POURING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pouring device comprising a spout connected to, or at least connectable to, a container and having a pouring spout arranged around a spout axis, and comprising a cap assembly arranged around a cap axis, and comprising an inner closure cap surrounded by an outer handle, wherein at least one clearance is arranged between the closure cap and the handle, which is continuously open in the axial direction of the cap axis, in particular wherein the pouring spout can be opened with the cap assembly, preferably also closed again, and comprising at least one retaining band which is integrally connected to the cap assembly at a fixed end and with which the cap assembly is attached to, or at least attachable to, the spout. The invention also relates to a container with such a pouring device.

[0002] The aforementioned spout axis is the axis along which the open channel of the spout extends. The cap axis, for example, is the axis around which the cap assembly rotates to open the spout from its original closed position.

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, in which the closure cap of the cap assembly partially covers the pouring spout when closed, the cap axis is the axis around which the cap wall is arranged, closed at the upper end by a cap lid and open at the lower end. The open end and the cap lid are thus spaced apart in the direction of the cap axis.

[0004] Preferably, it can be provided that cooperating locking elements are arranged on the outer surface of the spout and on the inner surface of the cap, by means of which the cap or the entire cap assembly and the spout can be detached from each other and preferably also reconnected to each other, e.g. by axially moving the elements relative to each other or by rotating the cap assembly about the axis of rotation / spout axis / cap axis running through the spout.

[0005] The interacting locking elements can be designed, for example, as a pairing of internal and external threads (threaded closure), or as a pairing of cams and guide cams or retaining projections (bayonet closure), or as a pairing of locking elements with an interlocking action when rotated.

[0006] However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments of attaching a cap to the spout and also includes embodiments in which the cap is removed from the spout by breaking a connection to it.

[0007] Another type of cooperating locking element possible according to the invention will be described below.

[0008] The term spout is preferably understood to mean a component that includes at least the spout and a transition area with which the connection to a container is made or at least can be made.

[0009] A spout according to the invention can thus be arranged, for example, on a bottle as a container, with the transition area being formed by the bottle neck or the upper part of the bottle neck. A spout according to the invention can also be arranged on a bag, in particular a foil bag, as a container. In this case, the transition area to which the spout is attached can be formed by a so-called weld-in part, in particular a boat-shaped weld-in part, which can be welded between the opposing bag walls.

[0010] Such a weld-in component preferably has two arms positioned at 180 degrees opposite each other, tapering outwards with increasing distance from the nozzle axis. When the weld-in component is sandwiched between two films to form a container, the inner surfaces of the films are attached to the side surfaces of these arms. An upward-facing surface of the weld-in component, pointing towards the spout, is oriented towards the external environment and is visible.

[0011] Directional terms used in the following description refer to the aforementioned axes and an upright position of a container with such a pouring device. In the pouring device, the open area of ​​the spout or its spout for product dispensing from a container is thus located at the top, and the transition area, by which the spout is connected to a container, is located at the bottom of the spout. The axial direction is along the cap or spout axis, and the radial direction is perpendicular to it. The circumferential direction runs at any radial distance around the respective axis. Unless otherwise specified, the circumferential direction refers to both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.

[0012] When the spout is closed, the cap axis and the spout axis are arranged parallel, and in particular collinearly, to each other. In this state, the cap axis and the spout axis can preferably also correspond to the axis of rotation about which the cap can be rotated to open the spout, and preferably also to close it again.

[0013] The fastening of the cap assembly by means of at least one retaining strap serves to ensure that the cap assembly remains attached to the spout or container after opening and is therefore not lost and does not pollute the environment.

[0014] In the prior art, it is known that the retaining band is attached at one fixed end directly to the closure cap or a cap assembly with a closure cap, and at another fixed end to a retaining ring of the cap assembly. This retaining ring surrounds the pouring spout after the cap assembly and spout have been assembled and remains attached to the pouring spout when the pouring device is opened. The at least one retaining band is stored at both ends within the radius of the outer wall of the closure cap in an area between the lower edge of the closure cap and the retaining ring, in particular wrapped circumferentially around the cap axis, and can detach or unwind from this position when the cap is opened.

[0015] This type of storage of the retaining band on the cap assembly or on the cap assembly's closure cap necessitates that the closure cap be extended axially downwards to create space for the retaining band and the locking ring. This is also difficult to implement using injection molding techniques.

[0016] The aforementioned cap arrangements with a closure cap and a handle arranged around it on the outside are also known. Such cap arrangements not only improve gripping by increasing the grippable outer diameter, but also reduce the risk of swallowing the cap assembly. Furthermore, the axially continuous open spaces between the inner closure cap and the handle ensure that—should swallowing occur—the airways are not blocked.

[0017] A pouring device with a handle around the cap and a retaining band attached to a retaining ring is shown, for example, in DE 10 2019 009 027 A1. Furthermore, publication WO 2022 / 034459 A1 shows a pouring device with a handle around the cap and a retaining band that is fixedly connected at one end to the cap assembly and at the other end to the spout. Publication WO 2020 / 187781 A1 shows a cap with a retaining band that has a free end and increases the axial length of the cap by the width of the retaining band.

