Packaging blank, method of molding lid-spout assembly onto packaging blank, lid-spout assembly, package having lid-spout assembly, and method and apparatus for forming packaging blank

Abstract

A packaging blank (5) for forming a package (2) having a multi-layer structure is described, comprising a fibrous base layer (7), a layer of gas barrier material (9), a plurality of layers of heat-sealing plastic material (8), an aperture (15) configured to allow molding of a lid-spout assembly (4) around the aperture (15), and an isolation membrane (16) covering the aperture (15) and comprising a layer of gas barrier material. The isolation membrane (16) includes one or more lines of weakness (17) defining a plurality of covering portions (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging blank having a multilayer structure for forming a package, in particular for forming a package having a lid-spout assembly.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a method for moulding a lid-spout assembly onto a packaging blank, in particular a packaging blank for forming a package.

[0003] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a lid-spout assembly, in particular a lid-spout assembly moulded onto a packaging blank.

[0004] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a packaging for pourable products, in particular pourable food products.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for forming a packaging blank.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for forming packaging blanks. Background Art

[0007] As is known to all, many liquid or pourable foods, such as juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0008] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable foods, called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is produced by sealing and folding a laminated packaging material.

[0009] The packaging material has a multilayer structure, including a fiber base layer (such as paper or paperboard) covered on both sides with a heat-sealable plastic material layer (such as polyethylene). For aseptic packaging for long-term storage products (such as UHT milk), the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier material layer (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on the heat-sealable plastic material layer and in turn covered with another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which forms the inner surface of the packaging that eventually contacts the food.

[0010] The packaging is usually produced using fully automated packaging equipment that advances and sterilizes a web of packaging material, then forms a tube and fills it with the pourable product before forming it into individual sealed packages.

[0011] Certain types of packaging are known which also include a lid-spout assembly which allows manipulation to obtain access to the pourable product.

[0012] In order to provide the package with the lid-spout assembly, the automatic packaging device further comprises a molding device for molding the lid-spout assembly onto a web of packaging material.

[0013] A typical molding apparatus comprises a plurality of molding tools, each of which is coupleable with one respective repeating unit of the packaging material web at a time and is configured to mold the cap-spout assembly around a respective through hole of the respective repeating unit, the respective through hole defining a pouring opening of the final package.

[0014] Finally, the packages are formed from the web of packaging material with the lid-spout assembly molded onto the respective repeating units.

[0015] Although the resulting packages exhibit excellent handling properties, there is still a desire in the art to further improve the known packages having a lid-spout assembly. Summary of the invention

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging blank in a simple and cost-effective manner, in particular a packaging blank which allows forming an improved package provided with a corresponding lid-spout assembly.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of moulding a lid-spout assembly onto a packaging blank, in particular a packaging blank which can subsequently be formed into a package, in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap-spout assembly, in particular an improved cap-spout assembly having improved gas barrier properties, in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging for pourable products, in particular pourable food products, in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for forming packaging blanks in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for forming improved packaging blanks in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0022] According to the invention, a packaging blank according to claim 1 is provided.

[0023] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the packaging blank are defined in the respective dependent claims.

[0024] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of moulding a lid-spout assembly onto a packaging blank according to claim 7.

[0025] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the molding method are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0026] According to the present invention, there is also provided a cap-spout assembly according to claim 11.

[0027] According to the invention, a package according to claim 12 is also provided.

[0028] According to the invention, there is also provided a method for forming a packaging blank according to claim 13 or 14.

[0029] According to the invention, there is also provided an apparatus for forming a packaging blank according to claim 15 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine for forming packages having a lid-spout assembly, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0032] Figure 2 is a partial schematic diagram of a packaging blank of the present invention, wherein some components have been removed for clarity;

[0033] Figure 3 is based on Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a detail of a packaging blank;

[0034] Figure 4 Is the molding tool and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a portion of a packaging blank interacting with each other, wherein some components have been removed for clarity;

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic and simplified view of details of a molding process for molding a cap-spout assembly, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cap-spout assembly according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0037] Figure 7 A top view of a packaging blank of the present invention; and

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of a portion of a packaging blank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Reference numeral 1 denotes a packaging machine as a whole for producing (sealed) packages 2 of pourable products, in particular pourable foods, such as pasteurized milk, juice, wine, ketchup, etc., each package 2 having at least one main body 3 and a corresponding lid-mouth assembly 4 fixed to the main body 3.

