Spout and package for a container and spout assembly

Abstract

Describes a spout (3) for a container (2) filled with a pourable product. The spout (3) comprises at least: a collar (5) having a pouring outlet (6) configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product; and a lid assembly (7) having a coupling ring (8) rotatably arranged around the collar (5); and a lid (9) hinged to the coupling ring (8) and angularly movable about a respective hinge axis (C). The lid (9) can be controlled in at least the following configurations: a closed configuration; an open configuration; and an intermediate configuration. The spout (3) includes an interaction device (16) that is partly associated with the collar (5) and partly with the lid (9). The interaction device (16) is configured such that the lid (9) can be controlled from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration only by rotating the lid (9) and the coupling ring (8) about a rotation axis (E), and such that the lid (9) can be controlled from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration by only the angular movement of the lid (9) from an intermediate angular position to a closed angular position about the hinge axis (C).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spout for a container, in particular a sealed package filled with a pourable product, and more particularly filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package and spout assembly having a sealed package and a spout disposed on the sealed package, the sealed package being filled with a pourable product, and even more particularly filled with a pourable food product. Background Art

[0003] Many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juices, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato ketchup, etc., are known to be sold in packages made of aseptic packaging materials.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped package known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark) for pourable food products, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure, which includes a paperboard and / or paper layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material (such as polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage of products, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is stacked on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material, the other layer of heat-sealable plastic material forming the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food product.

[0005] Some known packages, particularly the corresponding sealed bodies of packages formed by packaging materials, include a designated pouring opening surface area that allows the pourable product to be poured out of the package. Usually, the designated pouring opening surface area is covered by a separating film that separates the interior of the package from the external environment and will be opened or removed or broken or cut or pierced before the first pouring of the pourable product in order to allow the pourable product to be poured out. It is also known to dispose a spout having a collar and a cap around the designated pouring opening surface area on the body to control the pouring of the pourable product. The collar has a pouring outlet to allow the pourable product to be poured out of the package in a controlled manner, and the cap allows the pouring outlet to be selectively closed and opened.

[0006] Some known spouts include an opening assembly to pierce and / or open the designated pouring opening surface area in a controlled manner.

[0007] A disadvantage of such spouts is that the separation of the cap from the collar means that the cap is completely removed from the collar, which may cause a careless user to accidentally lose the cap or litter the cap.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need in the art for further improvement of spouts and / or package and spout assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and low-cost manner, an improved spout for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, and even more particularly filled with a pourable foodstuff.

[0010] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and low-cost manner, an improved spout for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product, and even more particularly filled with a pourable foodstuff, which improves the user experience by simple and intuitive use.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and low-cost manner, a packaging and spout assembly having a sealed package and a spout, the sealed package being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable foodstuff.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and low-cost manner, a packaging and spout assembly having a sealed package and a spout, the sealed package being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable foodstuff, which improves the user experience by simple and intuitive use.

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a spout for a container, in particular a sealed package, filled with a pourable product; the spout comprising at least: a collar having a pouring outlet configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product; and a lid assembly having a coupling ring rotatably arranged around the collar; and a lid hinged to the coupling ring and angularly movable about a respective hinge axis; wherein the lid is controllable in at least the following configurations: a closed configuration in which the lid is in a closed angular position relative to the hinge axis and in which the lid is configured to cover, and / or overlie, the pouring outlet; an open configuration in which the lid is in an open angular position relative to the hinge axis and in which the lid is configured to be removed from, and / or removed from, the pouring outlet; and an intermediate configuration in which the lid is in an intermediate angular position between the closed angular position and the open angular position; wherein the spout comprises an interaction device partly associated with the collar and partly associated with the lid; wherein the interaction device is configured such that the lid can be controlled from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration only by rotating the lid and the coupling ring about a rotation axis, and such that the lid can be controlled from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration by only the angular movement of the lid about the hinge axis from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment, wherein by the only angled movement of the cover about the hinge axis and by the rotation of the cover and the coupling ring about the rotation axis, the cover can be selectively controlled from the intermediate configuration to the closed configuration. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the interaction device at least comprises a main interaction structure associated with the collar; and a main interaction unit associated with the cover and configured to interact with the main interaction structure; wherein the main interaction unit comprises: a first engagement surface configured to abut against an abutment surface of the main interaction structure so as to prevent the angled movement of the cover about the hinge axis and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position; and a second engagement surface configured to slide along a guiding surface of the main interaction structure so as to control the angled movement of the cover about the hinge axis and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are configured to interact with the abutment surface and the guiding surface respectively according to the angled position of the cover relative to the rotation axis. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the main interaction structure comprises: a locking portion extending between a first angular position and a second angular position about the longitudinal axis of the pouring outlet and / or the collar and carrying the abutment surface; and a cam portion carrying the guiding surface and extending between a third angular position and a fourth angular position about the longitudinal axis and being between the second angular position and the first angular position. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the locking portion and / or the abutment surface are located in a plane transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the cam portion is inclined relative to the locking portion. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the guiding surface faces the abutment surface. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the first engagement surface is configured to abut against the abutment surface during the rotation of the cover about the rotation axis and when the cover is positioned between a first angular cover position and a second angular cover position relative to the rotation axis, and the second engagement surface is configured to slide along the guiding surface during the rotation of the cover about the rotation axis and when the cover is positioned between a third angular cover position and a fourth angular cover position, between the second angular cover position and the first angular cover position, relative to the rotation axis. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the cover comprises an inner surface and the collar comprises an outer surface; wherein when the cover is controlled in the closed configuration, the inner surface and the outer surface face each other; wherein the main interaction structure is connected to the outer surface and the main interaction unit is connected to the inner surface. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the main interaction structure projects from the outer surface and / or the main interaction unit projects from the inner surface.An advantageous embodiment, wherein the main interaction unit includes a first interaction element carrying the first engagement surface and a second interaction element carrying at least a first portion of the second engagement surface. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the first interaction element carries a second portion of the second engagement surface; wherein the guiding surface includes a main guiding portion and an auxiliary guiding portion; wherein, in use, the second interaction element is configured to interact with the main guiding portion, and the first interaction element is configured to interact with the auxiliary guiding portion. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the main interaction unit includes a third interaction element, which is different from the second interaction element and carries at least a third portion of the second engagement surface. An advantageous embodiment, wherein the main interaction structure and the main interaction unit are further configured to hold the lid in the intermediate angular position after the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position has terminated.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package and spout assembly, which includes a sealed package, which is particularly formed of a multi-layer packaging material, filled with a pourable product, including a designated pour outlet surface area and a spout as described in any of the foregoing embodiments, and the spout is assembled around the designated pour outlet surface area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Three non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a package and spout assembly having a spout according to a first embodiment of the present invention arranged in a first configuration, wherein some components are removed for clarity;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic enlarged perspective view of the package and spout assembly, wherein the spout is arranged in a second configuration, and some components are removed for clarity;