[0018] US2005274741 discloses a bottle cap with a retaining strap attached to it and to the bottle.

[0019] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to further develop a pouring device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the cap arrangement, in particular its closure cap, can be secured to the pouring spout in a simpler manner with at least one retaining band and preferably with a lesser extension of the axial length of the cap arrangement compared to the prior art.

[0020] This problem is solved by the retaining band having a free end section whose radial distance from the cap axis is greater than the radial distance of the outer wall surface of the closure cap at its lower open end, and the spout having at least one fastening element to which the free end section of the retaining band is connected or at least connectable.

[0021] Unlike in the prior art, a retaining band thus does not have two fixed ends on the cap assembly, but one fixed end with which it is integrally attached to the cap assembly and a free end section which can be connected to or is connected to the spout.

[0022] In the prior art, the free end section is positioned radially further outwards compared to the ends of the retaining band and serves for connection to a fastening element provided for this purpose on the spout. This allows for a reduction in the axial length of the cap element.

[0023] The free end section is preferably understood to be the part of the retaining strap that extends from a releasable / breakable attachment point of the retaining strap to the cap assembly towards the free end of the retaining strap. According to the invention, a retaining strap can thus have at least one, preferably several, releasable / breakable attachment points between its fixed end and its free end section, with which it is temporarily fixed in position to the cap assembly, particularly until it is first opened. Viewed from the fixed end towards the free end, the free end section, which terminates at the free end, is therefore located beyond the last releasable / breakable attachment point.

[0024] Each retaining strap or its free end section can preferably be provided with an associated fastening element. The number of free end sections and fastening elements is preferably equal.

[0025] Preferably, the invention provides that the free end section of the retaining band can be connected to the fastening element of the spout when the spout is closed for the first time by the cap arrangement or when the spout is opened for the first time by removing the cap arrangement.

[0026] For example, when closing for the first time, e.g., after the components of the pouring device have been manufactured, it may be provided that the cap arrangement is connected to the pouring spout by a rotary movement, in particular clockwise, whereby the free end section comes into functional interaction with the fastening element through the rotary movement, whereby both elements are connected to each other, in particular not detachably connected without destruction.

[0027] It is also possible that if the cap assembly is placed on the spout purely axially without any rotation, the free end section will interact functionally with the fastening element in the same way.

[0028] In these cases, the cap assembly and the spout are connected after the first closing via the at least one retaining band by the achieved interaction of the fastening element and the free end section.

[0029] The invention can also provide that the cap assembly only enters into a connection with the spout when the cap assembly is opened for the first time after being closed initially. Through the opening movement, e.g., a rotation of the cap assembly, e.g., counterclockwise, the free end section and the fastening element can come into the same functional interaction.

[0030] In such a case, after the spout has been closed for the first time with the cap assembly, the cap assembly and the spout are not yet connected by at least one retaining band, but can be connected.

[0031] Preferably, the free end section has a direction of extension that corresponds to the direction of movement of the cap assembly during initial closing or opening. In particular, the free end section extends circumferentially around the cap axis or in the direction of the cap axis.

[0032] Preferably, the free end section has a curvature in a direction of movement around the cap axis that corresponds to the radial distance from the cap axis, in particular such that the radial distance of the free end section from the cap axis in its extension direction is at least partially constant.

[0033] According to the invention, it is preferred that the free end section has a locking hook, in particular a barb, preferably extending radially outwards from the free end section, which can be inserted through a through-opening on the fastening element of the spout, and in particular cannot be removed from the fastening element without damage after initial insertion.

[0034] It is further preferably provided that the fastening element has an opening, in particular one that is penetrable by at least a portion of the free end section of a retaining strap in the direction of its extension. This portion is preferably the one that has the locking hook. The opening is preferably surrounded by material of the spout in a frame-like or ring-like manner.

[0035] Preferably, the fastening element comprises a web that can be locked behind a locking hook of the free end section, preferably having a cover in an area axially above the locking hook covering the locking hook, through which the fastening element is extended in the insertion direction of the free end section beyond the lockable web, preferably wherein the cover is attached to the pouring spout.

[0036] The latchable bridge can have an end face that can be latched / engaged by a latching hook and extends axially to the nozzle axis, particularly parallel to this nozzle axis. A projection, preferably extending in this axial direction, extends from the end face in the insertion direction and is preferably narrower than the width, preferably the radial width, of this end face. The projection can preferably be located on the edge of the end face closest to the nozzle axis. Such a projection can, for example, have a rounded surface or a surface adapted to the contour enclosed by the latching hook, in particular a barb between the hook element and the free end section. This allows the projection to engage well in the latching area of ​​the latching hook during latching.

[0037] This design is preferably intended for a free end section which is passed through the fastening element by rotating the cap assembly around the cap axis.

