Closure assembly, container provided with the closure assembly, and method for producing filled containers provided with the closure assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closure assembly (1) for a container, comprising a plastic spout (5) and a plastic cap (10), which is integrally formed as one piece distinct from the spout. The cap comprises a cap body (11) with a top end wall (11a) extending over the mouth of the neck and a protective skirt (11b) depending downward. The cap body further comprises a connecting lever (14) extending from an upper end thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end of the lever (14n), wherein the lever is provided with an integrally formed upper hinge portion (14b) and lower hinge portion defining upper and lower pivot axes (P1, P2). The cap is moveable from the closed state into an opened state through a primary pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis, and a subsequent secondary pivoting motion of the lever about the lower pivot axis.

Description

[0001] Title: Closure assembly, container provided with the closure assembly, and method for producing filled containers provided with the closure assembly

[0002] The present invention relates to a closure assembly, a container provided with the closure assembly, and to a method for producing filled containers provided with the closure assembly.

[0003] Closure assemblies comprising a spout and cap are known in the art, with a plastic cap that can be removed by a user through a lifting and / or rotational movement from the spout, e.g. a spout that has been fitted on a collapsible pouch container. For example WO2017 / 135824 of the same applicant discloses a closure assembly with a spout and a cap which in a closed and mounted state thereof sealingly interacts with the spout to close and seal the product passage of the spout. W02020 / 221801 of the same applicant also relates to a spout and discloses a closure assembly that seeks to avoid that the cap becomes separated from the spout.

[0004] In manufacturing a closure assembly, a tamper-evident structure is often integrally molded as a part of the plastic cap. Examples of such closure assemblies are shown in W02014 / 007612, WO2012 / 044166, EP2380820, and GB 2492586. WO 2020 / 050712 of the same applicant discloses an alternative tamper-evident structure.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an improved closure assembly, or at least aims to provide an alternative for known closure assemblies.

[0006] In particular, a first aspect of the invention aims to provide an easy to operate closure assembly that seeks to avoid that the cap becomes separated from the spout, e.g. reducing the chance that the cap ends up in the environment instead of being properly disposed of, e.g. in view of recycling.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention one or more of the above-mentioned objects are achieved by a closure assembly according to claim 1.

[0008] Here, the closure assembly allows for a combination of a spout with a tubular neck and attractive manufacturing of the cap, as well as easy opening by the user and allows for a simple and attractive structural design of the cap. The connecting lever of the cap allows an easy assembly with the spout via associated connector portions, preferably by an axial securing motion of the cap along the main axis, when mounting the cap on the spout.

[0009] A second aspect of the invention aims to allow for a reduction of the use of plastic material, while maintaining or even enhancing the strength of the connection between the tamper- evident member and the spout.

[0010] According to a second aspect thereof the present invention achieves one or more of the above-mentioned objects by providing a closure assembly according to claim 8.

[0011] Herein the integrated tamper-evident member is embodied with a TE flange portion and with multiple hook members that are integrally formed to the bottom of the neck flange portion. These hook members are distributed in a circumferential direction of the neck flange portion. Each hook member comprises a leg having an upper end integral with the neck flange portion and protruding downward from the neck flange portion. Each hook member comprises a hook portion at the lower free end of the leg.

[0012] The closure assembly comprises a plastic spout, e.g. an injection moulded spout, having an attachment portion which is configured to be sealed or is sealed to a container, e.g. a pouch type container. The container is suitable to be filled with a fluid product, e.g. food product, e.g. a beverage.

[0013] In embodiments, the attachment portion is a so-called seal boat adapted to be secured, e.g. by heat-sealing, to the container, e.g. between opposed film walls of a collapsible pouch container.

[0014] In another embodiment, the attachment portion is embodied with a lower circumferential flange or plate portion that is adapted to be secured or secured onto a panel of a container, e.g. a panel of a carton or a wall of a collapsible pouch.

[0015] The spout further has a tubular neck with a vertical main axis, preferably an elongated neck having a diameter smaller than its length. Such a neck e.g. allows consumption of a product as if the neck is a straw, and / or facilitates an outflow of product from the container. It will be appreciated that the term vertical, as well as top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. are merely used to identify relative orientation and location of components and details thereof in the closure assembly. In practical use the spout may be arranged at the top of a container, e.g. pouch container, but also other arrangements, e.g. the neck facing sideways, being inclined, facing downwards, etc. are comprised within the invention.

[0016] A product passage extends through the neck to a mouth at a top of the neck allowing to dispense a product from the container. The lower opening of the product passage, opposite the mouth, is provided at the lower end of spout. In general, the attachment portion is provided at the lower end of the spout, end hence the lower opening is provided at the lower end of the attachment portion. The mouth is commonly of circular shape, having a similar diameter a the tubular neck. The lower opening is in embodiments also of circular shape. It is also conceivable that the lower opening is larger than the diameter of the tubular neck. The geometry of the lower opening is in embodiments determined by the configuration of the attachment portion.

[0017] In embodiments, the spout further comprises a circumferential flange structure which comprises a flange portion that is integrally formed, e.g. injection moulded, to the spout and extends around the neck, e.g. at a bottom end thereof, e.g. between the attachment portion and the tubular neck of the spout.

[0018] The plastic cap of the closure assembly is integrally formed, e.g. (injection) moulded, as one piece distinct from the spout. Commonly, the cap has an attractive colour and design, distinguishing products and / or manufacturers. The cap is configured to be mounted on the spout. In the cap assembly of the invention, it is conceivable that the cap is mounted on the spout or is to be mounted on the spout. To this end, the cap has an open lower end.

[0019] In order to mount the cap on the spout, the cap is provided with a spout connector portion, and the spout is provided with an associated connector portion, wherein the spout connector portion and the associated connector portion are configured to be interconnected. When mounting the cap on the spout, preferably by an axial motion of the cap along the main axis, the connector portions are interconnected.

[0020] In the mounted state, cap and spout cannot be manually disconnected by disconnecting the connector portions. The associated connector portions are e.g. formed by hook members and slots, wherein the hook member engages, e.g. snaps in the slots. Up to a certain separation force this is irreversible. Separation force is estimated <90N, preferably >25N. The cap comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state thereof, a cap body with a top end wall extending over the mouth of the neck and a protective skirt depending downward from the top end wall along the neck to an open end of the cap body.

[0021] The cap body is provided with a sealing portion which - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout to close and seal the product passage of the spout. It is conceivable that the product passage is sealed at the inside thereof, or at the mouth, or at the outer circumference of the neck. The seal may be provided at an upper end of the neck, or at a lower end thereof.

[0022] In embodiments, the top end wall comprises a W-seal arrangement protruding into the neck. Herein the W-seal arrangement comprises a downward projecting bulbous and annular top wall section around a central raised top wall section. It will be appreciated that the top end wall could have other designs, e.g. like a substantially planar disc, or with a downwardly protruding hollow pin design that fits inside the neck to provide a seal at a position well below the mouth, etc.

[0023] In embodiments, the cap has an annular top end wall having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, wherein the downward depending skirt is integral with the outer perimeter, and wherein a hollow pin portion depends from the inner perimeter, the hollow pin portion having a circumferential face extending along a length thereof and a closed pin bottom, e.g. the hollow pin portion being open at a top thereof, wherein the circumferential face of the hollow pin portion and the spout have at least one pair of cooperating sealing surfaces such that hollow pin portion, in the closed position of the cap, closes the product passage. Preferably, the hollow pin portion extends from the annular top wall downward at least to the level of a tamper-evident member, preferably further downward.

[0024] In the closed and mounted state of the cap the protective skirt protects the neck of the spout, e.g. against impact. In embodiments, the skirt is of an open design, e.g. comprising decorative perforations.

