Opening device for package and package with opening device

Abstract

It is described an opening device (3, 3 ') comprising a collar (15) and a cutter (17) arranged at least partially within a flow channel (16) delimited by the collar (15). The opening device (3, 3 ') further comprises a retaining device configured to prevent the cutter (17) from moving out of the flow channel (16) and through the pouring outlet (19) of the collar (15). The opening device (3, 3 ') further comprises a flange (30) protruding from the cutter (17).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for a package, in particular a composite package, filled with a pourable product, more in particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The invention also relates to a package having a body filled with a pourable product, more particularly a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the body. Background Art

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

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

[0005] Some known packagings, particularly the corresponding sealed main body of the packaging formed by packaging material, comprise the pouring opening of appointment, it allows to pour out the pourable product from packaging.Usually, the pouring opening of appointment is covered by a barrier film, and this barrier film isolates the inner space of the main body from the external environment, and to be opened or to be removed or to be broken or to be cut or to be pierced after first pouring out the pourable product.Also known is that on the main body, around the pouring opening of appointment, an opening device with a collar and a closure is arranged, so that the pourable product can be controlled to pour out from the main body and through the collar.Therefore, the collar has a pouring outlet, so that the pourable product can be controlled to pour out from packaging, and the closure allows selectively closing and opening the pouring outlet.

[0006] Some known opening devices include a cutter to break open a barrier membrane covering a designated pour opening in a controlled manner.

[0007] Although such opening devices work satisfactorily, there remains a need in the art for further improved opening devices and / or packages having opening devices. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for packages, in particular composite packages, filled with pourable products, more in particular with pourable food products.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide, in a simple and cost-effective manner, a package having a body filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and opening means applied to the body.

[0010] According to the invention, an opening device is provided as described in the independent claim.

[0011] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a package having a body and an opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the opening device of the invention with some parts removed for clarity;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of the opening device portion of the device with some parts removed for clarity;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a portion of an opening device of the invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0018] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of a portion of an opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity; and

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 sectional view of a portion of an opening device with some components removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Mark 1 indicates the entire packaging, especially a composite packaging, including: a body 2, in particular a composite body, more in particular a sealed composite body, which is filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular has a designated pouring opening (not shown and known per se) configured to allow the pourable product to be poured out of the body 2; and - An opening device 3 , in particular formed of a polymer, which is fitted to the body 2 , in particular around a designated pouring opening.

[0021] The body 2 can be obtained from a multilayer packaging material, in particular provided in the form of a roll. The packaging material can include at least one fibrous material (e.g. paper or cardboard) layer, and at least two heat-sealed plastic material (e.g. polyethylene) layers interposing the fibrous material layers. One of the two heat-sealed plastic material layers can define the inner surface of the body 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0022] Preferably, the packaging material may further comprise a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminium foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fibrous material layer. More preferably, the packaging material may further comprise another layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the gas and light barrier material layer and the fibrous material layer.

[0023] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, each opening device 3 is applied to the respective body 2 by a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding and / or welding before, during or after the forming, filling and sealing of the respective body 2 .

[0024] Alternatively, each opening device 3 may be applied to the packaging material before arranging the packaging material in the packaging machine or during advancement of the packaging material in the packaging machine to form, fill and seal the respective body 2 from the packaging material.

[0025] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 can contain pourable food, such as water, milk, milk-based beverages, yogurt beverages, coffee-based beverages, juices, beverages with pulp, ketchup, salt, sugar, etc.

[0026] Special References Figure 1 , the body 2 may extend along a central (longitudinal) axis A.

[0027] In particular, the package 2 may comprise a first wall 4, in particular transverse to, more particularly perpendicular to, the central axis A, from which the body 2 extends along the central axis A. Preferably, the first wall 4 may define a support surface of the package 2, which, in use, may come into contact with a support element (e.g. a shelf) when, for example, exposed in a point of sale, placed in a storage room, placed in a refrigerator or the like. In particular, the first wall 4 may define a bottom wall when arranged on a support element.

