Closure assembly for a container and container having a closure assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container and a container having the closure assembly, and specifically describes a closure assembly (3) for a container (1) filled with a pourable product or capable of being filled with a pourable product. The closure assembly (3) includes: a cap (10); a first annular member (11); a second annular member (12); a coupling element (13) that is connected to the cap (10) and is connected to one of the first annular member (11) and the second annular member (12); at least one breakable first coupling bridge (14) that connects the first annular member (11) and the second annular member (12) to each other; and at least one breakable second coupling bridge (15) that connects the second annular member (12) and the cap (10) to each other. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages of more convenient use and being beneficial to environmental protection, etc.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container, in particular a container filled with a pourable product or capable of being filled with a pourable product, and even more particularly to a container filled with a pourable food product or capable of being filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a container having the closure assembly. Background Art

[0003] It is well known that many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato ketchup, etc., are sold in containers (such as packages made of aseptic packaging materials, bottles, jars, and the like).

[0004] It is further known that such containers are often provided with a closure assembly having a collar and a lid, the collar defining a pouring outlet through which the pourable product can be poured out of the container, the lid selectively opening and closing the pouring outlet and being connected to the collar when the pouring outlet is closed.

[0005] It is further known that the closure assembly generally also includes an annular member surrounding the collar, and before the lid is removed for the first time, the annular member and the lid are connected to each other by a connecting bridge which breaks when the lid is removed from the collar for the first time. Thus, the lost connection between the annular element and the lid by means of the broken connecting bridge provides tamper-evidence.

[0006] The inconvenience seen is that when the pouring outlet is opened, the lid separates from the closure assembly and the other parts of the container. This means that, for example, the user needs to hold the lid in one hand while holding the closure assembly and the other parts of the container in the other hand. In addition, such an inconvenience may lead to unwanted littering of the lid.

[0007] To overcome this inconvenience, it has been proposed to hinge the lid to the annular member or to use a tethering element to connect the annular member and the lid to each other.

[0008] Although these solutions work well with the lid, i.e., loosening the lid from the collar and fixing it to the collar do not require rotating the lid, the application of such a concept has not produced the desired results for closure assemblies that require screwing on and off the lid to open and close the pouring outlet.

[0009] It has also been found that some solutions cause the lid to interfere with the user during the pouring of the pourable food product.

[0010] Therefore, it is considered in the art that there is a need to provide a closure assembly that overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned inconveniences.

[0011] In particular, it is considered necessary to provide a closure assembly that ensures that the lid remains connected to the container when the pouring outlet is open and provides a reliable tamper-evident feature.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, it is considered necessary to provide a closure assembly that enables the lid to be fastened to and loosened from the collar by rotation, and ensures that the lid remains connected to the container when the pouring outlet is open and provides a reliable tamper-evident feature. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide, in a direct and low-cost manner, an improved closure assembly for a container, which container is particularly filled with or capable of being filled with pourable products, and even more particularly filled with or capable of being filled with pourable food products.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide, in a direct and low-cost manner, an improved closure assembly for a container that ensures that the various parts of the container are joined to each other during its use steps.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide, in a direct and low-cost manner, a container having a closure assembly, which container is particularly filled with or capable of being filled with pourable products, and even more particularly filled with or capable of being filled with pourable food products.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a closure assembly for a container filled with or capable of being filled with pourable products. The closure assembly comprises: a lid; a first annular member; a second annular member; a coupling element connected to the lid and connected to one of the first annular member and the second annular member; at least one breakable first coupling bridge connecting the first annular member and the second annular member to each other; and at least one breakable second coupling bridge connecting the second annular member and the lid to each other.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first coupling bridge is designed to break under a force equal to or greater than a first breaking force, and the second coupling bridge is designed to break under a force equal to or greater than a second breaking force; wherein the first breaking force is less than the second breaking force.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second annular member is interposed between the lid and the first annular member.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least the first annular member is designed as a tamper-evident element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the closure assembly is capable of being controlled in the following states: an initial state, in which the first connecting bridge is connected to the first annular member and the second annular member, and the second connecting bridge is correspondingly connected to the second annular member and the lid; and a manipulation state, in which the first connecting bridge and the second connecting bridge are broken. The closure assembly may further include: a first breaking device configured to cause irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge during controlling the closure assembly from the initial state to the manipulation state; and a second breaking device configured to cause irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge during controlling the closure assembly from the initial state to the manipulation state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the closure assembly is also capable of being controlled in an intermediate state, in which the first connecting bridge is broken while the second connecting bridge is connected to the second annular member and the lid. Wherein, the first breaking device is configured to cause the irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge when controlling the closure assembly from the initial state to the intermediate state; and the second breaking device is configured to cause the irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge during controlling the closure assembly from the intermediate state to the manipulation state.

