Opening device for a package and package having an opening device

Abstract

There is described an opening device (3) comprising a collar (4) and a closure (6) coupled to the collar (4). The closure (6) is controllable between a closing position, an opening position and an intermediate position. The opening device (3) comprises a main cam (30) protruding from the collar (4) and one or more main cam followers (31) protruding from the closure (6) and configured to interact with the main cam (30) during a rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B). The opening device (3) further comprises an auxiliary cam (36) connected to the collar (4) and being spaced apart from the main cam (30) and one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) configured to interact with the auxiliary cam (36). Each of the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) comprise a first elongated end portion (45), a second elongated end portion (46) and an intermediate elongated portion (47) interposed between and connected to the first elongated end portion (45) and the second elongated end portion (46). The intermediate elongated portion (47) is inclined with respect to the first elongated end portion (45) and the second elongated end portion (46).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the main body.BACKGROUND ART

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

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

[0005] Some of the known packages, in particular respective sealed main bodies of the packages formed from the packaging material, comprise a designated pour opening surface area, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the package. Typically, the designated pour opening surface area is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates the inside of the package from the outer environment and which is to be opened or to be removed or to be ruptured or to be cut or to be pierced prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product so as to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product. It is also known to arrange an opening device having a collar and a closure coupled and / or couplable to the collar on the main body about the designated pour opening surface area so as to control the outpouring of the pourable product. The collar has a pouring outlet so as to allow a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the closure allows to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.

[0006] Some of the known opening devices comprise an opening assembly so as to pierce and / or open the pour opening surface area in a controlled manner.

[0007] There are known opening devices as e.g. described in EP-A-3805126, which comprise a collar, a closure and a connecting element connected to the closure and coupled to the collar. The collar is provided with a cam and a pair of cam followers protruding from an inner face of the closure and configured to interact with the cam during rotation of the closure around a rotation axis for moving the closure from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0008] It is also known that such opening devices require an angular movement of the closure with respect to the connecting element around a turning axis to move the closure from the partially open position to an opening position. Moreover, it is possible to angularly move the closure around the rotation axis or to simply flip the closure with respect to the connecting element around the turning axis to move the closure from the opening position to the closing position.

[0009] Even though the known opening devices work satisfyingly well, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the opening devices and / or the packages having the opening devices.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for a package filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device applied on the main body.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided an opening device according to the independent claim.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a package having an opening device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a side view of a detail of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 3A to 3D are side views of a detail of the opening device of Figures 1 and 2 being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 4A to 4D are side views of a further detail of the opening device of Figures 1 and 2 being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of another detail of the opening device, with parts removed for clarity. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a package, comprising: a main body 2, in particular a sealed main body 2, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such); and an opening device 3, in particular a plastic opening device 3, fitted to the package, in particular to main body 2 about the designated pour opening surface area.

[0017] Main body 2 is obtained from a multilayer packaging material, e.g. being provided in the form of a web.

[0018] The packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0019] Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0020] Opening devices 3 may be applied onto the respective main bodies 2 prior to, during or after forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 by means of a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding.

[0021] Alternatively, opening devices 3 may be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material within a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 from the packaging material.

[0022] With particular reference to Figure 1, each main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, main body 2 extends along a first transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first transversal axis.

[0023] In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2 is configured to be at least partially (non-reversibly) opened and / or ruptured and / or cut and / or pierced so as to allow out-pouring of the pourable product from main body 2, in particular through opening device 3. Even more particular, the pour opening surface area is configured to allow out-pouring of the pourable product after its loss of integrity and to protect the pourable product from the outer environment prior to its cutting and / or opening and / or rupturing and / or piercing.

[0024] The pour opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) configured to be ruptured and / or opened and / or cut and / or pierced. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening surface area the inside of main body 2 from the outside of main body 2. Preferentially but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0025] The separation membrane may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.

[0026] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 5, opening device 3 comprises at least: a collar 4 having a pouring outlet configured to allow for an (controlled) outflow of the pourable product from package 1; and a closure 6 coupled to the collar 4 and configured to cover the pouring outlet.

[0027] Closure 6 is controllable between at least: a closing position (see Figures 1 and 3A) in which closure 6 covers the pouring outlet; an opening position (see Figure 3D) in which closure 6 opens the pouring outlet.