[0028] Furthermore, the body 2 may further comprise a side wall 5 which is (fixedly) connected to the first wall 4 and extends from the first wall 4 .

[0029] Furthermore, the body 2 may further comprise a second wall 6 opposite the first wall 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5. In other words, the side wall 5 may be interposed between the first wall 4 and the second wall 6. In particular, the second wall 6 may define a top wall when arranged on the support element.

[0030] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other.

[0031] Alternatively, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be inclined relative to each other. In other words, the second wall 6 may define an inclined top or a gable top.

[0032] In particular, the second wall 6 may comprise a designated pouring opening.

[0033] In addition, the body 2 may include a barrier membrane covering a designated pouring opening, thereby isolating the interior space 7 of the body 2 from the external environment. In addition, the barrier membrane may be at least partially (and irreversibly) breakable (i.e., openable and / or rupturable and / or cuttable and / or pierceable), in particular allowing the barrier membrane to lose integrity, thereby allowing the pourable product to be poured out of the body 2.

[0034] Preferably, the isolation film may include a gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0035] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the barrier film may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular by a portion of the layers of the packaging material different from the layer of fibrous material.Preferably, the barrier film may comprise a portion of a layer of gas and light barrier material.

[0036] Special References Figures 1 to 4 , the opening device 3 at least comprises: a collar 15 , in particular aligned with the designated pouring opening, defining a flow channel 16 for the pourable product; and A (annular) cutter 17 which is configured to break (ie rupture and / or cut and / or pierce and / or open) the isolation membrane and is at least partially arranged within the collar 15 and / or the flow channel 16 .

[0037] In more detail, the collar 15 may include an inlet opening 18 configured to allow an inflow of a pourable product, in particular from the interior space 7 into the flow channel 16 , and a pouring outlet 19 configured to allow an outflow of the pourable product from the flow channel 16 (and the collar 15 ).

[0038] Preferably, the flow channel 16 may extend between the inlet opening 18 and the pouring outlet 19 .

[0039] In more detail, in use, once the isolation membrane loses integrity due to operation of the cutter 17 (see below for more details), the pourable product can flow from the interior space 7 into the flow channel 16 through the designated pouring opening and / or inlet opening 18, and then flow out of the pouring outlet 19 through the flow channel 16.

[0040] In more detail, the collar 15 may include an inner surface 20 facing and / or delimiting the flow channel 16 , and in particular also include an outer surface 21 opposite the inner surface 20 , ie facing away from the flow channel 16 .

[0041] In particular, the inner surface 20 may also face the cutter 17 , wherein the cutter 17 is at least partially arranged within the flow channel 16 .

[0042] Furthermore, the collar 15 and / or the flow channel 16 may extend along the central axis B.

[0043] Preferably, the collar 15 may have a circular cross-sectional profile in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis B.

[0044] Even more preferably, the collar 15 and / or the inlet opening 18 and / or the pouring outlet 19 may have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular in a cross section perpendicular to the centre axis B.

[0045] The cutter 17 may be arranged, in particular movably arranged, in the flow channel 16 .

[0046] Preferably, the cutter 17 may extend along a central axis C and / or have a central axis C.

[0047] In particular, the central axis C can be coaxial with the central axis B, wherein the cutter 17 is at least partially disposed within the flow channel 16. In other words, the cutter 17 can be coaxial with the collar 15 when it is at least partially disposed within the flow channel 16.

[0048] Preferably, the cutter 17 may comprise at least one cutting portion 22 configured to break the isolation membrane. In particular, the cutting portion 22 may comprise, in particular consist of, a (curved) saw blade.

[0049] Furthermore, a cutting portion 22 may be arranged at a first end 23 of the cutter 17 .

[0050] Preferably, the cutter 17 can be controlled in a static position and an active position, in which the cutter 17 is separated from the isolation membrane (thereby ensuring the integrity of the isolation membrane) and in which the cutter 17 (especially the cutting part 22) can be configured to break the isolation membrane.