[0038] It can also be provided that the fastening element has an opening open in the axial direction, through which at least a part of the free end section can be passed and has an opening open radially outwards, the edge of which, preferably the upper edge of which, can be engaged by the locking hook.

[0039] This design is preferably intended for a free end section that is guided through the fastening element by axial placement without rotating the cap arrangement.

[0040] It is structurally preferred that a respective fastening element is arranged on the surface of a flange facing the cap arrangement, which at least partially, preferably completely, surrounds the spout, in particular in a plane below the open end of the spout. The closure cap is preferably connected via a connecting element of the spout that serves to connect it to a container, e.g. a weld-in part for welding between two layers of film in a film bag.

[0041] The free end section can preferably be arranged in the area of ​​the lower open end of the closure cap, in particular viewed in the axial direction of the cap axis below the open end of the closure cap, preferably above the surface of the aforementioned flange facing the cap arrangement.

[0042] The invention may preferably provide that the retaining band extends from the free end section towards the upper closure cap lid and from there back, preferably after a deflection by 180 degrees, towards the lower opening of the closure cap, in particular wherein the fixed end is attached to the axially lower end of the cap arrangement.

[0043] It may be provided that the retaining band extends towards the upper closure cap lid and from there back, preferably after a deflection by 180 degrees, towards the lower opening of the closure cap, exactly once, or that this occurs at least twice.

[0044] The fixed end of the retaining strap can be integrally attached to a strut, in particular to a radial strut with which the handle or a segment of the handle is attached to the closure cap, preferably wherein the fixed end is closer to the closure cap than to the handle, or the fixed end of the retaining strap can be attached to the lower edge region of the handle or a segment of the handle, in particular the respective outer wall, preferably in a central region between two struts of a segment, in particular wherein a region of the retaining strap extending from the fixed end towards the upper closure cap cover or upper edge of the handle runs at least partially, preferably completely, within the wall thickness of the outer wall of the handle / segment.

[0045] One embodiment may provide that a retaining band is divided, at least in part, into two spaced-apart sub-bands, in particular sub-bands spaced apart circumferentially around the cap axis, and in particular having identical or similar orientations, preferably with the distance decreasing from the fixed end towards the free end section, preferably where the sub-bands converge. This embodiment has the advantage of achieving improved flexibility of the retaining band while maintaining high stability.

[0046] It is particularly preferred that the retaining strap extends along its entire length between its ends at positions radially outside the outer wall surface of the closure cap, and especially also along its entire length between its ends at positions radially inside the inner wall surface of the handle.

[0047] This allows the retaining band to be positioned at least partially, and preferably completely, within the at least one free space between the cap and the handle. With this guidance, the retaining band therefore does not contribute to an axial extension of the cap assembly, but is positioned within a space already provided for in the cap assembly.

[0048] The handle of a cap assembly according to the invention can, for example, be an uninterrupted shell or sleeve extending 360 degrees around the nozzle axis or cap axis, which is arranged radially spaced from the closure cap and is integrally connected to it via at least one, preferably several, webs, particularly those extending at least substantially radially. A clearance can be formed between such a handle and the closure cap, which is axially continuous through the cap assembly and, in particular, can be subdivided into partial clearances by several webs viewed in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The invention may preferably also provide that the handle is divided into several segments which surround the closure cap in the circumferential direction, each segment being integrally connected to the closure cap and together with a partial area of ​​the outer wall of the closure cap surrounding a free space, wherein a respective retaining band is arranged completely or at least partially in the free space of one of the segments.

[0050] Such segments can be arranged separately on the cap, either without being connected to each other circumferentially or with a circumferential connection around the cap axis. Segments can be arranged at uniform angular intervals around the cap, particularly with a circumferentially extending gap between adjacent segments. If the segments are connected, they can be joined across this gap by at least one web.

[0051] Each segment can define its own free space, which is open throughout in the axial direction. This free space preferably extends circumferentially between two webs by which the segment is attached to the closure cap, and axially between the upper and lower openings of a segment.

[0052] The invention may provide that a retaining band runs in the spaces of two segments opposite each other around the cap axis or also in the opposing partial spaces of a non-segmented handle, in particular wherein no retaining bands are arranged in the spaces of the remaining segments.

[0053] The locking elements acting between the cap and the spout can be designed as described above. However, a preferred embodiment may also provide that the spout has a radially outward-projecting locking projection on its outer surface, surrounding, and in particular completely surrounding, the spout axis, and that the cap has a locking groove on its inner surface, surrounding, and in particular completely surrounding, the cap axis.

[0054] The cap assembly can thus be snapped into place on the spout, particularly by applying simple axial force.

[0055] It may be provided that a starting projection is provided axially above the detent projection on the outer surface of the spout and radially extending from it, the axial edge of which forms a running surface inclined to the spout axis. This running surface can be inserted into a guide pocket with guide surfaces inclined to the cap axis in the inner surface of the closure cap. The opposing guide surfaces are preferably inclined in opposite directions, as are the running surfaces on the starting projection. The guide pocket is preferably formed by a radially recessed depression in the inner surface of the closure cap.