[0022] In one embodiment, the lid is capable of being controlled between at least a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration, in the first operating configuration, the lid is coaxial with the first annular member and / or the second annular member, and in the second operating configuration, the lid is arranged transversely to the first annular member and / or the second annular member; wherein, when the closure assembly is in the initial state, the lid is in the first operating configuration; wherein, the first breaking device and the second breaking device are configured such that during controlling the lid from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, the first connecting bridge breaks before the second connecting bridge.

[0023] In one embodiment, the closure assembly further includes a collar defining a pouring outlet, wherein the first annular member and the second annular member are coupled to and surround the collar.

[0024] In one embodiment, the collar carries at least one first interaction element of the first breaking device, and the first annular member carries at least one second interaction element of the first breaking device, wherein the second interaction element is configured to abut against the first interaction element of the collar so as to cause the irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge of the collar.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first annular member is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation (E); and wherein the first interaction element and the second interaction element are arranged such that the second interaction element abuts against the first interaction element within a relative angular movement of up to 20° of the first annular member relative to the first interaction element in use.

[0026] In one embodiment, the collar carries at least one first interaction member of the second breaking means, and the second annular member carries at least one second interaction member of the second breaking means, wherein the second interaction member is configured to abut against the first interaction member so as to effect irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second annular member is designed to move axially relative to the first interaction member according to rotation of the cap about a respective axis of rotation (G), wherein the first interaction member and the second interaction member are arranged such that the second interaction member abuts against the first interaction member within an angular movement of up to 45° of the cap in use.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cap includes an internal threaded portion and the collar includes an external threaded portion, wherein the internal threaded portion and the external threaded portion are configured such that the cap can be selectively fastened to and loosened from the collar.

[0029] In one embodiment, the closure assembly may further include a cutting device configured to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open the isolation film of the container.

[0030] In one embodiment, the connecting element is connected to the cap and the second annular member.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a container for a pourable product, comprising at least one body and at least one closure assembly according to the above and coupled to the body, the at least one body being filled with or fillable with the pourable product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a container having a closure assembly according to the present invention, and the closure assembly is arranged in a first state, wherein parts are removed for clarity.

[0034] Figure 2 isFigure 1 Schematic perspective view of a part of a container, in which the closure assembly is arranged in a second state and parts are removed for clarity.

[0035] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of a part of a container, in which the closure assembly is in a third state and parts are removed for clarity.

[0036] Figure 4 is Figures 1 to 3 Exploded view of the closure assembly, in which parts are removed for clarity.

[0037] Figure 5 is Figures 1 to 3 Enlarged perspective view of details of the closure assembly in a first state, in which parts are removed for clarity.

[0038] Figure 6 is Figures 1 to 3 Enlarged perspective view of details of the closure assembly in a second state, in which parts are removed for clarity.

[0039] Figure 7 is Figures 1 to 3 Enlarged perspective view of details of the closure assembly in a third state, in which parts are removed for clarity.

[0040] Figure 8 is Figures 1 to 3 Perspective view of a part of the closure assembly, in which parts are removed for clarity; and

[0041] Figure 9 is Figures 1 to 3 Perspective view of another part of the closure assembly, in which parts are removed for clarity. Detailed Description

[0042] Reference numeral 1 generally denotes a container, such as a bottle, a package, a can, etc., which includes a body 2 and a closure assembly 3 coupled or couplable to the body 2.

[0043] Preferably but not necessarily, the container 1 is filled with or fillable with a pourable product, particularly a pourable food product, even more particularly a pourable food product that has been sterilized and / or aseptically processed, such as fruit juice, milk (e.g., ultra-high temperature treated milk), wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, etc.

[0044] The following description will relate to a container 1 obtained from a web of packaging material having a multi-layer structure, particularly the body 2, but this is in no way intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

[0045] In particular, the packaging material web comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene layers, with the fibrous material layer being inserted between the heat-sealable plastic material layers. One of the two heat-sealable plastic material layers defines the inner surface of the body 2 that comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0046] Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material web further comprises a gas-barrier and light-barrier material layer, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is particularly arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material web further comprises another heat-sealable plastic material layer that is inserted between the gas-barrier and light-barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0047] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the body 2 defines a sealed package, in particular a sealed cardboard package, having a specified pouring opening surface area (not shown and known per se), and the closing assembly 3 is assembled onto the body 2 around the specified pouring opening surface area.

[0048] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, one or more closing assemblies 3 are applied to one or more bodies 2 before, during or after the body 2 is formed, filled and sealed by a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding.

[0049] Alternatively, one or more closing assemblies 3 can be applied to the packaging material web before the packaging material web is arranged in a packaging machine or during the advancement of the packaging material web in the packaging machine to form, fill and seal one or more bodies 2 from the packaging material web.

[0050] With particular reference to Figure 1 , the body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B and a second transverse axis C. In particular, the longitudinal axis A is perpendicular to the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C, and the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C are perpendicular to each other.