[0051] Even more particularly, when the package 1 is provided to the final customer, the cutter 17 can be arranged in the rest position and the barrier film is intact. In addition, the control of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position can be activated once. After the barrier film is broken, there is no need to repeatedly control the cutter 17 between the active position and the rest position.

[0052] The cutter 17 may be arranged in a first axial position and a second axial position relative to the central axis B when in the rest position and the active position, respectively.

[0053] Preferably, the cutter 17 may be (substantially) completely arranged within the flow channel 16 when in the rest position and / or the first axial position.

[0054] When in the active position and / or the second axial position, the cutter 17 can at least partially extend out of the flow channel 16 and through the inlet opening 18. In particular, at least the cutting portion 22 can extend out of the flow channel 16 and through the inlet opening 18.

[0055] In more detail, when in the rest position, the cutter 17 may be closer to the pouring outlet 19 than when in the active position.

[0056] As will be explained in more detail below, the cutter 17 may be configured to translate at least along the central axis B when moving between the rest position and the active position in use. Preferably, the cutter 17 may be configured to translate along the central axis B and rotate about the central axis B when moving between the rest position and the active position in use.

[0057] In particular, in use, the cutter 17 moves in the first direction D1 during movement between the rest position and the active position.

[0058] More specifically, the cutter 17 may be annular (ie, having a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the central axis B).

[0059] Cutter 17 may include an outer surface 24 that faces inner surface 20, particularly at least when cutter 17 is in a rest position.

[0060] Preferably, the opening device 3 may comprise an actuation device configured to actuate and guide the cutter 17 to move from the rest position to the active position.

[0061] The opening device 3 further comprises a retaining device, which is configured to prevent the cutter 17 from moving out of the flow channel 16 and through the pouring outlet 19. In other words, the retaining device ensures that the cutter 17 does not (accidentally) escape from the flow channel 16 through the pouring outlet 19.

[0062] In more detail, the retaining means may include: a holding group 31 connected to the inner surface 20 (and entering the flow channel 16 ), in particular protruding from the inner surface 20 ; and An alternating group 32 connected to the cutter 17 , in particular to the outer surface 24 , in particular protruding from the cutter 17 .

[0063] Furthermore, the retaining set 31 and the interacting set 32 ​​may be configured to interact with each other to prevent the cutter 17 from moving out of the flow channel 16 and through the pour outlet 19 .

[0064] Preferably, the retaining group 31 may be integrally formed with the collar 15 and / or the alternating group 32 may be integrally formed with the cutter 17. Even more preferably, the retaining group 31 and the collar 15 may be molded in one piece, and / or the cutter 17 and the alternating group 32 may be molded in one piece.

[0065] Preferably, the retaining group 31 and / or the alternating group 32 may be interposed between the outer surface 24 and the inner surface 20 .

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the interacting group 32 may be interposed between the holding group 31 and the inlet opening 18 and / or the holding group 31 may be interposed between the interacting group 32 and the pouring outlet 19 .

[0067] In more detail, the interaction group 32 and the retaining group 31 can be configured to interact with each other so that the cutter 17 can only move to a certain extent (if at all) in the second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 and ensure that the cutter 17 cannot leave through the pouring outlet 19.

[0068] More specifically, the interaction group 32 and the retention group 31 can be configured to interact with each other when the cutter 17 is positioned and / or moved to the end axial position relative to the central axis B. In particular, when the cutter 17 is in the end axial position, the cutter 17 can be in a static position or in a position closer to the pouring outlet 19 than in the static position.

[0069] Furthermore, the end axial position may define an axial position of the cutter 17 at which the cutter 17 is closer to the pouring outlet 19 than at any other axial position. In particular, it is contemplated that the retaining group 31 may be configured to define and / or delimit the end axial position, and even more particularly, that the interaction between the interactive group 32 and the retaining group 31 ensures that once the cutter 17 reaches the end axial position, the cutter 17 cannot move further in the second direction D2.