[0040] In particular, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2, in particular respective bodies 3, from respective packaging blanks 5. In particular, the packaging blanks 5 are arranged one after the other in the form of webs 6 of packaging material.

[0041] More specifically, each packaging blank 5 may define a respective repeating unit of the packaging material web 6. In other words, the packaging material web 6 may comprise a plurality of repeating units / packaging blanks 5, in particular the repeating units / packaging blanks 5 being arranged successively (and equidistantly) relative to one another along the packaging material web 6. Even more specifically, each repeating unit / packaging blank 5 is intended to form a respective package 2, in particular a respective body 3. In other words, the packaging machine 1 is configured to produce packages 2 from the packaging material web 6, such that each package 2, in particular a respective body 3, is produced by a respective repeating unit / packaging blank 5.

[0042] In particular, each repeating unit / packaging blank 5 may be defined by a corresponding pattern present on the packaging material web 6. Even more particularly, the pattern of all repeating units is substantially identical and may also differ from other repeating units in minor details, which may be, for example, the presence of an information label indicating the production date, the production batch, personalization information or the like.

[0043] Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail below, each lid-spout assembly 4 can be molded onto a corresponding packaging blank 5. Then, in use, during the formation of the packaging 2, in particular the body 3, the corresponding lid-spout assembly 4 is fixed to the corresponding body 3.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 Each packaging blank 5 has a multilayer structure and comprises at least one fiber base layer 7 (i.e., a fiber material layer), such as a paper layer or a paperboard layer, and at least two heat-sealing plastic material layers 8, such as polyethylene, between which the fiber material layers 7 are placed. One of the two heat-sealing plastic material layers 8 defines the inner surface of the corresponding package 2 (in particular the corresponding body 3) that finally contacts the pourable product.

[0045] Each packaging blank 5 may further comprise a layer of gas barrier material 9, such as an aluminium foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers 8 and the fibre material layer 7. Preferably, each packaging blank 5 may further comprise another layer of heat-sealable plastic material 8 interposed between the gas barrier material layer 9 and the fibre material layer 7.

[0046] In more detail, the gas barrier material layer 9 may define a barrier for gases, in particular oxygen. In particular, the gas barrier material layer 9 may allow maintaining a determined quality of the pourable food product for a longer period of time.

[0047] Preferably, the gas barrier material layer 9 may also be configured to act as a light barrier material.

[0048] Each packaging blank 5 may also comprise a first face and a second face, in particular the first face being the surface of the packaging blank 5 forming the inner surface of the formed packaging 2 (in particular the respective body 3) which is ultimately in contact with the filled pourable food product.

[0049] Furthermore, each packaging blank 5 may comprise an aperture 15 which is in particular configured to allow the respective cap-spout assembly 4 to be moulded around the aperture 15 .

[0050] Preferably, at least a portion of each aperture 15 may define a respective pouring opening of a respective package 2 formed from a respective package blank 3 , in particular for allowing pouring of a pourable product from the respective body 3 .

[0051] In addition, especially reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , each packaging blank 5 comprises a barrier film 16 covering the respective aperture 15 and comprising a layer of gas barrier material.

[0052] Furthermore, the barrier film 16 comprises one or more weakening lines 17 (three in the example shown), thereby defining a plurality of covering portions 18 .

[0053] As will be explained in more detail below, the presence of one or more weakening lines 17 allows the respective cover portion 18 to be attached, in particular fused, to a specific portion of the respective cap-spout assembly 4. Thereby, the gas barrier properties of the respective cap-spout assembly 4 are improved.

[0054] Especially reference Figure 3 Each isolation film 16 may also include one or more heat-sealing material layers. In particular, each isolation film 16 may include two heat-sealing material layers with a gas barrier material layer interposed between them.

[0055] More specifically, each isolation membrane 16 may be defined by a respective portion of a layer 9 of gas barrier material, in particular by a respective portion of one or more layers 8 of heat-sealing plastic material.

[0056] Furthermore, each hole 15 may be defined by a through hole in the fiber base layer 7. Such through holes may be obtained, for example, by punching a fiber base blank without any holes 15 and / or through holes. Furthermore, after the punching process, the fiber base blank may be laminated to obtain a corresponding packaging blank 5; in particular, during the lamination process, the holes 15 will be covered by the heat-sealing plastic material layer 8, thereby defining a corresponding barrier membrane 16.

