Opening device for packaging and packaging with opening device

Abstract

An opening device (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable product is described. The opening device (3) comprises at least: a collar (10) having a pouring outlet (11); and a lid (12) configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet (11) and controllable at least between a closed position, in which the lid (12) is configured to close the pouring opening (11), and an open position, in which the lid (12) is configured to open the pouring opening (11). The collar (10) comprises an edge (13) defining a pouring outlet (11). The lid (12) is rupturable fixed to the edge (13) by a coupling membrane and, during a first control of the lid (12) from the closed position to the open position, the lid (12) is detached from the edge (13) and the coupling membrane is configured to be ruptured. The edge (13) comprises a first end portion (19) and a second end portion (20) opposite the first end portion (19). The second end portion (20) includes a radial projection (30).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for a package filled with a pourable product, more particularly a package filled with a pourable food product, the package preferably being a package having a body formed of a multilayer packaging material.

[0002] Advantageously, the present invention also relates to a package filled with a pourable product, more particularly a package filled with a pourable food product, the package preferably having a body formed of a multilayer packaging material and comprising an opening device. BACKGROUND

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

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

[0005] Some known packages further comprise an opening device configured to allow a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package. For example, such a package is described in European patent application EP-A-4001150 in the name of the same applicant. This European patent application describes a package comprising a body having a designated pouring opening and an opening device arranged on the body around the designated pouring opening and configured to allow a controlled pouring of the pourable product.

[0006] The opening device comprises a collar having a pouring outlet and a cap removably connected to the collar to selectively close and open the pouring outlet of the collar.

[0007] The cap is controllable between a closed position and an open position in which the cap respectively closes and opens the pouring outlet of the collar. Prior to the first control of the cap from the closed position to the open position, the cap is breakably sealed on the collar. This enables to guarantee that the pourable product is not affected by the external environment.

[0008] Thus, during the first time the lid is controlled from the closed position to the open position, the user needs to exert a force to detach the lid from the collar.

[0009] Despite the fact that the known opening device works well and is satisfactory, there is still a desire in the field to further improve such opening devices. SUMMARY

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved opening device for a package filled with a pourable product, more in particular a package filled with a pourable food product, in particular a package having a main body formed from a multi-layer packaging material.

[0011] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved opening device for a package filled with a pourable product, even more preferably a package filled with a pourable food product, in particular a package having a main body formed from a multi-layer packaging material, and an improved detachment of the lid from the collar during the first time the lid is controlled from the closed position to the open position.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner a package filled with a pourable product, preferably a package filled with a pourable food product, in particular a package having a main body formed from a multi-layer packaging material, and having an opening device, preferably applied to the main body.

[0013] According to the invention, there is provided an opening device according to the independent claim.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0015] According to the invention, there is also provided a package according to any one of claims 13 to 15. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a package having an opening device according to the present invention, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity; Fig. 2 is a magnified view of a part of the package to which the opening device is coupled, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity; Fig. 3 is a further magnified perspective view of a part of the detail of Fig. 2, with the opening device partly open, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 3, with the opening device open, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity; and Fig. 5 is a top view of the detail of Figs. 3 and 4, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The marking 1 indicates an entire package, which comprises: - a (sealed) body 2, preferably a body 2 formed of a multilayer packaging material; and - an opening device 3 connected with the body 2.

[0018] In more detail, the body 2 can be filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product, such as milk, milk beverage, yoghurt, yoghurt beverage, wine, juice, nectar, ketchup, sugar, salt, etc.

[0019] More specifically, the body 2 can have a designated pouring opening (not shown and known per se) configured to allow the pourable product to flow out of the body 2, and the opening device 3 can be arranged around and / or be arrangeable around the designated pouring opening and be configured to allow the pourable product to be controlledly poured out of the body 2.

[0020] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 can be obtained from a packaging material, preferably a composite packaging material, having a multilayer structure (not shown and known per se).