[0070] Furthermore, the cutter 17 can have the greatest possible distance from the inlet opening 18 when in the end axial position.

[0071] In addition, the interaction group 32 and the retaining group 31 can interact with each other only when the cutter 17 is in the end axial position. In other words, once the cutter 17 reaches the end axial position, the possible movement of the cutter 17 along the second direction D2 is blocked by the interaction between the interaction group 32 and the retaining group 31.

[0072] Special References Figures 2 to 4 The holding group 31 may include one or more holding elements 33 offset from one another, in the specific case shown two holding elements 33 .

[0073] Since the retaining elements 33 are spaced apart from each other (ie, spaced apart from one another), the cutter 17 may be easily placed within the flow channel 16 .

[0074] Preferably, the retaining elements 33 can be angularly offset from one another about the central axis B.

[0075] Preferably, the holding elements 33 may face each other.

[0076] According to the specific example shown, the retaining elements 33 may be offset from one another by approximately 180° (particularly when taking into account the angular offset of the respective center points of the retaining elements 33 from one another).

[0077] According to some alternative embodiments not shown, the retaining group 31 may comprise one annular retaining element 33. Preferably, according to such an embodiment, the annular retaining element 33 may have a circular cross section and may be continuous.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each retaining element 33 can be formed as a hollow protrusion. In other words, each retaining element 33 can include a corresponding cavity 39.

[0079] In particular, since each holding member 33 is hollow, the amount of plastic used can be reduced.

[0080] In more detail, each retaining element 33 may comprise, in particular may consist of, a respective curved solid wall 47. In particular, each solid wall 47 may delimit and / or define a respective hollow protrusion and / or a respective cavity 39.

[0081] Preferably, each solid wall 47 may protrude towards the center of the collar 15 and / or towards the central axis B.

[0082] More specifically, each retaining element 33 , in particular the respective solid wall 47 , may be convexly shaped towards the center of the collar 15 and / or towards the central axis B.

[0083] Advantageously, each solid wall 47 may be formed integrally with the inner surface 20 .

[0084] In more detail, each retaining element 33 , in particular the respective solid wall 47 , may define a respective notch and / or groove in the outer surface 21 .

[0085] Furthermore, each solid wall 47 may have a certain thickness, preferably a (substantially) constant thickness. Preferably, the thickness of the solid wall 47 corresponds to the thickness of the portion of the collar 15 adjacent to and connected to the solid wall 47 and / or the thickness of one or more other portions of the collar 15.

[0086] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each interactive group 32 may include one or more interactive elements that are preferably integrally connected to the cutter 17 and protrude from the cutter 17 .

[0087] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the opening device 3 (preferably the corresponding cutter 17 ) may also include a flange 30 .

[0088] The flange 30 may be designed to stabilize the movement of the cutter 17 within the flow channel 16 .

[0089] In more detail, the flange 30 may interact with the collar 15, in particular with the inner surface 20, to stabilize the movement of the cutter 17, in particular when moving from a respective rest position to a respective active position.

[0090] Preferably, the flange 30 may comprise at least two flange elements 34 angularly displaced from each other about the central axis C.

[0091] In particular, since the center axis C and the center axis B (in which the cutter 17 is at least partially arranged within the flow channel 16 ) are coaxial, the flange elements 34 may also be angularly displaced with respect to each other about the center axis B.

[0092] By spacing the flange elements 34 apart, it is possible to easily arrange the cutter 17 within the flow channel 16 and ensure correct operation of the retaining device.

[0093] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the number of retaining elements 33 and the number of flange elements 34 may be equal to each other.

[0094] In particular, there is a respective first gap between the retaining elements 33 and / or there is a respective second gap between the flange elements 34 .

[0095] More in detail and with particular reference to Figure 2 Each flange element 34 may protrude radially from the cutter 17 , in particular from a second end 35 of the cutter 17 opposite to the first end 23 .

