connected to the lower edge of the base element 121 b, forming a breakable interconnection between the locking device 124 and the base element 121 b. The function of the rupture elements 124 a will be realised from the description that will be made hereinafter regarding the mode of operation of the automatic opening device for packages 120.
The external lower region of the locking device 124 is provided with a plurality of locking elements 125, which comprise radial projections extending from the body of the locking device 124. In FIGS. 12 to 19 four locking elements 125 are shown, for exemplification only, and not limited to four. As will be seen hereinafter, the locking elements 125 are designed to fit into the locking recesses 131 of the flange 130, as will be seen hereinafter.
In FIG. 13 depicts an assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b and the locking device 124, which are in a position immediately before the beginning of its insertion in the spout 127, starting the operation to assemble the automatic opening device for packages 120, an operation carried out in factory by means of a tool specially dedicated for this purpose. The assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b and the locking device 124 must be inserted in the spout 127 in the direction indicated by the arrow W shown in FIG. 13 .
FIGS. 14 and 15 show the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b and the locking device 124 already fully inserted in the spout 127, thereby forming the automatic opening device for packages 120. Note that the situation shown in FIG. 14 indicates that the locking elements 125 of the locking device 124 have already been fitted into the locking recesses 131 of the flange 130. FIGS. 13 and 14 depict the locking elements 125 of the locking device 124 before (FIG. 13 ) and after (FIG. 14 ) the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b and the locking device 124 had been fully inserted in the spout 127. FIG. 15 depicts the fitting of the locking elements 125 into the locking recesses 131. Note that the lower regions of the locking elements 125 are substantially even with the lower region of the flange 130.
Preferably, the engagement of the locking elements 125 of the locking device 124 into the locking recesses 131 of the flange 130 must be made by interference, which means that at least some external region of the locking elements 125 must be slightly larger than the internal dimensions of the locking recesses 131 in the regions where the engagement will occur. Consequently, after the locking elements 125 are properly engaged into the locking recesses 131, the connection between the spout 127 and the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b and the locking device 124, which form the automatic opening device for packages 120, is strong enough to prevent the parts from separating.
The situation depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15 is the mounting position in which the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b and the locking device 124 and the spout 127 must remain to form the automatic opening device for packages 120, so that the latter can be applied to a package, operation carried out in factory by means of a tool specially dedicated for this purpose. After being properly assembled, the automatic opening device for packages 120 may be applied, for example, to an aseptic carton package or to a plastic pouch package.
When it is necessary to open the package, be it aseptic carton package or plastic pouch package, it is necessary to apply an anticlockwise rotational movement to the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b, as indicated in FIG. 16 by the curved arrow T. When this anticlockwise rotational movement is applied, initially, each segment of internal screw thread 122 of the base element 121 b screws into its respective segment of external screw thread 128 of the spout 127. Then, with the continuation of the anticlockwise rotational movement, the rupture elements 124 a are broken, thereby allowing the continuity of the anticlockwise rotational movement of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b.
The upper portion 128 a of each upper segment of external screw thread 128 extending beyond the upper ring 127 a of the spout 127 ensures that each segment of internal screw thread 122 of the base element 121 b is screwed into its respective segment of external screw thread 128, as can be seen in FIG. 14 . When each segment of internal screw thread 122 touches the upper portion 128 a of the respective upper thread, the only possibility for the continuation of the rotational anticlockwise movement is the screwing of each segment of internal screw thread 122 in the respective segment of external screw thread 108.
As the cutting device 126 is rigidly attached to the base element 121 b, it evidently performs the same movements as those made by the base element 121 b. Consequently, with the continuation of the anticlockwise rotational movement of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b, the cutting device 126 will perform the same anticlockwise rotational movement performed by the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b.
Concomitantly with this anticlockwise rotational movement, the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b will also perform an axial downward movement, resulting from the screwing of the segments of internal screw threads 122 of the base element 121 b in their respective segments of external screw thread 128 of the spout 127, as indicated by the arrow W in FIG. 16 . Consequently, the cutting device 126 will perform the same downward axial movement indicated by the arrow W in FIG. 16 .
