Closure for an opening device, opening device for a package, and package

Abstract

A cover (10) for an opening device (3) is described, the cover (10) comprising: a main wall (13) configured to be disposed on the pouring outlet of a neck ring of the opening device (3); a support ring (15) offset from the main wall (13) along a longitudinal axis (B); a plurality of ribs (16) sandwiched between and connected to the main wall (13) and the support ring (15), and angularly offset from each other about the longitudinal axis (B); and a first thread (20) configured to interact with a second thread protruding from the neck ring. The first thread (20) comprises a plurality of threaded elements (21) that are not connected to each other, each threaded element (21) being connected to and protruding from only one corresponding rib (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cap for an opening device, and more particularly to an opening device for packaging.

[0002] The present invention also relates to opening devices for packaging, and more specifically, to opening devices for composite packaging filled with pourable products, or even more specifically, filled with pourable food.

[0003] The present invention also relates to packaging having a body filled with a pourable product (more specifically, a pourable food) and an opening device arranged on the body. Background Technology

[0004] As is known, many liquids or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of composite packaging materials.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped packaging used for pourable foods, known as Tetra Pak Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made from sealed and folded laminated rolls of packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layered structure, including cardboard and / or paper base layers covered on both sides with heat-sealable plastic material layers, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for products intended for long-term storage, the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier layer, such as aluminum foil, which is stacked on top of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and itself covered by another heat-sealable plastic material layer to form the inner surface of the packaging that ultimately contacts the food.

[0006] Some known packaging, particularly the sealed body of packaging, includes a designated pouring opening that allows pourable products to be poured out of the packaging.

[0007] The designated pouring opening may be covered by an isolation membrane that isolates the interior space of the body from the external environment and is cut or removed before the first pourable product is poured out.

[0008] It is known that an opening device is arranged on a main body, the opening device having a neck ring with a pouring outlet and a cap. The cap is movable between a closed position and an open position; in the closed position, the cap covers the neck ring, and in the open position, the cap is separated from the neck ring to allow pouring.

[0009] There are known caps that include a main wall covering the pouring outlet and side walls that protrude from the main wall and surround the neck ring when the opening device is in the closed position.

[0010] Even if such capping and / or opening devices work satisfactorily, there is still a need in the field for further improvements to capping and / or opening devices with caps. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved cap for an opening device.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an opening device for packaging, more specifically, an opening device for composite packaging filled with a pourable product, or even more specifically, filled with a pourable food.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide packaging having a body filled with a pourable product (more specifically, a pourable food) and an opening device arranged on the body.

[0014] According to the present invention, a cap as described in the independent claim is provided.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments of the cap are described in the corresponding dependent claims.

[0016] According to the present invention, an opening device according to claim 13 or 14 is also provided.

[0017] According to the present invention, packaging as described in claim 15 is also provided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] A non-limiting embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the figures, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a package having a body and an opening device according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the opening device, with some parts removed for clarity; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the details of the cap according to the invention, and the cap is Figure 1 For clarity, part of the opening device has been removed; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A detailed cross-sectional view of the cap, with some parts removed for clarity; and Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view showing the details of the cap; some parts have been removed for clarity.

[0019] Detailed Implementation Plan The elements and features shown in the various preferred embodiments (including the accompanying drawings) may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of this application as described below.

[0020] The number 1 as a whole represents packaging (more specifically, composite packaging), which includes: Body 2, more specifically, a composite body, and even more specifically, a sealed composite body, filled with a pourable product, more specifically, a pourable food, and particularly having a designated pouring opening (not shown but known per se) configured to allow the pourable product to be poured out of body 2; and An opening device 3, more specifically, an opening device at least partially formed of a polymer, or even more specifically, an opening device partially formed of a polymer and partially formed of another material such as a fiber-based material, is mounted to the body 2, more specifically, mounted to the body 2 around a designated pouring opening.

[0021] The body 2 may be obtained from a multi-layered packaging material, for example, provided in roll form. The packaging material may include at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g., paper or cardboard) and at least two heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene) sandwiching the fibrous material layer between each other. One of these two heat-sealable plastic material layers may form the inner surface of the body 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0022] The packaging material may also include a gas and light barrier layer (e.g., aluminum foil or ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), specifically arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fiber material layer. More specifically, the packaging material may also include another heat-sealable plastic material layer sandwiched between the gas and light barrier layer and the fiber material layer.

[0023] More specifically, each opening device 3 is applied to the corresponding body 2 before, during, or after the formation, filling, and sealing of the corresponding body 2 by at least one of molding, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, and welding.