[0096] Preferably, each flange element 34 may protrude radially away from the corresponding center axis C.

[0097] More specifically, each flange element 34 may protrude radially from the edge 36 of the second end portion 35 .

[0098] Preferably, each flange element 34 may protrude toward the inner surface 20 and / or away from the center of the cutter 17 .

[0099] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, each flange element 34 can include a plate, in particular a plate perpendicular to the central axis C, and / or can be defined by such a plate.

[0100] Preferably, each flange element 34 may be arc-shaped.

[0101] In more detail, each flange element 34 can extend, in particular relative to the central axis C, between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position.

[0102] Additionally, each first angular position and the corresponding second angular position may define a corresponding first angular extension of each flange element 34. Preferably, each first angular extension may be measured in radians (°).

[0103] Preferably, each flange element 34 may have the same dimensions as the other flange elements 34. In other words, the respective first angular extension of each flange element 34 corresponds to the respective first angular extension of the other flange elements 34.

[0104] Special References Figures 2 to 4 Each retaining element 33 may protrude radially from the inner surface 20 , in particular towards the center of the collar 15 and / or towards the central axis B.

[0105] Preferably, each retaining member 33 may be arc-shaped.

[0106] In more detail, each retaining element 33 is extendable between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position.

[0107] Furthermore, each third angular position and the corresponding fourth angular position may define a corresponding second angular extension of each retaining element 33. Preferably, each second angular extension may be measured in radians (°).

[0108] Preferably, each retaining element 33 may have the same size as the other retaining elements 33. In other words, the respective second angular extension of each retaining element 33 may correspond to the respective second angular extension of the other retaining elements 33.

[0109] Advantageously, each first angular extension may be greater than each second angular extension.

[0110] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the angular distance between the two flange elements 34 can be greater than the second angular extension. In particular, the angular distance between the corresponding second angular position of the first flange element 34 and the corresponding first angular position of the second flange element 34 is determined, in particular relative to the central axis C. Moreover, no other flange element 34 is interposed between the first flange element 34 and the second flange element 34.

[0111] In more detail, the holding group 31 may comprise an abutment surface 37 , in particular facing the inlet opening 18 .

[0112] In particular, each retaining element 33 may comprise a respective portion of the abutment surface 37 (in other words, the abutment surface 37 is discrete, ie has unconnected portions).

[0113] Furthermore, the interacting group 32 may have an engagement surface 38 , in particular facing the pouring outlet 19 .

[0114] The engagement surface 38 can be configured to abut against the abutment surface 37 so as to block the cutter 17 from moving out of the flow channel 16 and through the pouring outlet 19, particularly when the cutter 17 is in the end axial position. In particular, in use, when the cutter 17 is in the end axial position, the engagement surface 38 can abut against the abutment surface 37.

[0115] Preferably, each interactive element may carry a portion of the engagement surface 38 .

[0116] For more details, see in particular Figures 1 to 4 , the opening device 3 may also include: a base frame 40 mounted and / or configured to be mounted on the body 2 , in particular on the second wall 6 , and surrounding the designated pouring opening and carrying the collar 15 ; and A closure member 41 configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet 19 .

[0117] Furthermore, the opening device 3 may further comprise a coupling ring 42 rotatably arranged around the collar 15 , in particular such that the coupling ring 42 is inseparable from the collar 15 .

[0118] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments not shown, each opening device 3 may also comprise a connection element, preferably a tether element, connected (preferably in an unbreakable manner) to the coupling ring 42 and to the closure 41 .

[0119] Advantageously, the closure member 41 can be controlled to be in the following positions: - Closed position (see Figure 1 and Figure 2), in which position the closure member 41 may be configured to cover and / or may cover the pouring spout 19, in particular for preventing the pourable product from flowing out of the collar 15; and an open position (not specifically shown) in which the closure element 41 is configurable and / or separable from the pouring outlet 19 to allow the pourable product to flow out.

