Neck and cap for food packaging

Abstract

A neck (20) for food packaging is disclosed. The neck (20) comprises a main body comprising: an upper portion (210) configured to be closed with a lid (30); a lower portion configured to be attached to a food packaging; a neck wall extending between the upper portion (210) and the lower portion along a main axis (A) of the neck (20), the neck wall (230) having a wall thickness in a direction (R) transverse to the main axis (A); and a tie-ribbon holding portion configured to hold the lid (30) to the neck (20) by a tie-ribbon (330), wherein an outer side surface of the neck wall is provided with a lid parking protrusion (231) having an extension in the direction (R) transverse to the main axis (A) which is less than 50% of the wall thickness.

Description

Neck and lid for food packaging Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the neck of a food package. It also relates to a lid configured to close the upper part of the neck. Furthermore, it relates to a neck and lid assembly for closing food packaging, and a food package including the neck and lid assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Many pourable foods, such as juice, milk, ketchup, and yogurt, are sold in food packaging made of sterile packaging materials. This is well known in the art. Food packaging may include closures configured to close the food packaging. Closures can be formed as resealable closures, allowing the food packaging to be opened and closed multiple times. Furthermore, it is well known in the art to use neck and lid devices as closures. The neck of the food packaging and the neck and lid device can be provided as a single piece by molding, or as two separate pieces molded together.

[0003] Although neck and cap assemblies, as well as the neck and cap themselves, have been used by customers in the food packaging industry for decades, there is still room for improvement. For example, the challenge with neck and cap assemblies today is to secure the tethered cap relative to the food packaging in a simple and effective way when the cap is in the open position.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a neck and lid device that can secure the lid when it is in the open position. There is also a need for a neck and lid device that can open and / or close food packaging in a simple and efficient manner. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to at least partially overcome one or more of the aforementioned limitations of the prior art. Specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a neck and lid device capable of securing the lid when it is in the open position. A neck and lid device capable of opening and / or closing food packaging in a simple and effective manner is also needed.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a neck for food packaging is provided, the neck including a body having an upper portion configured to be closed with a lid, a lower portion configured to be attached to the food packaging, and a neck wall extending between the upper and lower portions along a main axis of the neck, the neck wall having a wall thickness in a direction transverse to the main axis, and a strap retaining portion configured to retain a lid to the neck by a strap, wherein an outer surface of the neck wall is provided with a lid resting protrusion having an extension in a direction transverse to the main axis less than 100%, less than 75%, or less than 50% of the wall thickness.

[0007] The lid resting protrusion can be a rib, and its extension in the direction transverse to the main axis can be a rib extension in the direction transverse to the main axis. Here, "rib" should be understood as "lid resting protrusion". Similarly, "rib extension" can be understood as "lid resting protrusion extension", "rib thickness" can be understood as the "lid resting protrusion thickness", and so on.

[0008] The extension in the direction transverse to the main axis can be understood as the distance by which the rib protrudes from the surface of the neck wall.

[0009] The neck wall can be cylindrical. The direction transverse to the principal axis is also the radial direction of the neck wall. Therefore, ribs can extend in the radial direction of the neck wall.

[0010] In this document, it is preferred, but not mandatory, that the body is cylindrical. At least if so, the rib extensions are identical to the radial extensions seen in the radial direction. It should be noted that the body can be any geometry suitable for food packaging.

[0011] The ribs can extend radially relative to the main axis to secure the lower edge of the cover. Therefore, the ribs have radial extensions. Alternatively, it can be said that the ribs protrude from the outer surface of the neck wall. Or, it can be said that the ribs protrude radially.

[0012] Ribs can extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the neck wall. The longitudinal extension can have a vector extending transversely to the main axis of the neck. The longitudinal extension can also have a vector extending parallel to the main axis. This is, for example, when the rib is inclined relative to the main axis of the neck.

[0013] The neck can be fabricated using 3D printing. The advantage of this is that it allows for the simple and efficient production of the neck. The neck can be attached to the food packaging using an injection molding unit, where polyethylene is injected under high pressure onto both sides of the food packaging sleeve. Other suitable attachment methods or units can also be used to attach the neck to the food packaging. The neck and food packaging can be provided as a single piece through molding, or as two separate pieces molded together.

[0014] When the main body is closed with the lid, the food packaging is sealed and the lid is in the closed position. The closed position of the lid ensures the food is preserved within the packaging. When the lid is removed from the top of the main body, the food packaging opens and the lid is in the open position. The open position of the lid allows the food to be poured out of the packaging. The advantage of the neck is that when the food packaging is closed with the lid, it can be easily and efficiently opened by moving the lid from the closed position to the open position.

[0015] The advantage of the tie retainer is that it can hold the lid in place when it is in the open position. Another advantage of the tie retainer is that it can keep the tie at the neck when the connection between the tie and the lid is broken and the lid is moved to the open position.