[0057] Especially reference Figure 2 , 7and 8 , each hole 15 may extend within a plane defined by a longitudinal axis A and a transverse axis B orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A.

[0058] Furthermore, an imaginary longitudinal line parallel to the longitudinal axis A and an imaginary transverse line parallel to the transverse axis B intersect at corresponding points (particularly the center point) of the hole 15. Figure 2 , 7 In FIGS. 1 and 8 , only the longitudinal axis A and the transverse axis B are shown. However, a corresponding imaginary longitudinal line and a corresponding imaginary transverse line are substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis A and the transverse axis B drawn.

[0059] Each hole 15 may have a first extension, in particular a first maximum extension E1 , along an imaginary longitudinal line. Furthermore, each hole 15 may have a second extension, in particular a second maximum extension E2 , along an imaginary transverse line.

[0060] Preferably, the first maximum extension E1 of each hole 15 may be greater than the second maximum extension E2. In other words, the length of each hole 15 may be greater than the width.

[0061] According to some preferred embodiments, each first maximum extension E1 may range from 20 mm to 28 mm, in particular from 20 mm to 25 mm.

[0062] The Applicant has observed that such dimensions are also advantageous for improving the possibilities of arranging the respective cap-spout assembly 4 around the respective hole 15 .

[0063] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the ratio between each first maximum extension E1 and the corresponding second maximum extension E2 may range between 1.0 and 2.8, in particular between 1.0 and 2.5.

[0064] Preferably, each second maximum extension E2 may range between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0065] Each hole 15 may be symmetrical about a corresponding imaginary longitudinal line. In other words, the corresponding axis of symmetry corresponds to each imaginary longitudinal line. Figure 2 , 7 and 8, the respective axis of symmetry corresponding to the longitudinal axis A drawn.

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each hole 15 may comprise only one respective axis of symmetry, ie the axis of symmetry corresponding to the respective imaginary longitudinal line.

[0067] Furthermore, each hole 15 may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the corresponding imaginary transverse line.

[0068] Especially reference Figure 2 , 7 and 8, each aperture 15 may be bounded by and / or may include a first lateral edge 40, a second lateral edge 41, a first longitudinal edge 42, and a second longitudinal edge 43.

[0069] In particular, the first lateral edge 40 , the second lateral edge 41 , the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 may define an annular rim of the aperture 15 .

[0070] Preferably, the first lateral edge 40 and the second lateral edge 41 may be spaced apart from each other, in particular in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 may be spaced apart from each other, in particular in a direction parallel to the transverse axis B.

[0071] Additionally, each of the first lateral edge 40 and the second lateral edge 41 may contact the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 .

[0072] Preferably, the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 may extend in a direction (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0073] Furthermore, the respective extension of the first longitudinal edge 42 and of the second longitudinal edge 43 is greater than the respective extension of the first 40 and of the second 41 lateral edge.

[0074] More specifically, the respective extension of the first lateral edge 40 is greater than the respective extension of the second lateral edge 41 .

[0075] The respective extensions, in particular the respective shapes, of the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 are equal to one another.

[0076] In more detail, each of the first lateral edges 40 may include a first connection portion 44 connected to the first longitudinal edge 42 and a second connection portion 45 connected to the second longitudinal edge 43 .

[0077] Preferably, each first connection portion 44 and each second connection portion 45 may be arc-shaped.

[0078] Furthermore, the respective radius of curvature of each first connection portion 44 and / or each second connection portion 45 may be in the range between 3.75 mm and 5 mm, in particular, it may be in the range between 3.9 mm and 4.3 mm, even more in particular, it may be equal to 4 mm.

[0079] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first connection portion 44 and / or each second connection portion 45 may protrude outward.

[0080] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first lateral edge 40 may include a linear portion 46 .

[0081] In more detail, each first longitudinal edge 42 and each second longitudinal edge 43 may be arc-shaped.

[0082] In addition, each first longitudinal edge 42 and each second longitudinal edge 43 may include a respective first portion 47 and a respective second portion 48. In particular, each first portion 47 may be connected to a respective first transverse edge 40, and each second portion 48 may be connected to a respective second transverse edge 41.

[0083] Preferably, the respective radius of curvature of each first portion 47 may range between 200 mm and 280 mm.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, the respective radius of curvature of each second portion 48 may range between 18 mm and 22 mm.