[0025] In embodiments, the lower edge of the skirt of the cap body extends to the lower end of the neck, in the vicinity or adjacent the attachment portion or a flange portion, when present. It is also conceivable that a portion of the neck is not protected by the skirt, e.g. when the skirt does not extend to the lower end of the neck over its entire length. E.g, the lower end of the skirt may have a zig-zag, criss-cross, wavy, serrated, jagged or crenellated shape. The inventive closure assembly of the first aspect of the invention allows for a combination of a spout with a tubular neck and attractive manufacturing of the cap, as well as easy opening by the user and allows for a simple and attractive structural design of the cap. The connecting lever of the cap allows an easy assembly with the spout via associated connector portions, preferably by an axial securing motion of the cap along the main axis, when mounting the cap on the spout.

[0026] The connecting lever further allows an easy manual movement of the cap, which requires little relative motion of the cap relative to the spout to disengage the snap connection, e.g. compared to a screw-type cap.

[0027] The inventive closure assembly of the first aspect of the invention preferably allows a minimum of 15 times opening and closing of the cap.

[0028] In the inventive closure assembly of the first aspect of the invention the skirt is a slotted skirt defining a slot at a backside of the cap body which extends from the lower edge of the skirt upward towards the top end wall of the cap body and allows for passing of the neck there through upon manual opening of the cap. Manual opening occurs by a pivotal motion of the cap, wherein the cap is engaged by a user at a front side thereof, and pivoted about two parallel pivot axes, extending perpendicular to the main axis.

[0029] The width of the slot is preferably between 50-100% of the diameter of the tubular neck, in particular between 75-90%. The length of the slot is preferably 50-100% of the length of the tubular neck, in particular between 75-90%. The dimensions of the slot are such that upon opening, the tubular neck is allowed to pass through the slot.

[0030] In embodiments, the width of the slot, or at least the smallest portion of the slot, is smaller as the width of the neck. This necessitates the user to rotate the cap portion sufficiently open in the primary pivoting motion, before cap can be opened via the secondary pivoting motion. This is in particular advantageous when reclosing the cap: the primary pivoting motion can only be carried out after completion of the secondary pivoting motion.

[0031] The slot may have an essentially rectangular shape, but it is also conceivable that the skirt surrounds the slot in a more rounded fashion, e.g. wherein the slot has the shape of a reverse “II”, or the shape of the upper part of an (elongated) “O”, wherein the skirt portions adjacent the slot have the shape of rounded brackets ( ) or { }. In such embodiments, the slot slightly narrows towards the lower edge of the skirt, to an extent still allowing the tubular neck to pass through the slot.

[0032] In addition to the cap body, the cap comprises a connecting lever. The connecting lever extends - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - along the neck at the backside of the cap body. The lever may extend in the slot defined by the skirt, or in the vicinity thereof, e.g. in a plane parallel to the slot. The lever extends from an upper end thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end of the lever.

[0033] Advantageously, a tear film is provided between the lever and the skirt prior to opening, to prevent exposure of the spout to contaminations. The tear film tears open upon first use and as such it attributes to the tamper evident.

[0034] The lever is provided with an integrally formed upper hinge portion defining an upper pivot axis; an integrally formed lower hinge portion defining a lower pivot axis, wherein the upper and lower pivot axes are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the main axis of the spout and a central portion between the upper hinge portion and the lower hinge portion.

[0035] The integrally formed upper hinge is e.g. formed by one or more weakened portions of plastic, such as a film hinge or living hinge. The upper pivot axis extends perpendicular to the main axis of the spout.

[0036] According to the first aspect of the invention, the lower hinge portion comprises left and right hinge portions bridging the central portion to the spout connector portion. The left and right hinge portions flank a central opening. The lever further comprising a locking member for securing the cap in the open consumption position, e.g. by engaging a complementary engagement portion at the lower end of the lever. In embodiments, the left and right hinge portions are embodied as a film hinge or living hinge.

[0037] The lever is furthermore provided with a spout connector portion at the lower end thereof, below the lower hinge portion. The lower hinge is provided above the spout connector portion of the lever. Consequently, the connecting lever has a relatively small fixed portion at the lower end comprising the spout connector portion, connected to the spout. The central portion of the connecting lever extending between the two hinges operates as a lever.

[0038] The spout is provided with an associated lever connector portion. The spout connector portion and the lever connector portion are configured to be interconnected or are interconnected, preferably by an axial motion of the cap along the main axis, when mounting the cap on the spout. The connecting lever thus provides a connection between spout and cap when the cap is mounted to the spout. This connection is preferably inseparable by a user, to avoid that the cap becomes separated from the spout and thereby reducing the chance that the cap ends up in the environment instead of being properly disposed of, e.g. in view of recycling.

[0039] The cap is configured to be manually moved by user from the closed state into an opened state through: a primary pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis (P1 ), moving the cap body into a semi-open position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is disengaged from the neck of the spout, during which primary pivoting motion of the cap body the lever remains extending upward along the neck at said backside of the cap body, and a subsequent secondary pivoting motion of the lever about the lower pivot axis (P2), moving the cap body from the semi-open position towards the backside, i.e. the side of the lever, to an open consumption position wherein the cap body is remote from the neck while remaining attached to the spout.

[0040] During the primary pivoting motion, a lower end of the skirt describes part of a circle during the primary pivoting motion, e.g. between 30-180°, in particular between 30-90°. During the first 90° of the circle, the lower end of the skirt starts moving from a 6 o’clock position, into a forward direction, more remote from the spout and from the lever. In embodiments, the primary pivoting motion allows a further pivot of the cap body wherein the lower end of the skirt moves from a 9 o’clock position towards the lever, e.g. to a 12 o’clock position, i.e. 180°. In embodiments, the configuration of the cap body may allow a further pivot of the lower end may pivot or up to 270°, or even up to almost 360° is possible. In embodiments, a fixation of the cap after the primary pivoting motion is foreseen.

[0041] During the secondary pivoting motion, the lever pivots about the lower pivot axis and describes part of a circle during the secondary pivoting motion. The lever moves from an upwards extending 12 o’clock direction adjacent the spout e.g. over 90° until a 3 o’clock position wherein the lever extends perpendicular to the spout, or further, e.g. over 180° to a 6 o’clock position wherein the lever extends parallel to the spout in a downward extending direction. Intermediate positions between 90 and 180° are foreseen: the cap body should be remote from the neck in the open position, e.g. to allow the consumer to drink from the neck as if it is a straw, or to pour substance from the container via the neck of the spout without interference of the cap. In addition, the inventive cap is advantageously also configured to be manually moved by user from the opened state into the closed state through: a pivoting motion of the lever about the lower pivot axis moving the cap body from the open consumption position to a semi-open position, wherein lever extends upward along the neck at the backside of the cap body, and a subsequent pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis, moving the cap body from the semi-open position to the closed position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is engaged with the neck of the spout, during which pivoting motion of the cap body the lever remains extending upward along the neck at said backside of the cap body.

[0042] During the pivoting motion of the lever, the lever pivots about the lower pivot axis and describes part of a circle towards an upwards extending 12 o’clock direction adjacent the spout, e.g. over 90° from a 3 o’clock position wherein the lever extends perpendicular to the spout, or e.g. over 180°, from a 6 o’clock position wherein the lever extends parallel to the spout in a downward extending direction.

[0043] During the pivoting motion of the cap body, a lower end of the skirt describes part of a circle, e.g. starting from a 12 o’clock position in which the lower end extends upwards and parallel to the spout. Starting in that position, during the first 90° of the circle, the lower end of the skirt moves away from the lever to a 9 o’clock position remote from the spout and from the lever. During the final 90° of the circle, the lower end of the skirt moves towards the lever from the 9 o’clock position to the 6 o’clock position.

[0044] In embodiments, the connecting lever in a top view is arranged inside the outer circumference of the cap body. This is e.g. advantageous in preventing damage caused by protruding parts. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that part of the lever, e.g. including the spout connector portion, extends outside this circumference. Such striking appearance may attribute to the character of the closure assembly.

[0045] In embodiments, the connecting lever is mirror-symmetrical about an axis parallel to the main axis of the spout, attributing to the appearance of the closure assembly.