[0016] In this text, "rib" should be interpreted as a small protrusion located on the outer surface of the neck wall. The term "small" should be interpreted as small relative to the wall thickness along the transverse direction to the principal axis.

[0017] The advantage of the neck is that it secures the lid when it is in the open position. Therefore, when the lid is open, its lower edge is positioned between adjacent ribs, which hold the lid in place. This facilitates pouring food out of the packaging without the lid obstructing the top of the food being poured out.

[0018] Another advantage of the neck is that, as the lid moves from the closed position to the open position, the lower edge of the lid can contact a rib provided on the outer surface of the neck wall. When the lower edge of the lid contacts the rib, a sound can and preferably is provided. The sound indicates that the lid is moving from the closed position to the open position. When the sound stops, the lid can and preferably is in the open position. The sound can be considered an acknowledgment sound indicating that the lid is in the open position and that food can be poured out of the food packaging. This helps to provide an efficient and user-friendly way to open food packaging, informing the user when the lid has moved between the closed and open positions and when it is in the open position.

[0019] Another advantage of the neck is that it allows for stability and saves on materials.

[0020] The ribs can be arranged along the main axis with a center-to-center distance of 0.4-0.8 mm. This is advantageous because, when the lid is in the open position, it allows the lid to be positioned between adjacent ribs. This is further advantageous because, when the lid is in the open position, the lid can be secured between adjacent ribs such that the ribs contact the lower edge of the lid. This is further advantageous for providing sound.

[0021] The ribs should ideally not be placed too close together. This could prevent the lid from fitting between adjacent ribs. Furthermore, if the ribs are too close together, the lid may not be able to contact the ribs, thus failing to provide sound. "Too close" in this context should be understood as a center-to-center distance of less than 0.4 mm. The ribs should also ideally not be placed too far apart. If the ribs are too far apart, no sound may be produced, and the lid may not be able to hold in place when in the open position. "Too far apart" in this context should be interpreted as a center-to-center distance greater than 0.8 mm.

[0022] The rib extension can be 0.05-0.20 mm. This allows the lid to be positioned simply and effectively between adjacent ribs. This further facilitates securing the lid in the open position. Therefore, if the rib extension is too small, the lid may slide on the ribs instead of being secured between them. In this text, "too small" should be interpreted as a rib extension less than 0.05 mm. If the rib extension is too large, it may be difficult to position the lid simply and effectively between adjacent ribs. Here, "too large" should be understood as a rib extension greater than 0.20 mm.

[0023] The outer surface of the neck wall may have at least three ribs. Preferably, the outer surface of the neck has five ribs.

[0024] The ribs can be arranged parallel to each other and extend around the circumference of the neck wall. This facilitates the easier placement of the lid along the entire circumference of the neck in the open position. Therefore, it allows food packaging to be opened in an efficient and flexible manner.

[0025] The ribs can have a thickness of 0.20-0.50 mm in the direction parallel to the main axis.

[0026] The outer surface of the neck wall may be provided with external threads for engaging the cover, wherein ribs may be arranged between the external threads. Ribs may be arranged in a direction transverse to the main shaft, between the external threads. Ribs may be arranged in a direction parallel to the main shaft, between the external threads.

[0027] External threads are typically designed as twisted helical patterns arranged on the outer surface of the neck wall. The advantage of external threads is that they allow for easy reception of the cap, preferably including internal threads. Preferably, the external threads on the neck engage the internal threads of the cap, thus securing the cap when it is in the closed position. Another advantage of external threads is that they allow the cap to seal tightly to the neck when it is in the closed position.

[0028] The external thread may have an external thread extension that extends transversely to the spindle direction, wherein the rib extension may be less than 50% of the external thread extension.

[0029] As described above, it is preferred, but not mandatory, that the body is cylindrical. At least in this case, the external thread extension is the same as the radial extension seen radially. By making the rib extension smaller than the external thread extension, the rib can be made not to interfere with the external thread, and vice versa. It should be noted that, as described above, the purpose of the rib is to secure the lid when it is in the open position and to provide sound when the lid moves from the closed position to the open position. As described above, the purpose of the external thread is to secure the lid when it is in the closed position.

[0030] The strap retainer may have the form of a flange extending around the body, wherein, as seen along the main axis, ribs may be arranged between the flange and the upper part of the body.

[0031] External threads can also be arranged between the flange and the upper part of the body, as seen along the main shaft.

[0032] The flange may have a flange extension in the transverse direction to the main axis, wherein the rib extension may be less than 25% of the flange extension.

[0033] As described above, the body is preferably, but not necessarily, cylindrical. At least in this case, the flange extension is the same as the radial extension as seen in the radial direction. By making the rib extension smaller than the flange extension, the rib can be made not to interfere with the flange, and vice versa.