[0051] Preferably but not necessarily, the body 2 extends over a greater extent along the longitudinal axis A than along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.

[0052] Preferably but not necessarily, the body 2 is parallelepipedal in shape.

[0053] According to the disclosed non - limiting embodiments, the body 2 includes a first wall portion 4, which is particularly transverse to the longitudinal axis A, and even more particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The body 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A from the first wall portion 4. Preferably but not necessarily, the first wall portion 4 defines a support surface of the container 1, particularly a support surface of the body 2, which can come into contact with a support during use, such as, for example, a shelf, when the container 1 is in use, e.g., at a point of sale or when the container 1 is stored. In particular, when the container 1 is arranged on a support and / or during use when a consumer consumes a pourable foodstuff from the container 1, the first wall portion 4 defines a bottom wall portion.

[0054] Preferably but not necessarily, the body 2 further includes a plurality of side walls 5, which are (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion 4 and particularly extend from the first wall portion 4 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0055] Preferably but not necessarily, the body 2 further includes a second wall portion 6, which is opposite to the first wall portion 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side walls 5. In other words, the side walls 5 are interposed between the first wall portion 4 and the second wall portion 6. In particular, when the container 1 is arranged on a support and / or during use when a consumer consumes a pourable foodstuff from the container 1, the second wall portion 6 defines a top wall portion.

[0056] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the first wall portion 4 and the second wall portion 6 can be parallel to each other.

[0057] According to a non - limiting alternative embodiment (not shown), the first wall portion 4 and the second wall portion 6 can be inclined relative to each other.

[0058] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the second wall portion 6 includes a designated pouring opening surface area.

[0059] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the designated pouring opening surface area of the body 2 includes a pouring hole through which the pourable product can flow out of the body 2.

[0060] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the designated pouring opening surface area further includes a separating film that seals the pouring hole. In particular, the separating film is configured to hold the pourable product within the body 2 when intact and is at least partially (and irreversibly) openable and / or breakable and / or cuttable and / or pierceable so that the pourable product can flow out of the body 2 through at least a portion of the pouring hole. In particular, the separating film is configured such that the pourable product can flow out after the loss of its integrity and protects the pourable product from the external environment before it is cut and / or opened and / or broken and / or pierced.

[0061] Preferably but not necessarily, the barrier film comprises a gas-barrier and light-barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0062] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the barrier film is defined by a part of the packaging material web, in particular by a part of the layers of the packaging material web that is different from the fibrous material layer.

[0063] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the closure assembly 3 comprises and / or is formed of a polymeric material. Alternatively, the closure assembly 3 may comprise and / or be formed of a metallic material.

[0064] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 9 , the closure assembly 3 at least comprises:

[0065] - a lid 10;

[0066] - a first annular member 11;

[0067] - a second annular member 12, which is in particular coaxial with the first annular member 11; and

[0068] - a coupling element 13 that is connected to the lid 10 and to one of the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12. In the particular case shown, the coupling element 13 is connected to the lid 10 and the second annular member 12.

[0069] Advantageously, the closure assembly 3 further comprises:

[0070] - one or more frangible first coupling bridges 14 that connect the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 to each other; and

[0071] - one or more frangible second coupling bridges 15 that connect the second annular member 12 and the lid 10 to each other.

[0072] It should be noted that the coupling element 13 is connected to the lid 10 and the first annular member 11 or the second annular member 12 in a non-frangible manner and / or in an anti-separation manner. This means that during normal use of the closure assembly 3, the coupling element 13 remains connected to the lid 10 and the first annular member 11 or the second annular member 12. In particular, the corresponding connection between the lid 10 and the first annular member 11 or the second annular member 12 is designed to resist a force that exceeds the forces that typically act during normal use of the closure assembly 3. An example of such an excessive force occurs when a user wants to remove the coupling element 13 from the lid 10 and / or the first annular member 11 or the second annular member 12 by pulling the lid 10 and the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12 in different directions from each other.

[0073] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the coupling element 13 is strip - shaped.

[0074] Alternatively, the coupling element 13 can have any other shape (e.g., be an annular coupling element) and / or the closure assembly 3 includes more than one coupling element 13 and / or the coupling element 13 includes different portions connected to the lid 10 and / or the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12.

[0075] Advantageously, each first coupling bridge 14 is arranged in a respective non - broken configuration when connected to the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12, and in a respective broken configuration when broken (i.e., the respective first coupling bridge 14 is disconnected from the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12).

[0076] Advantageously, each second coupling bridge 15 is arranged in a respective non - broken configuration when connected to the second annular member 12 and the lid 10, and in a respective broken configuration when broken (i.e., the respective second coupling bridge 15 is disconnected from the second annular member 12 and / or the lid 10).

[0077] In particular, the non - broken configuration of each first coupling bridge 14 and each second coupling bridge 15 is their respective initial configuration (i.e., the first user handling the container 1 finds the first coupling bridge and the second coupling bridge 15 in their non - broken configurations), and the control from the respective non - broken configuration to the respective broken configuration is irreversible.