[0019] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic enlarged perspective view of the package and spout assembly, wherein the spout is arranged in a third configuration, and some components are removed for clarity;

[0020] Figure 4 is Figures 1 to 3 an enlarged view of the spout arranged in a third configuration, and some components are removed for clarity;

[0021] Figure 5 is Figures 1 to 3 an enlarged view of some details of the spout in the first configuration, and some components are removed for clarity; and

[0022] Figure 6 Is Figures 1 to 3 An enlarged view of some details of the spout during control from a first configuration to a second configuration, with some components removed for clarity;

[0023] Figure 7 Is Figures 1 to 3 An enlarged view of some details of the spout in a configuration intermediate between the first and second configurations, with some components removed for clarity;

[0024] Figure 8 Is a perspective view of details of a spout according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0025] Figure 9 Is a perspective view of some further details of a spout according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0026] Figure 10 Is a further perspective view of some more details of a spout according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with some components removed for clarity;

[0027] Figure 11 Is a perspective view of some details of a spout according to a third embodiment of the present invention and in a first configuration, with some components removed for clarity; and

[0028] Figure 12 Is Figure 11 A perspective view of the spout in a second configuration, with some components removed for clarity. Detailed Description

[0029] Reference numeral 1 generally denotes a container and spout assembly, particularly a packaging and spout assembly, which comprises:

[0030] - A container, particularly a sealed package 2, and even more particularly a sealed carton package, which is filled with a pourable product, particularly a pourable foodstuff, and which particularly has a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known per se); and

[0031] - A spout 3, particularly a plastic spout, which is fitted to the container, particularly around the designated pour opening surface area of the package 2.

[0032] The package 2 is obtained from a packaging material, particularly in the form of a web, and has a multi-layer structure (not shown). The packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material (such as paper or cardboard), and at least two heat-sealable plastic materials (such as polyethylene) layers which are interposed between one another. One of these two heat-sealable plastic materials layers defines the inner face of the package 2 which is in contact with the pourable product.

[0033] Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material further comprises a gas and light barrier material layer, for example, an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, especially arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material further comprises another heat-sealable plastic material layer inserted between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0034] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the spout 3 is applied to the package 2 by means of a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding before, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of the package 2.

[0035] Alternatively, the spout 3 can be applied to the packaging material before the packaging material is arranged in the packaging machine or during the advancement of the packaging material in the packaging machine to form, fill and seal the package 2 from the packaging material.

[0036] With particular reference to Figure 1 , the package 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A.

[0037] Preferably but not necessarily, the package 2 is in the shape of a parallelepiped.

[0038] In particular, the designated pouring opening surface area of the package 2 is configured to be at least partially (irreversibly) opened and / or ruptured and / or cut and / or pierced so as to allow the pourable product to be poured out of the package 2, especially through the spout 3. Even more particularly, the pouring opening surface area is configured to allow the pourable product to be poured out after the loss of its integrity and to protect the pourable product from the external environment before its cutting and / or opening and / or rupturing and / or piercing.