[0034] According to a second aspect, a neck and lid device for sealing food packaging is provided, the neck and lid device including a neck according to a first aspect and a lid configured to be disposed on the neck, the lid including a top configured to close an upper portion of the neck, a lid wall extending from the top, and a strap configured to connect the lid to a strap retaining portion of the neck, such that the lid is secured to the neck when the lid is in an open position, wherein the strap is configured to pull the lower edge of the lid wall into contact with the neck wall when the lid is in the open position.

[0035] In this text, the lower edge of the lid wall is defined as part of the lid wall. It should be noted that the lower edge can also be considered an extension of the strap, which remains part of the lid even when open. The lower edge is configured to be arranged between adjacent ribs, as described above, to secure the lid when it is in the open position. Therefore, the neck and lid assembly is advantageous because it allows the lid to be secured relative to the neck when the lid is in the open position.

[0036] This is further advantageous because it allows for a simple and efficient way to close food packaging. This is also further advantageous because it allows for a simple and efficient way to open food packaging.

[0037] The strap can be configured to pull the lower edge of the lid wall into contact with the ribs when the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position. This facilitates contact between the lower edge of the lid and the ribs, thereby providing the sound described above when the lid is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0038] The straps allow the lower edge of the lid wall to be pulled into contact with the ribs, facilitating the placement of the lid in the desired position, i.e., between adjacent ribs, when the lid is in the open position. Therefore, the advantage of the straps is that they allow for simple and efficient control of the lid's movement and positioning.

[0039] Furthermore, the effects and features of the second aspect are substantially similar to those described above regarding the first aspect. However, the advantage of the neck is that it enables the realization of these effects and features when the lid is introduced. The advantage of the neck and lid assembly is that it allows these effects and features to occur.

[0040] The tether may include a first tether portion and a second tether portion, which may extend from the lower edge of the cover wall, on opposite sides of the lower edge and toward the tether retaining portion.

[0041] The advantage of this design is that it allows the strap to connect to the neck strap retainer on the opposite side of the neck. Therefore, when the lid is in the open position, it is secured relative to the neck in a simple and effective manner.

[0042] A further advantage is that the strap can be configured to pull down the lower edge of the cover wall to contact the rib, causing the cover to be pulled toward the neck, thereby securing the cover when it is in the open position.

[0043] The tether may include an annular portion that can be connected to a tether retainer.

[0044] The ring-shaped part can form a so-called tamper-evident ring, indicating whether the lid has been opened.

[0045] According to a third aspect, a lid for closing the neck of food packaging is provided, the lid comprising: a top for closing an upper portion of the neck; a lid wall extending from the top and having a lid end edge located on the opposite side of the top; a tie having a top edge attached to the lid end edge and configured to connect the lid to the neck tie retainer for securing the lid to the neck in the event of attachment of the tie to the lid end edge breaking, the tie having a bottom edge located on the opposite side of the top edge; a first cut located between the lid end edge and the top edge of the tie, the first cut separating the lid end edge from the tie at least 270° along the circumference of the tie; and a second cut located between at least a portion of the first cut and the bottom edge of the tie, the second cut cutting through the tie at 90°-270° along the circumference of the tie.

[0046] The cap is preferably integrally injection molded with the strap, which is coaxially connected to the cap itself via multiple breakable bridges (e.g., first and second cuts). Even if a bridge breaks and the cap is unscrewed, the strap remains engaged with the neck. Therefore, when the connection between the strap and the cap's end edge breaks, the multiple breakable bridges also break.

[0047] The first cut can be defined as a first tamper-evident means, which is located between the end edge of the lid and the top edge of the strap via at least one breakable bridge. At least one breakable bridge is configured to break during lid movement. Therefore, at least one breakable bridge is configured to break when the lid is first moved from the closed position. This has the advantage of allowing the lid to indicate whether it has been opened.

[0048] The second cut can be defined as a second tamper-proof device, which is located between at least a portion of the first cut and the bottom edge of the tie via at least one breakable bridge. The at least one breakable bridge is configured to break during lid movement. Therefore, the at least one breakable bridge is configured to break when the lid first moves from the closed position. The second cut serves to form the first tie portion and the second tie portion as described above.

[0049] A tamper-evident seal is defined as a tamper-resistant or anti-tamper function for the lid. The advantage of tamper-evident seals is that they indicate whether the food packaging has been previously opened. Therefore, in order to open the food packaging, the first and second cuts in the seal must be broken. If the cuts are broken, it indicates that the food packaging has been previously opened. Thus, another advantage of the seal is that it helps the security mechanism indicate whether the food packaging has been previously opened. Therefore, the seal has both a sealing function and an tamper-evident function. The seal is both a sealing and an tamper-evident seal.