[0085] Furthermore, each second lateral edge 41 may include a respective third connection portion 49 connected to the first longitudinal edge 41 and a fourth connection portion 50 connected to the second longitudinal edge 42 .

[0086] Specifically, each third connection portion 49 and each fourth connection portion 50 may be connected to the corresponding second portion 48 .

[0087] More specifically, each third connection portion 49 and each fourth connection portion 50 may be arc-shaped.

[0088] Preferably, the corresponding radius of curvature of each third connecting portion 49 and / or each fourth connecting portion 50 may be in the range between 3.5 mm and 5 mm, in particular, the corresponding radius of curvature may be in the range between 3.8 mm and 4.5 mm, even more in particular, the corresponding radius of curvature may be equal to 4.0 mm.

[0089] Furthermore, each third connection portion 49 and / or each fourth connection portion 50 may protrude outward.

[0090] Especially reference Figure 7 and 8 Each packaging blank 5 may further comprise a plurality of crease lines 51 , along which the packaging blank 5 is folded (so as to define the shape of the corresponding body 3 ) when in use.

[0091] Preferably, but not necessarily, each hole 15 may be arranged in a region delimited by two crease lines 51 parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A and two crease lines 51 parallel to the respective transverse axis B. In particular, no other crease lines are arranged in the respective region of each hole 15 .

[0092] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least one weakening line 17 may extend substantially parallel to (in particular parallel to and / or along) the respective first axis A.

[0093] In the particular example shown, each barrier membrane 16 may include more than one line of weakness 17 .

[0094] However, each barrier membrane 16 may comprise only one weakening line 17 , which may preferably extend substantially parallel to (in particular parallel to) and / or along the respective first axis A.

[0095] Preferably, each weakening line 17 may have a (substantially) linear shape.

[0096] refer to Figure 2 Each isolation membrane 16 may include a weakening line 17 (at Figure 7 and Figure 8 The weakening line 17 extends between the two other weakening lines 17 and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the two other weakening lines 17 (not shown in the figure to make other features of the hole 15 clearer), and the other weakening lines 17 extend between the two other weakening lines 17 and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the two other weakening lines 17. In particular, the other weakening lines 17 can be spaced apart from each other along the respective first axis A. According to this non-limiting embodiment, each isolation membrane 16 can include four covering portions 18.

[0097] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each cover portion 18 is axially movable about a respective hinge axis C.

[0098] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each line of weakness 17 may be defined by a perforation or a notch or an ablation or a cut.

[0099] In other words, each weakening line 17 may be formed by the operation of a cutting knife or a perforating tool or an ablating tool.

[0100] Preferably, each lid-spout assembly 4 may be configured to allow access and / or pouring (particularly after operating the lid-spout assembly 4) of the pourable food packaged in the respective package 2. In particular, the operation of the lid-spout assembly 4 may be reversible or irreversible.

[0101] More in detail and in particular with reference to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Each cap-mouth assembly 4 comprises a collar 19 having a pouring outlet 20 (at Figure 6 In particular, the pouring outlet 20 can be aligned relative to the corresponding hole 15, and even more particularly superimposed on at least a part of the corresponding hole 15.

[0102] Each collar 19 may include and / or define a flow channel 21 configured to allow the pourable food product to flow within the flow channel 21 itself. The flow channel 21 may extend between an inlet opening 22 of the collar 19 and a corresponding pour outlet 20.

[0103] In addition, each lid-spout assembly 4 may include a base frame 23, which connects the corresponding lid-spout assembly 4 to the corresponding packaging blank 5 and surrounds the corresponding hole 15. In particular, the corresponding collar 19 protrudes from the corresponding base frame 23.

[0104] In particular, each base frame 23 may be formed to cover a corresponding aperture 15 and may include an aperture 22 aligned with the pour outlet 20 and the inlet opening.

[0105] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the extension of each inlet opening 22 and / or each pouring outlet 20 may be smaller than the extension of the corresponding hole 15. In other words, each inlet opening 22 and / or each pouring outlet 20 may cover only a portion of the hole 15. In addition, the other portion of the hole 15 not covered by the inlet opening 22 and / or each pouring outlet 20 may be covered by the base frame 23.

[0106] Preferably, each cap-spout assembly 4 may further include a cap element 24 configured to cover the corresponding pouring outlet 20 .