[0056] This allows the cap assembly to be centered during axial placement and its rotation to be limited between the guide surfaces of the guide pocket, and / or its rotation to be shifted in the axial direction during rotation.

[0057] Preferably, the leading edge is at least partially or completely symmetrical about an axis parallel to the nozzle axis, in particular mirror-symmetrical. The same can apply to the guide pocket.

[0058] It may be provided that in a latched state of cap assembly and spout, in particular when the latching ring is received in the latching groove, the circumferentially considered width of the guide pocket is greater than the circumferentially considered width of the starting projection, in particular at least in an axially extended area in which the starting projection is inserted into the guide pocket.

[0059] This results in limited rotation of the cap arrangement between the positions where a contact surface of the contact projection and a flank of the guide pocket contact each other.

[0060] A preferred embodiment further provides a fastening device, e.g. in the form of a recess / notch, is provided at the edge of the handle, in particular at the lower edge of the handle, preferably at at least one segment of a segmented handle, with which the cap arrangement can be attached to a retaining element of the spout.

[0061] The term "notching" should not imply that the notching process actually took place. Rather, the notching can also be pre-formed, for example, in injection molding.

[0062] The contour of the cutout / recess may expose the fastening device in the outer wall of the handle. The fastening device may, for example, be clamped to a retaining element or attached to or between components of the spout's retaining element.

[0063] Preferably, the retaining element, viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the nozzle axis, can have a contour that corresponds, at least in part, to the negative of the contour of the edge of the recess / notch in the handle. This allows for a positive-locking connection or at least brings the handle close to the retaining element.

[0064] According to the invention, it can preferably be provided, for example, that the contour of the recess / notch comprises a curved area, in particular with a constant radius, to which incisions, in particular incisions extending in the axial direction, adjoin on both sides.

[0065] The retaining element can be formed, for example, by an axial section of the spout, particularly axially below the aforementioned flange which carries the fastening element, around which, particularly at 180° around the spout axis, two parallel wall elements are arranged opposite each other. The fastening device of the handle can, for example, be clamped between these wall elements or to each of the wall elements as sub-elements of the spout's retaining element.

[0066] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

[0067] The Figures 1 to 6 show a first version. Figure 1 Figure 1 shows the entire pouring device according to the invention without the container that can be connected to it, in a configuration in which the spout 1 is connected to the cap arrangement 10. Figures 2 to 6The elements of the pouring device are shown in individual illustrations and from various views. The first version will follow with reference to the Figures 1 to 6 described.

[0068] The spout 1 has according to Figures 2 A pouring spout 2 is designed as a hollow channel and opens at its upper end into a pouring opening 3. The pouring spout 2 is formed around a spout axis 4, which passes through the pouring spout 2, particularly in the center.

[0069] At the lower end of the spout 2, the spout 1 has a connecting element 5, which serves to connect the spout to a

[0070] To join foil bags, e.g. by welding. Such a connecting element 5 is also called a weld-in boat due to its boat-shaped form. Figure 2AFigure 1 schematically shows a foil bag as container 5a in dotted lines, wherein the connecting element 5 is tightly attached, in particular welded, to the upper edge of the foil layers between two foil layers of container 5a.

[0071] The pouring spout 2 has an annular locking projection 6 that completely surrounds the pouring spout 2, i.e., over 360 degrees. The locking projection 6 forms a first locking element to secure the pouring spout to the cap assembly 20 of the Figures 3 to 5 to be able to close, in particular by applying force in the axial direction towards the connecting element 5 / the foil bag to the cap assembly 20 after it has been placed on the pouring spout 2. Preferably, the cap assembly 20 does not need to be actively rotated during closing.

[0072] Axially, the spout 2 has a leading edge 7 extending beyond the locking projection 6, or, as shown here, two leading edges oriented 180 degrees apart, which are preferably mirror-symmetrical about an axis of symmetry 7b parallel to the spout axis 4. The leading edge 7 has an axial contact surface 7a, in particular with a width corresponding to the height by which the leading edge 7 projects radially beyond the outer surface of the spout 2, which is inclined to the spout axis 2. When the cap assembly 20 is placed on the spout and axially loaded, the leading edge 7 can engage in a guide pocket 23' on the inner wall of the cap and thereby be centered. In this process, for example, one of the contact surfaces located around the axis of symmetry 7b can come into guiding and / or centering contact with one of the flanks of the guide pocket.Furthermore, the rotatability of the cap assembly about the cap axis is limited by the running surfaces of the starting projection located between the flanks of the guide pocket 23'. When rotating from the closed position of the cap assembly, the rotation can be converted into an axial movement, since one of the running surfaces located about the axis of symmetry 7b comes into leading and / or centering contact with one of the inclined flanks of the guide pocket, thereby releasing the locking of the cap assembly on the locking projection 6. The guide pocket 23' is part of the locking elements together with the annular locking groove 23 in the . Figure 4C Clearly visible.