[0024] Alternatively, each opening device 3 may be applied to the packaging material before the packaging material is placed in the packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing the corresponding body 2 from the packaging material or during the advancement of the packaging material through the packaging machine.

[0025] Body 2 can contain pourable food, such as water, milk, milk-based beverages, yogurt beverages, coffee-based beverages, fruit juice, beverages with pulp, ketchup, salt, sugar and the like.

[0026] Special reference Figure 1 The main body 2 can extend along the longitudinal axis A.

[0027] Specifically, the package 2 may include a first wall 4, which is transverse to, and more particularly, perpendicular to, the longitudinal axis A, from which the body 2 extends along the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first wall 4 may define a support surface of the package 2, which may contact a support element (e.g., a shelf) during use, such as when exposed at a point of sale, placed in a storage room, placed in a refrigerator, or the like. Specifically, when arranged on a support element, the first wall 4 may form a bottom wall.

[0028] In addition, the main body 2 may also include a side wall 5 that is (fixedly) connected to the first wall 4 and extends from the first wall 4 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0029] Additionally, the main body 2 may also include a second wall 6 opposite to the first wall 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5. In other words, the side wall 5 may be sandwiched between the first wall 4 and the second wall 6. In particular, when the package 1 is arranged on a support element, the second wall 6 may constitute the top wall of the package 1.

[0030] The first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other, or, 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 form a sloping roof or a gable roof).

[0031] More specifically, the second wall 6 may include at least a portion of the designated pouring opening.

[0032] Furthermore, the packaging 1, particularly the body 2, may include a separating membrane covering a designated pouring opening to isolate the interior space of the body 2 from the external environment. Additionally, the separating membrane may be at least partially (and irreversibly) destructible (i.e., openable and / or ruptureable and / or cutable and / or puncturable and / or removable), specifically to allow for loss of the membrane's integrity, thus allowing the pourable product to be poured through the designated pouring opening and from the body 2.

[0033] Preferably, but not necessarily, the barrier membrane may include gas and light blocking materials, such as aluminum foil or ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) membrane.

[0034] Preferably, but not necessarily, the barrier film may be a portion of the packaging material, particularly a portion of a layer of packaging material that is different from the fibrous material layer. Preferably, the barrier film may include a portion of a gas and light blocking material layer.

[0035] The opening device 3 includes at least: A neck collar (not shown but known in itself) is specifically aligned with a designated pouring opening and defines a flow path for pourable products; and A cap 10 coupled to the neck collar.

[0036] More specifically, the neck collar may include an inlet opening configured to allow pourable product (in particular, from the interior space) to flow into the flow channel, and a pouring outlet configured to allow pourable product to flow out of the flow channel (and the neck collar).

[0037] The cap 10 is configured to selectively open and close the pouring outlet.

[0038] Advantageously, the cap 10 can be controlled in at least the following: Close position (see Figure 1 In this position, the cap 10 covers the pouring outlet, specifically to prevent pourable product from flowing out of the neck ring; and In the open position (not specifically shown), the cap 10 is separated from the pouring outlet to allow the pourable product to flow out.

[0039] Special reference Figures 1 to 5 The cover 10 includes a base structure 11.

[0040] The cover 10 also includes a cover 12 disposed above the base structure 11.

[0041] Preferably, but not necessarily, the base structure 11 is made of a first material, and the cover 12 is made of a second material different from the first material.

[0042] In particular, the first material and the second material differ in the type of material, not just in the specific composition of the same material category.

[0043] The first material can be a plastic material, and the second material can be a fiber-based material.

[0044] In the example shown, the base structure 11 is formed of plastic material, specifically by injection molding or compression molding.

[0045] In addition, the cover 12 is formed of a fiber-based material such as paper or cardboard.

[0046] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The cover 10, and particularly the base structure 11, includes: Main wall 13, which is configured to be arranged on the pouring outlet of the neck ring, particularly when the cover 10 is in the closed position; and Sidewall 14, particularly the annular sidewall, protrudes from the main wall 13.

[0047] Specifically, the main wall 13 and the side wall 14 are formed as a single component.

[0048] More specifically, the sidewall 14 includes: Support ring 15, particularly annular support ring 15, and more particularly circular support ring 15, is offset from main wall 13 along longitudinal axis B of cover 10; and Multiple ribs 16 are sandwiched between and connected to the main wall 13 and the support ring 15, in particular, integrally connected, and staggered at an angle to each other about the longitudinal axis B, i.e., interlaced.

[0049] The support ring 15 can be a continuous annular support ring 15, especially a continuous circular support ring 15.

[0050] The sidewall 14 also includes a plurality of intervals 17, each interval 17 being sandwiched between two corresponding adjacent ribs 16.