[0021] Preferably, the packaging material can be provided in the form of a web and / or a sheet.

[0022] Preferably, the body 2 can be obtained by forming a tube from the packaging material, longitudinally sealing the tube, filling the tube with the pourable product, and transversely sealing and cutting the tube. In some cases, the packaging material can be sterilized and / or cleaned prior to forming, longitudinally sealing, filling, and transversely sealing and cutting the tube.

[0023] Preferably, the packaging material can comprise at least one layer of a fibrous material, such as paper or paperboard, and at least two layers of a heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene, interposed between each other with the layer of fibrous material. One of the two layers of heat-seal plastic material can define an inner face of the body 2 in contact with the pourable product.

[0024] Preferably, the packaging material can further comprise a layer of a gas- and light-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, which is particularly arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the packaging material can further comprise a further layer of heat-seal plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0025] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the opening device 3 can be applied to the packaging material to form, fill, and seal the body 2 from the packaging material carrying the opening device 3, before arranging the packaging material within a packaging machine or during advancement of the packaging material through the packaging machine.

[0026] Alternatively, the opening device 3 can be applied to the packaging material during the process of forming the body 2 from the packaging material.

[0027] Preferably, the opening device 3 can be applied to the packaging material by a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic sealing. Preferably, the opening device 3 can be molded onto the packaging material.

[0028] With particular reference to Figure 1, the body 2 can extend along a longitudinal axis A, a first transversal axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and a second transversal axis C perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and to the first transversal axis B. Preferably, the size of the package 2 along the longitudinal axis A can be greater than the size of the package 2 along the first transversal axis B and the second transversal axis C.

[0029] Preferably, the body 2 can be a parallelepiped.

[0030] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 comprises a first wall portion 4, preferably transversal to the longitudinal axis A, more preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, from which the body 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first wall portion 4 can define a support surface of the package 1 (in particular of the body 2) designed to be in contact with a support (e.g. a shelf) in use, for example when exposed within a point of sale or in storage. In particular, the first wall portion 4 defines a bottom wall portion when arranged on the support.

[0031] Preferably, the body 2 can further comprise a side wall 5 (fixedly) connected to the first wall portion 4, which can extend from the first wall portion 4, preferably along the longitudinal axis A.

[0032] Preferably, the body 2 can further comprise a second wall portion 6 opposite the first wall portion 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5.

[0033] More specifically, the side wall 5 can be interposed between the first wall portion 4 and the second wall portion 6.

[0034] In particular, the second wall portion 6 defines a top wall portion when the body 2 is arranged on the support.

[0035] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the second wall portion 6 can be inclined with respect to the first wall portion 4 and / or the longitudinal axis A. For example, the second wall portion 6 can define an inclined top portion.

[0036] According to non-illustrated non-limiting alternative embodiments, the first wall portion 4 and the second wall portion 6 can be parallel to each other.

[0037] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall portion 6 carries the opening device 3, preferably because the second wall portion 6 can comprise a designated pouring opening.

[0038] With particular reference to Figures 1-5, the opening device 3 comprises at least: - a collar 10 having a pouring outlet 11 configured to allow the (controlled) outflow of pourable product from the collar 10 (and / or from the main body 2 and / or from the package 1); and - a lid 12 coupled to the collar 10 and configured to selectively close and open the pouring outlet 11.

[0039] In more detail, the lid 12 can be controlled at least between a closed position (see Figures 1 and 2), in which the lid 12 is configured to close the pouring outlet 11, in particular to prevent the outflow of pourable product through the pouring outlet 11, and an open position (see Figures 4 and 5), in which the lid 12 is configured to open the pouring outlet 11 (i.e. the lid 12 is detached from the pouring outlet 11), in particular to allow the outflow of pourable product from the pouring outlet 11.

[0040] In more detail, the collar 10 comprises an edge 13 (see Figures 3-5) delimiting the pouring outlet 11.