[0073] The spout 2 has a flange 8 below its closure element, here the locking projection 6, which preferably completely surrounds the spout axis and the spout 2, i.e., over a full 360 degrees. The flange must be, as shown here in the top view according to Figure 2BAs has been clarified, they do not necessarily have a circular outer cross-section, although this can alternatively be the case. Here, the outer cross-section deviates from a circular shape.

[0074] A fastening element 9 is arranged on the surface of the flange 8 facing the pouring opening 3 or the closure element 6; in particular, two fastening elements 9 opposite each other around the nozzle axis 4 are provided here.

[0075] The respective fastening element 9 serves to attach a free end section of a retaining strap, as described below, to the cap assembly. For this purpose, the fastening element is equipped with a through-opening 9a that extends circumferentially around the nozzle axis 4, allowing the free end section to be inserted through it.

[0076] The fastening element, together with the through-opening, effectively forms an eyelet, the through-opening of which is surrounded by the material of the spout or the fastening element 9. Specifically, the fastening element 9 has a rear-locking web 9b projecting axially upwards from the flange 8 and an upper web 9c extending at least substantially radially, with which the upper end of the rear-locking web 9b is connected to the spout. The upper web 9c is extended relative to the rear-locking web 9b in the circumferential direction, in particular in the insertion direction of the free end section of a retaining band described below, and thereby simultaneously forms a cover 9c that covers the free end of the free end section, in particular the locking hook. The web or cover 9c can be axially raised in the radially outward direction relative to its radially inner connection to the spout 2.

[0077] The 2D FigureFigure 1 shows this construction in detail, revealing that the web 9b has an end face extending axially along the nozzle axis, on which a projection 9d is arranged. This projection has a smaller width in the radial direction than the end face of the web 9b. The projection 9d is, for example, provided with a rounded surface or has a contour adapted to the contour of the locking hook in the area enclosed between the hook element and the free end section. Preferably, an acute angle is enclosed between the hook element and the free end section. Thus, in all embodiments, a locking hook at the free end of the free end section is preferably formed by a hook element that extends at an angle, preferably an acute angle, to the free end region.

[0078] The function of the fastening element 9 becomes clear in conjunction with the following description of the cap arrangement 20, which is shown, for example, in the Figures 3 and 4 shown.

[0079] The cap assembly 20 has an inner closure cap 21, which is formed around a cap axis 22 that is collinear with the spout axis 4, at least in the assembled state. This closure cap 21 serves to cover and close the pouring spout. It has an upper cap lid and a lower open end. Figure 4A The inner surface of the closure cap 21 shows the closure element 23 of the closure cap 21, which corresponds to and interacts with the closure element 6 of the pouring spout 2, namely an annular locking groove 23 that completely surrounds the cap axis 22 by 360 degrees and can at least partially lock the annular locking projection 6 into place.

[0080] The inner closure cap 21 is radially surrounded on the outside by a handle 24, which is integrally connected to the closure cap 21 via webs 25 extending at least substantially radially. The handle comprises a grippable outer wall and the webs 25.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 24 is divided into a total of 4 segments 24a, b, c, d. Each segment 24a, b, c, d extends over the same circumferential angle range and is attached to the closure cap 21 by means of webs 25 at both ends of its circumferential extension.

[0082] Adjacent segments 24a, b, c, d are separated from each other circumferentially by an axially extending gap 26, but in the embodiment shown are connected by circumferentially extending stabilizing webs 27. The stabilizing webs 27 can also be omitted, as in the alternative embodiment of Figure 11 illustrates this with an example.

[0083] Between the outer surface of the closure cap 21 and the inner surface of the handle 24 there is at least one clearance. In segments 24a, b, c, d, each segment has a clearance 28 that extends completely through the cap assembly 20 in the axial direction.

[0084] In such a free space 28, in this example in two opposing free spaces 28, a retaining strap 29 is at least partially arranged. The embodiment shown demonstrates that the retaining strap 29 has a fixed end 29a, which here is attached to the lower edge of a web 25 of the handle 24 or of a segment 24a, 24c, preferably such that the attachment point of the fixed end 29a is closer to the closure cap 21 than to the outer wall of the handle / segment.

[0085] The retaining band 29 is preferably guided completely in the free space 28 and thus occupies a space that is already available in this embodiment of the cap arrangement 20, so that no axial length of the closure cap 21 is required by storing the retaining band 29 at this point.

[0086] Along its extension in the free space, the retaining strap 29 is attached to the handle 24 or the segment 24a, 24c and / or the closure cap 21 by several breakable or detachable bridges 30 in order to stabilize the position.

[0087] At the end of its extension, the retaining band 29, particularly after a final bridge 30, has a free end section 31 that terminates in a free end. According to the invention, the free end section 31 is the one that can be attached to the spout 1 with the fastening element 9, namely by being inserted through the through-opening 9a and being secured therein, in particular by snapping into place. The free end section 31 has a radial distance from the cap axis 22 that is greater than the radial distance of the outer wall of the closure cap 21 from the cap axis 22, and thus lies radially outside the closure cap 21.