[0051] In particular, at least one, preferably multiple, of the spacings 17 may be without any material, i.e., these spacings 17 constitute corresponding through holes.

[0052] In particular, the first set of gaps 17 may be without any material, that is, the first set of gaps 17 constitutes a through hole.

[0053] In addition, the second set of intervals 17 may be at least partially filled with material connected to the corresponding adjacent ribs 16.

[0054] according to Figures 2 to 5 In the example shown, all intervals 17 are without any material; that is, only the first set of intervals 17 exists, while the second set of intervals 17 does not.

[0055] Alternatively, and as not shown, some of the intervals 17 may belong to a second group. For example, the intervals 17 in the second group may include membranes, specifically, each membrane being connected to a corresponding adjacent rib 16, and more specifically, integrally connected. In particular, the minimum thickness of the rib 16 is greater than the thickness of the corresponding membrane.

[0056] According to some examples not shown, all gaps 17 may be filled with a corresponding membrane that is connected to the corresponding (adjacent) rib 16.

[0057] Advantageously, the angle of each rib 16 relative to the longitudinal axis B (i.e., around the longitudinal axis B) is smaller than the angle of each gap 17 relative to the longitudinal axis B (i.e., around the longitudinal axis B).

[0058] For example, all ribs 16 may extend at the same angle.

[0059] For example, all intervals 17 can have the same angular extension.

[0060] Special reference Figures 2 to 5 Ribs 16 are equidistant from each other around the longitudinal axis B.

[0061] Special reference Figures 2 to 5Each rib 16 includes two side portions 18 and a central portion 19 sandwiched between the respective side portions 18.

[0062] In particular, each central part 19 is connected to the corresponding side part 18, and more specifically, is integrated with it.

[0063] Furthermore, the corresponding side 18 of each rib 16 is offset from each other at an angle around the longitudinal axis B.

[0064] In addition, the thickness of each central portion 19 (specifically corresponding to the minimum thickness of the rib 16) is less than the thickness of the corresponding side portion 18.

[0065] Advantageously, each rib 16 is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry including the longitudinal axis B.

[0066] Special reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cap 10, particularly the main structure 11, includes a first thread 20, which is configured to interact with a second thread of an opening device 3 protruding from the neck ring (in particular, from the outer surface of the neck ring).

[0067] Specifically, the first thread 20 and the second thread are configured to allow control of the cap 10 between the closed position and the open position.

[0068] Specifically, the first thread 20 and / or the second thread define the corresponding helical shape.

[0069] Special reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first thread 20 includes a plurality of threaded elements 21 that are not connected to each other; that is, the first thread 20 is not continuous but discontinuous.

[0070] In addition, the threaded elements 21 together with their imaginary extensions (i.e., the extensions that connect them) form a helical shape.

[0071] Each threaded element 21 is connected, in particular integrally connected, to only one corresponding rib 16.

[0072] In addition, the angle of extension of each threaded element 21 around the longitudinal axis B is (substantially) the same as or less than the angle of extension of the corresponding rib 16 around the longitudinal axis B.

[0073] Furthermore, the threaded element 21 is connected to the corresponding inner surface of the corresponding rib 16 and protrudes toward the center of the space 23 defined by the sidewall 14.

[0074] In addition, each rib 16 may be connected to only one corresponding threaded element 21.

[0075] Alternatively, one or more of the ribs 16 may be connected to more than one threaded element 21.

[0076] In addition, at least some threaded elements 21 may be spaced apart from each other along an axis parallel to the rib 16, and in particular, spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis B.

[0077] Specifically, at least two threaded elements 21 may be connected to the same rib 16 and may be spaced apart from each other along an axis parallel to the rib 16, and in particular, spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis B.

[0078] Specifically, the combination of each rib 16 and the corresponding threaded element 21 is asymmetrical with respect to the central plane including the longitudinal axis B. This is because the threaded element 21 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis B. However, the outer portion of the combination of each rib 16 and the corresponding threaded element 21 (which is defined only by the corresponding rib 16, particularly by the side portion 18 and the central portion 19, and not by the corresponding threaded element 21) is symmetrical with respect to the central plane.

[0079] Additionally, the cap 10, particularly the base structure 11, includes a sealing lip 24, particularly an annular sealing lip 24, and more particularly a circular sealing lip 24, which is configured to interact with the neck ring, especially when the cap 10 is in the closed position.

[0080] The sealing lip 24 can be a continuous annular sealing lip 24, especially a continuous circular sealing lip 24.

[0081] More specifically, the sealing lip 24 is configured to engage the inner surface of the neck ring, particularly the inner surface facing the flow channel.