[0046] In embodiments, the neck flange portion extending around the neck has a gap, i.e. it is a ring that has a gap, looking similar to the letter C. In such embodiments, the locking member is adapted to fit within this gap, preferably by a friction fit engaging with the adjacent neck flange portions, for securing the cap in the open consumption position. According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the locking member extends from the central portion between the left and right hinge portions and extending - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - along the neck at the backside of the cap body into the central opening towards the lower end of the lever.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the spout connector portion is embodied as tamper-evident member, which is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, to the lower end of the lever, below the lower hinge portion, and to the lower edge of the skirt of the cap body, and connected to said lower edge via one or more breakable bridges. In this embodiment the tamper-evident member thus extends beyond a lower end of the slotted skirt.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the lever connection portion is embodied as an associated structure on the spout, e.g. a flange structure. The closure assembly is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap body by a user the one or more breakable bridges break and the TE member is retained to the spout.

[0049] In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the spout comprises a flange structure which comprises a neck flange portion that is integrally formed to the neck and extends essentially around the neck. The neck flange portion has a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery. The flange structure further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion that is integral to and extends upwards from the neck flange portion at the periphery thereof, so that the top face of the neck flange portion and the protective rim portion define a recess around the neck.

[0050] In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the structure on the spout is a flange structure which comprises a neck flange portion that is integrally formed to the neck and extends essentially around the neck, which neck flange portion has a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery, wherein the flange structure further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion that is integral to and extends upwards from the neck flange portion at the periphery thereof, so that the top face of the neck flange portion and the protective rim portion define a recess around the neck; wherein the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages that each extend between the top face and the bottom face through said neck flange portion, In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the tamper-evident member comprises a TE flange portion that has a top face, a bottom face, an inner face, and an outer face, wherein multiple hook members are integrally formed to the bottom of the TE flange portion, the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a leg having an upper end integral with the TE flange portion and protruding downward from the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a hook portion at the lower free end of the leg.

[0051] In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages, each hook member passage being adapted to receive a hook member when the cap with the integrated tamper-evident member is axially mounted on the neck by means of said axial mounting motion along the main axis, wherein the hook portion of each hook member engages, e.g. snaps, underneath the bottom face of the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout,

[0052] In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the periphery of the TE flange portion of the TE member is shaped to fit within the protective rim portion as the TE flange portion is at least partially inserted in said recess upon said axially mounting of the cap with the integrated tamper-evident member on the neck,

[0053] In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the peripheral protective rim portion is adapted to obstruct lateral access from outside to the interface between the top face of the neck flange portion of the spout and the bottom face of the TE flange portion, and wherein the TE flange portion is provided with a hook member at a front side of the cap body opposite the upper and lower pivot axes, and the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with a corresponding hook member passage.

[0054] The first aspect of the invention further relates to a container provided with a closure assembly as described above, e.g. a collapsible pouch container.

[0055] The first aspect of the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing and filling a container with a closure assembly of any of the claims 1-4, said method comprising the steps of: providing a container having a spout sealing location, e.g. an opening, e.g. an opening in a top edge or seam of a pouch packing; sealing the attachment portion of the spout in the spout sealing location; filling the container via the product passage of the spout, interconnecting the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion to mount the cap onto the spout.

[0056] The first aspect of the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing and filling a container with a closure assembly of any of the claims 1-4, said method comprising the steps of: providing and filling a container having a spout sealing location, e.g. an opening, e.g. an opening in a top edge or seam of a pouch packing, sealing the attachment portion of the spout in the spout sealing location, interconnecting the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion to mount the cap onto the spout.

[0057] A second aspect of the invention relates to a closure assembly for a container, comprising: a plastic spout comprising: o an attachment portion which is configured to be sealed or is sealed to a container; o a tubular neck with a vertical main axis, wherein a product passage extends through the attachment portion and the tubular neck to a mouth at a top of the neck allowing to dispense a product from the container; o a flange structure which comprises a neck flange portion that is integrally formed to the neck and extends essentially around the neck, which neck flange portion has a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery, wherein the flange structure further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion that is integral to and extends upwards from the neck flange portion at the periphery thereof, so that the top face of the neck flange portion and the protective rim portion define a recess around the neck; wherein the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages that each extend between the top face and the bottom face through said neck flange portion, a plastic cap, which cap is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, as one piece distinct from the spout, which cap is configured to be mounted, or is mounted on the spout by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis, and wherein the cap is adapted to be manually removed from the neck of the spout by a user to open the product passage, wherein the cap comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state thereof: o a cap body with a top end wall extending over the mouth of the neck and a protective skirt depending downward from the top end wall along the neck to a lower edge of the skirt, wherein the cap body is provided with a sealing portion which - in the closed state and mounted state of the cap - sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout to close and seal the product passage of the spout; o a tamper-evident member integrally formed, e.g. moulded, to the lower edge of the skirt of the cap body and connected to said lower edge via one or more breakable bridges; wherein the tamper-evident member comprises a TE flange portion that has a top face, a bottom face, an inner face, and an outer face, wherein multiple hook members are integrally formed to the bottom of the TE flange portion, the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a leg having an upper end integral with the TE flange portion and protruding downward from the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a hook portion at the lower free end of the leg, wherein the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages, each hook member passage being adapted to receive a hook member when the cap with the integrated tamper-evident member is axially mounted on the neck by means of said axial mounting motion along the main axis, wherein the hook portion of each hook member engages, e.g. snaps, underneath the bottom face of the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout, wherein the periphery of the TE flange portion of the TE member is shaped to fit within the protective rim portion as the TE flange portion is at least partially inserted in said recess upon said axially mounting of the cap with the integrated tamper-evident member on the neck, wherein the peripheral protective rim portion is adapted to obstruct lateral access from outside to the interface between the top face of the neck flange portion of the spout and the bottom face of the TE flange portion, and wherein the closure assembly is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap by a user the one or more breakable bridges break and the TE member is retained in the recess of the spout by means of the hook members, characterized in that the cap is configured to be manually moved by a user from the closed state into an opened state through a pivoting motion about a horizontal pivot axis provided at the backside of the cap body, and wherein the TE flange portion is provided with a hook member at a front side of the cap body opposite the pivot axis, and the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with a corresponding hook member passage.

[0058] This construction improves fixation of the TE member to the neck flange portion on the neck.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, and according to this second aspect of the invention, the cap is mounted on the spout by an axial motion of the cap along the main axis by interconnection of a tamper-evident member of the cap and an associated flange structure on the spout.

[0060] In embodiments, the tamper-evident member is connected to the lower edge of the skirt of the cap body via one or more breakable bridges. The closure assembly is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap body by a user the one or more breakable bridges break and the TE member is retained to the spout.

[0061] In embodiments, the skirt of the cap body is a slotted skirt defining a slot at a backside of the cap body which extends from the lower edge of the skirt upward towards the top end wall of the cap body and allows for passing of the neck therethrough upon opening of the cap, and wherein the cap comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state thereof: a connecting lever extending - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - along the neck at the backside of the cap body, which lever extends from an upper end thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end of the lever, wherein the lever is provided with: o an integrally formed upper hinge portion defining an upper pivot axis; o an integrally formed lower hinge portion defining a lower pivot axis, wherein the upper and lower pivot axes are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the main axis of the spout; o a central portion between the upper hinge portion and the lower hinge portion; o the tamper-evident member at the lower end of the lever, below the lower hinge portion, which is a spout connector portion; and wherein the flange structure on the spout is an associated lever connector portion, wherein the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion are configured to be interconnected or are interconnected, preferably by an axial motion of the cap along the main axis, when mounting the cap on the spout, wherein the cap is configured to be manually moved by user from the closed state into an opened state through: a primary pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis, moving the cap body into a semi-open position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is disengaged from the neck of the spout, during which primary pivoting motion of the cap body the lever remains extending upward along the neck at said backside of the cap body, and a subsequent secondary pivoting motion of the lever about the lower pivot axis, moving the cap body from the semi-open position towards the backside, i.e. the side of the lever, to an open consumption position wherein the cap body is remote from the neck while remaining attached to the spout.