[0028] Closure 6 is also controllable in an intermediate position (see Figure 3C) in which closure 6 is interposed between the closing position and the opening position.

[0029] Opening device 3 may also comprise a base frame 7 carrying collar 4 and being configured to be fitted and / or being fitted about the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2.

[0030] In further detail, opening device 3 also comprises a coupling ring 8 rotatably arranged around collar 4, in particular such that coupling ring 8 is inseparable from collar 4.

[0031] Preferentially, closure 6 is connected, in particular hinged, to coupling ring 8 and is angularly movable with respect to coupling ring 8 around a respective turning axis.

[0032] In particular, opening device 3 comprises a connecting element connected to coupling ring 8 and closure 6.

[0033] According to the example shown, the connecting element is a hinge element. Alternatively, the connecting element is different from a hinge element, such as a tethering element.

[0034] Moreover, closure 6 is movable in the opening position, the closing position and the intermediate position by an angular movement around the turning axis. Moreover, closure 6 performs an angular movement around the turning axis when moving in the opening position, the closing position and the intermediate position.

[0035] Advantageously, opening device 3 is configured such that the angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis for moving closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B (and in a first direction of rotation).

[0036] In particular, closure 6 is in a first angular position, a second angular position and a third angular position with respect to the turning axis when being in, respectively, the closing position, the opening position and the intermediate position. The third angular position is interposed between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0037] In further detail, collar 4 extends along a longitudinal axis A (and away from base frame 7), preferentially but not necessarily parallel to the longitudinal axis of main body 2.

[0038] In particular, longitudinal axis A defines (is equal to) a central axis of collar 4 and / or the pouring outlet.

[0039] Preferentially, collar 4 and the pouring outlet have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.

[0040] In even more detail, opening device 3 comprises a coupling element configured to connect closure 6 to coupling ring 8 and defining the turning axis.

[0041] In particular, in use, control of closure 6 from the closing position to the opening position requires at first control from the closing position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the opening position. In other words, in use, control of closure 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position requires at first control of closure 6 from the first angular position to the third angular position and then from the third angular position to the second angular position.

[0042] Preferentially, closure 6 comprises: a main wall 13 configured to cover the pouring outlet with closure 6 being in the closing position; and a lateral wall 14 protruding from main wall 13 and configured to at least partially surround collar 4 with closure 6 being in the closing position.

[0043] In particular, and with closure 6 being in the closing position, main wall 13 is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A and side wall 14 is (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis A.

[0044] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, closure 6 is, in particular main wall 13 and / or side wall 14 are, coupled to collar 4 when closure 6 is, in use, in the closing position (and in the intermediate position).

[0045] Preferentially, side wall 14 comprises an inner surface, in particular the inner surface of side wall 14 faces collar 4 with closure 6 being in the closing position (and in the intermediate position).

[0046] Advantageously, opening device 3 comprises an interaction device 16 partially associated to (and / or connect to and / or carried by) collar 4 and partially associated to (and / or connect to and / or carried by) closure 6 and being configured to control closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6, preferentially of closure 6 and coupling ring 8, around a (common) rotation axis B, and in particular in a first direction of rotation.

[0047] In particular, interaction device 16 is configured such that control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only by rotation of closure 6, preferentially of closure 6 and coupling ring 8, around rotation axis B, and in particular in the first direction or rotation.

[0048] In particular, rotation axis B is parallel, even more particular coaxial, to longitudinal axis A.

[0049] Furthermore, interaction device 16 is configured such to actuate a movement of closure 6 around the turning axis and for moving closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B (and in the first direction of rotation).

[0050] In particular, interaction device 16 is configured to actuate a movement of closure 6 from the first angular position to the third angular position.

[0051] Control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the opening position (i.e. from the third angular position to the second angular position) is obtained by (the user) angularly moving closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0052] Similarly, control of closure 6 from the opening position to the intermediate position (i.e. from the second angular position to the third angular position) is obtained by angularly moving closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0053] Advantageously, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0054] Advantageously, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is selectively possible: by a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the third angular position to the first angular position (i.e. by a sole flipping); or by an angular movement of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation; or by an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the third angular position to the first angular position and by an angular movement of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0055] In other words, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible by rotating closure 6 around rotation axis B, by flipping closure 6 around the turning axis or by rotating closure 6 around rotation axis B and by flipping of closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0056] Hence, a user can freely choose whether to control closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position by the sole angular movement around the turning axis or whether to control closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position by the rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. It should be further noted that also a combination of both means of controlling closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible.