[0039] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the pouring opening surface area comprises a separating film (not shown and known per se) which is configured to be ruptured and / or opened and / or cut and / or pierced. In particular, the separating film separates the interior of the package 2 from the exterior of the package 2 within the area of the designated pouring opening surface area, especially at the designated pouring opening surface area. Preferably but not necessarily, the separating film comprises a gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0040] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separating film is defined by a part of the packaging material, especially by a part of the layers of the packaging material different from the fibrous material layer.

[0041] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 7 , the spout 3 comprises at least:

[0042] - A base frame 4, which is configured to fit around and / or be fitted around a designated pouring opening surface area of the package 2 and has a collar 5 provided with at least one pouring outlet 6, which pouring outlet 6 is configured to allow the (controlled) outflow of the pourable product from the package to the spout assembly 1 and / or the package 2; and

[0043] - A lid assembly 7, which is coupled and / or can be coupled to the base frame 4 (in particular the collar 5), and which is configured to at least selectively close or open the pouring outlet 6.

[0044] In particular, the collar 5 extends along a longitudinal axis B (and away from the package 2), which longitudinal axis B is preferably but not necessarily parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0045] In particular, the longitudinal axis B defines (equals) the central axis of the collar 5 and / or the pouring outlet 6.

[0046] Preferably, the collar 5 and the pouring outlet 6 have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B.

[0047] Advantageously, the lid assembly 7 includes:

[0048] - A coupling ring 8, which is rotatably arranged around the collar 5, in particular such that the coupling ring 8 is inseparable from the collar 5; and

[0049] - A lid 9, which is hinged to the coupling ring 8 and can be angularly moved around a respective hinge axis C, which hinge axis C is in particular transverse to, and even more particularly orthogonal to, the longitudinal axis A and / or the longitudinal axis B.

[0050] In particular, the lid assembly 7 includes a coupling element 10 configured to hinge the lid 9 to the coupling ring 8 and to define the hinge axis C.

[0051] Advantageously, the lid 9 can be controlled between at least the following configurations:

[0052] - A closed configuration (see Figure 1 ), in which the lid 9 is in a closed angular position relative to the hinge axis C, and in which the lid 9 is configured to cover, and / or overcover, the pouring outlet 6, in particular for preventing the pourable product from flowing out of the package to the spout assembly 1 and / or the package 2;

[0053] - An open configuration (see Figure 3 ), in which the lid 9 is in an open angular position relative to the hinge axis C, and in which the lid 9 is configured to be removed from, and / or removed from, the pouring outlet 6; and

[0054] - An intermediate configuration (see Figure 2 ), in which the lid 9 is in an intermediate angular position relative to the hinge axis C, which intermediate angular position is between the closed angular position and the open angular position.

[0055] In particular, in use, controlling the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration first requires controlling it from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration. In other words, in use, controlling the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the open angular position requires first controlling the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position and then to the open angular position.

[0056] Preferably, the lid 9 includes:

[0057] - a top 13 configured to cover the pouring outlet 6 when the lid 9 is in the closed angular position; and

[0058] - side walls 14 projecting from the top 13 and configured to at least partially surround the collar 5 when the lid 9 is controlled to be in the closed angular position.

[0059] In particular, and when the lid 9 is in the closed angular position, the top 13 is transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis B, and the side walls 14 are (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis B.

[0060] According to some possible non - restrictive embodiments, when the lid 9 is in the closed angular position (and in the intermediate angular position) in use, the lid 9, in particular the top 13 and / or the side walls 14, is coupled to the collar 5.

[0061] Preferably, the lid 9 includes an inner surface 15. In particular, when the lid 9 is in the closed angular position (and the intermediate angular position), the inner surface 15 faces the collar 5. In particular, the top 13 and the side walls 14 carry the inner surface 15.

[0062] Advantageously, the spout 3 includes an interaction device 16 which is partially associated with (and / or connected to) the collar 5 (and / or carried by it) and partially associated with (and / or connected to) the lid 7 (and / or carried by it), and is configured such that it is only possible to control the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration (in other words, from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position) by rotating the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 about a (common) rotation axis E which is in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis B, and even more particularly coaxial with the longitudinal axis B,

[0063] and such that it is only possible to control the lid 9 from the intermediate configuration to the closed angular configuration (in other words, from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position) by at least an angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position.

[0064] Preferably, it is possible to selectively control the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position by the only angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position and by the rotation of the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 about the rotation axis E.

[0065] It should be noted that according to such non - restrictive embodiments, the user is free to choose whether to control the lid 9 by means of the only angular movement around the hinge axis C or to cause the control of the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position by means of the rotation of the lid 9 around the rotation axis E. It should be further noted that a combination of the two ways of controlling the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position is also possible.