The composition of the anticlockwise and downward axial rotational movements made by the cutting device 126 will cause the cutting elements 126 a of the cutting device 126 to tear the sealing element of the package, located under the automatic opening device for packages 120, which may be either the aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element applied around the orifice of the flange 130, or the plastic layer of a plastic pouch package.
In FIG. 16 the cutting device is depicted in its final position after the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b have reached the lowest position in the screwing operation described hereinbefore, when the upper rim 129 of the spout 127 touches the lower region of the connecting ring 133, as can be seen in more detail in FIG. 16 .
Note in FIG. 16 that the upper locking elements 123 overtook the secondary locking ring 127 b of the spout 127. At the moment the upper locking elements 123 touch the upper edge of the secondary locking ring 127 b they flex in opposition to the geometric axis of the base element 121 b, thereby allowing the upper locking elements 123 to pass through the secondary locking ring 127 b. FIG. 17 depicts a Detail Z of FIG. 16 comprising an enlarged view of the upper locking elements 123 after having passed the secondary locking ring 127 b. Consequently, the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b is locked in the position depicted in FIG. 16 , and can no longer be removed.
After the package had been properly opened, as described hereinbefore, it suffices to pivot the upper sealing element 121 a to pour the product contained into the package through the spout 127. FIGS. 18 and 19 show the automatic opening device for packages 120 with the upper sealing element 121 a depicted in the closed and open positions, in cut, respectively.
The upper sealing element 121 a shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 may be provided with a front projection in order to facilitate the pivoting operation whenever is necessary to open the passage of the product contained into the package through the spout 127. The use of this front projection is optional, and other means can be used to facilitate the operation of pivoting the upper sealing member 121 a.
Note in FIGS. 12 to 19 that the segment of internal screw threads 122 of the base element 121 b and the segment of external screw thread 128 of the spout 127 comprise a left-hand oriented screw thread. Equally to what has been commented hereinbefore regarding to the implementation of the automatic opening device for packages 90 and 100, with reference to drawings 1A to 4 and 5 to 11, respectively, the choice of this type of orientation is due to the fact that it is customary for people to use caps and spouts having right-hand oriented screw threads, in which the cap is unscrewed by means of anticlockwise rotating movements, thereby causing upward axial movements of the cap.
As in the present embodiment of the invention it is necessary that the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b make an axial downward movement in the first unscrewing to cause the tearing of the sealing element, then it is preferably to use a screw thread with left-hand oriented screw thread, as the usual use of right-hand oriented screw threads could cause most users to turn the cap anticlockwise.
After that first unscrewing of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b, it is no longer necessary to apply any rotational movement to any of the components of the automatic opening device for packages 120. As mentioned hereinbefore regarding the present embodiment of the invention, it suffices to pivot the upper sealing element 121 a to open the passage through the spout 127 and pour the product into the package.
Note that the segments of internal screw threads 122 of the base element 121 b and the segments of external screw thread 128 of the spout 127 may comprise a right-hand oriented screw thread. In this case, users would have to be instructed to initially rotate the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b in a clockwise direction, to cause a downward axial movement of the cap, thereby causing the tearing of the sealing element.
FIG. 20 depicts an example of using an automatic opening device for packages in an aseptic carton package. Any of the three embodiments of the invention described hereinbefore can be applied to the aseptic carton package depicted in FIG. 20 . FIGS. 21 and 22 depict examples of the use of an automatic opening device for packages in a plastic pouch package. Any of the three embodiments of the invention described above can be applied to the plastic pouch packages depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 .
The invention has been described in relation to some of its embodiments applied to spouts and caps of aseptic carton packages and plastic pouch packages, in which the sealing element of a package is cut using a rotary cutting device, although it is not limited to such embodiments. It is possible to use the actuating mechanisms disclosed in the embodiments of the invention to actuate cutting devices in which the cutting operation of the sealing element is not carried out by means of rotary cutting.
For example, an actuation mechanism according to any of the embodiments of the invention can be used in conjunction with the spout disclosed in WO03035491, the content of which is included herein, for reference, in order to obtain the same effect obtained through use of the actuation mechanism originally disclosed in WO03035491.
In that case, instead of using a cutting device such as those revealed in the embodiments of the invention, which tears the sealing element by means of rotation, at least one cam similar to cam 8 of the invention of document WO03035491 may be employed, which would be affixed to the cap or to the basic elements referring to the embodiments revealed hereinbefore. It would also be necessary to include a pivoting cutting element in the spouts of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, similar to the pivoting cutting element 26 of the invention of document PI9213426-8, which would be provided with a cam follower similar to the cam follower 32 of the invention of document PI9213426-8.