[0062] In embodiments, the lower hinge portion comprises left and right hinge portions bridging the central portion of the lever to the spout connector portion, the left and right hinge portions flanking a central opening; and wherein the lever further comprising a locking member, e.g. provided in the central opening, for securing the cap in the open consumption position. The locking member is able to secure the cap in the open position e.g. by engaging a complementary engagement portion at the lower end of the lever or alternatively, the locking member engages on a complementary engagement portion provided at the spout, e.g. embodied as a protruding support rib on the spout. Advantageously the complementary engagement portion supports the cap locking member in the open position and maintains tension on the bottom hinge portions for secure fixation.

[0063] The neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages that each extend between the top face and the bottom face through said neck flange portion.

[0064] In embodiments, a tamper-evident member is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, to the lower edge of the skirt of the cap body and connected to said lower edge via one or more breakable bridges. The tamper-evident member comprises a TE flange portion that has a top face, a bottom face, an inner face, and an outer face, wherein multiple hook members, e.g. 3-10, preferably 4-7, are integrally formed to the bottom of the TE flange portion, the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a leg having an upper end integral with the TE flange portion and protruding downward from the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a hook portion at the lower free end of the leg. The hook members secure the TE ring of the cap to the flange of the spout.

[0065] The hook members can be distributed evenly in the circumferential direction of the TE flange portion. In embodiments, it is also conceivable that the hook members are unevenly spaced, preferably the hook members are positioned in such a way that they provide maximum retainment in the location where the highest forces are exerted during cap separation to ensure maximum retention forces.

[0066] Advantageously, the hook members are supported by rib structures on the spout, to prevent disengagement of the hook members by user manipulation.

[0067] In embodiments, a lip is integrally formed to a TE flange portion, e.g. opposite a hook member. Advantageously, the lip is prior to opening connected to the lower edge of the skirt via breakable bridges.

[0068] In embodiments, the lower edge of the skirt has a cut-out in which the lip fits.

[0069] Advantageously, the lip has a T-shape and the cut-out in the skirt has a complementary shape. This is advantageous as it provides an additional security preventing unintentional opening by internal pressure. In occasions when internal pressure in the pouch may push the cap in a vertical upward direction, the T shaped lip will block any further vertical movement, which may inadvertently result in unintentional opening. Furthermore, due to the shape of the T feature the remains of the breakable bridges have little interference during opening.

[0070] The neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages, each hook member passage being adapted to receive a hook member when the cap with the integrated tamper-evident member is axially mounted on the neck by means of said axial mounting motion along the main axis, wherein the hook portion of each hook member engages, e.g. snaps, underneath the bottom face of the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout.

[0071] The periphery of the TE flange portion of the TE member is shaped to fit within the protective rim portion as the TE flange portion is at least partially inserted in said recess upon said axially mounting of the cap with the integrated tamper-evident member on the neck, wherein the peripheral protective rim portion is adapted to obstruct lateral access from outside to the interface between the top face of the neck flange portion of the spout and the bottom face of the TE flange portion, and wherein the closure assembly is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap by a user the one or more breakable bridges break and the TE member is retained in the recess of the spout by means of the hook members.

[0072] The cap is configured to be manually moved by a user from the closed state into an opened state through a pivoting motion about a horizontal pivot axis provided at the backside of the cap body. The TE flange portion is provided with a hook member at a front side of the cap body opposite the pivot axis, and the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with a corresponding hook member passage, to improve fixation of the TE member to the neck flange portion on the neck.

[0073] Through the inventive design, a strong connection can be achieved between the tamper- evident ring on the one hand and the spout on the other hand, using little plastic material for both components.

[0074] The peripheral protective rim portion does, at least to a degree, have the additional effect that it adds to the stability of the flange portion on the neck of the spout and thus contributes to the resistance to a pull force on the ring member.

[0075] As indicated the peripheral protective rim portion is, preferably, devoid of any openings therein, which enhances the protective effect, strengthens the structure and interconnection of the components, and is beneficial in view of injection molding the spout.

[0076] In a practically preferred embodiment, there are five hook members and corresponding hook member passages. For example, the neck of such assembly has an external diameter between 7 and 15 millimetres. In another embodiment there are four hook members and corresponding hook member passages.

[0077] In an embodiment, the peripheral protective rim portion has a height such that, in the secured position of the cap provided with the integrated tamper-evident ring member, an outer annular zone of the top face of the flange portion thereof does not protrude above the protective rim portion. Preferably, this outer annular zone of the top face is located lower than the top of the rim portion. Hereby lateral access to the ring member is even further obstructed, thus reducing the practical possibility to exert a force thereon that would pull the ring member off the neck of the spout.

[0078] In an embodiment, the hook member passages are located directly adjoining the neck.

[0079] In an embodiment, the legs of the hook members each have an inner leg face, this inner leg face adjoining the inner face of the flange portion of the ring member. This effectively locates the hook members closely adjacent the exterior of the neck, which is found effective when it comes to providing retention strength for the ring member using little plastic material compared to a location of the hook members further outward relative to the neck of the spout.

[0080] In practical embodiments, the hook portion protrudes outwardly and away from the neck.

[0081] In an alternative design, the hook portion could protrude from the leg in a circumferential or tangential direction relative to the neck, which assists in securing the tamper-evident member to the neck flange portion.

[0082] In an embodiment, a hook member has two legs, or a single leg forked at its lower end, wherein each of said legs, or each forked end, has a corresponding hook portion. For example, an inverted V-shaped hook member is envisaged with two legs, or a forked leg. The legs or forked lower ends are then preferably located in an arrangement that is tangential or relative to the main axis, e.g. with the associated hook portions protruding in opposed tangential directions.

[0083] In an embodiment, the leg of at least one hook member, e.g. of all hook members, has an inner bevel face at the lower end thereof, e.g. at a junction of an inner leg face and a lower end face of the leg. Herein the neck is integrally formed with a corresponding bevel faced boss at a location below the corresponding hook member passage, such that upon axially mounting the cap with the integrated tamper-evident ring member on the neck by means of said axial securing motion along the main axis, the bevelled face of the boss contacts the inner bevel face of the leg and thereby assists in keeping the hook portion of the hook member engaged, e.g. snapped, underneath the bottom face of the flange portion on the neck of the spout. This embodiment is most practical when the hook portion is directed outward, away from the neck. In an embodiment, the outer periphery of the flange portion of the ring member and the inner periphery of the protective rim portion are shaped non-circular, e.g. thereby providing enhanced resistance against the ring member being rotated along with the cap.

[0084] In an embodiment, e.g. preferably combined with the feature discussed in the preceding paragraph, the outside of the protective rim provides at least one pair of opposed parallel side faces, preferably two pairs that are orthogonal to one another, e.g. the protective rim being four-sided preferably with rounded corner faces. This embodiment e.g. allows for the parallel side face pairs to be used in the course of guidance of the spout, in a production and / or filling line. Having two orthogonal pairs of such parallel side faces e.g. allows for guidance in two orthogonal directions, e.g. in a pouch manufacturing line along one direction, and in a filling line of pouches directly downstream thereof in another, orthogonal direction. It will be appreciated that the inside of the protective rim, preferably also the periphery of the flange portion, may have the same design.

[0085] In an embodiment, the upper face of the flange portion on the neck of the spout is substantially planar, preferably radial to the main axis, wherein the bottom face of the flange portion is substantially planar, preferably radial to the main axis. Thereby the interface between these flange portions is in a plane that is preferably radial or perpendicular to the main axis, in other words in this context horizontal.