[0066] According to some preferred non - restrictive embodiments, the spout 3 further comprises:

[0067] -(annular) cutter 17, which is movably coupled to the base frame 4, in particular the collar 5, and is configured to at least partially cut and / or break and / or open and / or pierce a specified pouring opening surface area, in particular a separating membrane; and

[0068] - control device 18, which is configured to interact with the cutter 17 and control the cutter 17 between a rest position and an operating position, in which rest position the cutter 17 retracts from the specified pouring opening surface area and / or is configured to retract from the specified pouring opening surface area, and in which operating position the cutter 17 is configured to at least partially cut and / or break and / or open and / or pierce the specified pouring opening surface area.

[0069] In particular, the control device 18 is configured to control the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position when the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 rotate around the rotation axis E. Even more particularly, the control device 18 is configured to control the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position when the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 rotate around the rotation axis E for the first time in use to move the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position for the first time.

[0070] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 7 , the collar 5 delimits an internal space 19 in which the cutter 17 is at least partially placed.

[0071] Preferably, the collar 5 has a circular cross - sectional shape with respect to a cross - section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis B.

[0072] According to a preferred non - restrictive embodiment, the collar 5 comprises an inner surface 20 facing the internal space 13 and an outer surface 21 opposite the inner surface 15 (and the internal space 19).

[0073] In particular, when the lid 9 is in the closed angular position (or in the intermediate angular position), the inner surface 15 faces the outer surface 21.

[0074] According to some preferred non - restrictive embodiments, the cutter 17 is configured to at least translate, in particular rotate and translate, during its movement from the rest position to the operating position.

[0075] Preferably, the cutter 17 includes a cutting section 22 (arranged at and / or defining an axial end of the cutter 17), which is configured to open and / or cut and / or break and / or pierce a specified pouring opening surface area, in particular a separating film. Preferably, the cutting section 22 has (includes) a serrated profile.

[0076] According to a preferred non - limiting embodiment, the control device 18 includes a cam set, which is configured to guide the movement of the cutter 17 from a rest position to an operating position.

[0077] Preferably, the cam set includes a cam profile and at least one (preferably a plurality of) guiding elements configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and the guiding elements cooperate in such a way that the cutter 17 performs a rotational - translational movement when moving from the rest position to the operating position in use.

[0078] Preferably, the cam profile is associated and / or connected and / or integral with the cutter 17, and the guiding elements are connected and / or associated and / or integral with the base frame 4, in particular with the collar, and even more particularly with the inner surface 19.

[0079] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 7 , the base frame 4 further includes a coupling base 23, which is configured to couple and / or connect the spout 3 to the package 2, and / or to couple and / or connect the spout 3 to the package 2. In particular, the coupling base 23 carries the collar 5.

[0080] Preferably, the coupling base 23 is configured to be fixed, and / or fixed to the outer surface of the package 2, in particular in the area of the specified pouring opening surface area, and even more particularly at the specified pouring opening surface area. In particular, at least a part of the coupling base 23 has a substantially plate - like structure.

[0081] Preferably but not necessarily, the collar 5 extends from the coupling base 23 along, in particular parallel to, the longitudinal axis B.

[0082] With particular reference to Figures 4 to 7 , the control device 18 includes:

[0083] - a plurality of interaction elements 24 connected to the cutter 17, in particular integral with the cutter 17; and

[0084] - a plurality of interaction members 25, which are connected to and / or coupled to the lid 9 and each is configured to interact with a respective interaction element 24.

[0085] In particular, each interaction member 25 is coupled and / or connected to the lid 9 such that rotation of the lid 9 about the axis of rotation E also causes rotation of the interaction member 25 about the axis of rotation E.

[0086] Preferably, in use, rotation of the lid 9 and the interaction member 25 about the axis of rotation E causes at least a translational movement, preferably a rotational translational movement, of the cutter 17 by virtue of the interaction between the interaction member 25 and the interaction member 24 and the cooperation between the cam profile and the guiding element.

[0087] With particular reference Figures 1 to 4 , the spout 3 also comprises a plurality of frangible main coupling bridges 26 which connect the coupling ring 8 and the lid 9 to each other, in particular before the lid 9 is first controlled from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position in use. In particular, in use, the main coupling bridges 26 irreversibly break during the first control of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. Even more particularly, in use, the main coupling bridges 26 break after the cutter 17 has been controlled from the rest position to the operating position.

[0088] With particular reference Figures 1 to 4 , the spout 3 also comprises an anti-tamper ring 27 which is arranged around the collar 5, in particular between the coupling base 23 and the coupling ring 8. In particular, the anti-tamper ring 27 is parallel to the coupling ring 8 and is axially displaced from the coupling ring 8.

[0089] In particular, the spout 3 also comprises a frangible auxiliary coupling bridge 28 which couples the anti-tamper ring 27 and the coupling ring 8 to each other. The auxiliary coupling bridge 28 is configured to irreversibly break upon first actuation of the rotation of the lid 9 and the coupling ring 8 about the axis of rotation E. Preferably, in use, the auxiliary coupling bridge 28 breaks before the cutter 17 moves from the rest position to the operating position.