[0057] It should be noted that a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis that occurs while closure 6 remains angularly fixed with respect to rotation axis B. In other words, any angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is a sole angular movement if closure 6 does not rotate around rotation axis B.

[0058] Opening device 3 may also comprise: a (ring-shaped) cutter 61 (only shown in Figure 2) movably coupled to collar 4 and being configured to at least partially cut and / or rupture and / or open and / or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane; and a control device configured to interact with and to control cutter 61 between a rest position, in which cutter 61 is configured to be and / or is retracted from the designated pour opening surface area, and an operative position in which cutter 61 is configured to at least partially cut and / or rupture and / or open and / or pierce the designated pour opening surface area.

[0059] In particular, the control device is configured to control cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position upon rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. Even more particular, the control device is configured to control cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position the first time closure 6 is, in use, rotated around rotation axis B for moving closure 6 for the first time from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0060] In particular, collar 4 delimits a flow channel.

[0061] More specifically, collar 4 comprises an inner surface facing the flow channel and an outer surface 20 being opposite to the inner surface of collar 4.

[0062] Furthermore, cutter 61 is at least partially placed within the flow channel.

[0063] Moreover, cutter 61 is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, during its movement from the rest position to the operative position.

[0064] Preferentially, cutter 61 comprises a cutting section (arranged at and / or defining an axial end portion of cutter 61) configured to open and / or cut and / or rupture and / or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. Even more preferentially, the cutting section has a serrated profile.

[0065] Advantageously, the control device comprises a cam group configured to guide movement of cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position.

[0066] Preferentially, the cam group comprises a cam profile and at least one, preferentially a plurality of, guiding element(s) configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and the guiding element(s) cooperate in such a manner that cutter 61 executes, in use, a rototranslatory movement when moving from the rest position to the operative position.

[0067] Preferentially, the cam profile is associated and / or connected and / or integral to cutter 61 and the guiding element(s) is / are connected and / or associated and / or integral to collar 4, even more particular to the inner surface of collar 4.

[0068] Advantageously, the control device comprises: one or more interaction elements connected to, in particular integrally connected to, cutter 61; and one or more interaction members 62, e.g. flaps, connected to and / or coupled to closure 6 and each one being configured to interact with one respective interaction element.

[0069] In particular, each interaction member 62 is coupled and / or connected to closure 6 such that rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B leads also to rotation of interaction members 62 around rotation axis B.

[0070] Preferentially, in use, rotation of closure 6 and interaction members 62 around rotation axis B causes at least a translatory, preferentially a rototranslatory, movement of cutter 61 by means of the interaction between the interaction members 62 and the interaction elements and the cooperation between the cam profile and the guiding element(s).

[0071] With particular reference to Figures 1, 3A to 3C and 5, opening device 3 may also comprise a tamper-evidence ring 21 arranged around collar 4 and preferentially also rupturable coupling bridges 22 connected to coupling ring 8 and tamper-evidence ring 21 and configured to rupture during a first-time rotation of collar 6 and / or coupling ring 8 around rotation axis B (thereby separating tamper-evidence ring 21 from coupling ring 8).

[0072] Additionally, opening device 3 may also comprise further rupturable coupling bridges 23 connected to coupling ring 8 and closure 6 and configured to rupture during a first-time rotation of collar 6 around rotation axis B (thereby separating coupling ring 8 from closure 6) and a first-time control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0073] Advantageously, collar 4 comprises an interaction ring 24, in particular protruding from outer surface 20, and configured to interact with coupling ring 8. Preferentially, interaction ring 24 is configured to inseparably couple coupling ring 8 to collar 4 and to allow for rotation of coupling ring 8 around rotation axis B.

[0074] Advantageously and with particular reference to Figures 2, 3D, 4A to 4D and 5, interaction device 16 comprises at least: a main cam 30 protruding from collar 4, in particular outer surface 20; and one or more main cam followers 31, in the specific case shown one main cam follower 31, protruding from closure 6, in particular the inner surface of side wall 14, and configured to interact with main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

[0075] Main cam 30 is designed such that interaction between the one or more main cam followers 31 and main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the first direction of rotation leads to movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0076] In particular, main cam 30 comprises and extends between a first end 32 and a second end 33 opposite to first end 32.

