Cap-spout assembly for a package and package having a cap-spout assembly

Abstract

A cap-spout assembly (3) for a package (1) is depicted, which has a designated pouring opening and is filled with a pourable product. The cap-spout assembly (3) comprises at least: a collar (5); a coupling ring (6) arranged around a portion of the collar (5); a cap (7); and a connecting element (8) interconnecting the cap (7) and the coupling ring (6). The collar (5) comprises a first annular interaction ridge (30); and the coupling ring (6) has at least one fin (33) comprising at least one engagement surface (34) abutting and / or designed to abut against an abutment surface (35) of the first annular interaction ridge (30). The collar (5) further comprises a second annular interaction ridge protruding from an outer surface (16) of the collar (5) and axially displaced from the first annular interaction ridge (30). The fin (33) further comprises at least one contact surface (36) designed to interact and / or the contact surface (36) interacts with a guiding surface (43) of the second annular interaction ridge (31) to direct the engagement surface (34) towards and / or abut against the abutment surface (35).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, filled with a pourable product, even more particularly a package filled with 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 particularly a package filled with a pourable food product, and comprising a cap-spout assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature-treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in the form of packages, in particular sealed packages, made of packaging material that has been sterilized.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a multilayer structure comprising a paperboard and / or paper base layer, covered on both sides with layers of heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for long-storage products, the packaging material also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil, which is superimposed on the layer of heat-seal plastic material, which is then covered with a further layer of heat-seal plastic material, which forms the inner face of the package that is in final contact with the food product.

[0005] Some known packages, in particular the sealed body of the package formed by the packaging material, comprise a designated pouring opening that allows the pourable product to be poured out of the package. Typically, the designated pouring opening is covered by a barrier membrane that isolates the interior space of the package from the external environment, and the integrity of which needs to be broken before the first pouring of the pourable product to enable the pourable product to be poured out through the designated pouring opening. It is also known to arrange a cap-spout assembly on the body around the designated pouring opening to allow a controlled outflow of the pourable product.

[0006] There are known cap-spout assemblies comprising a spout having a collar provided with a pouring outlet, a coupling ring arranged around the collar, a cap configured to allow the selective closing and opening of the pouring outlet, and a tethering element tethering the coupling ring and the cap to each other.

[0007] In order to ensure that, in use, the coupling ring and the cap remain coupled with the collar, the collar is provided with an annular ridge, and the connecting ring is provided with a plurality of counter-ridges that radially project from the inner face of the connecting ring and are configured to interact with the annular ridge of the collar so as to limit the axial movement of the coupling ring once the coupling ring is connected to the collar.

[0008] Despite the satisfactory operation of these kinds of cap-spout assemblies, some inconveniences are encountered.

[0009] For example, in the case where the collar is made of a soft material such as LDPE, the retaining force provided by the interaction between the annular ridge and the opposite ridge of the coupling ring is limited. In particular, the radial extension of the annular ridge has to be limited so that the coupling ring can be coupled onto the collar, however, this results in a limited restraining force.

[0010] Therefore, there is a desire in the art to provide an improved cap-spout assembly.

[0011] In particular, there is a desire in the art to provide a cap-spout assembly which allows a good restraining force, even more particularly which is suitable for collars made of hard materials as well as for collars made of soft materials. SUMMARY