[0090] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the collar 5 comprises an interaction ring 29 which projects in particular from the outer surface 21 and is configured to interact with the coupling ring 8. Preferably, the interaction ring 29 is configured to inseparably couple the coupling ring 8 to the collar 5 to allow rotation of the coupling ring 8 about the axis of rotation E.

[0091] Advantageously and with particular reference Figures 1 to 7 , the interaction device 16 at least comprises:

[0092] - a main interaction structure 33 which is associated with the collar 5, in particular connected to and / or carried by the collar 5; and

[0093] - a main interaction unit 34 which is associated with the lid 9, in particular connected to and / or carried by the lid 9, and is configured to interact with the main interaction structure 33.

[0094] In particular, the interaction between the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 causes the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position during use to require rotation of the lid 9 (and the coupling ring 8) about the axis of rotation E (i.e., the interaction between the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 does not allow only the angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C to control the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position).

[0095] It should be noted that within the scope of this specification, the only angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C occurs when the lid 9 remains angularly fixed relative to the axis of rotation E. In other words, if the lid 9 does not rotate about the axis of rotation E, any angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C is the only angled movement.

[0096] Preferably, the interaction between the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 causes the first rotation of the lid 9 about the axis of rotation E to be actuated, and the angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C, particularly the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position, is only performed after the cutter 17 has moved from the rest position to the operating position.

[0097] Preferably, the main interaction unit 34 includes:

[0098] - A first engagement surface 35, which is configured to abut against the adjacent surface 36 of the main interaction structure 33 so as to prevent the angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C, particularly the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position; and

[0099] - A second engagement surface 37, which is particularly opposite to the first engagement surface 35 and is configured to slide along the guiding surface 38 of the main interaction structure 33 so as to control and / or actuate the angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0100] In particular, the interaction between the first engagement surface 35 and the adjacent surface 36 defines a locking mechanism for the lid 9 in the closed angular position.

[0101] In particular, the second engagement surface 37 and the guiding surface 38 define a corresponding cam mechanism.

[0102] Preferably (see Figure 5 and 6 ), the first engagement surface 35 and the second engagement surface 37 are configured to interact with the adjacent surface 36 and the guiding surface 38 respectively according to the angular position of the lid 9 relative to the axis of rotation E.

[0103] Preferably, the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 are designed such that when the cover 9 is positioned between the first angular cover position and the second angular cover position relative to the rotation axis E, the first engagement surface 35 and the abutment surface 36 interact with each other (see Figure 5 ), and such that when the cover 9 is arranged between the third angular cover position and the fourth angular cover position relative to the rotation axis E, the second engagement surface 37 and the guiding surface 38 interact with each other (see Figure 6 ). In particular, the third angular cover position and the fourth angular cover position are between the second angular cover position and the first angular cover position.

[0104] In particular, when the cover 9 is positioned between the first angular cover position and the second angular cover position relative to the rotation axis E, the second engagement surface 37 and the guiding surface 38 do not interact with each other (see Figure 5 ), and when the cover 9 is arranged between the third angular cover position and the fourth angular cover position relative to the rotation axis E, the first engagement surface 35 and the abutment surface 36 do not interact with each other (see Figure 6 ).

[0105] In other words, the first engagement surface 35 is configured to abut against the abutment surface 36 during rotation of the cover 9 about the rotation axis E and when the cover 9 is arranged between the first angular cover position and the second angular cover position relative to the rotation axis E, and the second engagement surface 37 is configured to slide on the guiding surface 38 during rotation of the cover 9 about the rotation axis E and when the cover 9 is arranged between the third angular cover position and the fourth angular cover position.

[0106] In particular, it should be noted that when the cover 9 rotates about the rotation axis E such that the cover 9 rotates from the third angular cover position to the fourth angular cover position in a certain sense, the angled movement of the cover 9 about the hinge axis C causes the cover 9 to move from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0107] Furthermore, in use, during rotation of the cover 9 from the fourth angular cover position to the third angular cover position, the cover 9 can be angled about the hinge axis C and moved from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position.

[0108] In particular, the main interaction unit 34 and the main interaction structure 33 are also configured such that only an angled movement about the hinge axis C is possible for controlling the cover 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position (during the re - closing operation). In this case (i.e., during the re - closing operation), the main interaction unit 34 can overcome the main interaction structure 33, and once the cover 9 is again in the closed angular position, reverse movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position is prevented by the interaction between the abutment surface 36 and the first engagement surface 35.

[0109] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33 and the main interaction unit 34 are also configured to hold the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position after the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position has terminated.

[0110] Preferably, the guiding surface 38 faces the adjacent surface 36.

[0111] In particular, when the adjacent surface 36 faces the coupling base 23, the guiding surface 38 faces away from the coupling base 23.

[0112] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33 includes:

[0113] - A locking part 39 that extends around the longitudinal axis B between a first angular position X and a second angular position Y and bears the adjacent surface 36; and

[0114] - A cam part 40 that bears the guiding surface 38 and extends around the longitudinal axis B between a third angular position V and a fourth angular position W and is between the second angular position Y and the first angular position X.