[0088] In the preferred embodiment shown, the free end section 31 has a locking hook 31a, particularly at the free end, which points radially away from the closure cap 21 and, after passing through the fastening element 9, can lock behind its web 9b and is thereby covered by the upper web 9c. This interaction is shown in the Figure 1 and 4B Clearly visible.

[0089] Based on the Figures 3A and 3B It is clearly visible that the free end section can have a curved extent that corresponds to the circumferential direction at the radial position of the end section, i.e. the curvature corresponds to the radius, so that the distance of the free end section from the closure cap or the cap axis 22 is constant.

[0090] The course of the retaining strap 29 between the fixed end 29a and the free end section 31 can be described as follows: Starting from the fixed end at the web 25, the retaining strap 29 initially extends circumferentially into the free space and then bends upwards in the axial direction. It is guided at least substantially axially upwards until a 180-degree deflection, after which the retaining strap is again guided at least substantially axially downwards. The upper turning point in the deflection is preferably attached to the handle or segment by a breakable bridge 30, in particular to the upper edge of the handle / segment that surrounds the axially upper opening of the free space 28. After the axially downward extension, the retaining strap is initially bent in the direction of the web 25 opposite the fixed end and preferably extends circumferentially towards this web 25, being guided back in a deflection before the web 25. This deflection can be, for example,B. at least substantially by 180 degrees. At the turning point of this deflection, the retaining strap can be attached to the web 25 with a breakable bridge and, after the deflection, to the outer wall of the closure cap 21.

[0091] After this last bridge 30 at the closure cap 21, the retaining band 29 extends into the free end section 31.

[0092] Due to the course of the free end section 31 in the circumferential direction, which here according to the supervision in Figure 3AThe circumferential rotation of the cap assembly 20, which can also be reversed, is achieved by rotating it circumferentially after or during its axial placement on the spout 2. This ensures that the free end section 31 with the locking hook 31a is guided through the opening 9a of the fastening element 9 on the spout 1 and locks firmly into place. This permanently, or at least not non-destructively, attaches the retaining band 29 to the spout 1, preventing the cap assembly 20 from being lost after opening.

[0093] The Figure 5Figure 1 shows a further detail of the preferred embodiment, which may be provided, but is not mandatory. A recess / notch 32 is provided at the lower edge of the handle 24 or a segment 24a. This serves to attach the cap assembly 20 with the handle 24 to a retaining element of the spout after it has been removed from the spout.

[0094] The contour of the recess / notch 32 has a curved area 32a, in particular with a constant radius, to which incisions 32b, in particular axially extending incisions, adjoin on both sides. For example, the curved area between the incisions forms an exposed fastening device for attaching the cap assembly to the spout.

[0095] The corresponding retaining element 10 is formed by an axial region of the pouring spout 2, which lies axially below the flange 8 and around which, in particular at 180 degrees around the spout axis 4 opposite each other, two wall elements 10a parallel to each other are arranged. Figure 6B shows the contour of the retaining element 10 in the section plane 11 of the Figure 6A opposite the contour of the cutout at the edge of the handle 24. The incisions 32b can be narrower than the wall thickness of the parallel wall elements 10a, which can promote a tight fit.

[0096] The Figures 7 to 9 They show a second embodiment in which, apart from the design of the fastening element 9 on the spout 2 and the design of the free end section 31 of the retaining band 29, all other designs can be as they are in the Figures 1 to 6 was described.

[0097] In contrast to the Figures 1 to 6The free end section 31 of the retaining band 29 is therefore designed such that it runs axially, at least in part. The course of the retaining band 29 in the free space 28 of a segment 24a, 24c is as described previously, with the difference that the free end section 31 bends axially downwards at the end. The locking hook 31a again points radially outwards.

[0098] This end section 31, which extends axially downwards at least in its end segment, can be inserted axially into a fastening element 9 on the spout. This fastening element has an opening open upwards in the axial direction, through which at least a portion of the free end section can pass, and has a radially outward-opening opening whose edge, preferably the upper edge, can be engaged by the locking hook 31a. The surface of the fastening element can also be raised in height from the radially inner attachment point on the spout 2 outwards, e.g., in a stepped manner. In particular, the axially upward-opening opening can be situated in an axially raised step.

[0099] The Figures 10A third embodiment is shown with a threaded realization of the closure elements 6', 23', which act between closure cap 21 and pouring spout 2, while otherwise realizing all other essential embodiments of the invention. Figures 1 to 9 are described, where the free end section 31 and the fastening element 9 are as in the Figures 1 to 6 trained, but also like the Figures 7 to 9 can be executed.

[0100] The Figure 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of the invention, to which all features of the previously described figures can apply, with the exception that the design and extension of the retaining band 29 differs from the previous embodiments.

[0101] Here, the retaining strap 29 has a course such that the fixed end 29a is attached to the lower edge of the handle 24 or a segment 24a, 24c of the handle 24. From there, the retaining strap runs upwards in a slot in the outer wall of the handle / segment extending from the lower edge to the upper edge, until it reaches the upper edge of the handle, where it is deflected downwards again.