[0086] In an embodiment these faces of the flange portions are flat and smooth, in another embodiment these faces have mating reliefs, e.g. ribs and grooves, to provide an axial form locking engagement of these faces that, e.g., counters any torque on the flange portion about the main axis (e.g. upon first time opening of the cap). This embodiment, with axially mating relief on these faces may, e.g. be combined with a periphery of the flange portion and of the protective rim.

[0087] The second aspect of the invention further relates to a container provided with a closure assembly as described above, e.g. a collapsible pouch container.

[0088] The second aspect of the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing and filling a container with a closure assembly of any of the claims 8-10 sealed on said container, said method comprising the steps of: providing a container having the spout of any of claims 8-10 thereon without the cap and integrated tamper-evident member, filling the container e.g. via the product passage in the spout, mounting the cap and integrated tamper-evident member of any of claims 8 - 10 onto the neck of the spout by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis such that the cap seals the product passage, wherein the hook members enter into and through the respective hook member passages and their hook portions engage, e.g. snap, underneath the bottom face of the neck flange portion on the neck, and wherein the TE flange portion of the tamper-evident member is at least partially inserted in the recess.

[0089] The second aspect of the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing and filling a container, said method comprising the steps of: providing a container having a spout sealing location, e.g. an opening, e.g. an opening in a top edge or seam of a pouch packing, adapted to mount the spout with the cap and integrated tamper-evident member of any of claims 8-10 on the container, filling the container via the product passage of the spout.

[0090] The invention is further elucidated in relation to the drawings, in which:

[0091] Fig. 1 is perspective view of a cap in a closed state, not yet mounted to a spout;

[0092] Fig. 2 shows an alternative perspective view of the cap of fig. 1 ;

[0093] Fig. 3 is perspective view of a cap assembly of the cap of fig. 1 , mounted to a spout of fig. 4;

[0094] Fig. 4 is perspective view of a spout without a cap mounted thereto;

[0095] Fig. 5a is a perspective view of the cap assembly of fig. 3 in a partially opened position;

[0096] Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the cap of the cap assembly of fig. 5a in the partially opened position;

[0097] Fig. 5c is an alternative perspective view of the cap of fig. 5b;

[0098] Fig. 6a is a perspective view of the cap assembly of fig. 3 in an open consumption position;

[0099] Fig. 6b is a perspective view of the cap of the cap assembly of fig. 6a in the open consumption position;

[0100] Fig. 6c is an alternative perspective view of the cap of fig. 6b;

[0101] Fig. 7a is a perspective front view of an alternative cap in a closed state, mounted to a spout; Fig. 7b is a perspective rear view of the cap of fig. 7a in a closed state, mounted to a spout; Fig. 7c is a perspective view the spout to which a cap can be mounted as shown in figs. 7a and 7b;

[0102] Fig. 8 is a perspective front view of yet an alternative cap in a closed state, mounted to the spout of fig. 7c. In figs. 1 and 2, the plastic cap 10 is shown in a closed state and not yet mounted to the spout 5. In fig. 3 the spout 5 is shown in detail, without the plastic cap 10 mounted to it, and in fig. 4 the closure assembly 1 with the plastic spout 5 and plastic cap 10 mounted thereto is shown, with the cap in the closed state.

[0103] In fig. 3, the plastic spout 5 is shown in detail, having an attachment portion 5a which is configured to be sealed to a container. The attachment portion 5a here includes ribs 5a’ which are known from the state of the art, to sealingly attach to a container so as to enable a fluidum tight seal. In alternative embodiments this attachment portion 5a is provided with alternative means of achieving a fluidum tight seal.

[0104] Integral with the attachment portion 5a, the spout has a tubular neck 5b with a vertical main axis A, wherein a product passage 6, here in line with main axis A, extends through the attachment portion 5a and tubular neck 5b to a mouth 6a at a top 5c of the neck allowing to dispense a product from the container.

[0105] In alternative not-shown embodiments this product passage can deviate from the axis A, for instance by incorporating a curvature, as long as the product passage remains unobstructed and a plastic cap and accompanying mechanism as part of the assembly can still operate as intended.

[0106] The top 5c of the tubular neck of the spout as shown in figure 3 is in the shown embodiment slightly narrower than the tubular neck 5b. This can be beneficial for alignment and a proper sealing with the cap 10.

[0107] In the shown embodiment, the left-hand side of the mouth 6a of the neck 5b extends in a plane B perpendicular to the product passage 6, and the right-hand side of the mouth 6a extends in a plane C at an angle of 70-88° with respect to the product passage 6 and main axis A. This right-hand side is the side of the mouth where the cap 10 is hinged to the spout. This configuration attributes to convenient re-closing the cap 2 onto the neck 5b.

[0108] The spout 5 of the shown embodiment further comprises a flange structure 50 which comprises a neck flange portion 51 that is integrally formed, e.g. injection moulded, to the neck 5b and extends essentially around the neck. The neck flange portion 51 has a top face 51a, a bottom face 51b, and a periphery. The flange structure further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion 55 that is integral to and extends upwards from the neck flange portion at the periphery thereof, so that the top face of the neck flange portion 51a and the protective rim portion 55 define an recess 56 around the neck 5b.

[0109] The neck flange portion 51 on the neck 5b of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages 58, here 5. Each hook member passage 58 extends between the top face 51a and the bottom face 51 b through said neck flange portion 51. The function of the hook member passages 58 will be explained below.

[0110] In the shown embodiment, on the neck 5b radially protruding positioning ribs 59a, 59b are provided, extending in a direction parallel to product passage 6. These ribs ‘bridge’ the space between the neck 5b of the spout and skirt 11 of cap 10. As such, the ribs 59a provide tactile and audible feedback upon reclosing the cap onto the spout: the consumer will feel that the cap engages the ribs 59a. There are two elongated ribs 59a provided in line with flanges of the attachment portion 5a. Four smaller ribs 59b are provided at 45° from the ribs 59a, which have a guiding function to guide the cap, in particular hook portions thereof, during mounting of the cap onto the spout.

[0111] The product passage 6 is e.g. suitable to dispense liquids for human consumption and in this embodiment the neck is meant for direct ingestion and as such, this product passage is of appropriate size to accommodate this action.

[0112] In figs. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a plastic cap 10 having an opening 10a at its bottom end is shown in detail. The plastic cap is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, as one piece distinct from the spout 5. The cap 10 is configured to be mounted on a spout, or is mounted on the spout 5 as shown in fig. 4. The cap 10 is adapted to be manually removed from the neck 5b of the spout by a user to open the product passage 6.

[0113] The cap 10 of the shown embodiment comprises a cap body 11 with a top end wall 11a adapted to extend over the mouth of the neck and a protective skirt 11b depending downward from the top end wall 11a to a lower edge of the skirt 11c.

[0114] The cap body 11 is provided with a sealing portion 11d which - in the closed state and mounted state of the cap - sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout 5 to close and seal the product passage of the spout. In the shown embodiment the sealing portion 11 d is a circular indent extending downwards from the top end wall 11a, and is only (slightly) visible from the outside in fig.1. In fig. 5b the sealing portion 11d is shown in detail. In the shown embodiment, to assist with manually opening and closing the closure assembly, the cap body 11 comprises a pair of wing-shaped handles 40, extending outwardly from the skirt 11b, here in mutually opposite directions. These handles are configured to be engaged by a user for removal of the cap body, to open the product passage 6. Here, the wing-shaped handles 40 are curved and dome shaped to increase the stiffness which can be used to increase the allowable force upon the wing parts.

[0115] Instead or in addition thereto, in the shown embodiment an optional finger imprint 41 is provided on a front side of the skirt 11b to assist a consumer in opening of the cap. In particular a “A“ shape guides the consumer that the cap is to be opened in this direction. The shown cap is a so-called fliptop cap, wherein the cap is removable from the spout in a flipping movement, opposite to a rotational movement.

[0116] The wing-shaped handles 40 of the shown embodiment extend in the same horizontal direction as the axis about which the flipping movement takes place.