[0041] Furthermore, the lid 12 is breakably fixed to the collar 10, preferably to the edge 13, in particular before the lid 12 is controlled for the first time from the closed position to the open position. In particular, when the lid 12 is breakably fixed to the collar 10, the lid 12 is connected to the collar 10, for example by means of a breakable coupling film. Advantageously, the collar 10, the lid 12 and the breakable coupling film can be made in a single piece. Further advantageously, the collar 10, the lid 12 and the breakable coupling film can be obtained by molding a plastic material.

[0042] Figure 3 shows the step of controlling the lid 12 for the first time from the closed position to the open position.

[0043] In more detail, the lid 12 can comprise an interaction portion 21, preferably breakably fixed to the edge 13 by means of a coupling film.

[0044] Advantageously, the shape of the interaction portion 21 and / or of the coupling film can be (substantially) identical to the shape of the edge 13.

[0045] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the lid 12 can be breakably fixed to the collar 10, in particular to the edge 13, in an irreversible manner. After controlling the lid 12 for the first time from the closed position to the open position, the lid 12 can be controlled again in the closed position and contact is established between the lid 12 and the collar 11, preferably the edge 13, but the lid 12 is no longer connected to the collar 10.

[0046] More specifically, the coupling film can be configured to break (irreversibly) during the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position.

[0047] It should be noted that the package 1 is in an initial configuration immediately after formation, with the lid 12 in the closed position. The package 1 is distributed and / or sold to the consumer while in the initial configuration.

[0048] Therefore, the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position is performed by the user.

[0049] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 5, the opening device 3 can further comprise a base frame 14 coupled and / or couplable with the main body 2, in particular with the second wall portion 6. In particular, the collar 10 extends from the base frame 14.

[0050] Advantageously, the opening device 3 can further comprise: - a tethering element 15 which (permanently) tethers and / or couples the lid 12 to the collar 10 and / or to the base frame 14, in the specific case shown to the collar 10; and - preferably, further comprising a retaining element 16 configured to interact with the tethering element 15 and / or with the lid 12 to retain the lid 12 in the open position, preferably for a temporary retention of the lid 12.

[0051] Advantageously, the opening device 3 can further comprise an anti-tampering element 17 configured to indicate to the user that the lid 12 has been controlled at least once from the closed position to the open position. In more detail, the anti-tampering element 17 can be connected to the lid 12 and to the collar 10 and / or to the base frame 14, in the specific case shown to the lid 12 and to the collar 10. Moreover, the anti-tampering element 17 breaks upon the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position. In the specific case shown, the anti-tampering element 17 can comprise a weakened section 18 configured to break and divide the anti-tampering element 17 into two parts. According to some other solutions, the weakened section 18 can be attached to the collar 10 and / or to the base frame 14 or to the lid 12.

[0052] In more detail, the rim 13 comprises a first end portion 19 and a second end portion 20 opposite the first portion 19. The first end portion 19 can define an anterior portion of the rim 13, while the second end portion 20 can define a posterior portion of the rim 13.

[0053] Moreover, the lid 12 is configured to detach from the first end portion 19 towards the second end portion 20 during at least the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position. In other words, at least during the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position, the lid 12 detaches from the first end portion 19 at the beginning and from the second end portion 20 at the end.

[0054] Furthermore, during at least the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position, the lid 12 is configured to move along an opening axis E, which is preferably an opening axis E extending from the first end portion 19 to the second end portion 20.

[0055] With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, the collar 10 can comprise a central axis F. Preferably, the collar 10 can extend along the central axis F, preferably from the base 14.

[0056] Preferably, the pouring outlet 11 and the rim 13 can be arranged at a first axial end of the collar 10 with respect to the central axis F.

[0057] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the collar 10 can delimit (and / or comprise) a flow channel 22 for the pourable product.

[0058] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the collar 10 and / or the rim 13 can be mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry HI comprising the central axis F.

[0059] According to the example embodiment shown, the plane of symmetry HI can comprise the opening axis E.