[0102] From the fixed end to the upper deflection, the retaining band runs at least substantially within the wall thickness of the outer wall of the handle / segment, in particular such that it does not project radially outwards beyond the outer wall. From the upper deflection, the retaining band 29 runs through the free space 28 until it transitions into the free end section 31, which is either axially extended or, as shown here, circumferentially extended.

[0103] Starting from the fixed end 29a, the retaining band 29 extends in two sub-bands 29c, d which run at least substantially in the same direction, wherein the circumferential distance between the sub-bands 29c, 29d decreases from the fixed to the free end section, in particular until both sub-bands 29c, 29d merge and merge into the free end section.

[0104] At the location of the upper deflection, the partial bands 29c, 29d can be attached to the outer wall of the handle / segment by means of a breakable bridge 30, in particular inside the aforementioned slot. Further bridges 30 can be arranged in front of the free end section, with which the retaining band in the combined part of both partial bands 29c, 29d is connected to the closure cap 21.

[0105] The functionality of the free end section 31 in conjunction with the fastening element 9 on the spout 1 is as described in the previous figures.

Claims

1. Pouring device comprising a. a spout (1) which is connected to a container (5a), or is at least connectable to a container (5a), and has a pouring nozzle (2) disposed about a nozzle axis (4), and b. a cap assembly (20) which is disposed about a cap axis (22) and has an inner closure cap (21) surrounded by an outer handle (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), wherein disposed between the closure cap (21) and the handle (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) is at least one void (28) which is continuously open in the axial direction of the cap axis (22), and c. at least one holding band (29, 29c, 29d) which by way of a fixed end (29a) is integrally connected to the cap assembly (20) and by which the cap assembly (20) is fastened, or at least able to be fastened, to the spout (1), characterized in that d. the holding band (29, 29d, 29c) has a free end portion (31), the radial spacing of the latter from the cap axis (22) being larger than the radial spacing of the external wall surface of the closure cap (21) at the lower open end of the latter, e. and the spout (1) has at least one fastening element (9) to which the free end portion (31) of the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) is connected or at least connectable.

2. Pouring device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the free end portion (31) of the holding band (29, 29c, 29d), when initially closing the spout (1) by the cap assembly (20) or when initially opening the spout (1) by removing the cap assembly (20), is connectable to the fastening element (9) of the spout (1).

3. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end portion (31) has a direction of extent which corresponds to the direction of movement of the cap assembly (20) when initially closing or opening the latter, in particular wherein the free end portion (31) is extended in the circumferential direction about the cap axis (22) or in the direction of the cap axis (22).

4. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end portion (31) has a latching hook (31a), in particular a barb, which preferably extends radially outwards from the free end portion (31) and can be inserted through a passage opening (9a) on the fastening element (9) of the spout (1), in particular upon initial insertion is not removable without destruction from the fastening element (1) again.

5. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening element (9) has an opening (9a, 9a') which in particular is able to be penetrated by at least a part of the free end portion (31) in the direction of extent of the free end portion (31) of a holding band (29, 29b, 29c).

6. Pouring device according to Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the fastening element (9) comprises a web (9b) which is able to be engaged from behind by a latching hook (31a) of the free end portion (31), in particular wherein the web (9b) has an end face which extends in the axial direction of the nozzle axis, wherein projecting from the end face in the insertion direction is a protrusion (9d) which extends preferably in this axial direction and is preferably designed to be narrower than the width of the end face, preferably having in a region axially above the latching hook (31a) a lid (9c) which covers the latching hook (31a) and by way of which the fastening element (9) is extended in the insertion direction of the free end portion (31) beyond the rear-engaging-capable web (9b), preferably, wherein the lid (9c) is attached to the pouring nozzle (2).

7. Pouring device according to Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the fastening element (9) has an opening (9a') which is open in the axial direction, by way of which at least a part of the free end portion (31) is able to be guided and has an opening (9a") which is open radially towards the outside, the opening rim of the latter, preferably the upper opening rim, being able to be engaged from behind by the latching hook (31a).

8. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective fastening element (9) is disposed on the surface of a flange (8) that faces the cap assembly (20), said flange surrounding the pouring nozzle (2) at least partially, preferably completely, in particular in a plane below the open end of the pouring nozzle (2).

9. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end portion (31) is disposed in the region of the lower open end of the closure cap (21), in particular below the open end of the closure cap (21) when viewed in the axial direction of the cap axis (22), preferably above the surface of the flange (8) according to Claim 8 that points towards the cap assembly (20).

10. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, proceeding from the free end portion (31), the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) extends in the direction of the upper closure cap cover and from there back, preferably after a deflection by 180 degrees, in the direction of the lower opening of the closure cap (21), in particular, wherein the fixed end (29a) is fastened to the cap assembly (20) on the axially lower end of the latter, in particular, wherein an extent of the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) in the direction of the upper closure cap cover and from there back, preferably after a deflection by 180 degrees, in the direction of the lower opening of the closure cap (21) takes place at least twice.

