Lid and spout assembly for packaging and packaging having a lid and spout assembly

Abstract

A lid and spout assembly (3) for a package (1) is described. The lid and spout assembly (3) comprises at least: a spout (4) having a collar (16) carrying a pouring outlet (15); a coupling ring (5) arranged around a portion of the collar (16); a lid (6); and a hinge element (10) hingedly connecting the lid (6) to the coupling ring (5). The lid (6) is controllable between at least a closed configuration and an open configuration. The lid and spout assembly (3) comprises an interaction assembly (30) associated in part with the collar (16) and in part with the lid (6) and designed to determine a threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid (6) from the closed configuration to the open configuration in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention also relates to a lid and spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, which is filled with a pourable product, even more particularly a pourable food product.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, filled with a pourable product, even more in particular a pourable food product, and comprising a lid and spout assembly. Background Art

[0003] It is known that many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup etc., are sold in packages, in particular sealed packages, which are made of aseptic packaging material.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped packaging known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark) for pourable foods, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a carton and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g., polyethylene). In the case of aseptic packaging for long-term storage products, the packaging material also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material, which forms the inner surface of the packaging that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0005] Some known packages, particularly sealed bodies of packages formed from packaging material, include a designated pouring opening that allows a pourable product to be poured from the package. Typically, the designated pouring opening is covered by a separator membrane that separates the interior of the package from the external environment and is to be opened, removed, broken, cut, or punctured prior to first pouring the pourable product to allow the pourable product to be poured through the designated pouring opening. It is also known to arrange a lid and spout assembly on the body around the designated pouring opening.

[0006] There are known lid and spout assemblies that include a spout having a pouring spout to allow controlled pouring of a pourable product from a package; a coupling ring disposed around a portion of the spout; and a lid connected to the coupling ring and configured to allow selective closing and opening of the pouring spout.

[0007] The lid is designed to be controlled between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the lid is configured to cover and open the pouring spout, respectively. In particular, the lid is arranged on the spout when in the closed configuration and is separated from the spout when in the open configuration.

[0008] Typically, the package is distributed to consumers with the lid in a closed configuration and the separator membrane intact. When the consumer first intends to pour at least some of the pourable product from the package, the consumer needs to move the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration and needs to open and / or remove the separator membrane.

[0009] The consumer can then repeatedly manipulate the lid between the closed and open configurations until the package is completely emptied and ultimately discarded.

[0010] It has been found that a package having such a lid and spout assembly is inconvenient in that there are circumstances where the lid may be undesirably moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, for example by the package being dropped.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable in the art to provide a lid and spout assembly that does not cause such inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide, in a simple and cost-effective manner, an improved lid and spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, which is filled with a pourable product, even more particularly a pourable food product.