[0078] In particular, the first coupling bridge 14 and the second coupling bridge 15 are designed to define at least an initial state of the closure assembly 3, in which the first coupling bridge 14 and the second coupling bridge 15 are arranged in their respective non - broken configurations (i.e., the first coupling bridge 14 and the second coupling bridge 15 are respectively connected to the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 and the lid 10 and the second annular member 12). In particular, the closure assembly 3 is intact when in the initial state (i.e., no manipulation or use of the closure assembly 3 has been started or attempted). In other words, this state of the closure assembly 3 corresponds to the state in which the closure assembly 3 is applied to the body 2.

[0079] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the closure assembly 3 is arranged in a manipulated state, in which the first coupling bridge 14 and the second coupling bridge 15 are arranged in their respective broken configurations (i.e., the lid 10 is disconnected from the second annular member 12 through the second coupling bridge 15 (while still connected to the second annular member 12 through the coupling element 13), and the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 are disconnected from each other).

[0080] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, each first connecting bridge 14 is designed to break with a force equal to or greater than a first breaking force, and each second connecting bridge 15 is designed to break with a force equal to or greater than a second breaking force. In particular, the first breaking force is less than the second breaking force. In this way, it is ensured that in use, during operation of the closing assembly 3, the first connecting bridge 14 breaks before the second connecting bridge 15.

[0081] In particular, at least the first annular member 11 serves as a tamper - evident feature, or in other words, the first annular member 11 is designed as a tamper - evident element.

[0082] Preferably but not necessarily, the second annular member 12 also serves as a tamper - evident feature.

[0083] Preferably but not necessarily, the closing assembly 3 is in an intermediate state, in which the first connecting bridge 14 is arranged in a breaking configuration while the second connecting bridge 15 is arranged in a non - breaking configuration.

[0084] As will be explained in more detail below, in use, during the first manipulation of the closing assembly 3, the closing assembly 3 is first controlled from the initial state to the intermediate state and then from the intermediate state to the manipulated state.

[0085] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the closing assembly 3 further includes a collar 16 that defines and / or delimits a pouring outlet 17 (of the container 1), and the pouring outlet 17 is configured such that a pourable product can flow out of the container 1.

[0086] In particular, the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 are coupled to and surround the collar 16; and the lid 10 is connected and / or connectable to the collar 16, and the lid 10 is configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet 17 to respectively prevent and allow the pourable product to flow out of the container 1 through the pouring outlet 17.

[0087] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 are coaxial with the collar 16.

[0088] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12 are rotatably coupled to the collar 16 respectively about a rotation axis E and a rotation axis F and in particular about the collar 16. In particular, the rotation axis E and the rotation axis F are transverse to the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.

[0089] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the cap 10 and the collar 16 are designed such that the cap 10 can be fastened to and loosened from the collar 16 by rotating the cap 10 relative to the collar 16 about a rotational axis G (by respectively tightening and unscrewing). In particular, the rotational axis G is transverse to the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.

[0090] Preferably but not necessarily, the cap 10 includes an internal threaded portion 18, which is particularly arranged on the inner surface of the cap 10, while the collar 16 includes an external threaded portion 19, which is particularly arranged on the outer surface of the collar 16. The internal threaded portion 18 and the external threaded portion 19 are configured such that the cap 10 can be selectively fixed to and loosened from the collar 16 by relative rotation between the cap 10 and the collar 16.

[0091] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the closure assembly 3 further includes a coupling base 20, which carries the collar 16 and is configured to couple and / or connect (see Figures 4 to 6 ) to the body 2, and / or the coupling base 20 is coupled and / or connected to (see Figures 1 to 3 ) the body 2.

[0092] Preferably but not necessarily, the coupling base 20 is configured to be fixed to the outer surface of the body 2 (particularly the second wall portion 6), and / or the coupling base 20 is fixed to the outer surface of the body 2 (particularly the second wall portion 6). In particular, the coupling base 20 is arranged within the area of the designated pouring opening surface area, and even more particularly at the designated pouring opening surface area.

[0093] In particular, the coupling base 20 includes an opening, particularly a circular opening, and the collar 16 surrounds the opening such that in use, as the isolation film is opened and / or cut and / or broken and / or pierced, a fluid connection is formed between the interior of the body 2 and the pouring outlet 17 (i.e., the pourable product can flow out of the container 1).

[0094] Preferably but not necessarily, at least a portion of the coupling base 20 has a (substantially) plate - like configuration.

[0095] Preferably but not necessarily, the collar 16 extends from the coupling base 20 along (particularly parallel to) a longitudinal axis I (particularly the longitudinal axis I which is the central axis of the collar 16). In particular, the opening of the coupling base 20, the collar 16, and the pouring hole are co - axial with each other.

[0096] Preferably but not necessarily, the rotational axis G and the longitudinal axis I are parallel to each other, particularly co - axial.