[0082] In addition, the sealing lip 24 is configured to aid in the sealing function when the cap 10 is in the closed position.

[0083] Advantageously, the sealing lip 24 protrudes from the main wall 13.

[0084] Specifically, the sealing lip 24 can be integrated with the main wall 13.

[0085] The sealing lip 24 is bent in a direction perpendicular to the main wall 13.

[0086] According to the example shown, the support ring 15 includes a first annular portion 25 and a second annular portion 26, which are connected to each other by a breakable coupling element 27. In particular, the coupling element 27 is configured to break during the initial control of the cover 10 from the closed position to the open position, such that the first portion 25 and the second portion 26 separate from each other.

[0087] According to an example not shown, the first annular portion 25 and the second annular portion 26 are connected by a connecting device (e.g., a hinge) or one or more tethering elements. The connecting device is configured to keep the first annular portion 25 and the second annular portion 26 attached to each other once the coupling element 27 is broken during the initial control of the cover 10 from the closed position to the open position.

[0088] Alternatively, the support ring 15 has no breakable coupling elements.

[0089] The advantages of the cap 10 and / or opening device 3 according to the present invention will become clear from the above description.

[0090] In particular, by setting ribs 16 and spacing 17, a lighter cap 10 with good functional performance can be obtained.

[0091] In addition, since the threaded element 21 forms the first thread 20, the weight can be further reduced due to the reduction in material usage.

[0092] Furthermore, the stability of the threaded element 21 is ensured because each threaded element 21 is connected to a corresponding rib 16.

[0093] In addition, the corresponding main wall 13 provides good mechanical properties for each cap 10.

[0094] Obviously, modifications can be made to the cap 10 and / or opening device 3 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cover (10) for an opening device (3), the cover (10) comprising: The main wall (13) is configured to be arranged on the pouring outlet of the neck ring of the opening device (3); A support ring (15) is offset from the main wall (13) along the longitudinal axis (B); Multiple ribs (16) are sandwiched between and connected to the main wall (13) and the support ring (15), and are angularly offset from each other about the longitudinal axis (B); as well as A first thread (20) is configured to interact with a second thread protruding from the collar; The first thread (20) includes a plurality of threaded elements (21) that are not connected to each other, each threaded element (21) being connected to and protruding from only one corresponding rib (16).

2. The cap according to claim 1, wherein each threaded element (21) is integral with the corresponding rib (16).

3. The cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only one threaded element (21) protrudes from each rib (16).

4. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the threaded elements (21) are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal axis (B).

5. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two threaded elements (21) are connected to the same rib (16) and spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (B).

6. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded elements (21) together with the imaginary extensions therebetween form a helical shape.

7. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises a plurality of gaps (17), each gap being sandwiched between two adjacent ribs (16), wherein at least one of the gaps (17) is free of any material.

8. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a plurality of intervals (17), each interval being sandwiched between two adjacent ribs (16), wherein one or more intervals (17) include a corresponding membrane having a thickness less than the minimum thickness of the ribs (16).

9. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an annular sealing lip (24) configured to interact with the neck ring and protrude from the main wall (13).

10. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribs (16) are equidistant from each other around the longitudinal axis (B).

11. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each rib (16) comprises two sides (18) and a central portion (19) sandwiched between the respective sides (18); The thickness of the central portion (19) is less than the thickness of the corresponding side portion (18); and / or Each rib 16 is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry including the longitudinal axis B.

12. The cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main wall (13), the rib (16) and the support ring (15) constitute a base structure (11); The cover (10) further includes a cover (12) disposed above the base structure (11); The base structure (11) is formed of a first material, and the cover (12) is formed of a second material different from the first material.

13. An opening device (3) for a package (1), the package (1) having a designated pouring opening and being filled with a pourable product; The opening device (3) includes at least: A neck collar defining a flow channel extending between an inlet opening and a pouring outlet, the inlet opening being configured to allow the pourable product to flow into the flow channel, and the pouring outlet being configured to allow the pourable product to flow out of the flow channel; and The cap (10) according to any one of the preceding claims is movable between an open position and a closed position for selectively opening and closing the pouring outlet; and A second thread protrudes from the collar and is configured to interact with the first thread (20).

14. The opening device of claim 13, wherein the neck ring includes an inner surface facing the flow channel; The cap (10) includes an annular sealing lip (24) that protrudes from the main wall (13) into the flow channel when the cap (10) is in the closed position.

15. Packaging (1), comprising: The main body (2) is filled with a pourable product and has a designated pouring opening; as well as The opening device (3) according to claim 13 or 14.

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