[0115] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the cam part 40 at least includes a main cam part 42, and in particular also includes an auxiliary cam part 43 spaced apart from the main cam part 42. Preferably, the auxiliary cam part 43 is angularly and axially spaced apart from the main cam part 42 with respect to the rotation axis E.

[0116] Preferably, the main cam part 42 bears (includes) the main guiding part 44 of the guiding surface 38, and in particular the auxiliary cam part 43 bears (includes) the auxiliary guiding part 45 of the guiding surface 38.

[0117] In particular, the locking part 39 is (substantially) arcuate.

[0118] Preferably, the locking part 39 and / or the adjacent surface 36 are located in a first plane that is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis B.

[0119] Preferably, the cam part 40 and / or the guiding surface 38 are inclined with respect to the locking part 39 and / or the adjacent surface 36. Even more preferably, the main cam part 42 and the main guiding part 44, and in particular the auxiliary cam part 43 and the auxiliary guiding part 45, are inclined with respect to the locking part 39 and / or the adjacent surface 36.

[0120] In particular, the main cam part 42 and / or the main guiding part 44 are located in a second plane (different from the first plane) that is transverse to the longitudinal axis B. Even more particularly, the auxiliary cam part 43 and / or the auxiliary guiding part 45 are located in a third plane (different from the first plane and the second plane) that is spaced apart from the second plane.

[0121] Preferably, the second plane, in particular the third plane, is inclined relative to the first plane.

[0122] In particular, in use, the sliding of the second engaging surface 37 on the guiding surface 38 results in a force in one direction to separate the lid 9 from the coupling ring 8.

[0123] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33, in particular the locking part 39, includes an auxiliary surface 41 (opposite to the adjacent surface 36 and) which is designed to allow only an angled movement of the lid around the hinge axis C, angling the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position. In particular, the auxiliary surface 41 is designed such that during only the angled movement of the lid 9 around the hinge axis C, the main interaction unit 34 overcomes the main interaction structure 33, in particular the locking part 39.

[0124] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the auxiliary surface 41 is also configured to interact with the main interaction unit 34 to hold the lid 9 in the intermediate angular position when the lid 9 is controlled to be in the intermediate angular position.

[0125] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction structure 33, in particular the locking part 39 and the cam part 40, are connected to the outer surface 21, in particular protruding from the outer surface 21.

[0126] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the main interaction unit 34 includes at least a first interaction element 50 carrying (including) the first engaging surface 35 and a second interaction element 51 carrying (including) at least a first part 52 of the second engaging surface 37. In particular, the first part 52 is configured to slide along the main guiding part 44 in use for controlling the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0127] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, the first interaction member 50 carries (including) an interaction surface 53 which is opposite to the first engaging surface 35 and is at least configured to engage the auxiliary surface 41 when the lid 9 is arranged in the intermediate angular position. In particular, the engagement of the interaction surface 53 with the auxiliary surface 41 allows the lid 9 to be held in the intermediate angular position after the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position has terminated (see Figure 7 ).

[0128] According to Figures 1 to 7 the embodiment shown, the interaction surface 53 also defines a second part of the second engaging surface 37. In particular, the interaction surface 53 is configured to slide along the auxiliary guiding part 45 in use, facilitating the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position in use.

[0129] Preferably, the first interaction element 50 includes a main wall 54 that bears (includes) the first engagement surface 35 and at least one tooth 55 that projects from the main wall 54.

[0130] In particular, the tooth 55 bears (includes) the interaction surface 53.

[0131] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the main interaction unit 34, in particular the first interaction element 50 and the second interaction element 51, is connected to the inner surface 15, in particular projects from the inner surface 15, in particular projects from the side wall 14.

[0132] Preferably, the first interaction element 50 and the second interaction element 51 are axially displaced from each other, in particular angularly displaced, with respect to the rotation axis E.

[0133] In use, the outflow of the pourable product from the package and the spout assembly 1, in particular from the package 2, requires the release of the pouring outlet 6. This is done by controlling the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Even more particularly, first the lid 9 is controlled from the closed configuration to an intermediate configuration and then from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration.

[0134] In particular, the movement of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration requires the rotation of the lid 9 about the rotation axis E. Even more particularly, the control from the intermediate configuration to the open configuration will be done by the user by angularly moving the lid 9 about the hinge axis C.

[0135] Preferably, when the lid 9 is first controlled from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, the cutter 17 is controlled from the rest position to the operating position to open and / or break and / or pierce the pouring opening surface area, in particular the separating membrane. In particular, the control of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position occurs before the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0136] More specifically, during the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, the angular position of the lid 9 with respect to the hinge axis C will change from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. As the first engagement surface 35 abuts against the abutment surface 36, the lid 9 needs to rotate about the rotation axis E and from the first angular lid position to the fourth angular lid position and pass through the second angular lid position and the third angular lid position. The second engagement surface 37 slides on the guiding surface 38 while the lid 9 rotates about the rotation axis E and angularly moves from the third angular lid position to the fourth angular lid position in order to actuated the angular movement about the hinge axis C and from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0137] Even more specifically, when the second engagement surface 37 slides on the guiding surface 38, at least the first part 52 slides along the main guiding part 44, in particular the interaction surface 53 also slides along the auxiliary guiding part 45.