[0097] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the collar 16 has a circular shape, in particular a circular cross - sectional shape with respect to a section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis I.

[0098] According to some non - limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 4 , the closing assembly 3 further comprises cutting means 24 configured to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open the isolation membrane and control means configured to control the cutting means 24 from a rest position to an operating position, in which operating position the cutting means 24 is adapted to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open the isolation membrane.

[0099] Preferably but not necessarily, the cutting means 24 has an annular shape and is arranged within the internal space 25 of the collar 16 when in the rest position, and when controlled to the operating position, the cutting means 24 projects at least partially from the internal space 25.

[0100] In particular, the cutting means 24 is arranged in the rest position in which the closing assembly 3 is in an initial state, and the cutting means 24 is arranged in the operating position in which the closing assembly 3 is in a manipulated state.

[0101] Preferably but not necessarily, in use, during the control of the closing assembly 3 from an intermediate state to a manipulated state, the cutting means 24 is controlled from a rest configuration to an operating configuration by the control means.

[0102] Preferably but not necessarily, the cutting means 24 is in an axially elevated position when arranged in the rest position and relative to the operating position (relative to the longitudinal axis I).

[0103] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the control means comprises: a control flap 26 which is in particular connected to the lid 10; an interaction element 27 which is connected to the cutting means 24; and a cam mechanism 28 (see Figure 4 ; which is known per se and not described in detail), which is partially associated with the cutting means 24 and partially associated with the collar 16.

[0104] In particular, the control flap 26 is configured to and / or projects into the internal space 25.

[0105] Preferably but not necessarily, the control flap 26 is connected to and projects from an inner surface portion of the lid 10.

[0106] Preferably but not necessarily, the control device can be actuated by controlling the rotation of the flap 26 about the respective axis of rotation, in particular by means of the rotation of the lid 10 about the axis of rotation G. In particular, the rotation of the flap 26 in use causes a rototraslatory movement of the cutting device 24, which is guided by a cam mechanism 28.

[0107] According to some preferred non - restrictive embodiments, the lid 10 is controllable at least in a first operating configuration (see Figure 1 , 2 , 5 and 6) and a second operating configuration (see Figure 3 and 7 ). In the first operating configuration, the lid 10 is coaxial with the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12, while in the second operating configuration, the lid 10 is arranged transversely with respect to the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12.

[0108] In particular, the lid 10 is configured to close and open the pouring outlet 17, where the lid 10 is respectively controlled in the first and second operating configurations.

[0109] Preferably but not necessarily, the lid 10 is controlled in the first and second operating configurations, where the lid 10 itself is respectively connected to and separated from the collar 16. In particular, when the lid 10 is controlled in the first operation, it is coaxial with the collar 16, and preferably but not necessarily, when the lid 10 is controlled in the second operating configuration, it is transverse to the collar 16. In other words, when the lid 10 is arranged in the first operating configuration, the lid 10 is connected to the collar 16 and covers the pouring outlet 17, and when the lid 10 is arranged in the second operating configuration, the lid 10 is separated from the collar 16 and clears the pouring outlet 17.

[0110] In particular, the annular portion 29 of the lid 10 is parallel and transverse to the annular member 11 when respectively controlled in the first and second operating configurations. The second operating configuration reflects the fact that the lid 10 needs to be spaced apart and / or separated from the first annular member 11 and / or the second annular member 12 so that the pourable product can flow out through the pouring outlet 17 (see for example Figure 3 and 7 ).

[0111] Preferably but not necessarily, the coupling element 13 is connected to the annular portion 29.

[0112] Preferably but not necessarily, the second annular member 12 is inserted between the lid 10 and the first annular member 11, where the lid 10 is controlled in the first operating configuration.

[0113] In particular, the lid 10 is arranged in a first operating configuration, in which the closing assembly 3 is controlled in an initial state.

[0114] In particular, the closing assembly 3, in particular the lid 10, the first annular member 11, the second annular member 12, the first connecting bridge 14 and the second connecting bridge 15 are designed such that at a first time the lid 10 is controlled from the first operating configuration, i.e., the closing assembly 3 is controlled from the initial state to an operating state, in particular from the initial state to an intermediate state and from the intermediate state to the operating state.

[0115] It should be noted that, preferably but not necessarily, although the control of the closing assembly 3 from the initial state to the intermediate state and / or the operating state is irreversible, the control of the lid 10 from the first operating state to the second operating state is reversible (i.e., the lid 10 can be controlled to transition between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration multiple times).

[0116] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the control device is configured to move the cutting device 24 from the rest position to the operating position when, in use, the closing assembly 3 is in the initial state and during the control of the lid 10 from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

[0117] Preferably but not necessarily, the control flap 26 projects into and out of the internal space 25, where the lid 10 is arranged in the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration, respectively.