[0013] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved lid and spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, which is filled with a pourable product, even more in particular with a pourable food product, in a simple and low-cost manner, which avoids any undesirable movement of the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a package, in particular a package with a sealed body, which is filled with a pourable product, in particular with a pourable food product, in a simple and low-cost manner, and the package has a lid and spout assembly, in particular the lid and spout assembly is designed to avoid any undesired movement of the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0015] According to the present invention, there is provided a lid and spout assembly for a package having a designated pouring opening and filled with a pourable product; the lid and spout assembly comprising at least: a spout having a collar carrying the pouring outlet; a coupling arranged around a portion of the collar; a lid configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet; and a hinge element hingedly connecting the lid to the coupling and defining a hinge axis about which the lid is angularly movable; wherein the lid is controllable between at least the following configurations: a closed configuration in which the lid is in a first angular position relative to the hinge axis and the lid is configured to cover the pouring outlet. , and / or covering the pouring outlet; and an open configuration, wherein the lid is in a second angular position relative to the hinge axis and the lid is configured to open the pouring outlet; wherein the lid and spout assembly is designed so that the lid can be controlled between the closed configuration and the open configuration by means of angular movement about the hinge axis; wherein the lid and spout assembly includes an interactive component, which is partially associated with the collar and partially associated with the lid; wherein the interactive component is designed to determine a threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid from the closed configuration to the open configuration in use.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the interactive assembly is further designed to determine an auxiliary threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid from the open configuration to the closed configuration in use; wherein the threshold force is greater than the auxiliary threshold force. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the interactive assembly comprises an interactive member associated with the collar and an interactive element associated with the lid; wherein the interactive member and the interactive element are configured to interact with each other to define the threshold force. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the interactive member comprises a first sliding surface and the interactive element comprises a first engaging surface; wherein the first sliding surface and the first engaging surface are designed such that during application of an opening force to angularly move the lid from the first angular position to the second angular position, the first engaging surface abuts against the first sliding surface when the opening force is less than or equal to the threshold force, thereby preventing angular movement, and slides over the first sliding surface when the opening force exceeds the threshold force. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the collar extends along a longitudinal axis; wherein the interactive element comprises a main wall transverse to the longitudinal axis and carrying the first engaging surface. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the interactive element further comprises one or more auxiliary walls transverse to the main wall; wherein the auxiliary walls carry a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface being opposite to the first engagement surface and being configured to engage and slide on a second sliding surface of the interactive member during control of the lid from the open configuration to the closed configuration. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein when the lid is arranged in the first angular position, the first engagement surface and the protrusion of the first sliding surface intersect to define an angle between 10° and 30°. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the interactive member comprises a second sliding surface opposite to the first sliding surface, and the interactive element comprises a second engagement surface, the second engagement surface being opposite to the first engagement surface and being configured to engage and slide on the second sliding surface during control of the lid from the open configuration to the closed configuration; wherein the second sliding surface and the second engagement surface are designed to facilitate the angled movement from the second angular position to the first angular position. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the first sliding surface has a first slope and the second sliding surface has a second slope; wherein the first slope is smaller than the second slope. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the interaction member is annular.An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the lid comprises a top wall, the top wall being configured to cover the pouring outlet when the lid is in the first angular position; and a side wall protruding from the top wall; wherein the collar comprises an outer surface and the side wall comprises an inner surface, the inner surface facing the outer surface when the lid is in the first angular position; wherein the interaction member protrudes from the outer surface and the interaction element protrudes from the inner surface. An advantageous embodiment of the lid and spout assembly, wherein the hinge element is connected to a rear portion of the lid and the interaction element is connected to a front portion of the lid opposite the rear portion.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package filled with a pourable product, the package comprising at least one of the aforementioned lid and spout assemblies. The package further comprises a separator film covering the designated pouring outlet; wherein the lid and spout assembly is fused and / or welded and / or bonded to the package and surrounds the designated pouring outlet. The package further comprises a body having a designated pouring opening and formed from a multilayer composite packaging material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a package having a lid and spout assembly according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 an enlarged perspective top view of a portion of the packaging with some components removed for clarity;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 an enlarged perspective bottom view of a detail of the lid and spout assembly of the embodiment of the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0022] Figure 4 and 5 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional views of certain details of the lid and spout assembly in different configurations, with some parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference numeral 1 generally designates a package (shown only in part to the extent necessary for understanding the invention), comprising:

[0024] a sealed body 2, in particular a sealed carton packaging, which is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular has a designated pouring opening (not shown and known per se) configured to allow the pourable product to flow out of the body 2; and

[0025] - A lid and spout assembly 3 coupled to the sealing body 2, having at least one spout 4 arranged and / or arrangeable around a designated pouring opening, a coupling ring 5 arranged around at least a portion of the spout 4, and a lid 6 hinged to the coupling ring 5 and coupled and / or coupleable to the spout 4.

[0026] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 is obtained from a packaging material, in particular a composite packaging material, having a multilayer structure (not shown and known per se).

[0027] Preferably, the packaging material is provided in roll form.

[0028] Preferably, the body 2 is obtained by forming a tube from the packaging material, sealing the tube longitudinally, filling the tube with the pourable product, and sealing and cutting the tube transversely.

[0029] Preferably, the packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g. paper or cardboard) and at least two layers of heat-sealing plastic material (e.g. polyethylene) between which the fibrous material layer is inserted. One of the two layers of heat-sealing plastic material defines the inner face of the body 2 in contact with the pourable product.

[0030] Preferably, the packaging material further comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminium foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibre material. Preferably, the packaging material further comprises a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibre material.

[0031] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the spout 4 is applied to the base package 2 before, during or after the forming, filling and sealing of the body 2 .

[0032] Alternatively, the spout 4 may be applied to the packaging material before the packaging material is arranged in the packaging machine or while the packaging material is advanced through the packaging machine to form, fill and seal the body 2 from the packaging material.