[0120] In particular, the closure member 41 may be rotatably coupled (about the central axis B) to the collar 15 when in the closed position.

[0121] Advantageously, the opening device 3 may comprise an actuating device which is partially associated with (and / or connected to) the collar 15 and / or carried by the collar 15, partially associated with (and / or connected to) the closure 41 and / or carried by the closure 41 and partially associated with the cutter 17, and is configured such that rotation of the closure 41 about the central axis B can move the closure 41 from the closed position to the open position and / or towards the open position.

[0122] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuation device may comprise a first interaction member (not shown) connected to the closure 41, in particular a flap, and a second interaction member 43 connected (in particular integrally connected) to the cutter 17, in particular the main part 23.

[0123] Preferably, the driving device may further include a cam mechanism connected to the collar 15 and / or the cutter 17 and configured to guide the cutter 17 to move from the rest position to the active position.

[0124] Preferably, the cam mechanism may include a cam structure 45 connected to (preferably integrally connected to) and protruding from the cutter 17 , and a plurality of cam elements (not shown) connected to (particularly integrally connected to) the collar 15 .

[0125] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least one or more portions of the cam structure 45 may define one or more interaction elements of the interaction set 32. In other words, at least one or more portions of the cam structure 45 may define the engagement surface 38.

[0126] In particular, the first and second interaction members 43 may be configured to interact with each other to actuate the cutter 17 to move from the rest position to the active position.

[0127] Even more particularly, a rotation of the first interaction member about the central axis B may be actuated for moving the cutter 17 (particularly by a rotational-translational movement) from the rest position to the active position.

[0128] Preferably, when assembling the opening device 3, the cutter 17 can be moved towards the collar 15 and the flange element 34 can be aligned relative to the first gap. Subsequently, the cutter 17 is pressed into the flow channel 16, so that the flange element 34 passes through the corresponding first gap. In addition, the interactive group 32 and / or the cam structure 45 are pressed on the retaining element 33, and then the cutter 17 cannot move out of the flow channel 16 and through the pouring outlet 19.

[0129] In particular, due to the retaining device it is ensured that the cutter 17 cannot move out of the flow channel 16 and through the pouring outlet 19 .

[0130] During use, to pour out the pouring product from the package 1 (especially the main body 2), it is necessary to open the pouring outlet 19 and break the isolation membrane.

[0131] The separation membrane is broken by moving the cutter 17 from the rest position to the active position. This is achieved by rotating the first interaction member about the central axis B.

[0132] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , reference 3 ' denotes an alternative embodiment of the opening device according to the invention; since the opening device 3 ' is similar to the opening device 3 , the following description is limited to the differences between them and the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts where possible.

[0133] In particular, the opening device 3 ′ differs from the opening device 3 in that the holding device, in particular the holding group 31 , comprises at least one holding element 33 ′, preferably at least two holding elements 33 ′.

[0134] Retaining element 33 ′ is similar to retaining element 33 , so we limit the description of retaining element 33 ′ to the differences of retaining element 33 ′.

[0135] In particular, each retaining element 33 ′ differs from each retaining element 33 in that it is formed as a solid protrusion.

[0136] In other words, the outer surface 21 is devoid of any grooves, or cavities defining the outer portion of the retaining element 33 ′.

[0137] From the above description, the advantages of the opening device 3 and / or the opening device 3 ′ and / or the packaging 1 according to the invention will become apparent.

[0138] In particular, by providing a retaining device, it can be ensured that the cutter 17 does not leave the flow channel 16 and pass through the pouring outlet 19.

[0139] Furthermore, during installation of the opening device 3 or 3 ′, the cutter 17 can be easily placed in the flow channel.