[0118] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the lid 10 is configured to be controlled between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by means of a relative rotation of the lid 10 about the rotation axis G. In particular, the internal thread portion 18 and the external thread portion 19 are configured to guide the control of the lid 10 between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration.

[0119] In particular, in use, the lid 10 is controlled from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration and from the second operating configuration to the first operating configuration by rotating the lid 10 about the rotation axis G in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, respectively.

[0120] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 are axially displaced relative to each other (with respect to the rotation axis G and / or the longitudinal axis I).

[0121] In particular, the first annular member 11 is interposed between the second annular member 12 and the connection base 20.

[0122] With particular reference Figure 4 、 8 and 9, the closing assembly 3 further comprises:

[0123] - A first breaking device, which is configured to cause irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge 14 during the control of the closing assembly 3 from an initial state to a manipulation state, in particular to an intermediate state and also to a manipulation state; and

[0124] - A second breaking device, which is configured to cause irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge 15 during the control of the closing assembly 3 from an initial state to a manipulation state, in particular from an initial state to an intermediate state to a manipulation state.

[0125] In particular, during the control of the cover 10 from a first operating configuration to a second operating configuration, the first breaking device and the second breaking device are activated, in particular by means of rotation of the cover 10 about the axis of rotation G.

[0126] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the first breaking device and the second breaking device are configured such that during the control of the closing assembly 3 from an initial state to a manipulation state, the first connecting bridge 14 breaks before the second connecting bridge 15.

[0127] In particular, in use, during the control of the closing assembly 3 from an initial state to an intermediate state, the first breaking device is activated, and in use, during the control of the closing assembly 3 from an intermediate state to a manipulation state, the second breaking device is activated.

[0128] In particular, the first breaking device is configured to generate a force equal to or greater than a first breaking force and less than a second breaking force, while the second breaking device is configured to generate a force equal to or greater than the second breaking force.

[0129] With particular reference to Figure 4 and Figure 9 , the first breaking device includes one or more first interaction elements 30 associated with and / or carried by the collar 16 and one or more second interaction elements 31 associated with and / or carried by the first annular member 11. In particular, each second interaction element 31 is configured to bear against a respective first interaction element 30 so as to cause irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge 14. Even more specifically, each second interaction element 31 and the respective first interaction element 30 are designed such that when the first annular member 11 rotates relative to the collar 16 (about the axis of rotation E and), the second interaction element 31 bears against the respective first interaction element 30 in use.

[0130] Preferably but not necessarily, each second interaction element 31 and the respective first interaction element 30 are arranged such that each second interaction element 31 bears against the respective first interaction element 30 in use within a relative angular movement of the first annular member 11 relative to the first interaction element 30 of at most 20°.

[0131] Preferably but not necessarily, the first interaction element 30 is connected to the outer surface of the collar 16 and projects radially away from the collar 16. In particular, the first interaction elements 30 are equidistantly spaced about the longitudinal axis I.

[0132] Preferably but not necessarily, the second interaction element 31 is connected to the inner surface of the first annular member 11 facing the outer surface of the collar 16 and projects radially away from the first annular member 11. In particular, the second interaction elements 31 are equidistantly spaced about the axis of rotation E.

[0133] With particular reference Figure 4 and Figure 8 , the second breaking device includes at least one first interaction member 32 associated with and / or carried by the collar 16 and one or more second interaction members 33 associated with and / or supported by the second annular member 12.

[0134] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, each second interaction member 33 is configured to bear against at least one corresponding portion of the first interaction member 32 so as to actuate the irreversible breaking of the second connection bridge 15. In particular, each second interaction member 33 and the corresponding first interaction member 32 are designed such that in use, each second interaction member 33 bears against at least the corresponding portion of the first interaction member 32 upon relative axial movement of the second annular member 12 relative to the first interaction member 32 and / or the collar 16. Even more specifically, the relative axial movement is actuated by the rotation of the cover 10 about the axis of rotation G and the interaction between the internal thread portion 18 and the external thread portion 19.

[0135] Preferably but not necessarily, the second interaction members 33, the first interaction members 32, and the internal thread portion 18 and the external thread portion 19 are arranged such that in use, within a relative angular movement of the cover 10 about the axis of rotation G of at least 20° and at most 45°, the second interaction members 33 bear against the corresponding portions of the first interaction members 32.

[0136] Preferably but not necessarily, the first interaction member 32 is connected to the outer surface of the collar 16 and projects radially away from the collar 16. In particular, the first interaction member 32 includes an annular element connected to the collar 16 in a non - rotatable manner and surrounding the collar 16. More particularly, the annular element is integral with the collar 16.

[0137] Preferably but not necessarily, the first interaction member 32 is axially displaced (with respect to the longitudinal axis I and) with respect to the first interaction element 30. In particular, the first interaction element 30 is disposed between the first interaction member 32 and the connection base 20.