[0033] In particular, the spout 4 is applied to the packaging material or the body 2 by means of a moulding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding.

[0034] Preferably, the coupling ring 5 and the cover 6 are coupled to the spout 4 before or after the spout 4 is applied to the body 2 or the packaging material.

[0035] Special References Figure 1 , the body 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A, the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C. In particular, the extension of the package 2 along the longitudinal axis A is greater than the extension of the package 2 along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.

[0036] Preferably, the body 2 is parallelepiped-shaped.

[0037] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 comprises a first wall portion (not shown and known per se), which is particularly transverse to, and even more particularly perpendicular to, the axis A, from which the body 2 extends along the axis A. Preferably, the first wall portion defines a support surface for the package 1 (particularly the body 2), which is designed to come into contact with a support surface (e.g., a stand) when in use, e.g., when exposed in a point of sale or when stored. In particular, when arranged on the support surface, the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion.

[0038] Preferably, the body 2 further comprises a plurality of side walls 7 which are (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion and extend therefrom, in particular substantially parallel to the axis A.

[0039] Preferably, the body 2 further comprises a second wall portion 8, which is opposite the first wall portion and is (fixedly) connected to at least some of the side walls 7. In particular, the side walls 7 are interposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion 8. In particular, the second wall portion 8 defines a top wall portion when arranged on the support.

[0040] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first wall portion and the second wall portion 8 may be parallel to each other.

[0041] According to a non-limiting alternative embodiment not shown, the first and second wall portions 8 may be inclined relative to each other.

[0042] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall portion 8 carries and / or comprises a designated pouring opening.

[0043] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package 1, in particular the body 2, comprises an interior space 9 configured to contain and / or hold a pourable product. In particular, the first wall portion, the side wall 7 and the second wall portion 8 define the interior space 9.

[0044] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the body 2 includes a separating membrane (not shown and known per se) covering the designated pouring opening. In particular, the separating membrane separates the interior space 9 from the external environment in the region of the designated pouring opening, in particular at the designated pouring opening. Preferably, the separating membrane comprises a gas and light barrier material, for example, an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0045] In particular, during first use (see further below for more details), the separating membrane is at least partially removed and / or punctured and / or opened and / or broken and / or cut to allow the pourable product to flow out of the inner space 9 and the body 2 .

[0046] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the separating membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular by a portion of a layer of the packaging material different from the layer of fibrous material.

[0047] Special References Figures 1 to 5 The lid and spout assembly 3 further comprises a hinge element 10 which hinges the lid 6 to the coupling ring 5 and defines a hinge axis E about which the lid 6 is angularly movable.

[0048] In particular, the hinge element 10 is in contact with the cover 6 at its rear portion 11 .

[0049] In more detail and with particular reference to Figure 2 、 4 and 5, the spout 4 comprises at least:

[0050] a pouring spout 15 configured to allow the pourable product to flow out of the package 1 ; and

[0051] - a collar 16 with (including) a pouring spout 15 .

[0052] Preferably, the spout 4 further comprises a base 17 which couples the spout 4 to the body 2 around the designated pouring opening and / or is configured to couple the spout 4 to the body 2 around the designated pouring opening, in particular to the second wall portion 8 .

[0053] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the lid and spout assembly 3, in particular the spout 4, the coupling ring 5, the lid 6 and the hinge element 10, are formed and / or molded from a polymer. Preferably, the lid 6, the hinge element 10 and the coupling ring 5 are molded and / or molded separately from the spout 4.

[0054] In more detail, the collar 16 extends along the longitudinal axis F (in particular parallel to the axis A) and carries (includes) the pouring outlet 15 at a first axial end of the collar 16 itself and carries an inlet opening for the pourable product at a second axial end of the collar 16 itself, opposite to the first axial end. In particular, the collar 16 defines (and / or includes) a flow channel 19 for the pourable product extending between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet 15. In use, the collar 16 is configured so as to receive the pourable product from the interior space 9 through the inlet opening and to cause the pourable product to flow out of the pouring outlet 15.

[0055] Preferably, the collar 16 includes an inner surface 20 defining the flow channel 19 and an outer surface 21 opposite the inner surface 20 .

[0056] In particular, the collar 16 has a tubular configuration.

[0057] Even more particularly, the collar 16 has, relative to a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis F, an annular cross-sectional profile.

[0058] Preferably, the articulation axis E and the longitudinal axis F are transverse, in particular perpendicular to each other.