[0050] According to a fourth aspect, a food package for containing food is provided, the food package including a neck and lid device according to a second aspect, and a cardboard-based body for containing food, the neck and lid device being attached to the cardboard-based body to close the food package.

[0051] The effects and characteristics of the second, third, and fourth aspects are largely similar to those described above regarding the first aspect.

[0052] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The implementation scheme will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of food packaging with a lid and neck device;

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the neck of the food packaging;

[0056] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the neck shown in Figure 2;

[0057] Figure 4 shows the neck shown in Figure 3 in more detail;

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the neck and lid assembly of a food package, with the lid in the closed position;

[0059] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the neck shown in Figure 5;

[0060] Figure 7 is a schematic rear view of the neck and cover assembly shown in Figures 5-6;

[0061] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the neck and lid assembly, with the lid in the open position;

[0062] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the neck and cover assembly shown in Figure 8;

[0063] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the neck and lid assembly shown in Figure 8, with the lid removed;

[0064] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the neck and lid assembly;

[0065] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a variant of the neck and lid assembly;

[0066] Figure 13-16 is a schematic diagram of a variant of the cover resting protrusion arranged on the neck. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Referring to Figure 1, a food package 10 for containing food is shown by way of example. The food package 10 has a bottle shape formed by a cardboard-based body 11 (preferably made of a cardboard-based laminate) and a top 12. The cardboard-based body 11 is used to contain food. As shown in Figure 1, the top 12 may include a shoulder 13. The food package 10 also includes a neck 20. The neck 20 may be integrally formed with the top 12, such that the entire top 12 (including the neck 20) ​​may be provided as a single piece by molding, or as two separate pieces molded together. The neck 20 is discussed in further detail with reference to Figures 2-4. The food package 10 also includes a lid 30 disposed on the neck 20 for closing the food package 10. The neck 20 and the lid 30 form a neck and lid assembly 500 for closing the food package 10. The neck and lid assembly will be discussed in further detail with reference to Figures 5-12.

[0068] Referring to Figures 2-4, the neck 20, as described in conjunction with Figure 1, will be shown in more detail. In Figures 2-3, the neck 20 is attached to the top 12 of the food packaging 10. Figure 2 shows a side view of the neck 20. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the neck 20 as shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the neck 20 in more detail.

[0069] The neck 20 includes a body 200. The body 200 includes an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 220. The lower portion 220 is attached to the top 12 of the food packaging 10. The upper portion 210 is formed as a spout, allowing food to be poured out of the food packaging in an easy and controlled manner.

[0070] The main body 200 also includes a neck wall 230, which extends along the main axis A between the upper portion 210 and the lower portion 220. As best shown in Figure 4, the neck wall 230 has a wall thickness WT along a direction R transverse to the main axis A. The wall thickness is 0.55 mm. Other thicknesses can be used, for example, 0.25-1.0 mm, preferably 0.4-0.6 mm, to obtain advantages.

[0071] The neck wall 230 includes an outer surface 235 and an inner surface 236 (see Figure 11). The outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is provided with a lid-holding protrusion 231. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid-holding protrusion 231 has the shape of an elongated rib 231. In Figure 4, the outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is provided with five ribs 231. Preferably, the outer surface 235 is provided with at least three ribs 231.

[0072] As best shown in Figure 4, each rib 231 has a rib extension RE in a direction R transverse to the main axis A. Preferably, rib 231 has a similar rib extension RE. The rib extension RE is less than 20% of the wall extension WE. Other advantageous rib extension REs can be used, for example, the rib extension RE is less than 50% of the wall extension WE, preferably less than 30%. The rib extension RE is 0.1 mm. Other advantageous rib extension REs can be used, for example, 0.05-0.20 mm, more preferably 0.08-0.12 mm. Each rib 231 has a rib thickness RT in a direction D parallel to the main axis A. Preferably, rib 231 has a similar rib thickness TE. The rib thickness RE is 0.34 mm. Other advantageous rib thickness RTs can be used, for example, 0.20-0.50 mm, more preferably 0.30-0.40 mm. Ribs are separated by a rib spacing RD. The rib spacing RD is 0.3 mm. Other favorable rib pitches can be used, such as 0.1-0.5 mm.

[0073] Rib 231 is arranged along main axis A with a center-to-center distance CD of 0.6 mm. Other advantageous distances can be used, such as a center-to-center distance CD of 0.4-0.8 mm.

[0074] Referring again to Figure 2, the ribs 231 are arranged parallel to each other. The ribs 231 extend around the circumference of the neck wall 230. The ribs 231 extend in a direction R transverse to the main axis A.

[0075] The outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is also provided with external threads 232. When the cover 30 is in the closed position, the external threads 232 are used to engage the cover 30. This will be further explained in conjunction with Figures 5-7.