[0077] Moreover, second end 33 is closer to the pouring outlet than first end 32. In other words, main cam 30 is inclined towards the pouring outlet extending from first end 32 to second end 33.

[0078] In particular, main cam 30 extends along a main direction.

[0079] Preferentially, the interaction of main cam 30 and the one or more main cam followers 31 is such that when rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B is actuated for the first time, angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis, in particular from the closing position to the intermediate position, is executed only after movement of cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position.

[0080] In particular, first end 32 and second end 33 are arranged at, respectively, a first angular position u and a second angular position v with respect to rotation axis B.

[0081] In particular, first angular position u is chosen such that cutter 61 is moved in the operative position before closure 6 reaches the intermediate position.

[0082] Preferentially, each main cam follower 31 comprises an engagement surface 34 configured to slide along a guiding surface 35 of main cam 30, in particular extending along the main direction and / or extending from first end 32 to second end 33, so as to actuate movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0083] In more detail, main cam follower 31 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.

[0084] In even more detail, main cam follower 31 extends along an auxiliary direction, in particular the auxiliary direction is parallel to the main direction with closure 6 being in the closing position.

[0085] In particular, engagement surface 34 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B with closure 6 being in the closing position and / or extends along the auxiliary direction.

[0086] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 4A to 4D, opening device 3 also comprises an auxiliary cam 36 connected to collar 4, in particular to outer surface 20, and being spaced apart, in particular axially spaced apart, from main cam 30.

[0087] In particular, main cam 30 is closer to the pouring outlet than auxiliary cam 36.

[0088] In particular, auxiliary cam 36 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.

[0089] In particular, auxiliary cam 36 has a first end 37 and a second end 38. Even more particular, second end 38 is closer to the pouring outlet than first end 37.

[0090] Additionally, auxiliary cam 36 extends from a third angular position w to a fourth angular position x with respect to rotation axis B. In particular, third angular position w is interposed between first angular position u and second angular position v.

[0091] Additionally, opening device 3 comprises one or more auxiliary cam followers 39, in the specific case shown one, configured to interact with auxiliary cam 36 for contributing to the movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B, in particular during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the first direction of rotation.

[0092] In more detail, each auxiliary cam follower 39 comprises an auxiliary engagement surface 40 configured to engage auxiliary cam 36, in particular a guiding surface 41 of auxiliary cam 36, during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

[0093] In further detail, auxiliary cam follower 39 is connected to the inner surface of lateral wall 14.

[0094] With particular reference to Figures 2, 4A to 4D and 5, auxiliary cam follower 39 comprises: a first elongated end portion 45; a second elongated end portion 46; and an intermediate elongated portion 47 interposed between and connected to first elongated end portion 45 and second elongated end portion 46.

[0095] Intermediate elongated portion 47 is inclined with respect to the first elongated end portion 45 and the second elongated end portion 46.

[0096] In particular, auxiliary cam follower 39 is S-shaped. In other words, first elongated end portion 45, second elongated end portion 46 and intermediate elongated portion 47 are arranged such to define an S-shape.

[0097] Preferentially, second elongated end portion 46 is closer to main wall 13 than first elongated end portion 45.

[0098] In further detail, each one of first elongated end portion 45 and second elongated end portion 46 comprises a respective end of auxiliary cam follower 39.

[0099] In even further detail, first elongated end portion 45 extends along a first direction D1, second elongated end portion 46 extends along a second direction D2 and intermediate elongated portion 47 extends along a third direction D3.

[0100] In particular, third direction D3 is inclined with respect to first direction D1 and second direction D2.

[0101] In particular, first direction D1 and second direction D2 are parallel to one another.

[0102] Advantageously, first elongated end portion 45 and / or second elongated end portion 46 are perpendicular to rotation axis B when closure 6 is in the closing position.

[0103] As mentioned above, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position can occur by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0104] In order to avoid undesired interferences between auxiliary cam follower 39 and main cam 30, auxiliary cam follower 39 comprises an auxiliary surface 48, in particular opposite to auxiliary engagement surface 40, and configured to interact with main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation and to guide auxiliary cam follower 39 into a space 60 delimited between main cam 30 and auxiliary cam 36.