[0059] Preferably, the coupling ring 5 is arranged around at least a portion of the collar 16. In particular, the coupling ring 5 is rotatable around the longitudinal axis F.

[0060] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cover 6 is controllable between at least the following configurations:

[0061] a closed configuration, wherein the lid 6 is configured to cover and / or cover the pouring outlet 15 , in particular for preventing the pourable product from flowing out of the pouring outlet 15 ; and

[0062] an open configuration, wherein the lid 6 is configured to be detached from and / or removed from the pouring outlet 15 , in particular for allowing the pourable product to flow out through the pouring outlet 15 .

[0063] Preferably, the lid 6 is in a first angular position and a second angular position relative to the hinge axis E when controlled in the closed configuration and the open configuration, respectively. In particular, the lid 6 can be controlled between the closed configuration and the open configuration and between the first angular position and the second angular position by means of a purely angular movement of the lid 6 about the hinge axis E.

[0064] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, pure angular movement means that, in order to angularly move the lid 6 about the hinge axis E, no rotation of the lid 6 about a central axis parallel to (in particular coaxial with) the longitudinal axis F is required when the lid 6 is in the closed configuration. In other words, the angular movement of the lid 6 about the hinge axis E can be actuated when the lid 6 is angularly fixed relative to the central axis. According to this definition, the angular movement is not a pure angular movement if the angular movement of the lid 6 is actuated by means of a rotation about the central axis.

[0065] It should be noted that the package 1 is in an initial configuration immediately after its formation (with the lid 6 in a closed configuration). The package 1 is distributed and / or sold to consumers in the initial configuration.

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the lid 6 includes a top wall 22 and a side wall 23, wherein the top wall 22 is configured to cover the pouring spout 15 when the lid 6 is controlled in the closed configuration, and the side wall 23 protrudes from the top wall 22 and is configured to at least partially surround the collar 16 when the lid 6 is arranged in the closed configuration.

[0067] Preferably, the top wall 22 and the side wall 23 define an interior space having a (substantially) cylindrical shape. In particular, the interior space accommodates at least a portion of the collar 16 (and the flow channel 19) when the cover 6 is arranged in the closed configuration.

[0068] In particular, the side wall 23 includes an inner surface 24 that faces the inner surface 20 of the collar 16 when the lid 6 is arranged in the closed configuration.

[0069] Preferably, the lid 6 further comprises a sealing ring 25 protruding from the top wall 22. In particular, the sealing ring 25 is configured to interact with the collar 16 so as to laterally seal the pouring spout 15 when the lid 6 is in the closed configuration.

[0070] In particular, when the lid 6 is in the closed configuration, the sealing ring 25 projects into the flow channel 19 and laterally contacts the edge of the pouring outlet 15 delimiting the collar 16 .

[0071] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the lid and spout assembly 3 also includes an opening device 28, which is coupled to the lid 6 and is configured to at least partially open and / or cut and / or break and / or remove the separating membrane during the first control of the lid 9 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0072] According to the non-limiting embodiment shown, the opening device 28 comprises a (polymer) cover layer fused and / or connected to the separating membrane and / or at least partially defining the separating membrane, and a coupling member connected to the cover layer and to the lid 6. In use, an angular movement of the lid 6 about the hinge axis E also causes an angular movement of the cover layer and the separating membrane about the hinge axis E.

[0073] Alternatively, the opening means 28 may be in the form of a cutter, or the strapping element may be connected and / or fused to the separating film and the consumer may remove it from the package 1 together with the separating film.

[0074] Preferably, the lid and spout assembly 3 further comprises one or more rupturable coupling bridges 29 connecting the coupling ring 5 and the lid 6 to each other. The coupling bridges 29 are designed to be irreversibly ruptured during the first control of the lid 6 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In this way, the lid and spout assembly 3 provides an anti-tamper function.

[0075] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5The lid and spout assembly 3 includes an interactive assembly 30 that is partially associated with the collar 16 and partially associated with the lid 6 and is designed to determine a threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid 6 from the closed configuration to the open configuration in use. In particular, the interactive assembly 30 is designed so that a consumer needs to apply an opening force to the lid 6 that is greater than the threshold force in order to angularly move the lid 6 about the hinge axis E and from the first angular position to the second angular position.