[0138] Preferably but not necessarily, the second interaction member 33 is connected to the inner surface of the second annular member 12 facing the outer surface of the collar 16 and projects radially away from the second annular member 12. In particular, the second interaction members 33 are equidistantly spaced apart about the axis of rotation F.

[0139] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the second interaction member 33 is in the form of a fin projecting from the inner surface of the second annular member 12.

[0140] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the second annular member 12 includes a recess 36 for receiving at least a portion of the coupling element 13, and the second annular member 12 and the lid 10 are axially spaced apart from each other to receive another portion of the coupling element 13 when the closure assembly 3 is in the first operating configuration.

[0141] In use, the user needs to perform the first step of control, during which the closure assembly 3 (before the step of pouring the pourable product from the container 1) is controlled from an initial state to an operating state.

[0142] In particular, during the first control step, the closure assembly 3 is controlled such that the first coupling bridge 14 and the second coupling bridge 15 are broken, while the lid 10 and the second annular member 12 remain connected to each other via the coupling element 13.

[0143] Even more particularly, during the first step of control, the closure assembly 3 is first controlled from the initial state to an intermediate state, and subsequently the closure assembly 3 is controlled from the intermediate state to an operating state.

[0144] Preferably but not necessarily, during the control from the initial state to the intermediate state, the first coupling bridge 14 is broken, so that the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 are disconnected from each other, and during the control from the intermediate state to the operating state, the second coupling bridge 15 is broken, such that the second annular member 12 and the lid 10 remain connected to each other only via the coupling element 13.

[0145] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the first step of control, the first breaking device is first activated, and then the second breaking device is activated.

[0146] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the first step of control, a second step of control is performed, during which the lid 10 is controlled from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration.

[0147] Preferably but not necessarily, during the second step of control, the lid 10 is (reversibly) controlled from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration by means of the rotation of the lid 10 about the axis of rotation G and / or the collar 16.

[0148] Preferably but not necessarily, during the first step of the control and during the second step of the control, the control cap 10 causing the first breaking device to be actuated (first) and the second breaking device to be actuated (subsequently) from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, to break the first connecting bridge 14 and the second connecting bridge 15 respectively.

[0149] In particular, during the first step of the control and during the second step of the control and during the rotation of the cap 10 about the axis of rotation E, since the cap 10 and the second annular member 12 are connected by the connecting element 13 and the second connecting bridge 15, and the second annular member 12 and the first annular member 11 are connected by the first connecting bridge 14, both the first annular member 11 and the second annular member 12 rotate about the axis of rotation E and the axis of rotation F respectively.

[0150] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the rotation of the first annular member 11 causes a relative angular movement between each second interacting element 31 and the corresponding first interacting element 30 until each second interacting element 31 abuts against the corresponding first interacting element 30, resulting in the establishment of a first breaking force and the breaking of the first connecting bridge 14. This also means that any further rotation of the cap 10 is not transmitted to the first annular member 11.

[0151] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, during the first step of the control and during the second step of the control and during the rotation of the cap 10 about the axis of rotation E, the second annular member 12 (together with the cap 10) is also axially displaced, in particular due to the interaction between the internal thread portion 18 and the external thread portion 19, resulting in a relative axial movement between the second interacting member 33 and the first interacting member 32 until each second interacting member 33 abuts against the corresponding part of the first interacting member 32, resulting in the establishment of a second breaking force and the breaking of the second connecting bridge 15. This also means that any further rotation of the cap 10 is only transmitted to the second annular member 12 through the connecting element 13. In particular, during a further control step of the cap 10 between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration, the second annular member 12 rotates about the axis of rotation F.

[0152] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, during the first step of the control and / or during the second step of the control, the cutting device 24 is activated to break and / or cut and / or pierce and / or open the isolation membrane.

[0153] The advantages of the closure assembly 3 according to the invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0154] In particular, the lid 10 is coupled to the container 1 regardless of whether the lid 10 is controlled in the first operating configuration, or in the second operating configuration, or in any configuration intermediate between the two. At the same time, the first annular member 11 clearly allows for a tamper indication, and additionally the second coupling bridge 15 also indicates tampering.

[0155] Another advantage that has been found is that the production of the closure assembly 3 can be achieved by relying on a mold similar to a known mold, which only requires minor modifications.

[0156] Another advantage is that the gradual control of the closure assembly 3 from the initial state to the intermediate state and from the intermediate state to the actuated state also makes it possible to know whether the cutting device 24 has cut and / or opened and / or pierced and / or broken the separating film. In fact, the cutting device 24 only starts to interact with the separating film after the closure assembly 3 is controlled to be in the intermediate state. Therefore, the user can learn from the intact second coupling bridge 15 that the separating film is still intact.

[0157] Another advantage is that the coupling element 13 enables the relative position and distance between the lid 10 and the second annular member 12 to be controlled in a flexible manner.