[0012] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide, in a simple and low cost manner, an improved cap-spout assembly for a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, filled with a pourable product, even more particularly a pourable food product, thereby at least solving one of the above-mentioned inconveniences.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide, in a simple and low cost manner, a package, in particular a package having a sealed body, filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, having a cap-spout assembly, thereby at least solving one of the above-mentioned inconveniences.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is provided a cap-spout assembly for a package, comprising at least: a collar with a pouring outlet and having an outer surface; a coupling ring arranged around a portion of the collar; a cap configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet; and a connecting element interconnecting the cap and the coupling ring; wherein the collar comprises a first annular interaction ridge protruding from the outer surface of the collar; wherein the coupling ring comprises an inner surface facing the outer surface and having at least one fin connected to and protruding from the inner surface; wherein the fin comprises at least one engagement surface abutting and / or designed to abut against an abutment surface of the first annular interaction ridge; wherein the collar further comprises a second annular interaction ridge protruding from the outer surface of the collar and axially displaced from the first annular interaction ridge; wherein the fin further comprises at least one contact surface designed to interact with and / or the contact surface interacts with a guiding surface of the second annular interaction ridge in order to direct the engagement surface towards and / or abut against the abutment surface.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments of the cap-spout assembly are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0016] According to the present application, there is also provided a package filled with a pourable product, comprising a cap-spout assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Non-limiting embodiments of the present application will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a package with a cap-spout assembly according to the present application, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity;

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the cap-spout assembly of Figure 1 , with some parts removed for the sake of clarity;

[0020] Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of some details of the cap-spout assembly of Figure 1 , with some parts removed for the sake of clarity; and

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of details of the cap-spout assembly of Figure 1 , with some parts removed for the sake of clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The numeral 1 designates an entire package (only partially shown to the extent necessary for understanding the present application), comprising:

[0023] - a sealed body 2, in particular a sealed carton package, which is filled and / or fillable with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and which 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

[0024] - a cap-spout assembly 3 coupled to the sealed body 2.

[0025] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 is obtained from a packaging material, in particular from a composite packaging material having a multi-layer structure (not shown and known per se).

[0026] Preferably, the packaging material is provided in the form of a (ring-shaped) web.

[0027] Preferably, the body 2 is obtained by forming a tube from the packaging material, longitudinally sealing the tube, filling the tube with the pourable product, shaping the tube, and transversely sealing and cutting the tube.

[0028] Preferably, the packaging material comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene layers, the fibrous material layer being interposed between the two layers of heat-seal plastic material. One of the two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner surface of the body 2 in contact with the pourable product.

[0029] Preferably, the packaging material further comprises a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminum foil and / or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material further comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material interposed between the layer of gas and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0030] In more detail, the cap-nozzle assembly 3 comprises at least:

[0031] - a nozzle 4 having a collar 5 arranged and / or arrangeable around the designated pouring opening;

[0032] - a coupling ring 6 arranged and / or arrangeable around the collar 5;

[0033] - a cap 7; and

[0034] - a connecting element 8 (permanently) connecting the cap 7 and the coupling ring 6 to each other.

[0035] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the nozzle 4 is applied to the packaging 1 before, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of the body 2.

[0036] Alternatively, the nozzle 4 can be applied to the packaging material before arranging the packaging material within the packaging machine or during the advancement of the packaging material through the packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing the body 2 from the packaging material.

[0037] In particular, the nozzle 4 is applied to the packaging material or to the body 2 by a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding and / or fusion.

[0038] Preferably, the coupling ring 6 and the cap 7 are coupled to the nozzle 4 before or after the nozzle 4 is applied to the body 2 or to the packaging material.

[0039] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cap-nozzle assembly 3, in particular the nozzle 4, the coupling ring 6, the cap 7 and the connecting element 8, are formed and / or molded from a polymer. Preferably, the cap 7, the connecting element 8 and the coupling ring 6 are molded separately from the nozzle 4. Even more preferably, the cap 7, the connecting element 8 and the coupling ring 6 are molded as a single piece.

[0040] With particular reference to Figure 1, the body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis, a first transversal axis and a second transversal axis. In particular, the extension of the package 1 along its longitudinal axis is greater than the extension of the package 1 along its first and second transversal axes.

[0041] Preferably, the body 2 is cuboid-shaped.

[0042] In more detail, the body 2 comprises a first wall portion (not shown and known per se) which, in particular, is transversal, even more particularly perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the body 2. Preferably, the first wall portion defines a support surface of the package 1, in particular of the body 2, which is designed to come into contact with a support, for example with a shelf, when in use, for example when exposed within a point of sale, or when stored. In particular, the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion when arranged on a support.