[0117] In the shown embodiment, the cap body comprises positioning ribs 11 p at its inside, one of which is visible in fig. 2, and two of them in fig. 5c. The positioning ribs engage the neck of the spout during mounting of the cap onto the spout, and may assist in the mounting process. In addition, positioning ribs 11 p may interact with ribs 59a, 59b on the spout to provide tactile and audible feedback upon reclosing the cap onto the spout. during reclosing, i.e. movement of the cap into the closed state. In particular to ensure sealing of the product passage of the spout by the cap, the sealing portion of the cap has to be accurately positioned. Positioning ribs, e.g. extending inward from the skirt or from the top wall, may engage the mouth or the neck of the spout to improve such positioning.

[0118] In the shown embodiment, the cap 10 is provided with a tamper-evident member 30 integrally formed, e.g. moulded, to the lower edge of the skirt 11c of the cap body and connected to said lower edge via one or more breakable bridges 37. Upon mounting of the cap 10 onto the spout 5, the tamper-evident member connects with the spout, as will be explained later.

[0119] The tamper-evident member 30 comprises a TE flange portion 31 that has a top face 31a, a bottom face 31b, an inner face 32a, and an outer face 32b. Multiple hook members 33a-e are integrally formed to the bottom of the TE flange portion 31 , the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the TE flange portion 31 , wherein each hook member 33 comprises a leg 34a-e having an upper end integral with the TE flange portion 31 and protruding downward from the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a hook portion 35a-e at the lower free end of the leg.

[0120] In the shown embodiment, hook portions 33c and 33d protrude from the legs 34c and 34d in a tangential direction relative to the neck, which assists in securing the tamper-evident member to the neck flange portion.

[0121] Hook member 33a is provided at a front side of the cap. In the shown embodiment, a lip 36 is integrally formed to the top face 31a of the TE flange portion 31 opposite the hook member 33a. The lip 36 is connected to the lower edge of the skirt 11 c via breakable bridges 37. This configuration is in particular advantageous upon mounting of the cap 10 onto the spout 5 by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis A, preventing undesired deformations and / or unintentional breakage of the bridges 37. For the same purpose, bumpers 38 are provided integrally formed to the top face 31a of the TE flange portion 31. Bumpers 38k, 38m are provided adjacent the lip 36. Bumpers 38b and 38e (visible in fig. 6b) are provided opposite hook members 33b, 33e respectively.

[0122] In the shown embodiment, the skirt 11b is a slotted skirt, defining a slot 13 at a backside of the cap body 11, as shown in fig. 3. The slot 13 extends from the lower edge of the skirt 11c upward towards the top end wall 11a of the cap body 11 and allows for passing of the neck there through upon opening of the cap.

[0123] In the closed and mounted state of the cap in the slot 13 a connecting lever 14 extends along the neck at the backside of the cap body. As shown in fig. 2 the lever 14 extends from an upper end 14m thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end 14n of the lever.

[0124] The lever 14 is provided with an integrally formed upper hinge portion 14b defining an upper pivot axis P1 , and an integrally formed lower hinge portion 14d defining a lower pivot axis P2. The upper and lower pivot axes P1 , P2 are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the main axis A of the spout. The lever comprises a central portion 14c between the upper hinge portion 14b and the lower hinge portion 14d.

[0125] In the slotted skirt adjacent the upper hinge 14b defining pivot axis P1 rounded cut-outs 18a and 18b are provided which aim to reduce stress concentrations within the material when the hinge is operated. Furthermore these cut-outs 18a, 18b can be beneficial in reducing the material necessary to produce the cap. The wing parts 40 on both sides of this embodiment of cap 10 extend in a direction parallel to the pivot axis P1 , yet distanced from it such that a moment can be created around the pivot axis P1 by applying force upon the wing parts 40.

[0126] At the lower end 14n of the lever a spout connector portion is provided. In the shown embodiment the spout connector portion is embodied as tamper-evident member 30.

[0127] The spout 5 is provided with an associated lever connector portion. In the shown embodiment, the lever connector portion is the flange structure 50, including hook member passages 58. The spout connector portion, here hook members 33 thereof, and the lever connector portion, here hook member passages 58, are configured to be interconnected, here by an axial motion of the cap 10 along the main axis A, when mounting the cap 10 on the spout 5.

[0128] The spout connector portion, here hook members 33 thereof, and the hook member passages 58 of the lever connector portion, are interconnected in fig. 4.

[0129] According to a first aspect of the invention, the lower hinge portion 14d comprises left and right hinge portions 14d’, 14d” bridging the central portion 14c to the spout connector portion, here tamper-evident member 30. The left and right hinge portions 14d’, 14d” flank a central opening 14e. The lever further comprising a locking member 14f for securing the cap in the open consumption position.

[0130] In the shown embodiment, the locking member 14f extends from the central portion 14c between the left and right hinge portions 14d’, 14d”. In the closed and mounted state of the cap the locking member 14f extends along the neck at the backside of the cap body into the central opening 14e towards the lower end of the lever 14n.

[0131] Locking member 14f is configured to engage a complementary engagement portion 14g at the lower end of the lever 14n, which will be explained below.

[0132] In a not shown embodiment, the locking member is embodied as a tongue having a distal end portion. When the cap body is moved to the opened state, the left and right hinge portions are elastically deformed, mainly bent, and the distal end portion engages against and exerts a force against the tubular neck and acts as a fulcrum during pivoting motion of the cap body, such that, when the cap body is pivoted to the open position, the tongue snaps over the tubular neck and thereby retains the cap body in the open position. The manual movement from the closed state into an opened state by a user of the cap is achieved through a primary pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis P1. By this primary pivoting motion the breakable TE bridges 37 are broken and the cap body 10 is moved into a semi-open position, in which the sealing portion 11 d of the cap body 11 is disengaged from the neck 5b of the spout.

[0133] During the primary pivoting motion of the cap body 11 the lever 14 remains extending upward along the neck 5b at the backside of the cap body, not shown in the drawings.

[0134] In figs. 5a-5c a subsequent secondary pivoting motion of the lever 14 about the lower pivot axis P2 is visible, moving the cap body 11 from the semi-open position towards the backside, i.e. the side of the lever. The cap body has pivoted back about the upper pivot axis P1.

[0135] In fig. 5a the closure assembly 1 is in a partially opened state wherein the cap 10 has been loosened from the spout 5 and has been pivoted slightly around the lower pivot axis P2. In figs. 5b and 5c the cap 10 is shown without the spout 5.

[0136] In fig. 5b the left and right hinge portions have bent, allowing the cap body to pivot about pivot axis P2. The locking member 14f pivots with the lever 14, but does not yet contact complementary engagement portion 14g.

[0137] In figs. 6a-c the cap body 11 has moved to the back side. In fig. 6a the cap body 11 has moved to an open consumption position wherein the cap body 11 is remote from the tubular neck. In figs 6b and 6c the cap 10 is shown without the spout 5. In this open consumption position the cap is secured by the engagement of locking member 14f and complementary engagement portion 14g. In particular, locking member 14f has hooked below complementary engagement portion 14g.

[0138] This configuration is in particular advantageous upon mounting of the cap 10 onto the spout 5 by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis A, preventing undesired deformations and / or unintentional breakage of the bridges 37. For the same purpose, bumpers 38 are provided integrally formed to the top face 31a of the TE flange portion 31. Bumpers 38k, 38m are provided adjacent the lip 36. Bumpers 38b and 38e (visible in fig. 6b) are provided opposite hook members 33b, 33e respectively. In figs. 7a, 7b and 8 alternative caps 110 and 210 are shown in a closed state and mounted to a spout 105, shown in detail in fig. 7c. Same parts have been given same reference numerals, to which 100 and 200 have been added, respectively.