[0076] In particular, the threshold force makes it possible to avoid any unwanted and / or undesired control of the lid 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position, which control could lead to an unwanted and / or undesired outflow of the pourable product from the pouring outlet 15 .

[0077] Partially associated means, in particular, that a portion of the interactive component 30 is associated, in particular connected, to the collar 16 , while another portion is associated, in particular connected, to the cover 6 .

[0078] Preferably, the interactive component 30 is further configured to determine an auxiliary threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid 6 from the open configuration to the closed configuration in use, whereby the threshold force is greater than the auxiliary threshold force. In particular, the interactive component 30 is configured to facilitate angular movement of the lid 6 from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0079] Special References Figures 2 to 5 , the interaction assembly 30 comprises an interaction element 31 associated with the collar 16 and an interaction element 32 associated with the cover 6. In particular, the interaction element 31 and the interaction element 32 are configured to interact with each other in order to define a threshold force, in particular an auxiliary threshold force.

[0080] Preferably, the interactive member 31 and the interactive element 32 are configured to interact with each other to determine the threshold force during the angular movement of the cover 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position, in particular to interact with each other to determine the auxiliary threshold force during the angular movement from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0081] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the interaction member 31 is connected, in particular integrally connected, to the collar 16, in particular to the outer surface 21. Preferably, the interaction member 31 protrudes (radially) from (away from) the outer surface 21. In particular, the interaction member 31 protrudes in a direction radially away from the longitudinal axis F.

[0082] Preferably, the interaction member 31 is annular. In particular, the interaction member 31 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis F.

[0083] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the interaction element 32 is connected, in particular integrally connected, to the cover 6 , in particular to a front portion 33 of the cover 6 opposite the rear portion 11 .

[0084] Note that the terms "rear" and "front" can be understood in the context of how the consumer holds the package 1 at least during the first manipulation of the lid 6 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In this case, the front 33 is between the consumer and the rear 11.

[0085] Note also that the rear portion 11 is defined as the portion of the cover 6 that is in contact with the hinge element 10 , while the front portion 33 is the portion of the cover 6 opposite the rear portion 10 .

[0086] Preferably, the interaction element 32 is connected to the side wall 23, in particular the inner surface 24. Even more particularly, the interaction element 32 protrudes away from the inner surface 24 (and towards the outer surface 21 when the lid 6 is in the closed configuration).

[0087] Preferably, the interactive element 32 is positioned within the interior space.

[0088] Preferably, the interaction member 31 includes a first sliding surface 34 , in particular a second sliding surface 35 opposite to the first sliding surface 34 .

[0089] Preferably, the interaction element 32 comprises a first engagement surface 36 and in particular a second engagement surface 37 .

[0090] In particular, the interaction member 31 and the interaction element 32 are configured such that the first sliding surface 34 and the first engagement surface 36 interact with each other during control of the lid 6 from the closed configuration to the open configuration and / or during movement of the lid 6 about the hinge axis E from the first angular position to the second angular position.

[0091] In more detail and with particular reference to Figure 4 During application of an opening force to angularly move the cover 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position, the first engagement surface 36 abuts against the first sliding surface 34 when the opening force is lower than or equal to a threshold force, thereby preventing the angular movement of the cover 6, and slides over the first sliding surface 34 when the opening force exceeds the threshold force.

[0092] In more detail and with particular reference to Figure 5 , during application of the closing force to angularly move the cover 6 from the second angular position to the first angular position, the second engagement surface 37 slides on the second sliding surface 35 , in particular when the closing force exceeds the auxiliary threshold force.

[0093] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first sliding surface 34 has a first slope and the second sliding surface 35 has a second slope that is greater than the first slope.

[0094] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first engagement surface 36 and corresponding (imaginary) projections of the first sliding surface 34 intersect to define an angle of between 10° and 30° when the lid 6 is arranged in the closed configuration.

[0095] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the interaction element 32 comprises a main wall 38 transverse to, in particular (substantially) perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis F and carrying the first engagement surface 36 .

[0096] Preferably, the wall 38 has a plate-like shape.

[0097] Preferably, the interactive element 32 further comprises one or more auxiliary walls 39 transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the main wall 38 .

[0098] In particular, the auxiliary wall 39 is (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis F when the lid 6 is controlled in the closed configuration.

[0099] In particular, the auxiliary walls 39 are connected to the main wall 38 at respective first ends of the auxiliary walls 39 .