[0043] Even more in detail, the body 2 further comprises a plurality of side walls 9 which are (fixedly) connected to and extend from the first wall portion, in particular substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0044] Furthermore, the body 2 comprises a second wall portion 10 opposite the first wall portion and (fixedly) connected to at least some of the side walls 9. In particular, the side walls 9 are interposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion 10. In particular, the second wall portion 10 defines a top wall portion when the first wall portion is arranged on a support.

[0045] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first wall portion and the second wall portion 10 can be parallel to each other.

[0046] According to some non-limiting alternative embodiments not shown, the first wall portion and the second wall portion 10 can be inclined with respect to each other.

[0047] Preferably, the second wall portion 10 carries and / or comprises the designated pouring opening.

[0048] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the body 2 comprises a separation film (not shown and known per se) which covers the designated pouring opening. In particular, the separation film separates the inner space of the body 2 from the outer environment in the region of, in particular at, the designated pouring opening. Preferably, the separation film contains a gas and light barrier material, for example an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0049] In particular, during the first use (see more details below), the separation film is at least partially removed and / or pierced and / or opened and / or broken and / or cut to enable the flow of the pourable product out of the inner space of the body 2.

[0050] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular by a portion of the packaging material layer different from the fibrous material layer.

[0051] With particular reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the collar 5 carries and / or comprises a pouring outlet 15 configured so that the pourable product can flow out of the package 1.

[0052] More in detail, the collar 5 comprises an outer surface 16 and, in particular, also an inner surface 17 opposite the outer surface 16.

[0053] Furthermore, the collar 5 extends along a (longitudinal) central axis A and delimits a flow channel 18 for the pourable product extending along the central axis A. In particular, the inner surface 17 faces and / or delimits the flow channel 18.

[0054] In particular, the collar 5 has a tubular conformation.

[0055] Even more in particular, the collar 5 has a ring-shaped cross-sectional profile with respect to a cross section perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0056] More in detail, the collar 5 carries the pouring outlet 15 at a first axial end of the collar 5 and carries an inlet opening for the pourable product at a second axial end of the collar 5 opposite the first axial end. In particular, the flow channel 18 extends between the inlet opening and the pouring outlet 15. In use, the collar 5 is configured to receive the pourable product from the inner space of the main body 2 through the inlet opening and to make the pourable product flow out of the pouring outlet 15.

[0057] Preferably, the nozzle 4 also comprises a base frame 19 coupled to and / or configured to couple the nozzle 4 to the main body 2, in particular to the second wall portion 10, around the designated pouring opening.

[0058] More in detail, the collar 5 is (integrally) connected to the base frame 19 and (axially) extends from the base frame 19.

[0059] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cap 7 is configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet 15. In particular, the cap 7 is controllable at least between:

[0060] - a closed configuration (see Figure 1 and 3 ), in which the cap 7 is configured to cover and / or cover the pouring outlet 15, in particular so as to prevent the pourable product from flowing out of the pouring outlet 15; and

[0061] - an open configuration (not shown), in which the cap 7 is configured to and / or is separated from the pouring outlet 15, in particular allowing the pourable product to flow out through the pouring outlet 15.

[0062] According to Figures 1 to 4 the specific embodiments disclosed in the present patent application, the lid 7 is angularly movable about a hinge axis B (see Figure 2 ) defined by the connecting element 8, so as to control the lid 7 between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0063] More in detail, when the lid 7 is controlled in the closed configuration and in the open configuration, respectively, the lid 7 is in a first angular position and in a second angular position with respect to the hinge axis B.

[0064] It should be noted that the package 1 is in an initial configuration immediately after its formation, in which the lid 7 is in the closed configuration. The package 1 is distributed and / or marketed to the consumer while it is in the initial configuration.

[0065] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4 , the lid 7 comprises a top wall 20 and a side wall 21 protruding from the top wall 20.