[0138] Preferably, after having controlled the lid 9 to be in the intermediate angular position, the engagement of the interaction surface 53 with the auxiliary surface 41 ensures that the angular position of the lid 9 relative to the hinge axis C remains fixed.

[0139] When the user intends to re-block the outflow of the pourable product, the user can again (during the re-closure operation) control the lid 9 to be in the closed angular position. First, it is necessary to control the lid 9 from the open angular position to the intermediate angular position, and then control the lid 9 from the intermediate angular position to the closed angular position. The latter can be obtained by the only angled movement of the lid 9 about the hinge axis C, in particular by the rotation of the lid 9 about the rotation axis E.

[0140] Reference Figures 8 to 10 , the reference numeral 3' denotes an alternative embodiment of the spout according to the present invention; since the spout 3' is similar to the spout 3, the following description is limited to the differences between them, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts where possible.

[0141] In particular, the spout 3' differs from the spout 3 in that the cam portion 40 includes a main cam portion 42 and does not include an auxiliary cam portion 43. Even more particularly, the interaction surface 53 is configured to engage the auxiliary surface 41 but does not facilitate the movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position. In other words, only the second interaction member 51 contributes to the angled movement of the lid 9 from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position.

[0142] Preferably, the spout 3' also differs from the spout 3 in that the first interaction member 50 includes two teeth 55 protruding from the main wall 54. In particular, the teeth 55 are parallel to each other and each bears a corresponding part of the interaction surface 53.

[0143] Reference Figure 11 and 12 , the reference numeral 3'' denotes another alternative embodiment of the spout according to the present invention; since the spout 3'' is similar to the spout 3', the following description is limited to the differences between them, and the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts where possible.

[0144] In particular, the spout 3'' differs from the spout 3' in that the main interaction unit 34 at least includes a third interaction element 56, which is different (and separated) from the second interaction element 51 and bears (includes) at least a third part 57 of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the third interaction element 56 is angularly displaced relative to the rotation axis E compared to the second interaction element 51. Even more particularly, the third interaction element 56 is arranged such that in use and during the control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the intermediate configuration, first the third part 57 engages with the main guiding part 44, and subsequently the first part 52 engages with the main guiding part 44.

[0145] Preferably, the third part 57 and the first part 52 are located in a common plane, which plane is in particular parallel to the second plane.

[0146] Preferably, the spout 3” also differs from the spout 3' in that the main interaction structure 33, in particular the cam part 40, includes a plurality of spaced-apart support ridges 58, which are in particular integral with the main cam part 42 and are configured to support the main cam part 42, in particular for enhancing the mechanical stability of the main cam part 42.

[0147] The advantages of the spouts 3, 3' and 3” and / or the package and spout assembly 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0148] In particular, the lid 9 cannot be separated from the other parts of the package and spout assembly 1 by being connected to the coupling ring 8. This prevents the possibility of littering the lid 9.

[0149] Another advantage is that the operation of the lid 9 is intuitive because the opening of the package and spout assembly 1 (the opening of the pouring outlet 6) will be accomplished by rotating the lid 9 according to the user's experience with spouts of known types.

[0150] A further advantage is that the interaction of the second engagement surface 37 with the guiding surface 38 (and also supported by the auxiliary guiding part 45 and the auxiliary cam part 43) moves the lid 9 to an intermediate angular position, indicating to the user that the lid 9 can be further moved to the open angular position.

[0151] Another advantage relates to the provision of a third interaction member 56 as well, thereby allowing an increase in the surface area of the part of the second engagement surface 37 that interacts with the main guiding part 44 during use.

[0152] Obviously, changes can be made to the spouts 3, 3' and 3” and / or the package and spout assembly 1 as described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

[0153] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment (not shown), the main interaction unit 34 only includes the first interaction element 50, and the first interaction element 50 bears (includes) both the first engagement surface 35 and the second engagement surface 37. In addition, the cam part 40 only includes the auxiliary cam part 43.

[0154] According to an alternative non-limiting embodiment (not shown), the main interaction unit 34 further includes a third interaction element 56.