[0107] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each collar 19 and / or each pouring outlet 20 and / or each inlet opening 22 may extend along a respective third axis (in particular parallel to the respective first axis A) and a respective fourth axis (in particular parallel to the respective second axis B). Preferably, each third axis is (substantially) perpendicular to the respective fourth axis.

[0108] Furthermore, a third extension of each collar 19 and / or each pouring outlet 20 and / or each inlet opening 22 along the respective third axis may be greater than a fourth extension of each collar 19 and / or each pouring outlet 20 and / or each inlet opening 22 along the respective fourth axis.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally, each collar 19 and / or each pouring outlet 20 and / or each inlet opening 22 may be symmetrical about the corresponding third axis, and preferably may be asymmetrical about the corresponding fourth axis. In other words, each collar 19 and / or each pouring outlet 20 and / or each inlet opening 22 has only one axis of symmetry.

[0110] In more detail, each collar 19 may include an outer surface 25, which in particular faces away from the corresponding flow channel 21. Preferably, each collar 19 may also include an inner surface 26 opposite to the outer surface 25, in particular facing the corresponding flow channel 21.

[0111] Advantageously, each covering portion 18 may be configured to move during molding of the respective cap-spout assembly 4 to cover a respective portion of the respective outer surface 25 .

[0112] In particular, the presence of at least one weakening line 17 , preferably also in interaction with a tool used during the moulding of the cap-spout assembly 4 (see below), allows a controlled movement of the cover portion 18 .

[0113] Therefore (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ), each cap-nozzle assembly 4 comprises a collar 19, in particular a corresponding outer surface 25, which is at least partially covered by a gas barrier material layer. In other words, each cap-nozzle assembly 4 comprises a collar 19, in particular a corresponding outer surface 25, which comprises a gas barrier material layer.

[0114] In more detail, during the moulding of the lid-spout assembly 4 , each covering portion 18 is angularly movable about a respective hinge axis C so as to cover a respective portion of a respective outer surface 25 .

[0115] Especially reference Figure 4 The molding of each cap-mouth assembly 4 around the corresponding hole 15 can be achieved by a molding tool 29, and the molding tool 29 includes a corresponding molding cavity 30. In particular, the shape of the corresponding molding cavity 30 can define the shape of the corresponding cap-mouth assembly 4.

[0116] In more detail, each molding tool 29 may include a plurality of mold parts 31 which may define the molding cavity 30 in cooperation with one another and which may perform a relative movement for opening or closing the respective molding tool 29 .

[0117] More specifically, at least one mold section 31 may be configured to move the cover portion 18 , in use, such that the cover portion 18 fuses to a corresponding portion of the outer surface 25 during insertion of molten polymer into the molding cavity 30 .

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the movement of the covering portion 18 is driven by the flow of molten polymer.

[0119] The presence of one or more lines of weakness 17 allows correctly positioning the covering portion 18 in the moulding cavity 30 and therefore allows obtaining a controlled fusion of the covering portion 18 onto the corresponding portion of the outer surface 25 .

[0120] The molding tool 29 may also include an injection point 32 through which the molten polymer enters the molding cavity 30. Preferably, the injection point 32 may be laterally displaced relative to the central axis of the corresponding collar 19 of the corresponding cap-nozzle assembly 4 formed during molding of the cap-nozzle assembly 4 and / or the molding cavity 30.

[0121] In particular, the injection point 32 is selected so as to cause, in use, the molten polymer to flow, thereby enabling the covering portion 18 to fuse to the outer surface 25. In particular, the flow of the molten polymer causes the covering portion 18 to move radially away from the respective central axis.

[0122] Especially reference Figure 1 , the packaging machine 1 at least comprises: a moulding device 33 configured to mould the lid-spout assembly 4 onto the packaging blank 5; and A package forming device 34 for forming packages 2 from packaging blanks 5, in particular from a web 6 of packaging material, and for filling the packages 2 with the pourable food product.

[0123] More specifically, the molding device 33 may include one or more molding tools 29 for molding the lid-mouth assembly 4 onto the corresponding packaging blank 5. In particular, the molding device 33 may be configured so that the molding device 33 molds more than one lid-mouth assembly 4 at a time, each lid-mouth assembly 4 being molded onto the corresponding packaging blank 5.

[0124] It should be noted that, according to some possible embodiments, the packaging machine 1 can be provided with packaging blanks 5 , in particular corresponding webs 6 of packaging material.