[0066] More in detail, the top wall 20 is configured to cover and / or to cover the pouring outlet 15, with the lid 7 controlled in the closed configuration, and the side wall 21 is configured to at least partially surround and / or to surround the collar 5, with the lid 7 arranged in the closed configuration.

[0067] Preferably, the top wall 20 and the side wall 21 delimit an internal space having a (substantially) cylindrical shape. In particular, the internal space at least accommodates a portion of the collar 5 (and of the flow channel 18), with the lid 7 arranged in the closed configuration.

[0068] With particular reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the lid-nozzle assembly 3 further comprises an opening device 22 coupled to the lid 7 and configured to at least partially open and / or to cut and / or to break and / or to remove the separation film during the first time control of the lid 7 from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0069] According to the non-limiting embodiments shown, the opening device 22 comprises a (polymeric) covering layer which is fused and / or connected to the separation film and / or at least partially delimits the separation film, and a coupling member connected to the covering layer and to the lid 7. In use, the movement of the lid 7 also causes the movement of the covering layer and therefore of the separation film.

[0070] Alternatively, the opening device 22 can be in the form of a cutter, or the tying element can be connected and / or fused to the separation film, so that the consumer can take out the tying element together with the separation film from the package 1.

[0071] Further, the cap-nozzle assembly 3 comprises one or more breakable coupling bridges 23 that mutually connect the coupling ring 6 and the cap 7. The coupling bridges 23 are designed to irreversibly break during the first control of the cap 7 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In this way, the cap-nozzle assembly 3 provides a tamper-evidence function.

[0072] With specific reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 the coupling ring 6 comprises an inner surface 24 facing the outer surface 16, wherein the coupling ring 6 is coupled to the collar 5.

[0073] Preferably, the coupling ring 6 comprises a central axis C, in particular parallel to the central axis A, even more in particular coaxial, wherein the coupling ring 6 is coupled to (arranged on) the collar 5.

[0074] Further, the coupling ring 6 is rotatably coupled to the collar 5, suitable to rotate around the central axis C.

[0075] Advantageously and with specific reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 the cap-nozzle assembly 3 comprises a retention group configured to ensure that, once the coupling ring 6 has been arranged around and / or coupled to the collar 5, the coupling ring 6 remains coupled to the collar 5, in particular during normal use of the cap-nozzle assembly 3. It should be noted that normal use is defined by exerting the force required to move the cap 7 between the closed configuration and the open configuration, in particular without exerting significantly higher forces than required. Further, during normal use, the consumer does not rely on specific tools to remove the coupling ring 6 from the collar 5.

[0076] As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the retention group is partly associated with the coupling ring 6 and partly associated with the collar 5. In other words, the part of the coupling ring 6 and the part of the collar 5 combine to define the retention group.

[0077] In particular, the retention group is configured to delimit axial movement (along the central axis C and / or the central axis A) of the coupling ring 6.

[0078] More in detail, the collar 5 comprises a first annular interaction ridge 30 and a second annular interaction ridge 31, in particular axially (with respect to the central axis A) displaced from the first annular interaction ridge 30, and both the first annular interaction ridge 30 and the second annular interaction ridge 31 protrude (radially) from the outer surface 16.

[0079] In particular, the first annular interaction ridge 30 and the second annular interaction ridge 31 delimit and / or define a recess 32.

[0080] Moreover, the recess 32 is devoid of any other element.

[0081] In particular, the first annular interaction ridge 30 is closer (axially) to the pouring outlet 15 than the second annular interaction ridge 31.

[0082] In particular, the first annular interaction ridge 30 and the second annular interaction ridge 31 define a first portion of a retention group.

[0083] Moreover, the coupling ring 6 comprises at least one (elastically movable and / or deflectable) flap 33 connected to and protruding from the inner surface 24. In particular, the flap 33 defines a second portion of the retention group.