[0076] As best shown in Figure 4, the external thread 232 has an external thread extension ETE along a direction R transverse to the main shaft A. The external thread extension ETE is 0.55 mm. Other advantageous extensions can be used, such as an external thread extension ETE of 0.35-0.75 mm. The rib extension RE is less than 10% of the external thread extension ETE along the direction R transverse to the main shaft A. Other advantageous rib extension RE can be used, such as a rib extension less than 50%, preferably less than 15%, of the external thread extension ETE. The external thread 232 has an external thread thickness ETT along a direction D parallel to the main shaft A. The external thread thickness is approximately 0.8-0.9 mm.

[0077] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is also provided with a strap retainer 233. The strap retainer 233 is configured to retain the cover to the neck 30 by a strap 331, which will be discussed in further detail with reference to Figures 5-11. The strap retainer 233 has the form of a flange. The flange extends around the body 200. As seen along the main axis A, a rib 231 is arranged between the flange and the upper part of the body 200. As seen along the main axis A, an external thread 232 is arranged between the flange and the upper part 210 of the body 200. The flange has a flange extension FE in a direction R transverse to the main axis A. The flange extension FE is 0.4 mm. Other advantageous extensions can be used, such as a flange extension FE of 0.2-0.6 mm. The rib extension RE is less than 10% of the flange extension in the direction R transverse to the main axis A. Other advantageous rib extensions RE can be used, such as rib extensions less than 50%, preferably less than 25%, of the flange extension FE. The flange has a flange thickness FT in a direction D parallel to the main axis A. The flange thickness is approximately 0.8-0.9 mm.

[0078] Referring to Figure 5-11, a neck and lid assembly 500 is shown by way of example. The neck and lid assembly 500 includes a neck 20 as discussed in conjunction with Figures 2-4 and a lid 30 as described in conjunction with Figure 1.

[0079] Referring to Figures 5-7, the lid 30 is in the closed position, sealing the upper part 210 of the neck 20 of the food packaging. When the lid 30 is in the closed position, it rests on the body 200 and seals the upper part 210 of the body 200. Figure 5 shows a side view of the neck and lid assembly 500. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the neck and lid assembly 500. Figure 7 shows a rear view of the neck and lid assembly 500. Referring to Figures 8-11, the lid 30 is in the open position. When the lid 30 is in the open position, it is removed from the upper part 210 of the body 200. The open position of the lid 30 allows food to be poured out of the food packaging 10. Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the neck and lid assembly 500. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the neck and lid assembly 500. Figure 10 is a side view of the neck and lid assembly 500 as shown in Figure 8, with the lid 30 removed. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the neck and lid assembly 500.

[0080] The lid 30 includes a top 310 and a lid wall 320. The top 310 is configured to close the upper portion 210 of the neck 20. The lid wall 320 extends from the top 310 along a main axis A. When the lid 30 closes the neck 20, the lid wall 320 surrounds the neck wall 230. The lid wall 320 has a lid end edge 321 located on the opposite side of the top 310. The lid wall 320 also includes a lower edge 322 forming part of the lid end edge 321. As best shown in Figures 8-11, the lower edge 322 is configured to contact a rib 231 when the lid 30 is in the open position. The lower edge is arranged between adjacent ribs 231 to secure the lid 30 relative to the neck 20 when the lid 30 is in the open position.

[0081] The lid 30 also includes a strap 330. The strap 330 is configured to connect the lid 30 to a strap retainer 233, as best shown in FIG9. This facilitates securing the lid 30 to the neck 20 when the lid 30 is in the open position as shown in FIG8-11. The strap 330 has a top edge 331a and a bottom edge 331b. The top edge 331a is attached to the end edge 321 of the lid. As seen along the main axis A, the bottom edge 331b is located on the opposite side of the top edge 331a. The strap 330 is configured to secure the lid 30 to the neck 20 if at least a portion of the attachment of the strap 330 to the end edge 321 of the lid breaks. As shown in FIG8-10, the strap 330 is also configured to pull the lower edge 322 of the lid wall 320 into contact with the rib 231 of the neck wall 230 when the lid 30 is in the open position.