[0105] In particular, each one of first elongated end portion 45, second elongated end portion 46 and intermediate elongated portion 47 comprises a respective part of auxiliary surface 48.

[0106] Advantageously, main cam 30 comprises a surface section 49 opposite to guiding surface 35.

[0107] In particular, auxiliary surface 48 is configured to engage surface section 49 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation for guiding auxiliary cam follower 39 into space 60.

[0108] Advantageously, surface section 49 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.

[0109] With particular reference to Figures 4A to 4D, opening device 3 also comprises a locking mechanism 50 configured to lock closure 6 in the closing position and such that control of closure 6 from closing position to intermediate position is possible only by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

[0110] In particular, locking mechanism 50 comprises a locking element 51, in particular having an arc-shaped configuration, arranged on outer surface 20.

[0111] Additionally, locking mechanism 50 comprises an engagement element configured to abut against locking element 51 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0112] Preferentially, auxiliary cam follower 39 defines the engagement element. Moreover, a surface of auxiliary cam follower 39 opposite to auxiliary engagement surface 40 is configured to abut against locking element 51 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0113] With particular reference to Figure 4D, opening device 3 further comprises an abutment element connected to collar 4, in particular outer surface 20, and an interaction element connected to closure 6 and configured to abut against the abutment element during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation such that a further rotation of closure 6 in the second direction of rotation is inhibited.

[0114] Additionally, upon interaction of the abutment element and the interaction element also movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is inhibited, in particular as an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is inhibited.

[0115] In particular, the abutment element and the interaction element define a rotation inhibition mechanism.

[0116] In this way, it is possible to indicate to the user that closure 6 is in the closing position.

[0117] More specifically, the abutment element comprises an abutment surface 52 and the interaction element comprises an interaction surface 53 configured to abut against abutment surface 52.

[0118] In further detail, auxiliary cam 36 defines at least a portion of the abutment element.

[0119] In particular, abutment surface 52 is opposite to guiding surface 41.

[0120] Advantageously, at least a portion of auxiliary cam follower 39 defines the interaction element.

[0121] In particular, interaction surface 53 is opposite to auxiliary engagement surface 40.

[0122] Advantageously, interaction surface 53 is also configured to abut against locking element 51 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0123] Additionally, main cam 30 comprises an auxiliary abutment surface 54, in particular opposite to guiding surface 35, and main cam follower 41 comprises an auxiliary interaction surface 56, in particular opposite to engagement surface 34.

[0124] In particular, the rotation inhibition mechanism also comprises auxiliary abutment surface 54 and auxiliary interaction surface 56.

[0125] In particular, auxiliary abutment surface 54 and auxiliary interaction surface 56 are configured to interact with one another so as to contribute to the inhibition of the rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0126] In the example shown, an auxiliary surface 48 of auxiliary cam follower 39 defines interaction surface 53.

[0127] In addition, in the example shown, surface section 49 of main cam 30 defines auxiliary abutment surface 54.

[0128] In use, outpouring of the pourable product from package 1, in particular main body 2, requires liberating the pouring outlet. This is done by controlling closure 6 from the closing position to the opening position. Even more particular, at first closure 6 is controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the opening position.

[0129] In particular, movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position requires rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. During rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B, main cam follower 31 interacts with main cam 30 for actuating movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0130] Once closure 6 is in the intermediate position, the user can manually move closure 6 in the opening position by rotating closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0131] Preferentially, the first time closure 6 is to be controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position cutter 61 is controlled from the rest position to the operative position for opening and / or rupturing and / or piercing the pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. In particular, control of cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position occurs prior to closure 6 reaching the opening position.

[0132] When a user intends to newly impede the outflow of the pourable product, the user can control closure 6 again (during a re-closing operation) in the closing position. At first closure 6 needs to be controlled from the opening position to the intermediate position, followed by controlling closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position. The latter can be obtained by a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis (sole flipping) or by a rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation or by an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis (flipping) and by a rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0133] The advantages of opening device 3 and / or package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0134] In particular, main cam 30, auxiliary cam 36, main cam follower 31 and auxiliary cam follower 39 allow to provide the forces needed to move closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0135] Additionally, collision between main cam 30 and auxiliary cam followers 39 is avoided.

[0136] Moreover, the user understands when the closing position has been reached.