[0084] In more detail, the flap 33 comprises at least one engagement surface 34 abutting and / or designed to abut an abutment surface 35 of the first annular interaction ridge 30 and a contact surface 36 designed to interact with and / or interacted by a guide surface 43 of the second annular interaction ridge 31 (which is positioned transversely with respect to the engagement surface 34) so as to guide the engagement surface 34 against the abutment surface 35.

[0085] In particular, the interaction between the flap 33 and the first annular interaction ridge 30 causes the coupling ring 6 to remain (at least during normal use of the cap-nozzle assembly 3) coupled to (arranged on) the collar 5. It should be noted that, in normal use, the user cannot detach the coupling ring 6 from the collar 5, thus guaranteeing that the cap 7 and the coupling ring 6 remain coupled to the collar 5. Moreover, the flap 33 and the guide surface 43 of the second annular interaction ridge 31 are configured to interact so that the engagement surface 34 abuts against the abutment surface 35, i.e. they act as a guide system of the retention group.

[0086] In more detail, the flap 33 comprises a fixed end portion 37 fixed to the inner surface 24 and a free end portion 38 opposite the fixed end portion 37 and carrying and / or having the engagement surface 34.

[0087] In particular, the flap 33 is elastically movable and / or deflectable and is configured so that the free end portion 38 can approach towards the inner surface 24 and retract away from the inner surface 24. In other words, the flap 33 is elastically movable and is configured so that the free end portion 38 can retract away from the outer surface 16 and approach towards the outer surface 16.

[0088] Moreover, the fixed end portion 37 defines a pivot about which the flap 33 can be angularly moved. In particular, the free end portion 38 can be angularly moved with respect to the fixed end portion 37.

[0089] Advantageously, the flap 33 is configured so that the free end portion 38 is biased away from the inner surface 24 and the interaction between the flap 33, in particular the contact surface 36, and the second annular interaction ridge 31, in particular the guide surface 43, causes the flap 33, in particular the free end portion 38, to be positioned towards the inner surface 24. In other words, the flap 33 is designed to act like a spring.

[0090] In particular, the fixed end portion 37 acts as a hinge.

[0091] Furthermore, the flap 33 is annular.

[0092] Preferably, the flap 33 comprises:

[0093] - a plurality of flap elements 39 angularly displaced from each other about the central axis C and each connected to the inner surface 24; and

[0094] - in particular, a plurality of connection elements 45 each connecting two adjacent flap elements 39 to each other.

[0095] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments and with particular reference to Figure 4 the engagement surface 34 and / or the free end portion 38 has a continuous shape and / or configuration and in particular assumes an annular shape.

[0096] In particular, each flap element 39 and each connection element 45 comprises and / or defines a portion of the engagement surface 34 and / or of the free end portion 38.

[0097] Furthermore, the fixed end portion 37 assumes a discontinuous configuration and / or shape. In particular, each flap element 39 comprises and / or defines a portion of the fixed end portion 37.

[0098] In particular, each flap element 39 comprises one respective flap element 39.

[0099] With particular reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 the cross section of the coupling ring 6 and of the flap 33, in particular with respect to a cross section containing the central axis C, is V-shaped or U-shaped.

[0100] Preferably, the flap 33 extends from the inner surface 24 towards the top wall 20, in particular in the case where the lid 7 is in the closed configuration. In particular, the free end portion 38 is closer to the top wall 20 than the fixed end portion 37 (axially).

[0101] More in detail, the coupling ring 6 comprises a first edge 40 and a second edge 41 opposite the first edge 40 and the inner surface 24 interposed between the first edge 40 and the second edge 41. In particular, the connection element 8 is connected to the first edge 40.

[0102] Preferably, the fixed end portion 37 is connected to the inner surface 24 at and / or in the vicinity of the second edge 41.

[0103] With particular reference to Figure 3 , the abutment surface 35 faces the second annular interaction ridge 31.

[0104] Preferably, each of the first annular interaction ridge 30 and the second annular interaction ridge 31 comprises a respective fixed end connected to the outer surface 16 and a respective free end opposite the respective fixed end.