[0082] The lid 30 also includes a first cut 334. The first cut 334 is located between the end edge 321 of the lid and the top edge 331a of the strap 330. The first cut 334 forms part of the connection between the end edge 321 and the top edge 331a of the lid. The first cut 334 extends at least 270 degrees along the circumference of the strap 330. The lid 30 also includes a non-cut portion 335 located between the end edge 321 of the lid and the top edge 331a of the strap 330. The non-cut portion 335 is located on the circumference of the strap 330, in which there is no first cut 334. The non-cut portion 335 is located at the lower edge 322 of the lid 30. Therefore, the first cut 334 extends from a first side of the lower edge 322 along the circumference of the strap 330 to a second side (opposite side) of the lower edge 322. Thus, the first cut 334 and the non-cut portion 335 together extend around the entire circumference of the lid 30. As best shown in Figure 8-10, when the lid 30 is in the open position, a first cut 334 separates the end edge 321 of the lid from the tie 330 at least 270 degrees along the circumference of the tie 330. The first cut 334 of the lid 30 is made of one or more breakable bridges configured to break when the lid 30 is moved to the open position, thereby separating the end edge 321 and the top edge 331a of the lid. The first cut 334 forms a tamper-evident feature of the tie 330, indicating whether the lid 30 has been previously opened, i.e., whether the first cut 334 has been damaged.

[0083] The lid 30 also includes a second cut 336. The second cut 336 is located between at least a portion of the first cut 334 and the bottom edge 331b of the strap 330. The second cut 336 extends 90-270 degrees, preferably 180 degrees, along the circumference of the lid 30, as shown in Figures 8-11. The lid 30 also includes a non-cut portion 337 located between at least a portion of the first cut 334 and the bottom edge 331b of the strap 330. The non-cut portion 337 is positioned along the circumference of the strap 330, in which there is no second cut 336. Thus, the second cut 336 and the non-cut portion 337 together extend around the entire circumference of the lid 30. The second cut 335 forms another tamper-proof device for the strap 330, similar to the tamper-proof device associated with the first cut 334 discussed.

[0084] The second cut 336 forms a first strap portion 330a and a second strap portion 330b of the strap 330. As best shown in Figures 8-11, when the lid 30 is in the open position, the second cut 336 separates the first and second strap portions 330a and 330b from the annular portion 338 of the strap 330. The annular portion 338 is connected to a strap retainer 233, which is configured to secure the lid 30 when it is in the open position. Therefore, when the lid 30 is in the open position, the second cut 336 is configured to separate at least a portion of the first cut 334 from the bottom edge 331b of the strap 330, thereby separating the strap portions 330a and 330b from the annular portion 338. Referring to Figure 10, the strap portions 330a and 330b separate from the annular portion 338 at an angle α between 0 and 30 degrees. Apart from the angle α, Figure 10 shows a similar feature to that disclosed in Figure 8, except for the cover 30 (the cover 30 is excluded in Figure 10), so that the angle α can be indicated by way of example. When the cover 30 is in the open position, the first and second strap portions 330a, 330b are twisted to arrange the cover 30 between adjacent ribs 231.

[0085] The first and second strap portions 330a and 330b extend from the lower edge 322 of the cover wall 320.

[0086] As seen along the direction R transverse to the main axis A, the strap 330 also includes another portion 339 extending from the corresponding strap portions 330a, 330b, the other portion 339 extending along the circumference of the cover 30, wherein the strap portions 330a, 330b are not on the circumference.

[0087] When the cover is in the closed position, as seen along the direction R transverse to the main axis A, the first and second strap portions 330a, 330b are connected to the opposite sides of the lower edge 322 and extend to the opposite side of the other portion 339 of the strap 330.

[0088] The straps 330a and 330b are connected to the annular portion on the first side via a second cut 336. The straps 330a and 330b are connected to the cover 30 on the second side via a first cut 334. As seen along the main axis A, the second side is opposite to the first side.

[0089] Therefore, the first and second lacing portions 330a and 330b, the annular portion 338, and another portion 339 form the lacing 330.

[0090] Preferably, the cap and the strap are integrally injection molded, and the strap is coaxially connected to the cap body via multiple breakable bridges (e.g., first and second cuts). The first and second cuts 334, 336 can be formed by a knife configured to form breakable bridges.

[0091] Referring to Figure 11, in addition to the above discussion, the cover 30 of the neck and cover assembly 500 also includes an internal thread 323. The internal thread 323 is configured to engage with the external thread 232 of the neck 20 when the cover 30 is in the closed position.

[0092] Referring to Figure 12, a variation of the neck and lid assembly 1200 is shown by way of example. The neck and lid assembly 1200 is used to seal food packaging 10'. The neck and lid assembly 1200 includes a neck 20' and a lid 30'. The neck 20' may be similar to the neck 20 discussed above in conjunction with Figures 2-4. The lid 30' may have similar features to the lid 30 discussed above in conjunction with Figures 5-11, but is a flip-type lid instead of, for example, a screw cap.

[0093] The neck 20' includes a body 200'. The body 200' has an upper part 210' and a lower part 220'. The upper part 210' is configured to be closed with a lid 30'. The lower part 220' is configured to be attached to the food packaging 10'.

[0094] The neck 20' also includes a neck wall 230' extending along the main axis A between the upper portion 210' and the lower portion 220'. The neck wall 230' includes a strap retainer 233' configured to retain the cover 30' to the neck 20' via a strap 330'. The neck wall 230' has an outer surface 235' and an inner surface (not shown). The outer surface 235' is provided with ribs 231'.