An automatic opening device for packages that operate in a manner similar to the embodiments of the invention, provided with the modifications mentioned in the previous paragraph, would provide the opening of an aseptic carton package or a plastic pouch package without difficulties.
In that case, the initial actuation would be exactly as described for the embodiments disclosed herein, that is, by applying a rotational movement to the cap or to the assembly formed by the upper sealing element and the base element. The rupture elements that connect the locking device to the cap, or to the assembly formed by the upper sealing element and the base element, would then rupture.
Next, it would occur the screwing on the spout of the internal screw thread elements of the cap, or of the assembly formed by the upper sealing element and the base element. As a result of this screwing, the interaction between the cam and the cam follower would cause the cutting pivoting element performed the cutting of the sealing element of the aseptic carton package, or the plastic pouch package, to open the package, thereby allowing the product contained into the package to be poured, passing through the spout.
For the sake of demonstration only, FIGS. 23 to 26 depict an automatic opening device for packages 120′ which is a variation of the third embodiment of the invention. The automatic opening device for packages 120′ incorporates the same cam-based actuation principle and cam follower mentioned in the previous paragraphs, well known in the art, instead of using a screwing system. It is important to mention that the same could be done in any of the two other embodiments disclosed in the present application.
The differences between the automatic opening device for packages 120 and 120′ can be seen by comparing FIGS. 12 to 19 with FIGS. 23 to 26 . The spout 127′ of the automatic opening device for packages 120′ is provided with a pivoting cutting element 134, which is fixed to the lower region of the spout 127′ by means of a flexible element, not shown in FIGS. 12 to 19 , as is well known in the art. The lower region of the pivoting cutting element 134 is provided with a plurality of cutting elements 137, and the upper region of the pivoting cutting element 134 is provided with a cam 135.
The base element 121 b′ of the automatic opening device for packages 120′ comprises a hollow cylindrical body provided with a cam follower 136, which is affixed to the internal region of the base element 121 b ‘. The other components of the automatic opening device for packages 120’ are the same or similar to the equivalent components of the automatic opening device for packages 120, and for that reason, the indicative numerals used in FIGS. 23 to 26 are the same. Consequently, the assembly of the components of the automatic opening device for packages 120′ will be carried out in the same manner as described in relation to the automatic opening device for packages 120, and for that reason, the description of that operation will not be repeated here.
The automatic opening device for packages 120′ is depicted in FIG. 23 in a position immediately prior to the beginning of its insertion in the spout 127′, in order to start the operation to assemble the automatic opening device for packages 120′, operation carried out in factory using a tool specially dedicated for this purpose. The assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a, the base element 121 b′ and the locking device 124 must be inserted in the spout 127 in the direction indicated by the arrow W shown in FIG. 23 .
The automatic opening device for packages 120′ is depicted in FIG. 24 in the final assembly position, ready to be applied to a package, be it an aseptic carton package or a plastic pouch package. It can be seen that the engagement of the engagement elements 125 in the engagement recesses 131 has occurred in such a way that the lower regions of the engagement elements 125 remain substantially even with the lower region of the flange 130.
When it is necessary to open the package, it is necessary to apply an anticlockwise rotational movement to the assembly formed by the upper sealing element 121 a and the base element 121 b′. When this anticlockwise rotational movement is applied, the cam follower 136 touches the cam 135, and with the continuation of the anticlockwise rotational movement the pivoting cutting 134 will pivot towards the sealing element of the package, be it either the aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element applied to the lower region of the flange 130, or the plastic material of a plastic pouch package.
At the end of the anticlockwise rotational movement, the cutting elements 137 of the pivoting cutting element 134 tear the material located under the spout 127′, be it either the aluminum layer of an aseptic carton package, or a sealing element applied to the lower region of the flange 130 or the plastic material of a plastic pouch package, and the container will be open. The contents of the package can be poured, passing through the spout 127′. FIGS. 25 and 26 show the automatic opening device for packages 120′ after this cutting operation has been completed. In FIG. 25 the upper sealing element 121 a is in the closed position, and in FIG. 26 in the open position.
Modifications or substitutions may be made in the embodiments of the invention described herein, without, however, departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, being only limited to the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1- Automatic opening device for packages (90,100,120,120′) comprising:

a spout (94,107,127,127′) provided in its external region with at least one segment of external screw thread (95, 108,128) having at least one entry;

a spout sealing means (94,107,127,127′), which comprises one from the group that include a cap (89) and an assembly formed by an upper sealing element (101 a,121 a) and a base element (101 b,121 b,121 b′), the sealing means provided in its internal region with at least one segment of internal screw thread (91,102,122);

a means for cutting the sealing elements located below the spout (94,107,127, 127′);

the automatic opening device for packages being characterized in that:

it is provided with a locking device (96,104,124,124 a) whose upper edge is affixed to the lower edge of the spout sealing means by means of lower rupture elements (96 a, 104 a, 124 a);

the lower region of the locking device is provided with a locking means which can be one from the group comprising flexible locking elements (93,105) and locking elements (125);

the means for cutting the sealing elements located below the spout (94,107,127,127′) comprises one from the group comprising a rotary cutting means and a pivoting cutting means.

2- Automatic opening device for packages (90) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the spout (94) is provided with a plurality of segment of external screw thread (95) and an upper ring (94 a) located near to the upper edge of the spout (94);

the lower edge of the spout (94) is affixed to the upper region of a locking ring (97), the lower region of which is affixed to the upper region of a base element (98);

the lower region of the base element (98) is affixed to the upper region of a flange (99), which is provided with a hole whose diameter is at least identical to the internal diameter of the base element (98), the geometric axis of said hole in the flange (99) being coincident with the geometric axis of the base element (98);

each segment of external screw thread (95) comprises an upper thread and a lower thread whose lower ends extend to the lower portion of the spout (94), the upper end of the upper thread extends beyond the upper ring (94 a) and is located near to the upper edge of the spout (94), and the upper end of the lower thread of the external screw thread (95) is connected to the lower portion of the upper ring (94 a);

the sealing means comprises a cap (89) which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to an upper element (89 a);

the cap (89) is provided with a plurality of segment of internal screw threads (91);

the means for cutting the sealing elements comprises a cutting device (92), which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to the lower region of the upper element (89 a) of the cap (89), the lower region of the cutting device (92) being provided with at least one cutting element (92 a);

the locking device (96) comprises a hollow body provided with a cylindrical lower region, the upper edge of which is affixed to an upper region shaped as a truncated cone, the diameter of the upper edge of the upper region shaped as a truncated cone being less than the diameter of the lower edge of the tapered form upper region;

the upper edge of the upper tapered region of the locking device (96) is provided with a plurality of rupture elements (96 a), which are also connected to the lower edge of the cap (89), forming a breakable interconnection between the locking device (96) and the cap (89);

the edge of the internal lower region of the locking device (96) is provided with a plurality of lower locking elements (93), each of which comprises a body that projects obliquely upwards towards the geometric axis of the locking device (96).

3- Automatic opening device for packages (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the spout (107) is provided with a plurality of segment of external screw thread (108) and an upper ring (107 a) located near the upper edge of the spout (107), and a secondary locking ring (107 b) is provided in the median region of the body of the spout (107);

the lower edge of the spout (107) is affixed to the upper region of a primary locking ring (109), the lower region of which is affixed to the upper region of a base element (110), which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose diameter must be larger or at least identical to the internal diameter of the spout (107);

the lower region of the base element (110) is affixed to the upper region of a flange (111), which is provided with an orifice with a diameter at least identical to the internal diameter of the base element (110), the geometric axis of the base element (110) and the orifice of the base element (111) being coincident;

each segment of external screw thread (108) comprises an upper thread and a lower thread whose lower ends extend to the lower portion of the spout (107), the upper end of the upper thread extends beyond the upper ring (107 a) and is located near to the upper edge of the spout (107), and the upper end of the lower thread of the external screw thread (108) is connected to the lower portion of the upper ring (107 a);

the sealing means comprises an upper sealing element (101 a) and a base element (101 b), the upper sealing element (101 a) comprising a disc-shaped body whose lower region is provided with a sealing projection (101 a′) which is shaped like a cylinder trunk, the upper edge of the sealing projection (101 a′) being rigidly affixed to the lower region of the upper sealing element (101 a′), the base element (101 b) comprising a hollow cylindrical body whose internal region is provided with at least one segment of internal screw thread (102) and the edge of the lower internal region of the base element (101 b) being provided with a plurality of upper locking elements (103), each of which comprising a body that projects obliquely upwards, towards the geometric axis of the base element (101 b);