[0105] In particular, the contact surface 36 is configured to contact and / or contact the respective free end of the second annular interaction ridge 31.

[0106] Preferably, the respective free end of the second annular interaction ridge 31 is circular and / or presents a circular shape.

[0107] Moreover, the respective free end of the second annular interaction ridge 31 comprises a guide surface 43, in particular a guide surface 43 having a circular shape.

[0108] With particular reference to Figure 3 , the first radial extension of the first annular interaction ridge 30 is greater than the second radial extension of the second annular interaction ridge 31. In particular, the first radial extension and the second radial extension are from the central axis A to the respective free end and considering a radial axis perpendicular to the central axis A.

[0109] In other words, the respective maximum radius of the first annular interaction ridge 30 is greater than the respective maximum radius of the second annular interaction ridge 31.

[0110] Even in other words, the respective free end of the first annular interaction ridge 30 is closer to the inner surface 24 than the respective free end of the second annular interaction ridge 31.

[0111] Preferably, the first annular interaction ridge 30 comprises a sliding surface 42 transversal to the abutment surface 35 and configured to interact with the flap 33 during coupling of the coupling ring 6 around the collar 5. In particular, the sliding surface 42 is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the central axis A so as to facilitate coupling of the coupling ring 6 around the collar 5.

[0112] In particular, the portion of the sliding surface 42 located at the respective fixed end of the first annular interaction ridge 30 is closer to the pouring outlet 15 and / or to the top wall 20 (with the lid 7 in the closed configuration) than the portion of the sliding surface 42 located at the respective free end of the first annular interaction ridge 30. In use, during the coupling of the coupling ring 6 onto the collar 5, the flap 33 is deflected by the interaction with the sliding surface 42 so that the free end portion 38 approaches the inner surface 24.

[0113] In use, the pouring of the pourable product out of the package 1 requires the control of the lid 7 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. This means that the consumer needs to exert an opening force on the lid 7.

[0114] The interaction between the flap 33 and the first annular interaction ridge 30 as well as the second annular interaction ridge 31 guarantees that the coupling ring 6 remains coupled around the collar 5.

[0115] The interaction between the flap 33 and the sliding surface 42 facilitates the installation of the collar 5 during the installation of the coupling ring 6 around the collar 5.

[0116] The advantages of the lid-spout assembly 3 and / or the package 1 according to the present application will become clear from the preceding description.

[0117] In particular, by providing a flap 33 that interacts with both the first annular interaction ridge 30 and the second annular interaction ridge 31, a high retention force is obtained that guarantees that the coupling ring 6 is coupled around the collar 5. The interaction between the flap 33 and the second annular interaction ridge 31 directs the free end portion 38 towards the inner surface 24, thereby reducing the gap between the flap 33 and the first annular interaction ridge 30.

[0118] Furthermore, by providing the second annular interaction ridge 31, it is ensured that the engagement surface 34 is always directed towards the abutment surface 35 also during the movement of the lid 7 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In particular, in this case, the lid 7 is rotated around the hinge axis B and the interaction of the flap 33 and / or the flap element 39 with the second annular interaction ridge 31 guarantees that the flap 33 and / or the flap element 39 arranged in the vicinity of the connecting element 8 is in contact with the first annular interaction ridge 30 and, on the other hand, also guarantees that the flap 33 and / or the flap element 39 arranged opposite the connecting element 8 is not rotated around the axis defined by the respective portion of the fixed end portion 37. This behavior is also ensured if the user exerts a force on the lid 7 when the open configuration has already been reached.

[0119] Furthermore, the present application is also applicable in cases when the collar 5 is obtained from a soft material such as LDPE.

[0120] Another advantage is that it allows to reduce the insertion force when mounting the coupling ring 6 around the collar 5. This behavior is in particular due to the elastic behavior of the fins 33 and their interaction with the sliding surface 42. This also allows to avoid the use of a slip agent during the mounting of the coupling ring 6 onto the collar 5.