[0137] Clearly, changes may be made to opening device 3 and / or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a package, comprising:

a main body 2, in particular a sealed main body 2, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such); and an opening device 3, in particular a plastic opening device 3, fitted to the package, in particular to main body 2 about the designated pour opening surface area.

[0017]Main body 2 is obtained from a multilayer packaging material, e.g. being provided in the form of a web.

[0018]The packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0019]Preferably but not necessarily, th...

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device arranged on the main body.BACKGROUND ART

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

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

[0005] Some of the known packages, in particular respective sealed main bodies of the packages formed from the packaging material, comprise a designated pour opening surface area, which allows the outpouring of the pourable product from the package. Typically, the designated pour opening surface area is covered by a separation membrane, which isolates the inside of the package from the outer environment and which is to be opened or to be removed or to be ruptured or to be cut or to be pierced prior to the first outpouring of the pourable product so as to allow for the outpouring of the pourable product. It is also known to arrange an opening device having a collar and a closure coupled and / or couplable to the collar on the main body about the designated pour opening surface area so as to control the outpouring of the pourable product. The collar has a pouring outlet so as to allow a controlled outpouring of the pourable product from the package and the closure allows to selectively close and open the pouring outlet.

[0006] Some of the known opening devices comprise an opening assembly so as to pierce and / or open the pour opening surface area in a controlled manner.

[0007] There are known opening devices as e.g. described in EP-A-3805126, which comprise a collar, a closure and a connecting element connected to the closure and coupled to the collar. The collar is provided with a cam and a pair of cam followers protruding from an inner face of the closure and configured to interact with the cam during rotation of the closure around a rotation axis for moving the closure from a closed position to a partially open position.

[0008] It is also known that such opening devices require an angular movement of the closure with respect to the connecting element around a turning axis to move the closure from the partially open position to an opening position. Moreover, it is possible to angularly move the closure around the rotation axis or to simply flip the closure with respect to the connecting element around the turning axis to move the closure from the opening position to the closing position.

[0009] Even though the known opening devices work satisfyingly well, a desire is felt in the sector to further improve the opening devices and / or the packages having the opening devices.DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for a package filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package having a main body filled with a pourable product, in particular filled with a pourable food product, and an opening device applied on the main body.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided an opening device according to the independent claim.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, there is also provided a package according to claim 15.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a package having an opening device according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; Figure 2 is a side view of a detail of the opening device of Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 3A to 3D are side views of a detail of the opening device of Figures 1 and 2 being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity; Figures 4A to 4D are side views of a further detail of the opening device of Figures 1 and 2 being in different configurations, with parts removed for clarity; and Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of another detail of the opening device, with parts removed for clarity. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a package, comprising: a main body 2, in particular a sealed main body 2, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such); and an opening device 3, in particular a plastic opening device 3, fitted to the package, in particular to main body 2 about the designated pour opening surface area.

[0017] Main body 2 is obtained from a multilayer packaging material, e.g. being provided in the form of a web.

[0018] The packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0019] Preferably but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular being arranged between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferentially but not necessarily, the packaging material also comprises a further layer of heat-seal plastic material being interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0020] Opening devices 3 may be applied onto the respective main bodies 2 prior to, during or after forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 by means of a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding.

[0021] Alternatively, opening devices 3 may be applied onto the packaging material prior to arranging the packaging material within or during advancement of the packaging material within a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing main bodies 2 from the packaging material.

[0022] With particular reference to Figure 1, each main body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, main body 2 extends along a first transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the first transversal axis.

[0023] In particular, the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2 is configured to be at least partially (non-reversibly) opened and / or ruptured and / or cut and / or pierced so as to allow out-pouring of the pourable product from main body 2, in particular through opening device 3. Even more particular, the pour opening surface area is configured to allow out-pouring of the pourable product after its loss of integrity and to protect the pourable product from the outer environment prior to its cutting and / or opening and / or rupturing and / or piercing.

[0024] The pour opening surface area comprises a separation membrane (not shown and known as such) configured to be ruptured and / or opened and / or cut and / or pierced. In particular, the separation membrane separates in the area of, in particular at, the designated pour opening surface area the inside of main body 2 from the outside of main body 2. Preferentially but not necessarily, the separation membrane comprises a gas- and light-barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0025] The separation membrane may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layers of the packaging material being different from the layer of fibrous material.