[0100] Preferably, the respective radial extension of the auxiliary walls 39 (relative to a central axis of the lid 6 parallel to the longitudinal axis F when the lid 6 is in the closed configuration) is greater at the respective first end than at the respective second end, opposite to the respective first end, of the respective auxiliary wall 39. In particular, each auxiliary wall 39 is arranged such that the respective first end is closer to the top wall 22 than the respective second end.

[0101] In particular, the main wall 38 is interposed between the top wall 22 and the auxiliary wall 39 .

[0102] Preferably, each auxiliary wall 39 comprises a respective side surface 40 facing the outer surface 21 when the lid 6 is in the closed configuration.

[0103] Preferably, the auxiliary wall 39 carries at least a portion of the second engagement surface 37. In particular, the side surface 40 defines at least a portion of the second engagement surface 37.

[0104] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 5 , the sealing ring 25 is designed so that, in use, during the manipulation of the lid 6 from the closed configuration to the open configuration and immediately after the first engagement surface 36 is disengaged from the first sliding surface 34, a kind of hole is defined between the sealing ring 25 and the collar 16 so as to allow air to enter the flow channel 19. This is advantageous so that the portion of the pourable product present in the flow channel 19 (after the lid 6 is first manipulated from the closed configuration to the open configuration) can flow back into the body 2.

[0105] In use, the outflow of the pourable product from the package 1 requires the lid 6 to be controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration. This means that the consumer needs to exert an opening force on the lid 6 to move the lid 6 angularly about the hinge axis E from the first angular position to the second angular position.

[0106] However, the opening force must exceed a threshold force in order to successfully move the lid 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position, otherwise the interaction assembly 30 ensures that the lid 6 remains in the closed configuration (and in the first angular position).

[0107] The first time the lid 6 is controlled from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the opening means 28 are also actuated in such a way that the separation membrane loses its integrity and the pourable product can flow out of the inner space 9 .

[0108] Furthermore, the coupling bridge 29 is also broken.

[0109] When manipulating the lid 6 from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the consumer must apply a closing force that must exceed the auxiliary threshold force in order for the lid 6 to move from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0110] The advantages of the lid and spout assembly 3 and / or the packaging 1 according to the present invention will become apparent from the foregoing description.

[0111] In particular, any undesired angular movement of the cover 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position is avoided by providing the interaction assembly 30. In order to angularly move the cover 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position, a required opening force needs to be applied.

[0112] A particular advantage is to position the interaction element 32 so that it is opposite the articulation element 10 .

[0113] A further advantage is to design the interaction assembly 30 such that the auxiliary threshold force is lower than the threshold force for facilitating the angular movement of the cover 6 from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0114] Another advantage is that any undesirable movement of the lid 6 from the closed configuration to the open configuration is avoided. This is particularly advantageous in that the lid 6 is moved to the open configuration due to the package 1 falling.

[0115] Yet another advantage is that a "click" sound is produced during the angular movement of the lid 6 from the open configuration to the closed configuration due to the interaction of the interaction member 31 and the interaction element 32. This gives the user an audible indication that the lid has been controlled to be in the closed configuration.