[0060] In one embodiment not shown, the collar 10 and / or the rim 13 can be mirror-symmetrical with respect to another plane of symmetry comprising the central axis F and perpendicular to the plane of symmetry HI.

[0061] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the second end portion 20 comprises a radial protrusion 30. In one embodiment, the radial protrusion 30 is a notch and / or an indentation and / or a groove obtained in the rim 13 and extending away from the central axis F. In particular, the Applicant has observed that the radial protrusion 30 allows to reduce the disassembly force, i.e. the force required to eventually completely separate the lid 12 and the collar 11 from each other, compared to the case in which the end portion has a circular shape. The reduction of the disassembly force corresponds, for example, to a reduction of the deformation of the collar 11 and / or to a reduction of the possibility of product splashing.

[0062] Furthermore, the first end portion 19 can comprise an auxiliary radial protrusion 31. In one embodiment, the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 is a notch and / or an indentation and / or a groove obtained in the rim 13 and extending away from the central axis F. In particular, the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 allows to reduce the opening force, i.e. the force required to initially separate the lid 12 and the collar 11 from each other.

[0063] Preferably, the radial protrusion 30 and the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can extend in opposite directions with respect to the opening axis E.

[0064] Preferably, during at least the first control of the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position, the lid 12 is detached from the first end portion 19 (preferably the auxiliary radial protrusion 31) at the beginning and from the second end portion 20 (preferably the radial protrusion 30) at the end.

[0065] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the radial protrusion 30 can be curved. Preferably, also the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can be curved.

[0066] In the example shown, the radial protrusion 30 and the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can have (slightly) different shapes.

[0067] In another example not shown, the radial protrusion 30 and the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can have the same shape.

[0068] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the imaginary line L connecting the radial protrusion 30 and the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 to each other intersects the central axis F and / or can be parallel to the opening axis E.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, the angular difference between the first radial position of the radial protrusion 30 with respect to the central axis F and the second radial position of the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 with respect to the central axis F can be (substantially) equal to 180°.

[0070] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the tethering element 15 can be connected to the collar 10 portion carrying the second end portion 20 (preferably the radial protrusion 30).

[0071] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the rim 13 can comprise a first half- section 32 comprising the first end portion 19 and a second half-section 33 comprising the second end portion 20.

[0072] Preferably, the first half-section 32 and the second half-section 33 can be separated by a further plane H2 (preferably a further plane H2 perpendicular to the plane of symmetry H1 and comprising the central axis F).

[0073] With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5, the radial protrusion 30 can extend between a first connection portion 40 and a second connection portion 41 of the rim 13 (preferably of the second half-section 33).

[0074] Preferably, the first connection portion 40 and the second connection portion 41 can define points where the profile of the rim 13 (in particular its curvature with respect to the central axis F) changes.

[0075] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the radial protrusion 30 can be radially further from the central axis F than the rest of the second half-section 33 (i.e. all the other portions of the second half-section 32 do not correspond to the radial protrusion 30).

[0076] More in detail, the first maximum radial distance of the radial protrusion 30 from the central axis F can be greater than a first auxiliary radial distance of the other portions of the second half-segment 33 from the central axis F.

[0077] In particular, the first maximum radial distance is to be interpreted in view of the areas of the radial protrusion 30 that are radially far from the central axis F, and taking into account the inner face of the radial protrusion 30 that faces the central axis F.

[0078] In a similar way, the first auxiliary radial distance of the other portions of the second half-segment 32 from the central axis F is determined taking into account that the respective inner face of the second half-segment 33 is different from the radial protrusion 30.

[0079] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the second maximum radial distance of the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 from the central axis F can be greater than a second auxiliary radial distance of the other portions of the first half-segment 32 from the central axis F.

[0080] In this context, the terms second maximum radial distance and second auxiliary radial distance can be interpreted in a similar way as the first maximum radial distance and the first auxiliary radial distance can be interpreted, only in this case with respect to the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 and the portions of the first half-segment 32 that are different from the auxiliary radial protrusion 31.