[0095] Although not shown, the neck wall 230' has a wall thickness WT in a direction transverse to the main axis A. The rib 231' has an extension in a direction transverse to the main axis A. The rib extension RE is preferably less than 50% of the wall thickness WT. The wall thickness WT and the rib extension RE are similar to those discussed in conjunction with FIG4.

[0096] The cover 30' includes a top 310' and a cover wall 320'. The top 310' is configured to close the upper part 210' of the neck 20'. The cover wall 320' extends from the top 310' along the main axis A.

[0097] The lid 30' also includes a strap 330'. The strap 330' is configured to connect the lid 30' to the strap retainer 233' of the neck 20'. Therefore, when the lid 30' is in the open position as shown in FIG. 12, the lid 30' is secured to the neck 20'. The strap 330' is also configured to pull the lower edge 322' of the lid wall 320' to contact the rib 231 of the neck wall 230' when the lid 30' is in the open position. Therefore, the lid 30' is secured in the open position.

[0098] In addition to the discussion and illustrations related to Figure 12, the neck and cover device 1200 shown in Figure 12 may include features and effects similar to those discussed in Figures 2-11 above.

[0099] Ribs 231 do not need to extend around the entire circumference of the neck 20. It is sufficient if they extend at a small angle, for example, about 15° around the neck circumference. In this case, in order to keep the lid 30 in the open position, the user may have to rotate the lid 30 so that its lower edge 322 contacts the ribs 231.

[0100] Rib 231 may be located above the tie retainer 233 and below the uppermost part of the thread 232.

[0101] Referring to Figure 13, a variant of the lid-holding protrusion 2311, referred to herein as rib 2311, is shown by way of example. Rib 2311 extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the neck wall, just like the ribs described previously. The longitudinal extension has a vector extending in a direction H transverse to the main axis A of the neck. The longitudinal extension also has a vector extending in a direction V parallel to the main axis A. This means that rib 2311 can be tilted relative to the main axis A of the neck, as shown. Even though rib 2311 is tilted, tests have shown that they can be used to hold the lid in the open position. Ribs 231 and 231' in the previous figure extend only one vector in the direction H transverse to the main axis A of the neck. This is the only difference between the ribs in the previous figure and rib 2311 in Figure 13.

[0102] When the neck 20 is arranged upright, the main axis A is parallel to the vertical direction. Rib 231 in Figure 2 protrudes from the neck 20 in the horizontal direction and has a longitudinal extension parallel to the horizontal direction. Rib 2311 in Figure 13 also protrudes from the neck 20 in the horizontal direction and has an extension with one vector parallel to the horizontal direction and another vector parallel to the vertical direction, that is, rib 2311 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0103] Some ribs may be inclined, while others may be transverse to the main axis A. Some or all ribs may be parallel to each other.

[0104] Referring to Figure 14, a variant of the lid-stopping protrusion 2312 is shown by way of example. The lid-stopping protrusion 2312 has the form of broken ribs, wherein portions of the ribs extend along the outer surface 235 of the neck wall. Figure 15 shows a similar variant, wherein the ribs 2313 are broken at such close intervals that the ribs 2313 consist of dot-shaped portions.

[0105] Referring to Figure 16, another variation of the lid-holding protrusion 2314 is shown. Here, the lid-holding protrusion 2314 is a separate protrusion extending along the outer surface 235 of the neck wall. These protrusions 2314 have the same extension in the direction transverse to the main axis as in other embodiments of the lid-holding protrusion. The lid-holding protrusions 2314 cover the same area as the other protrusion variations and are arranged so closely that the lower edge 322 of the lid 30 contacts the rib-like protrusions 2314, thereby allowing for effective holding.

[0106] Basically, any protrusion that provides enough friction for the lower edge of the lid can be used, where the friction ensures that the lower edge of the lid does not slide relative to the neck when the lid is in the open position.

[0107] In this article, a "lid-stopping protrusion" can be understood as a region on the neck wall extending transversely to the main axis, located above (and further away from) the region on the neck wall directly adjacent to the lid-stopping protrusion. Therefore, a lid-stopping protrusion can be formed by arranging notches or grooves on the neck wall, wherein the ridges adjacent to the notches or grooves form the lid-stopping protrusion.

[0108] All the ribs described in this article have the same length of extension transverse to the main axis. They can all extend around the circumference of the neck wall, have the same thickness, extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the neck wall, have extension vectors transverse and parallel to the main axis of the neck, and can be located at the same position on the neck. Therefore, they have the same characteristics and can be combined with each other. Basically, the only difference between the different lid resting protrusions is their specific shape on the neck, as shown in Figures 2 and 13 to 15, for example.