[0139] Similar to the cap of fig. 1 , a hook member 133a and 233a is provided at a front side of the cap 110 and 210 respectively. A lip 136, 236 is integrally formed to top face 131a, 231a of TE flange portion 131 , 231 opposite the hook member 133a, 233a. The lip 136, 236 is prior to opening connected to the lower edge of the skirt 111c, 211c via breakable bridges. In the shown embodiments the lower edge of the skirt 111c, 211c has a cut-out in which the lip 136, 236 fits. The lip 136, 236 in the embodiments of fig. 7a and 8 has a T-shape. This is advantageous as it provides an additional security preventing unintentional opening by internal pressure. In occasions when internal pressure in the pouch may push the cap 110, 210 in a vertical upward direction, the T shaped lip 136, 236 will block any further vertical movement, which may inadvertently result in unintentional opening. Furthermore, due to the shape of the T feature the remains of the breakable bridges have little interference during opening. In addition, upon reclosing the cap the T-shaped lip will retain the cap.

[0140] In the closed and mounted state of the cap 110 as shown in fig. 7b at the rear side a connecting lever 114 extends along a neck of the spout in a slot 113 of the skirt 111 b of the cap 110. The lever 114 extends from an upper end 114m thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end 114n of the lever.

[0141] The lever 114 is provided with an integrally formed upper hinge portion 114b defining an upper pivot axis, and an integrally formed lower hinge portion 114d’, 114d” defining a lower pivot axis. The upper and lower pivot axes are parallel to one another and perpendicular to a main axis of the spout. The lever comprises a central portion 114c between the upper hinge portion 114b and the lower hinge portion 114d.

[0142] According to a first aspect of the invention, the lower hinge portion comprises left and right hinge portions 114d’ , 114d” bridging the central portion 114c to the spout connector portion, here a tamper-evident member. The left and right hinge portions 114d’ , 114d” flank a central opening 114e. The lever further comprising a locking member 114f for securing the cap in the open consumption position.

[0143] In the shown embodiment, the locking member 114f extends from the central portion 114c between the left and right hinge portions 114d’ , 114d”. In the closed and mounted state of the cap the locking member 114f extends along the neck of the spout 105 at the backside of the cap body into the central opening 14e towards the lower end of the lever 14n.

[0144] Locking member 114f is configured to engage a complementary engagement portion 109, shown in fig. 7c, embodied as a protruding surface on the spout 105, which will be explained below.

[0145] The locking member 114f is protrudes rearwardly and has a distal end portion. When the cap body is moved to the opened state, the left and right hinge portions are elastically deformed, mainly bent, and the distal end portion comes to bear against the tubular neck, in particular the complementary engagement portion 109 on the neck. When the cap is opened further, the locking member 114f has reached an inverted orientation, pressing with its distal end onto the portion 109 and retaining the cap in the open position.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Closure assembly (1) for a container, comprising: a plastic spout (5) comprising: o an attachment portion (5a) which is configured to be sealed or is sealed to a container; o a tubular neck (5b) with a vertical main axis (A), wherein a product passage (6) extends through the attachment portion and the tubular neck to a mouth (6a) at a top (5c) of the neck allowing to dispense a product from the container; a plastic cap (10), which cap is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, as one piece distinct from the spout, which cap (10) is configured to be mounted, or is mounted on the spout, e.g. by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis (A), and wherein the cap is adapted to be manually removed from the neck (5b) of the spout by a user to open the product passage, wherein the cap comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state thereof: o a cap body (11) with a top end wall (11a) extending over the mouth of the neck and a protective skirt (11b) depending downward from the top end wall along the neck to a lower edge of the skirt (11c), wherein the cap body is provided with a sealing portion (11d) which - in the closed state and mounted state of the cap - sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout (5) to close and seal the product passage of the spout; wherein the skirt is a slotted skirt defining a slot (13) at a backside of the cap body which extends from the lower edge of the skirt upward towards the top end wall of the cap body and allows for passing of the neck therethrough upon opening of the cap; o a connecting lever (14) extending - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - along the neck at the backside of the cap body, which lever extends from an upper end thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end (14n) of the lever, wherein the lever (14) is provided with:■ an integrally formed upper hinge portion (14b) defining an upper pivot axis (P1);■ an integrally formed lower hinge portion defining a lower pivot axis (P2), wherein the upper and lower pivot axes (P1 , P2) are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the main axis (A) of the spout;■ a central portion (14c) between the upper hinge portion and the lower hinge portion;■ a spout connector portion (30) at the lower end of the lever, below the lower hinge portion; and wherein the spout is provided with an associated lever connector portion (58), wherein the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion are configured to be interconnected or are interconnected, preferably by an axial motion of the cap along the main axis, when mounting the cap on the spout, wherein the cap is configured to be manually moved by user from the closed state into an opened state through: a primary pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis (P1 ), moving the cap body into a semi-open position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is disengaged from the neck of the spout, during which primary pivoting motion of the cap body the lever remains extending upward along the neck at said backside of the cap body, and a subsequent secondary pivoting motion of the lever about the lower pivot axis (P2), moving the cap body from the semi-open position towards the backside, i.e. the side of the lever, to an open consumption position wherein the cap body is remote from the neck while remaining attached to the spout, characterized in that the lower hinge portion comprises left and right hinge portions (14d’, 14d”) bridging the central portion (14c) to the spout connector portion (30), the left and right hinge portions flanking a central opening (14e); and wherein the lever further comprises a locking member (14f) for securing the cap in the open consumption position, e.g. by engaging a complementary engagement portion (14g) at the lower end of the lever (14n).

2. Closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking member (14f) extends from the central portion (14c) between the left and right hinge portions (14d’, 14d”) and extending - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - along the neck at the backside of the cap body into the central opening (14e) towards the lower end of the lever (14n).

3. Closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the spout connector portion is embodied as a tamper-evident member (50), which is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, to the lower end of the lever (14n) and to the lower edge of the skirt (11c) of the cap body, and connected to said lower edge via one or more breakable bridges (37), and the lever connection portion is embodied as an associated structure on the spout, e.g. a flange structure, and wherein the closure assembly is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap body (11) by a user the one or more breakable bridges (37) break and the TE member (30) is retained to the spout (5).

4. Closure assembly according to claim 3, wherein the structure on the spout is a flange structure (50) which comprises a neck flange portion (51) that is integrally formed to the neck and extends essentially around the neck, which neck flange portion has a top face (51a), a bottom face (51 b), and a periphery, wherein the flange structure further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion (51c) that is integral to and extends upwards from the neck flange portion at the periphery thereof, so that the top face of the neck flange portion and the protective rim portion define a recess (56) around the neck; wherein the neck flange portion (51) on the neck (5b) of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages (58) that each extend between the top face (51a) and the bottom face (51b) through said neck flange portion (51), and wherein the tamper-evident member (30) comprises a TE flange portion (31) that has a top face (31a), a bottom face (31b), an inner face (32a), and an outer face (32b), wherein multiple hook members (33a-e) are integrally formed to the bottom of the TE flange portion (31), the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the TE flange portion (31), wherein each hook member (33) comprises a leg (34a-e) having an upper end integral with the TE flange portion (31) and protruding downward from the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a hook portion (35a-e) at the lower free end of the leg, wherein the neck flange portion (51) on the neck (5b) of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages (58), each hook member passage (18) being adapted to receive a hook member (53) when the cap (40) with the integrated tamper-evident member (50) is axially mounted on the neck (14) by means of said axial mounting motion along the main axis (16), wherein the hook portion (55) of each hook member (53) engages, e.g. snaps, underneath the bottom face (21b) of the neck flange portion (21) on the neck of the spout, wherein the periphery of the TE flange portion (51) of the TE member (50) is shaped to fit within the protective rim portion (25) as the TE flange portion (51) is at least partially inserted in said recess (30) upon said axially mounting of the cap (40) with the integrated tamper- evident member (50) on the neck, wherein the peripheral protective rim portion (25) is adapted to obstruct lateral access from outside to the interface between the top face (21a) of the neck flange portion (21) of the spout (10) and the bottom face (51 b) of the TE flange portion (51),and wherein the TE flange portion is provided with a hook member at a front side of the cap body opposite the upper and lower pivot axes (P1 , P2), and the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with a corresponding hook member passage.