[0081] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the radial protrusion 30 can be interposed between two auxiliary segments 34 of the edge 13, preferably of the second half-segment 33.

[0082] According to some possible, non-limiting embodiments, a first connecting portion 40 can connect one auxiliary segment 34 to the radial protrusion 30, and a second connecting portion 41 can connect the other auxiliary segment 34 to the radial protrusion 30.

[0083] Preferably, the first connecting portion 40 and the second connecting portion 41 can be convex (in particular, when considering the shape of the first connecting portion 41 and the second connecting portion 40 with respect to the central axis F), while the auxiliary segments 34 and the radial protrusion 30 can be concave (in particular, when considering the shape of the auxiliary segments 34 and the radial protrusion 30 with respect to the central axis F).

[0084] According to some possible, non-limiting embodiments, the radial protrusion 30 can define a first curvature. Preferably, the radial protrusion 30 can be described (at least approximately) by an arc segment of a first circle, and the first curvature can be defined as a respective first radius of the first circle.

[0085] Moreover, the auxiliary sections 34 can define respective second curvatures. In one embodiment, the respective second curvatures can be equal to each other. Each auxiliary section 34 can be described by an arc-shaped section of a respective second circle, and each second curvature can be defined as a respective second radius of the second circle.

[0086] Moreover, the first curvature can be different from each of the second curvatures.

[0087] Preferably, the first radius can be different from, more preferably smaller than, each of the second radii.

[0088] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, an auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can be interposed between two auxiliary sections 35 of the rim 13, preferably of the first half-section 32.

[0089] Preferably, the auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can define a third curvature. The auxiliary radial protrusion 31 can be described (at least approximately) by an arc-shaped section of a third circle, and the third curvature can be defined as a respective third radius of the respective third circle.

[0090] Moreover, the auxiliary sections 35 can define respective fourth curvatures. In one embodiment, the respective fourth curvatures can be equal to each other. Each auxiliary section 35 can be described (at least approximately) by an arc-shaped section of a respective fourth circle, and each fourth curvature can be defined as a respective fourth radius of the respective fourth circle.

[0091] Moreover, the third curvature is different from each of the fourth curvatures.

[0092] Preferably, the third radius can be different from, more preferably smaller than, each of the fourth radii.

[0093] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the first radius and the third radius can be (slightly) different from each other.

[0094] In one preferred embodiment, the third radius is smaller than the first radius.

[0095] According to non-illustrated non-limiting embodiments, the first radius and the third radius can be equal to each other.

[0096] With particular reference to Figures 1-5, the lid 12 can comprise at least one lid portion 36 configured to cover the pouring outlet 11 in the case where the lid 12 is arranged in the closed position.

[0097] Preferably, the lid portion 36 can be (substantially) planar.

[0098] Moreover, the lid 12 can comprise an annular protrusion 37 protruding from the lid 12, preferably from the lid portion 36, and entering the flow channel 22 when the lid 12 is in the closed position. Preferably, the annular protrusion 37 can comprise the interaction portion 21.

[0099] Preferably, the shape of the annular protrusion 37 can be (substantially) equal to the shape of the rim 13.

[0100] Preferably, the lid 12 can further comprise a gripping element 38 protruding, in particular laterally, from the lid portion 36 and preferably configured to allow a consumer to hold the gripping element 38 so that the consumer can control the lid 12 between the closed position and the open position. More preferably, the gripping element 38 can comprise ribs to improve the gripping properties of the gripping element 38.

[0101] In use, pouring the pourable product out of the package 1 requires controlling the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position in order to open the pouring outlet.

[0102] Upon first controlling the lid 12 from the closed position to the open position, the lid 12 is detached from the rim 13. Thereby, the radial protrusion 30 allows to reduce the detaching force compared to known opening devices.

[0103] When the lid 12 is newly positioned in the closed position, the lid 12 is in contact with the rim 13 but is no longer connected to the rim 13.