[0116] Obviously, changes may be made to the lid and spout assembly 3 and / or the packaging 1 as described herein without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A lid and spout assembly (3) for a package (1) having a designated pouring opening and filled with a pourable product, the package (1) comprising an interior space (9) configured to accommodate the pourable product; The lid and spout assembly (3) comprises at least: - a spout (4) having a collar (16) carrying a pouring spout (15), said collar (16) comprising an inner surface (20) and an outer surface (21) opposite said inner surface (20); - a coupling ring (5) arranged around a portion of the collar (16); - a lid (6) configured to selectively close and open the pouring spout (15); as well as - an articulation element (10) which articulates the cover (6) to the coupling ring (5) and defines an articulation axis (E) about which the cover (6) is angularly movable; wherein the cover (6) is controllable between at least the following configurations: - a closed configuration in which the lid (6) is in a first angular position relative to the hinge axis (E), and the cover (6) is configured to cover the pouring outlet (15); and - an open configuration in which the lid (6) is in a second angular position relative to the hinge axis (E), and the lid (6) is configured to open the pouring outlet (15); wherein the lid and spout assembly (3) is designed such that the lid (6) is controllable between the closed configuration and the open configuration by means of angular movement about the hinge axis (E); The cover (6) comprises: a top wall (22) configured to cover the pouring spout (15) when the lid (6) is controlled in the closed configuration, a side wall (23) projecting from the top wall (22) and configured to at least partially surround the collar (16) when the lid (6) is arranged in the closed configuration, a sealing ring (25) protruding from the top wall (22); wherein the lid and spout assembly (3) comprises an interaction assembly (30), the interaction assembly (30) being partially associated with the collar (16) and partially associated with the lid (6); the interaction assembly (30) comprising an interaction member (31) associated with the collar (16) and an interaction element (32) associated with the lid (6), the interaction member (31) protruding from an outer surface (21) of the collar (16); wherein the interaction assembly (30) is designed to determine a threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid (6) from the closed configuration to the open configuration in use; wherein the interaction member (31) and the interaction element (32) are configured to interact with each other to define the threshold force; wherein the collar (16) extends along a longitudinal axis (F); wherein the interaction element (32) comprises a main wall (38) transverse to the longitudinal axis (F) and carrying a first engagement surface (36), wherein the interaction element (32) further comprises one or more auxiliary walls (39) transverse to the main wall (38); wherein the sealing ring (25), when the lid (6) is in the closed configuration, is configured to interact with the collar (16) so as to laterally seal the pouring spout (15), protrudes into a flow passage (19) defined by an inner surface (20) of the collar (16), and Laterally contacts the edge of the pouring outlet (15) defining the collar (16).

2. A lid and spout assembly according to claim 1, wherein the interaction assembly (30) is further designed to determine an assist threshold force that needs to be exceeded in order to control the lid (6) from the open configuration to the closed configuration in use; The threshold force is greater than the auxiliary threshold force.

3. The lid and spout assembly according to claim 1, wherein the interaction member (31) comprises a first sliding surface (34), and the interaction element (32) comprises a first engagement surface (36); wherein the first sliding surface (34) and the first engaging surface (36) are designed such that during application of an opening force to angularly move the cover (6) from the first angular position to the second angular position, the first engaging surface (36) abuts against the first sliding surface (34) to prevent angular movement when the opening force is less than or equal to the threshold force, and slides over the first sliding surface (34) when the opening force exceeds the threshold force.

4. The lid and spout assembly according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary wall (39) carries a second engagement surface (37) opposite the first engagement surface (36) and configured to engage and slide on a second sliding surface (35) of the interaction member (31) during control of the lid (6) from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

5. A lid and spout assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the interaction member (31) includes a first sliding surface (34), wherein when the lid (6) is arranged in the first angular position, the first engaging surface (36) and the protrusion of the first sliding surface (34) intersect to define an angle between 10° and 30°.

6. A lid and spout assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the interaction member (31) includes a first sliding surface (34), wherein the interaction member (31) includes a second sliding surface (35) opposite to the first sliding surface (34), and the interaction element (32) includes a second engagement surface (37), the second engagement surface (37) being opposite to the first engagement surface (36) and being configured to engage and slide on the second sliding surface (35) during control of the lid (6) from the open configuration to the closed configuration; wherein the second sliding surface (35) and the second engagement surface (37) are designed to facilitate the angular movement from the second angular position to the first angular position.

7. The lid and spout assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first sliding surface (34) has a first slope and the second sliding surface (35) has a second slope; The first slope is smaller than the second slope.

8. A lid and spout assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the interaction member (31) is annular.

9. The lid and spout assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top wall (22) is configured to cover the pouring outlet (15) when the lid (6) is in the first angular position; wherein the side wall (23) comprises an inner surface (24), and the inner surface (24) of the side wall (23) faces the outer surface (21) when the cover (6) is in the first angular position; The interactive element (32) protrudes from the inner surface (24) of the side wall (23).

10. A lid and spout assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hinge element (10) is connected to a rear portion (11) of the lid (6), and the interactive element (32) is connected to a front portion (33) of the lid (6) opposite to the rear portion (11).

11. A package (1) filled with a pourable product, said package (1) comprising at least one lid and spout assembly (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10.

12. The package of claim 11, and further comprising a separator film covering the designated pouring spout; The lid and spout assembly (3) is coupled to the package and surrounds the designated pouring outlet.

13. A package according to claim 12, wherein the lid and spout assembly (3) is fused and / or welded to the package and surrounds the designated pouring outlet.

14. The package according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the package further comprises a main body (2) having a designated pouring opening and formed from a multilayer composite packaging material.

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