Claims

1. A spout (3, 3') for a container (2), said container (2) comprising a sealed package (2) filled with a pourable product; Said spout (3) at least comprises: - A collar (5) having a pouring outlet (6), said pouring outlet (6) being configured to allow the outflow of said pourable product; and - A lid assembly (7) having a coupling ring (8) rotatably arranged around said collar (5) and a lid (9) hinged to said coupling ring (8) and capable of angular movement about a respective hinge axis (C); Wherein said lid (9) can be controlled to be in at least the following configurations: - A closed configuration, wherein said lid (9) is in a closed angular position relative to said hinge axis (C) and wherein said lid (9) is configured to cover said pouring outlet (6); - An open configuration, wherein said lid (9) is in an open angular position relative to said hinge axis (C), and wherein said lid (9) is configured to be removed from said pouring outlet (6); and - An intermediate configuration, wherein said lid (9) is in an intermediate angular position relative to said hinge axis (C), said intermediate angular position being between said closed angular position and said open angular position; Wherein said spout (3) comprises an interaction device (16), said interaction device (16) being partially associated with said collar (5) and partially associated with said lid (9); wherein said interaction device (16) at least comprises a main interaction structure (33) associated with said collar (5) and a main interaction unit (34) associated with said lid (9) and configured to interact with said main interaction structure (33); Wherein said interaction device (16) is configured such that the lid (9) can only be controlled from said closed configuration to said intermediate configuration by rotating said lid (9) and said coupling ring (8) about a rotation axis (E), and such that the lid (9) can be controlled from said intermediate configuration to said closed configuration by only an angular movement of said lid (9) about said hinge axis (C) from said intermediate angular position to said closed angular position.

2. The spout according to claim 1, wherein the lid (9) can be selectively controlled from said intermediate configuration to said closed configuration by only an angular movement of said lid (9) about said hinge axis (C) and by rotation of said lid (9) and said coupling ring (8) about said rotation axis (E).

3. The spout according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said main interaction unit (34) comprises: - A first engagement surface (35), which is configured to abut against an abutment surface (36) of said main interaction structure (33) so as to prevent an angular movement of said lid (9) about said hinge axis (C) and from said closed angular position to said intermediate angular position; and - A second engagement surface (37), which is configured to slide along a guiding surface (38) of said main interaction structure (33) so as to control an angular movement of said lid (9) about said hinge axis (C) and from said closed angular position to said intermediate angular position.

4. The spout according to claim 3, wherein the first engaging surface (35) and the second engaging surface (37) are configured to interact with the abutment surface (36) and the guiding surface (38), respectively, according to the angular position of the lid (9) relative to the axis of rotation (E).

5. The spout according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the main interaction structure (33) comprises: - a locking portion (39) which extends between a first angular position (X) and a second angular position (Y) about the longitudinal axis (B) of the pouring outlet (6) and / or the collar (5) and bears the abutment surface (36); and - a cam portion (40) which bears the guiding surface (38) and extends between a third angular position (V) and a fourth angular position (W) about the longitudinal axis (B) and is interposed between the second angular position (Y) and the first angular position (X).

6. The spout according to claim 5, wherein the locking portion (39) and / or the abutment surface (36) lies in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis (B).

7. The spout according to claim 6, wherein the locking portion (39) and / or the abutment surface (36) lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (B).

8. The spout according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cam portion (40) is inclined relative to the locking portion (39).

9. The spout according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the guiding surface (38) faces the abutment surface (36).

10. The spout according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first engaging surface (35) is configured to abut against the abutment surface (36) during rotation of the lid (9) about the axis of rotation (E) and when the lid (9) is positioned between a first angular lid position and a second angular lid position relative to the axis of rotation (E), and the second engaging surface (37) is configured to slide along the guiding surface (38) during rotation of the lid (9) about the axis of rotation (E) and when the lid (9) is positioned between a third angular lid position and a fourth angular lid position, interposed between the second angular lid position and the first angular lid position, relative to the axis of rotation (E).

11. The spout according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the lid (9) comprises an inner surface (15) and the collar (5) comprises an outer surface (21); wherein when the lid (9) is controlled to be in the closed configuration, the inner surface (15) and the outer surface (21) face each other; wherein the main interaction structure (33) is connected to the outer surface (21) and the main interaction unit (34) is connected to the inner surface (15).

12. The spout according to claim 11, wherein the main interaction structure (33) projects from the outer surface (21) and / or the main interaction unit (34) projects from the inner surface (15). ​ 13. The spout according to claim 12, wherein the main interaction unit (34) comprises a first interaction element (50) carrying the first engagement surface (35) and a second interaction element (51) carrying at least a first portion (52) of the second engagement surface (37).

14. The spout according to claim 13, wherein the first interaction element (50) carries a second portion (53) of the second engagement surface (37); wherein the guiding surface (38) comprises a main guiding portion (44) and an auxiliary guiding portion (45); wherein, in use, the second interaction element (51) is configured to interact with the main guiding portion (44), and the first interaction element (50) is configured to interact with the auxiliary guiding portion (45).

15. The spout according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the main interaction unit (34) comprises a third interaction element (56), which is different from the second interaction element (51) and carries at least a third portion (57) of the second engagement surface (37).

16. The spout according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main interaction structure (33) and the main interaction unit (34) are further configured to hold the lid in the intermediate angular position after the movement from the closed angular position to the intermediate angular position has terminated.

17. A package with a spout assembly (1), comprising a sealed package (2) formed of a multi-layer packaging material, filled with a pourable product, comprising a designated pour outlet surface area and a spout (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, the spout (3) being assembled around the designated pour outlet surface area.

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