[0121] Another advantage is that the presence of the fins 33, the first and second annular interaction ridges 30, 31 still allows the coupling ring 6 and the cap 7 to freely rotate around the central axis C.

[0122] Furthermore, the gap between the top wall 20 and / or the side wall 21 and the collar 5 is minimal.

[0123] Obviously, changes can be made to the cap-nozzle assembly 3 and / or the package 1 described herein without, however, departing from the scope of the protection as defined by the annexed claims.

Claims

1. A cap-spout assembly (3) for a package (1) having a designated pouring opening and filled with a pourable product; The cap-spout assembly (3) comprises at least: a collar (5) with a pouring outlet (15) and having an outer surface (16); a coupling ring (6) arranged around a portion of the collar (5); a cap (7) configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet (15); and a connecting element (8) interconnecting the cap (7) and the coupling ring (6), wherein the cap (7) is angularly movable around a hinge axis (B) defined by the connecting element (8); wherein the collar (5) comprises a first annular interaction ridge (30) protruding from the outer surface (16) of the collar (5); wherein the coupling ring (6) comprises an inner surface (24) facing the outer surface (16) and having at least one tab (33) connected to and protruding from the inner surface (24); wherein the tab (33) comprises at least one engagement surface (34) abutting and / or designed to abut an abutment surface (35) of the first annular interaction ridge (30); wherein the collar (5) further comprises a second annular interaction ridge protruding from the outer surface (16) of the collar (5) and axially displaced from the first annular interaction ridge (30); wherein the tab (33) further comprises at least one contact surface (36) designed to interact with and / or interacting with a guiding surface (43) of the second annular interaction ridge (31) so as to direct the engagement surface (34) towards and / or abut against the abutment surface (35); wherein the cap (7) comprises a top wall (20) and a side wall (21) protruding from the top wall (20); wherein the tab (33) extends from the inner surface (24) towards the top wall (20).

2. The cap-nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein, The tab (33) comprises a free end portion (38) and the tab (33) is resiliently movable so that the free end portion (38) can be brought close to the inner surface (24) and so that the free end portion (38) can be retracted away from the inner surface (24).

3. The cap-nozzle assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The abutment surface (35) faces the second annular interaction ridge (31).

4. The cap-nozzle assembly according to the preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tab (33) comprises a fixed end portion (37) fixed to the inner surface (24) and a free end portion (38) opposite the fixed end portion (37) and carrying and / or having the engagement surface (34).

5. The cap-nozzle assembly according to the preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second annular interaction ridge (31) comprises a fixed end connected to the outer surface (16) and a free end opposite the fixed end; wherein the contact surface (36) contacts and / or is designed to contact the free end.

6. The cap-nozzle assembly of claim 5, wherein, The free end is circular.

7. The cap-nozzle assembly according to the preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein, Said first annular interaction ridge (30) and said second annular interaction ridge (31) delimit and / or define a groove (32).

8. The cap-nozzle assembly of the preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein, Said first radial extension of said first annular interaction ridge (30) is greater than said second radial extension of said second annular interaction ridge (31).

9. The cap-nozzle assembly of the preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein, Said coupling ring (6) and said flap (33) have a cross-section which is V-shaped or U-shaped.

10. The cap-nozzle assembly of claim 9, wherein, Said first annular interaction ridge (30) comprises a sliding surface (42) transversal to said abutment surface (35), said sliding surface (42) being configured to interact with said flap (33) during coupling of said coupling ring (6) around said collar (5).

11. The cap-nozzle assembly of the preceding claim 1 or 2, wherein, Said engagement surface (34) is continuous.

12. Package (1) filled with a pourable product, comprising at least one cap-spout assembly (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

13. Package according to claim 12, further comprising a separating film covering the designated pouring opening; wherein, Said cap-spout assembly (3) is fused and / or welded and / or adhered and / or partially molded to said package (1) and around the designated pouring opening.

14. Package according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said package (1) further comprises a body (2) having a designated pouring opening and being formed of a multilayer composite packaging material.

Images