[0104] The advantages of the opening device 3 and / or the package 1 according to the present application will be apparent from the above description.

[0105] In particular, the radial protrusion 30 allows to reduce the detaching force, i.e. the force required to detach the lid 12 from the rim 13 at the radial protrusion 30. This allows for example to reduce the deformation of the collar 11.

[0106] Obviously, modifications can be made to the opening device 3 and / or the package 1 as described herein, without thereby departing from the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Opening device (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable product; said opening device (3) comprising at least: - a collar (10) having a pouring outlet (11); and - a lid (12) configured to selectively close and open said pouring outlet (11) and controllable at least between a closed position, in which said lid (12) is configured to close said pouring opening (11), and an open position, in which said lid (12) is configured to open said pouring opening (11); wherein said collar (10) comprises an edge (13) delimiting said pouring outlet (11); wherein said lid (12) is breakably fixed to said edge (13) by a coupling membrane; wherein, during a first control of said lid (12) from said closed position to said open position, said lid (12) is detached from said edge (13) and said coupling membrane is configured to break; wherein said edge (13) comprises a first end portion (19) and a second end portion (20) opposite said first end portion (19); wherein, during at least said first control of said lid (12) from said closed position to said open position, said lid (12) is detached from said first end portion (19) at the beginning and from said second end portion (20) at the end; wherein said second end portion (20) comprises a radial protrusion (30).

2. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein said radial protrusion (30) is a notch and / or an indentation and / or a groove obtained in said edge (13) and extending away from a central axis (F) of said collar (10).

3. Opening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said radial protrusion (30) is curved.

4. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said radial protrusion (30) is interposed between two auxiliary segments (34) of said edge (13); wherein said radial protrusion (30) defines a first curvature and said auxiliary segments (34) define respective second curvatures; wherein said first curvature is different from each of said second curvatures.

5. Opening device according to claim 4, wherein said first curvature defines a first radius and said respective second curvatures define respective second radii; wherein said first radius is smaller than each of said second radii.

6. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said collar (10) comprises a central axis (F); wherein said edge (13) comprises a first half-segment (32) comprising said first end portion (19) and a second half-segment (33) comprising said second end portion (20); wherein said radial protrusion (30) is at a first maximum radial distance from said central axis (F) greater than an auxiliary radial distance of other portions of said second half-segment (33) from said central axis (F).

7. The opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tethering element (15) tethering the lid (12) to a portion of the collar (10) comprising the second end portion (20).

8. The opening device according to claim 7, further comprising a retaining element (16) configured to interact with the tethering element (15) and / or the lid (12) to retain the lid in the open position.

9. The opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end portion (19) comprises an auxiliary radial protrusion (31) opposite the radial protrusion (30).

10. The opening device according to claim 9, wherein an imaginary line (L) connecting the radial protrusion (30) and the auxiliary radial protrusion (31) to each other intersects the central axis (F); and / or wherein the angular difference between the radial protrusion (30) and the auxiliary radial protrusion (31) is substantially equal to 180°; and / or wherein during at least the first control of the lid (12) from the closed position to the open position, the lid (12) is moved along an opening axis (E) parallel to the imaginary line (L) connecting the radial protrusion (30) and the auxiliary radial protrusion (31) to each other; and / or wherein the auxiliary radial protrusion (31) is a notch and / or indentation and / or groove obtained in the rim (13) and extending away from the central axis (F) of the collar (10).

11. The opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rim (13) is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (HI) comprising the central axis (F).

12. The opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (12) comprises an interaction portion (21) breakably fixed to the rim (13) by the coupling membrane; wherein the shape of the interaction portion (21) is substantially equal to the shape of the rim (13).

13. A package (1) comprising a main body (2) filled with a pourable product and an opening device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims applied to the main body (2).

14. The package (1) according to claim 13, wherein the main body (2) is formed of a multilayer packaging material.

15. The package according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the opening device (3) is molded onto the main body (2). ​ ​ ​

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