the upper sealing element (101 a) and the base element (101 b) are connected by means of a pivoting connecting element (112);

the means for cutting the sealing elements comprises a cutting device (106), which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to the upper internal region of the base element (101 b), the lower region of the sealing device cut (106) being provided with at least one cutting element (106 a);

the locking device (104) comprises a hollow body provided with a cylindrical lower region, whose upper edge is affixed to an upper region of a papered shape, the diameter of the upper edge of the upper region shaped as a truncated cone being less than the diameter of the lower edge of the upper region of a tapered form;

the upper edge of the upper trunked cone region of the locking device (104) is provided with a plurality of rupture elements (104 a), which are also connected to the lower edge of the base element (101 b), forming a breakable interconnection between the locking device (104) and the base element (101 b);

the edge of the lower internal region of the locking device (104) is provided with a plurality of lower locking elements (105), each of which comprising a body that projects obliquely upwards towards the geometric axis of the locking device (104).

4- Automatic opening device for packages (120) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the spout (127) is provided with a plurality of segment of external screw thread (128) and an upper ring (107 a) located near to the upper edge of the spout (127);

the lower edge of the spout (127) is affixed to the upper region of a flange (111), which is provided in its external region with at least one recess (131) and an orifice whose diameter is substantially identical to the internal diameter of the spout (127), the geometric axis of the flange (130) and the spout (127) being coincident;

each segment of external screw thread (128) comprises an upper thread and a lower thread whose lower ends extend to the lower portion of the spout (127), the upper end of the upper thread extends beyond the upper ring (127 a) and is located near to the upper edge of the spout (127), and the upper end of the lower thread of the external screw thread (128) is connected to the lower portion of the upper ring (127 a);

the sealing means comprises an upper sealing element (121 a) and a base element (121 b), the upper sealing element (121 a) comprising a disc-shaped body whose lower region is provided with a sealing projection (121 a′) which is shaped like a cylinder trunk, the upper edge of the sealing projection (121 a′) being rigidly affixed to the lower region of the upper sealing element (121 a), the base element (121 b) comprising a hollow cylindrical body whose internal region is provided with at least one segment of internal screw thread (122) and the edge of the internal lower region of the base element (121 b) being provided with a plurality of upper locking elements (123), each of which comprises a body that projects obliquely upwards, towards the geometric axis of the base element (121 b);

the upper sealing element (121 a) and the base element (121 b) are connected by means of a pivoting connecting element (132);

the means for cutting the sealing elements comprises a cutting device (126), which comprises a hollow cylindrical body whose upper edge is affixed to the internal upper region of the base element (121 b), the lower region of the cutting device (126) provided with at least one cutting element (126 a);

the locking device (124) comprises a cylindrical hollow body, whose upper edge is provided with a plurality of rupture elements (124 a), which are also connected to the lower edge of the base element (121 b), making up a breakable interconnection between the locking device (124) and the base element (121 b);

the external lower region of the locking device (124) is provided with a plurality of locking elements (125), which comprise radial projections extending away from the body of the locking device (124).

5- Automatic opening device for packages (120′) according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the sealing means comprises an upper sealing element (121 a) and a base element (121 b′), the upper sealing element (121 a) comprising a disc-shaped body whose lower region is provided with a sealing projection (121 a′) which is shaped like a cylinder trunk, the upper edge of the sealing projection (121 a′) being rigidly affixed to the lower region of the upper sealing element (121 a), the base element (121 b′) comprising a cylindrical hollow body whose edge of the internal lower region is provided with a plurality of upper locking elements (123), each of which comprises a body that projects obliquely upwards, towards the geometric axis of the base element (121 b′), a cam follower (136) being affixed to the internal region of the base element (121 b′);

the upper sealing element (121 a) and the base element (121 b′) are connected by means of a pivoting connecting element (132);

the means for cutting the sealing elements comprises a pivoting cutting element (134), which is fixed to the lower region of the spout (127′) by means of a flexible element, the upper and lower regions of the pivoting cutting element (134) being respectively provided with a cam (135) and cutting elements (137);

the locking device (124) comprises a hollow cylindrical body, whose upper edge is provided with a plurality of rupture elements (124 a), which are also connected to the lower edge of the base element (121 b′), comprising a breakable interconnection between the locking device (124) and the base element (121 b′);