5. Container provided with a closure assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims 1-4, e.g. a collapsible pouch container.

6. Method for manufacturing and filling a container with a closure assembly of any of the preceding claims 1-4, said method comprising the steps of: providing a container having a spout sealing location, e.g. an opening, e.g. an opening in a top edge or seam of a pouch packing; sealing the attachment portion of the spout in the spout sealing location; filling the container via the product passage of the spout, interconnecting the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion to mount the cap onto the spout.

7. Method for manufacturing and filling a container with a closure assembly of any of the preceding claims 1-4, said method comprising the steps of: providing and filling a container having a spout sealing location, e.g. an opening, e.g. an opening in a top edge or seam of a pouch packing, sealing the attachment portion of the spout in the spout sealing location, interconnecting the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion to mount the cap onto the spout.

8. Closure assembly (1) for a container, comprising: a plastic spout (5) comprising: o an attachment portion (5a) which is configured to be sealed or is sealed to a container; o a tubular neck (5b) with a vertical main axis (A), wherein a product passage (6) extends through the attachment portion and the tubular neck to a mouth (6a) at a top (5c) of the neck allowing to dispense a product from the container; o a flange structure (50) which comprises a neck flange portion (51) that is integrally formed to the neck and extends essentially around the neck, which neck flange portion has a top face (51a), a bottom face (51b), and a periphery, wherein the flange structure further comprises a peripheral protective rim portion (51c) that is integral to and extends upwards from the neck flange portion at the periphery thereof, so that the top face of the neck flange portionand the protective rim portion define a recess (56) around the neck; wherein the neck flange portion (51) on the neck (5b) of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages (58) that each extend between the top face (51a) and the bottom face (51b) through said neck flange portion (51), a plastic cap (10), which cap is integrally formed, e.g. moulded, as one piece distinct from the spout, which cap (10) is configured to be mounted, or is mounted on the spout by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis (A), and wherein the cap is adapted to be manually removed from the neck (5b) of the spout by a user to open the product passage, wherein the cap comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state thereof: o a cap body (11) with a top end wall (11a) extending over the mouth of the neck and a protective skirt (11b) depending downward from the top end wall along the neck to a lower edge of the skirt (11c), wherein the cap body is provided with a sealing portion (11d) which - in the closed state and mounted state of the cap - sealingly interacts with the neck of the spout (5) to close and seal the product passage of the spout; o a tamper-evident member (30) integrally formed, e.g. moulded, to the lower edge of the skirt (11c) of the cap body and connected to said lower edge via one or more breakable bridges (37); wherein the tamper-evident member (30) comprises a TE flange portion (31) that has a top face (31a), a bottom face (31b), an inner face (32a), and an outer face (32b), wherein multiple hook members (33a-e) are integrally formed to the bottom of the TE flange portion (31), the hook members being distributed in a circumferential direction of the TE flange portion (31), wherein each hook member (33) comprises a leg (34a- e) having an upper end integral with the TE flange portion (31) and protruding downward from the TE flange portion, wherein each hook member comprises a hook portion (35a-e) at the lower free end of the leg, wherein the neck flange portion (51) on the neck (5b) of the spout is provided with multiple hook member passages (58), each hook member passage (18) being adapted to receive a hook member (53) when the cap (40) with the integrated tamper-evident member (50) is axially mounted on the neck (14) by means of said axial mounting motion along the main axis (16), wherein the hook portion (55) of each hook member (53) engages, e.g. snaps, underneath the bottom face (21b) of the neck flange portion (21) on the neck of the spout,wherein the periphery of the TE flange portion (51) of the TE member (50) is shaped to fit within the protective rim portion (25) as the TE flange portion (51) is at least partially inserted in said recess (30) upon said axially mounting of the cap (40) with the integrated tamper- evident member (50) on the neck, wherein the peripheral protective rim portion (25) is adapted to obstruct lateral access from outside to the interface between the top face (21a) of the neck flange portion (21) of the spout (10) and the bottom face (51b) of the TE flange portion (51), and wherein the closure assembly is embodied such that upon first time opening of the closure assembly by removal of the cap (40) by a user the one or more breakable bridges (70) break and the TE member (50) is retained in the recess (30) of the spout by means of the hook members (53), characterized in that the cap is configured to be manually moved by a user from the closed state into an opened state through a pivoting motion about a horizontal pivot axis provided at the backside of the cap body, and wherein the TE flange portion is provided with a hook member at a front side of the cap body opposite the pivot axis, and the neck flange portion on the neck of the spout is provided with a corresponding hook member passage.

9. Closure assembly according to the preceding claim 8, wherein the skirt of the cap body is a slotted skirt defining a slot (13) at a backside of the cap body which extends from the lower edge of the skirt upward towards the top end wall of the cap body and allows for passing of the neck therethrough upon opening of the cap, and wherein the cap comprises, seen in a closed and mounted state thereof: a connecting lever (14) extending - in the closed and mounted state of the cap - along the neck at the backside of the cap body, which lever extends from an upper end thereof that is integral with the cap body to a lower end of the lever, wherein the lever (14) is provided with: o an integrally formed upper hinge portion (14b) defining an upper pivot axis (P1); o an integrally formed lower hinge portion defining a lower pivot axis (P2), wherein the upper and lower pivot axes (P1, P2) are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the main axis (A) of the spout;o a central portion (14c) between the upper hinge portion and the lower hinge portion; o the tamper-evident member (30) at the lower end of the lever, below the lower hinge portion, which is a spout connector portion (30); and wherein the flange structure on the spout is an associated lever connector portion (58), wherein the spout connector portion and the lever connector portion are configured to be interconnected or are interconnected, preferably by an axial motion of the cap along the main axis, when mounting the cap on the spout, wherein the cap is configured to be manually moved by user from the closed state into an opened state through: a primary pivoting motion of the cap body about the upper pivot axis (P1 ), moving the cap body into a semi-open position in which the sealing portion of the cap body is disengaged from the neck of the spout, during which primary pivoting motion of the cap body the lever remains extending upward along the neck at said backside of the cap body, and a subsequent secondary pivoting motion of the lever about the lower pivot axis (P2), moving the cap body from the semi-open position towards the backside, i.e. the side of the lever, to an open consumption position wherein the cap body is remote from the neck while remaining attached to the spout.

10. Closure assembly according to any of the preceding claims 8-9, wherein the lower hinge portion comprises left and right hinge portions (14d’, 14d”) bridging the central portion (14c) of the lever to the spout connector portion (30), the left and right hinge portions flanking a central opening (14e); and wherein the lever further comprising a locking member (14f), e.g. provided in the central opening, for securing the cap in the open consumption position, e.g. by engaging a complementary engagement portion (14g) at the lower end of the lever (14n).

11. Container provided with a closure assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims 8-10, e.g. a collapsible pouch container.

12. Method for manufacturing and filling a container with a closure assembly of any of the preceding claims 8-10 sealed on said container, said method comprising the steps of: providing a container having the spout (5) of any of claims 8-10 thereon without the cap and integrated tamper-evident member, filling the container e.g. via the product passage (6) in the spout,mounting the cap (10) and integrated tamper-evident member (30) of any of claims 8 - 10 onto the neck (5b) of the spout (5) by means of an axial mounting motion along the main axis (A) such that the cap seals the product passage, wherein the hook members (33) enter into and through the respective hook member passages (58) and their hook portions (35) engage, e.g. snap, underneath the bottom face(51b) of the neck flange portion (51) on the neck, and wherein the TE flange portion (31) of the tamper-evident member is at least partially inserted in the recess (56). 13 . Method for manufacturing and filling a container, said method comprising the steps of: providing a container having a spout sealing location, e.g. an opening, e.g. an opening in a top edge or seam of a pouch packing, adapted to mount the spout with the cap and integrated tamper-evident member of any of claims 8-10 on the container, - filling the container via the product passage of the spout.

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