[0125] According to this possible embodiment, the packaging blanks 5, in particular the corresponding packaging material web 6, can be produced in a converting device different from the packaging machine 1. In particular, the converting device can be defined as a packaging blank forming device.

[0126] Such conversion equipment may include: - an advancing device for advancing a base packaging blank, in particular in the form of a web, comprising a fibre base, a layer of gas barrier material, a plurality of layers of heat-sealing plastic material, an aperture 15 and a barrier film 16, the aperture 15 being configured to allow a lid-spout assembly 4 to be moulded around the aperture 15, The isolation membrane 16 covers the hole 15 and includes at least one layer of gas barrier material; A weakening line forming tool, in particular a punching tool, configured to form one or more weakening lines 17 on the barrier membrane 16 .

[0127] Preferably, the weakening line forming tool, in particular a punching tool, may comprise a cutting knife or a perforating tool.

[0128] In particular, each base packaging blank is (substantially) identical to the respective packaging blank 5 , except that the respective one or more weakening lines 17 are absent.

[0129] The converting apparatus may also include means for forming a base packaging blank.

[0130] Advantageously, the conversion device may also be present in a different plant than the production plant in which the packaging machine 1 is installed and arranged at a different location.

[0131] According to some alternative embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a packaging blank forming device for forming a packaging blank 5 from a respective base packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank forming device comprises an advancing device and a weakening line forming tool.

[0132] According to such an embodiment, a base packaging blank is provided to the packaging machine 1 and the packaging machine 1 may form the one or more lines of weakness 17 through operation of the packaging blank forming apparatus.

[0133] In more detail, the package forming apparatus 34 may be configured to form and fill the package 2 after the lid-spout assembly 4 has been moulded onto the package blank 5 .

[0134] Preferably, the package forming device 34 may include at least: a conveying device 35 configured to advance the web 6 of packaging material along a web advancement path P at least to a tube forming station where, in use, the web 6 of packaging material is formed into a tube 36; the conveying device 35 may also be configured to advance the tube 36 along a tube advancement path Q; and - a tube forming and sealing device 37 configured to form a tube 36 from the packaging material web 6 and to seal the tube Longitudinal sealing tube 36 at the forming station; a filling device 38 configured to fill the tube 36 with a pourable product; and A package forming unit 39 configured to form and transversely seal and cut the tube 36 to obtain the (sealed) packages 2 .

[0135] In particular, the moulding device 33 may be arranged along the web advancing path P upstream of the tube forming and sealing device 37 .

[0136] Advantageously, the conveying device 35 can be configured to intermittently advance the coil packaging material 6 in the molding device 33. In particular, when the packaging material coil 6 stops, the molding device 33 can mold the corresponding cover-mouth assembly 4 onto the corresponding packaging blank 5, and when the packaging material coil 6 is advanced, the corresponding packaging blank 5 that has received its corresponding cover-mouth assembly 4 can be moved away from the molding device 33, and a new packaging blank 5 can be placed in the molding device 33.

[0137] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 of pourable products, each package 2 having a respective body 3 and a respective lid-spout assembly 4 .

[0138] In particular, the package 2, in particular the respective body 3, is obtained by forming and filling a respective package blank 5. Before forming the package 2, the respective lid-spout assembly 4 may be molded around the respective hole 15 of the respective package blank 5.

[0139] In more detail, the molding of each cap-spout assembly may include the following steps: - Providing corresponding packaging blanks 5; - closing the moulding tool 29 around the packaging blank 5 so that the hole 15 is housed within the moulding cavity 30; and Injecting molten polymer into the moulding cavity 30 to mould the cap-spout assembly 4 around the respective aperture 15 so that the respective cover portion 18 is fused to the respective outer surface 25 .

[0140] In more detail, in the step of providing the corresponding packaging blank 5, a feeding sub-step can be performed, during which the corresponding packaging blank 5 is fed to the molding device 33, and a discharging sub-step can be performed, during which the corresponding packaging blank 5 together with the corresponding lid-mouth assembly 4 is discharged from the molding device 33.

[0141] According to some possible implementation schemes, the providing step may further include the following sub-steps: - providing a corresponding base packaging blank, said base packaging blank comprising a corresponding fiber base layer 7, a corresponding gas barrier material layer 9, a corresponding plurality of heat-sealing plastic material layers 8, a corresponding hole 15 and a corresponding isolation membrane 16; and - forming one or more weakening lines 17 on the respective barrier film 16 to obtain the respective packaging blank 5 .