[0158] Obviously, the container 1 and / or the closure assembly 3 described herein can be modified without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A closing component (3) for a container (1), characterized in that, The container (1) is filled with a pourable product or can be filled with a pourable product; The closing assembly (3) comprises: a lid (10); a first annular member (11); a second annular member (12); a coupling element (13) which is connected to the lid (10) and to one of the first annular member (11) and the second annular member (12); at least one frangible first connecting bridge (14) connecting the first annular member (11) and the second annular member (12) to each other; and at least one frangible second connecting bridge (15) connecting the second annular member (12) and the lid (10) to each other; The closing assembly (3) can be controlled in the following states: an initial state, in which the first connecting bridge (14) connects the first annular member (11) and the second annular member (12), while the second connecting bridge (15) connects the second annular member (12) and the lid (10) accordingly; and a manipulation state, in which the first connecting bridge (14) and the second connecting bridge (15) are broken; wherein the closing assembly (3) further comprises: a first breaking device which is configured to cause irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge (14) during controlling the closing assembly (3) from the initial state to the manipulation state; and a second breaking device which is configured to cause irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge (15) during controlling the closing assembly (3) from the initial state to the manipulation state.

2. The enclosed component according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting bridge (14) is designed to break under a force equal to or greater than a first breaking force, and the second connecting bridge (15) is designed to break under a force equal to or greater than a second breaking force; wherein the first breaking force is less than the second breaking force.

3. The enclosed component according to claim 1 or 2 above, wherein, The second annular member (12) is interposed between the lid (10) and the first annular member (11).

4. The enclosed component according to claim 1 or 2 above, wherein, At least the first annular member (11) is designed as a tamper-evident element.

5. The enclosed component according to claim 1, wherein The closing assembly (3) can also be controlled in an intermediate state, in which the first connecting bridge (14) is broken, while the second connecting bridge (15) is connected to the second annular member (12) and the lid (10); wherein the first breaking device is configured to cause the irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge (14) when controlling the closing assembly (3) from the initial state to the intermediate state; and The second breaking device is configured to cause the irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge (15) during controlling the closing assembly (3) from the intermediate state to the manipulation state.

6. The enclosed component according to claim 1 or 5, wherein, The lid (10) can be controlled between at least a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration, in the first operating configuration, the lid (10) is coaxial with the first annular member (11) and / or the second annular member (12), while in the second operating configuration, the lid (10) is arranged transversely to the first annular member (11) and / or the second annular member (12); Wherein, when the closing assembly (3) is in the initial state, the lid (10) is in the first operating configuration; Wherein, the first breaking device and the second breaking device are configured such that during the control of the lid (10) from the first operating configuration to the second operating configuration, the first connecting bridge (14) breaks before the second connecting bridge (15).

7. The closing assembly according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising a collar (16) defining a pouring outlet (17); Among them, The first annular member (11) and the second annular member (12) are coupled to and surround the collar (16).

8. The enclosed component according to claim 7, wherein, The collar (16) carries at least one first interaction element (30) of the first breaking device, and the first annular member (11) carries at least one second interaction element (31) of the first breaking device; Wherein the second interaction element (31) is configured to abut against the first interaction element (30) to effect the irreversible breaking of the first connecting bridge (14).

9. The enclosed component according to claim 8, wherein The first annular member (11) is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation; and Wherein the first interaction element (30) and the second interaction element (31) are arranged such that the second interaction element (31) abuts against the first interaction element (30) during use within a relative angular movement of the first annular member (11) relative to the first interaction element (30) of up to 20°.

10. The enclosed component according to claim 7, wherein, The collar (16) carries at least one first interaction member (32) of the second breaking device, and the second annular member (12) carries at least one second interaction member (33) of the second breaking device; Wherein, the second interaction member (33) is configured to abut against the first interaction member (32) to effect the irreversible breaking of the second connecting bridge (15).

11. The enclosed component according to claim 10, wherein, The second annular member (12) is designed to move axially relative to the first interaction member (32) in accordance with the rotation of the lid (10) about a respective axis of rotation; Wherein the first interaction member (32) and the second interaction member (33) are arranged such that the second interaction member (33) abuts against the first interaction member (32) during use within an angular movement of the lid (10) of up to 45°.

12. The enclosed component according to claim 7, wherein, The lid (10) includes an internal threaded portion (18), and the collar (16) includes an external threaded portion (19); Wherein, the internal threaded portion (18) and the external threaded portion (19) are configured such that the lid (10) can be selectively fastened to and loosened from the collar (16).

13. The closing assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2 or 5, further comprising a cutting device (24) configured to break and / or pierce and / or cut and / or open a separating film of the container (1).

14. The enclosed component according to claim 1 or 2 or 5 above, wherein, The connecting element (13) is connected to the lid (10) and the second annular member (12).

15. Container (1) for a pourable product, characterized in that, It comprises at least one body (2) and at least one closing assembly (3) coupled to the body (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-14, the at least one body (2) being filled with or fillable with the pourable product.

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