11. Pouring device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the fixed end (29a) of the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) a. is connected integrally to a strut (25), in particular to a radial strut (25), by which the handle (24) or a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the handle (24) is attached to the closure cap (21), preferably wherein the fixed end (29a) lies closer to the closure cap (21) than to the handle (24) or the external wall of the latter, or b. is attached to the lower peripheral region of the handle (24) or of a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the handle (24), in particular the respective external wall, preferably in a central region between two struts (25) of a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), in particular wherein a region of the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) extending from the fixed end (29a) in the direction of the upper closure cap cover or upper periphery of the handle (24) / of the segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) runs at least partially, preferably completely, within a slot in the external wall of the handle (24) / of the segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d), particularly within the external wall thickness.

12. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a holding band (29, 29c, 29d) is divided at least partially into two spaced-apart sub-bands (29c, 29d), in particular sub-bands (29c, 29d) that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction about the cap axis, in particular having an identical or identically oriented profile, preferably wherein the spacing decreases from the fixed end (29a) in the direction towards the free end region (31), preferably where the sub-bands (29c, 29d) converge.

13. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) extends over its entire extent between its ends at positions radially outside of the external wall surface of the closure cap (21), in particular also extends over its entire extent between its ends at positions radially inside of the internal wall surface of the handle (24) or of the segments (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the segmented handle (24).

14. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding band (29, 29c, 29d) is at least partially, preferably completely, disposed in the at least one void (28) between the closure cap (21) and handle (24) or of a segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of the segmented handle (24).

15. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (24) is divided into a plurality of segments (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) which surround the closure cap (21) in the circumferential direction, wherein each segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) is connected integrally to the closure cap (21) and, conjointly with a portion of the external wall of the closure cap (21), surrounds a void (28), wherein a respective holding band (29, 29c, 29d) is completely or at least partially disposed in the void (28) of one of the segments (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d).

16. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one holding band (29, 29c, 29d) runs in each case in the voids (28) of two segments (24a, 24c) mutually opposite about the cap axis, or in sub-voids, mutually opposite about the cap axis, of a void of a handle (24) subdivided by webs, in particular wherein no holding bands (29, 29c, 29d) are disposed in the voids (28) of the remaining segments (24b, 24d).

17. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pouring nozzle (2) has on its outer lateral surface a radially outwardly projecting, in particular annular, latching protrusion (6) which surrounds, in particular completely surrounds, the nozzle axis (4), and the closure cap (21) has in the inner lateral surface a latching groove (23) which surrounds, in particular completely surrounds, the cap axis (22), in particular in such a way that the cap assembly (20) is able to be fastened to the pouring nozzle (2) in a latching manner.

18. Pouring device according to Claim 17, characterized in that provided axially above the latching protrusion (6) on the outer lateral surface of the pouring nozzle (2) is a ramp protrusion (7) which radially projects from the latter and its axial peripheral face forms a ramp surface (7a) that runs obliquely to the nozzle axis (4) and is able to be introduced in a guide pocket (23'), with guide surfaces oblique to the cap axis, in the inner lateral surface of the closure cap (21), in particular so as to centre the cap assembly (20) when axially attaching the latter and to restrict the latter in terms of rotation between the guide surfaces and / or to displace the cap assembly (20) in the axial direction during rotation of the latter.

19. Pouring device according to Claim 18, characterized in that the ramp protrusion (7) is at least in regions designed to be symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical, about an axis (7b) parallel to the nozzle axis (4), and / or the guide pocket (23') is at least in regions designed to be symmetrical, in particular mirror-symmetrical, about an axis parallel to the cap axis.

20. Pouring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that provided on the periphery of the handle (24), in particular on the lower periphery of the handle (24), preferably in at least one segment (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) of a segmented handle (24), is a fastening device, preferably a recess / notch (32) by which the cap assembly (20) is able to be fastened, preferably attached, to a holding element (10) of the spout(1), preferably wherein the fastening device is exposed by the contour of the notch / recess (32) in the external wall of the handle (24).

21. Pouring device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the holding element (10), when viewed in the cross section perpendicular to the nozzle axis (4), has a contour profile which at least in regions corresponds at least substantially to the negative of the contour profile of the periphery of the recess / notch (32) of the handle (24).

22. Pouring device according to Claim 21, characterized in that the contour profile of the recess / notch (32) comprises a curved region (32a), in particular with a consistent radius, to which incisions (32b), in particular incisions (32b) running in the axial direction, are contiguous on both sides.

23. Pouring device according to Claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the holding element (10) is formed by an axial region of the pouring nozzle (2), in particular axially below the flange (8) according to Claim 8, disposed about which, in particular so as to be mutually opposite by 180 degrees about the nozzle axis (4), are two mutually parallel wall elements (10a).

24. Containers, in particular film pouches, with a pouring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.