[0142] In particular, the providing sub-step and the forming sub-step are performed before the feeding sub-step and the discharging sub-step.

[0143] In more detail, during the forming sub-step, one or more weakening lines 17 may be formed by operating a weakening line forming tool, in particular a cutting knife or a perforating tool or an ablation tool.

[0144] Additionally, the forming sub-step and the providing sub-step may be performed by a packaging blank molding apparatus.

[0145] According to some possible embodiments, during the closing step, the respective moulding tool 29 is closed.

[0146] In particular, the respective mold sections 31 approach each other so as to form and close the respective molding cavities 30. Even more particularly, during the approach of the respective mold sections 31 to each other, at least one of the mold sections 31 moves the respective covering portion 18, preferably so that the respective covering portion 18 is aligned within the respective molding cavity 30.

[0147] Furthermore, during the injection step, the flow of molten polymer, in particular introduced via the respective injection point 32 , causes the covering portion 18 to move, in particular radially, in particular away from the respective centre axis.

[0148] Furthermore, the molding of each lid-spout assembly 4 may include an extraction step during which the respective molding tool 29 is extracted from the respective packaging blank 5. In particular, the respective molding tool 29 is opened by moving the molding parts 31 away from each other.

[0149] According to some possible embodiments, the forming of the packaging blank 5 can be carried out inside the packaging machine 1 according to a providing sub-step and a forming sub-step, in particular by the operation of a packaging blank forming device.

[0150] Alternatively, the providing sub-step and the forming sub-step may be part of a conversion method, in particular within a conversion device.

[0151] Furthermore, according to such an embodiment, the base packaging blank may be produced within the converting device prior to the providing sub-step and the forming sub-step.

[0152] In more detail, the conversion method may further include the following steps: - providing a substrate blank comprising a corresponding fiber base layer; - creating corresponding holes 15, in particular by punching the substrate blank; and - Lamination, during which individual layers of heat-sealing plastic material 8 and gas barrier material 9 are laminated onto the base blank having the respective holes 15 to obtain a base packaging blank.

[0153] In particular, the respective barrier membrane 16 may be obtained by arranging those portions of the respective one or more layers of heat-sealing plastic material 8 and of the at least one layer of gas barrier material 9 at the respective holes 15 during the lamination step.

[0154] From the above description, the advantages of the packaging blank 5 and / or the lid-spout assembly 4 and / or the packaging 2 and / or the method and / or the apparatus according to the invention will become apparent.

[0155] In particular, an improved package 2 is obtained due to the fact that part of the collar 19 is covered by the covering part 18. This allows to improve the gas barrier properties of the cap-spout assembly 4. This again allows to ensure that the quality of the pourable product remains at a desired level for a longer period of time.

[0156] Obviously, changes may be made to the packaging blank 5 and / or the lid-spout assembly 4 and / or the packaging 2 and / or the method and / or the apparatus described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging blank (5) having a multilayer structure for forming a package (2), comprising: - a fiber substrate (7); - a layer of gas barrier material (9); - a plurality of layers of heat-sealing plastic material (8); - an aperture (15) configured to allow the lid-mouth assembly (4) to be moulded around said aperture (15); as well as - an isolation membrane (16) covering the hole (15) and comprising a layer of gas barrier material; The barrier film (16) comprises one or more weakened lines (17) defining a plurality of covering portions (18).

2. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein the hole (15) extends in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis (A) and a transverse axis (B) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A); wherein an imaginary longitudinal line parallel to the first longitudinal axis (A) and an imaginary transverse line parallel to the transverse axis (B) intersect at respective center points of the hole (15); wherein the hole (15) is symmetrical about the imaginary longitudinal line and / or a first extension of the hole (15) along the imaginary longitudinal line is greater than a second extension of the hole (15) along the imaginary transverse line; Wherein the at least one weakening line (17) extends substantially parallel to the imaginary longitudinal line and / or along the imaginary longitudinal line.

3. A packaging blank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first weakening line (17) extends between the second weakening line (17) and the third weakening line (17) and is transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, the second weakening line (17) and the third weakening line (17).

4. A packaging blank according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each covering portion (18) is configured to move during the molding process of each lid-mouth assembly (4) so ​​as to cover respective portions of the outer surface (20) of the collar (19) of the molded lid-mouth assembly (4).

5. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each line of weakness (17) has a substantially linear shape.

6. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each weakening line (17) is defined by a perforation or an incision or an ablation or a cut.

7. A method of molding a lid-spout assembly (4) onto a packaging blank (5); wherein the packaging blank (5) comprises a fibrous base layer (7), a layer of gas barrier material (9), a plurality of layers of heat-sealing plastic material (8), an aperture (15) configured to allow a lid-spout assembly (4) to be molded around the aperture (15), and a barrier membrane (16) covering the aperture (15) and comprising a layer of gas barrier material and one or more weakened lines (17) defining a plurality of covering portions (18); The method comprises the following steps: - providing the packaging blank (5); - closing a moulding tool (29) having a moulding cavity (30) around the packaging blank (5) such that the hole (15) is accommodated within the moulding cavity (30); and - Injecting molten polymer into the molding cavity (30) to mold the cap-nozzle assembly (4) around the hole (15) and cause the covering portion (18) to fuse to the outer surface (20) of the collar (19) of the cap-nozzle assembly (4).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein during the providing step, the following sub-steps are performed: - providing a base packaging blank comprising a base layer, a layer of a gas barrier material, a plurality of heat-sealable plastic layers, an aperture (15) configured to allow a lid-spout assembly (4) to be molded around the aperture (15), and a barrier film (16) covering the aperture (15) and comprising at least one layer of a gas barrier material; - forming one or more weakening lines (17) on the barrier film (16) to obtain the packaging blank (5).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein during the forming sub-step, the one or more weakened lines (17) are formed by operation of a cutting knife or a perforating tool or an ablating tool.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the molding tool (29) comprises an injection point (32) through which the molten polymer enters the molding cavity (30); Wherein the injection point (32) is laterally displaced relative to the central axis of the collar (19) of the cap-spout assembly (4) formed during the molding step.

11. A cap-spout assembly (4) comprising a collar (19) having a pouring spout (20) and a layer of gas barrier material fused to an outer surface (25) of the collar (19).

12. Packaging for pourable products comprising a body (3) formed from a multilayer packaging blank (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a lid-spout assembly (4) according to claim 11 connected to the body (3).

13. A method for producing packaging blanks (5), in particular a converting method; wherein the packaging blank (5) comprises a fibrous base layer (7), a layer of gas barrier material (9), a plurality of layers of heat-sealable plastic material (8), an aperture (15), the aperture (15) being configured to allow a lid-spout assembly (4) to be molded around the aperture (15), wherein the packaging blank (5) comprises a barrier film (16), the barrier film (16) covering the aperture (15) and comprising the layer of gas barrier material, wherein the barrier film (16) comprises one or more weakened lines (17) defining a plurality of covering portions (18); The method comprises the following steps: - providing a substrate blank comprising a fiber base layer; - creating a hole (15) configured to allow the lid-mouth assembly (4) to be molded around the hole (15) within the base blank; - lamination, during which respective said plurality of layers of heat-sealing plastic material (8) and said layer of gas barrier material (9) are laminated onto said substrate blank having respective said holes (15); and - forming said one or more weakening lines (17) on said barrier film (16) to obtain said packaging blank (5).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein during the forming step, a punching tool or a perforating tool comprising a cutting blade is brought into proximity with the isolation membrane (16).

15. Device for forming packaging blanks (5), in particular a converting device; wherein the packaging blank (5) comprises a fibrous base layer (7), a gas barrier material layer (9), a plurality of heat-sealing plastic material layers (8), an aperture (15), the aperture (15) being configured to allow a lid-spout assembly (4) to be molded around the aperture (15); wherein the packaging blank (5) comprises a barrier film (16) covering the aperture (15) and comprising the gas barrier material layer; wherein the barrier film (16) comprises one or more weakened lines (17) defining a plurality of covering portions (18); The equipment includes: - an advancing device for advancing a base packaging blank, the base packaging blank comprising a base layer, a layer of a gas barrier material, a plurality of heat-sealing plastic materials, an aperture (15) configured to allow a lid-spout assembly (4) to be molded around the aperture (15), and a barrier membrane covering the aperture (15) and comprising at least one layer of a gas barrier material; - a weakening line forming tool, in particular a punching tool, configured to form the one or more weakening lines (17) on the barrier film (16).

Images