[0109] In one embodiment, one, some, or all of the above-mentioned parking protrusions are not threads, not anti-theft strap retainers, and / or not strap retainers.

[0110] As can be seen from the above description, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown, the present invention is not limited thereto, but may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A neck (20) for a food package (10), the neck (20) comprising a body (200) having an upper portion (210) configured to be closed by a lid (30), a lower portion (220) configured to be attached to the food package (10), and a neck wall (230) extending along a main axis (A) of the neck (20) between the upper portion (210) and the lower portion, the neck wall (230) having a transversely oriented neck. The wall thickness (WT) in the direction (R) of the main shaft (A) and the strap retainer (233) configured to hold the cover (30) to the neck (20) by a strap (330), wherein the outer surface (235) of the neck wall (230) is provided with a cover resting protrusion (231) having an extension (RE) in the direction (R) transverse to the main shaft (A) and the extension being less than 50% of the wall thickness (WT).

2. The neck (20) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover parking protrusion (231) is arranged along the main axis (A) with a center-to-center distance (CD) of 0.4-0.8 mm.

3. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension (RE) of the cover parking protrusion (231) is 0.05-0.6 mm.

4. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension (RE) of the cover parking protrusion (231) is 0.05-0.4 mm.

5. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extension (RE) of the cover parking protrusion (231) is 0.05-0.20 mm.

6. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer surface (235) of the neck wall (230) is provided with at least three cover parking protrusions (231).

7. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The lid resting protrusion (231) extends around the circumference of the neck wall (230).

8. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover resting protrusion (231) has a thickness (RT) of 0.20-0.50 mm in a direction (D) parallel to the main shaft (A).

9. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer surface (235) of the neck wall (230) is provided with external threads (232) for engaging the cover (30), wherein the cover parking protrusion (231) is arranged between the external threads (232).

10. The neck (20) according to claim 9, wherein the external thread (232) has an external thread extension (ETE) in the direction (R) transverse to the main shaft (A), wherein the extension (RE) of the cover resting protrusion (231) is less than 50% of the external thread extension (ETE).

11. The neck (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the strap retainer (233) has the shape of a flange extending around the body (200), wherein the cover parking protrusion (231) is arranged between the flange as seen along the main axis (A) and the upper part (210) of the body (200).

12. The neck (20) according to claim 11, wherein the flange has a flange extension (FE) in the direction (R) transverse to the main axis (A), wherein the extension (RE) of the cover resting protrusion (231) is less than 25% of the flange extension (FE).

13. A neck and lid assembly (500) for sealing a food package (10), the neck and lid assembly (500) comprising a neck (20) according to any one of claims 1-12, and a lid (30) configured to be disposed on the neck (20), the lid (30) comprising a top (310) of the upper portion (210) configured to close the neck (20), a lid wall (320) extending from the top (310), and a cover. A strap (330) is configured to connect the cover (30) to the strap retainer (233) of the neck (20) such that when the cover (30) is in the open position, the cover (30) is secured to the neck (20), wherein the strap (330) is configured to pull the lower edge (322) of the cover wall (320) to contact the cover parking protrusion (231) of the neck wall (230) when the cover (30) is in the open position.

14. The neck and lid device (500) according to claim 13, wherein the strap (330) includes a first strap portion (330a) and a second strap portion (330b) extending from the lower edge (322) of the lid wall (320) on the opposite side of the lower edge (322) and toward the strap retaining portion (233).

15. The neck and cap device (500) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the strap (330) includes an annular portion (338) connected to the strap retaining portion (233).

16. A lid (30) configured to close a neck (20) according to any one of claims 1-12, the lid (30) comprising a top (310) configured to close an upper portion (210) of the neck (20), a lid wall (320) extending from the top (310) and having a lid end edge (321) located on the opposite side of the top (310), a strap (330) having a top edge (331a) attached to the lid end edge (321), and the strap being configured to connect the lid (30) to the neck (20) for securing the lid (30) when the connection between the strap (330) and the lid end edge (321) is broken. To the neck (20), the strap (330) has a bottom edge (331b) on the opposite side of the top edge (331a), a first cut (334) between the end edge (321) of the cap and the top edge (331a) of the strap (330), the first cut (334) separating the end edge (321) of the cap from the strap (330) at least 270° along the circumference of the strap (330), and a second cut (336) between at least a portion of the first cut (334) and the bottom edge (331b) of the strap (330), the second cut (336) cutting through the strap (330) at 90°-270° along the circumference of the strap (330).

17. A food package (10) for containing food, the food package (10) comprising a neck and lid device (500) according to any one of claims 13-15, and a cardboard-based body (11) for containing the food, wherein the neck and lid device (500) is attached to the cardboard-based body to close the food package (10).

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