[0140] Obviously, changes may be made to the opening device 3 or 3' and / or to the packaging 1 described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. An opening device (3, 3') for a package (1) having a designated pouring opening covered by a barrier film and filled with a pourable product; The opening device (3, 3') comprises at least: a collar (15) defining a flow channel (16), the flow channel (16) extending between an inlet opening (18) of the collar (15) and a pouring outlet (19) of the collar (15), the inlet opening (18) being configured to allow the pourable product to flow into the flow channel (16), and the pouring outlet (19) being configured to allow the pourable product to flow out of the flow channel (16); and a cutter (17) configured to break the isolation membrane and arranged at least partially within the flow channel (16); wherein the collar (15) comprises an inner surface (20) facing the flow channel (16); wherein the opening device (3, 3') further comprises a retaining device, wherein the retaining device is configured to prevent the cutter (17) from moving out of the flow channel (16) and passing through the pouring outlet (19); wherein the retaining device comprises a retaining group (31) protruding from the inner surface (20) of the collar (15) and an interactive group (32) connected to the cutter (17); wherein the retaining group (31) and the interacting group (32) are configured to interact with each other so as to prevent the cutter (17) from moving out of the flow channel (16) and through the pouring outlet (19); Wherein, the opening device (3, 3') further comprises a flange (30) protruding from the cutter (17).

2. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the flange (30) comprises at least two flange elements (34) angularly offset from each other around the first center axis (C) of the cutter (17) and protruding towards the collar (15).

3. The opening device according to claim 2, wherein: The retaining group (31) comprises at least two retaining elements (33, 33') which are angularly offset from each other about a second center axis (B) of the collar (15).

4. The opening device according to claim 3, wherein: Each flange element (34) extends between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position; wherein each retaining element (33, 33') extends between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position; Wherein, the corresponding first angular extension of each flange element (34) between the corresponding first angular position and the corresponding second angular position is greater than the corresponding second angular extension of each retaining element (33, 33') between the corresponding third angular position and the corresponding fourth angular position.

5. The opening device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: Each flange element (34) extends between a respective first angular position and a respective second angular position; wherein each retaining element (33, 33') extends between a respective third angular position and a respective fourth angular position; Therein, the angular distance between the two flange elements (34) is greater than the angular extension of the retaining elements (33, 33').

6. The opening device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The number of the retaining elements (33, 33') and the number of the flange elements (34) are equal to each other.

7. The opening device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: Each flange element (34) projects radially from the cutter (17).

8. The opening device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: Each flange element (34) is arcuate, and / or the retaining group (31) comprises at least two arcuate retaining elements (33, 33') that are angularly offset from each other about the second center axis (B) of the collar (15).

9. An opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cutter (17) comprises a cutting portion (22), the cutting portion (22) being configured to break the isolation film and being arranged at a first end portion (23) of the cutter (17); Wherein, the flange (30) protrudes from a second end (35) of the cutter (17) opposite to the first end (23) of the cutter (17).

10. An opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining set (31) comprises an abutment surface (37), and the interacting set (32) comprises an engagement surface (38); Wherein the engagement surface (38) is configured to abut against the abutment surface (37) so as to prevent the cutter (17) from moving out of the flow passage (16) and through the pouring outlet (19).

11. An opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining group (31) is integrally connected to the collar (15) and / or the flange (30) is integrally connected to the cutter (17).

12. An opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The retaining group (31) can be formed by at least one hollow protrusion or at least one solid protrusion.

13. An opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cutter (17) can be arranged in a static position and an active position, in which the cutter (17) is separated from the isolation membrane in the static position and in which the cutter (17) is configured to break the isolation membrane in the active position; Wherein, the opening device further comprises an actuating device, and the actuating device is configured to actuate the cutter (17) to move from the static position to the active position.

14. The opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a base frame (40) configured to be mounted and / or mounted on the body (2) around the designated pouring opening and carrying a collar (15); as well as - A closure member (41) configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet (19).

15. A package (1), comprising: - a body (2) filled with a pourable product and having a designated pouring opening covered by a separating membrane; as well as - An opening device (3, 3') according to any one of the preceding claims, which is fitted around the designated pouring opening.

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