[0026] With particular reference to Figures 1 to 5, opening device 3 comprises at least: a collar 4 having a pouring outlet configured to allow for an (controlled) outflow of the pourable product from package 1; and a closure 6 coupled to the collar 4 and configured to cover the pouring outlet.

[0027] Closure 6 is controllable between at least: a closing position (see Figures 1 and 3A) in which closure 6 covers the pouring outlet; an opening position (see Figure 3D) in which closure 6 opens the pouring outlet.

[0028] Closure 6 is also controllable in an intermediate position (see Figure 3C) in which closure 6 is interposed between the closing position and the opening position.

[0029] Opening device 3 may also comprise a base frame 7 carrying collar 4 and being configured to be fitted and / or being fitted about the designated pour opening surface area of main body 2.

[0030] In further detail, opening device 3 also comprises a coupling ring 8 rotatably arranged around collar 4, in particular such that coupling ring 8 is inseparable from collar 4.

[0031] Preferentially, closure 6 is connected, in particular hinged, to coupling ring 8 and is angularly movable with respect to coupling ring 8 around a respective turning axis.

[0032] In particular, opening device 3 comprises a connecting element connected to coupling ring 8 and closure 6.

[0033] According to the example shown, the connecting element is a hinge element. Alternatively, the connecting element is different from a hinge element, such as a tethering element.

[0034] Moreover, closure 6 is movable in the opening position, the closing position and the intermediate position by an angular movement around the turning axis. Moreover, closure 6 performs an angular movement around the turning axis when moving in the opening position, the closing position and the intermediate position.

[0035] Advantageously, opening device 3 is configured such that the angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis for moving closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B (and in a first direction of rotation).

[0036] In particular, closure 6 is in a first angular position, a second angular position and a third angular position with respect to the turning axis when being in, respectively, the closing position, the opening position and the intermediate position. The third angular position is interposed between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0037] In further detail, collar 4 extends along a longitudinal axis A (and away from base frame 7), preferentially but not necessarily parallel to the longitudinal axis of main body 2.

[0038] In particular, longitudinal axis A defines (is equal to) a central axis of collar 4 and / or the pouring outlet.

[0039] Preferentially, collar 4 and the pouring outlet have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, in particular with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.

[0040] In even more detail, opening device 3 comprises a coupling element configured to connect closure 6 to coupling ring 8 and defining the turning axis.

[0041] In particular, in use, control of closure 6 from the closing position to the opening position requires at first control from the closing position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the opening position. In other words, in use, control of closure 6 from the first angular position to the second angular position requires at first control of closure 6 from the first angular position to the third angular position and then from the third angular position to the second angular position.

[0042] Preferentially, closure 6 comprises: a main wall 13 configured to cover the pouring outlet with closure 6 being in the closing position; and a lateral wall 14 protruding from main wall 13 and configured to at least partially surround collar 4 with closure 6 being in the closing position.

[0043] In particular, and with closure 6 being in the closing position, main wall 13 is transversal, in particular perpendicular, to longitudinal axis A and side wall 14 is (substantially) parallel to longitudinal axis A.

[0044] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, closure 6 is, in particular main wall 13 and / or side wall 14 are, coupled to collar 4 when closure 6 is, in use, in the closing position (and in the intermediate position).

[0045] Preferentially, side wall 14 comprises an inner surface, in particular the inner surface of side wall 14 faces collar 4 with closure 6 being in the closing position (and in the intermediate position).

[0046] Advantageously, opening device 3 comprises an interaction device 16 partially associated to (and / or connect to and / or carried by) collar 4 and partially associated to (and / or connect to and / or carried by) closure 6 and being configured to control closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6, preferentially of closure 6 and coupling ring 8, around a (common) rotation axis B, and in particular in a first direction of rotation.

[0047] In particular, interaction device 16 is configured such that control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only by rotation of closure 6, preferentially of closure 6 and coupling ring 8, around rotation axis B, and in particular in the first direction or rotation.

[0048] In particular, rotation axis B is parallel, even more particular coaxial, to longitudinal axis A.

[0049] Furthermore, interaction device 16 is configured such to actuate a movement of closure 6 around the turning axis and for moving closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B (and in the first direction of rotation).

[0050] In particular, interaction device 16 is configured to actuate a movement of closure 6 from the first angular position to the third angular position.

[0051] Control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the opening position (i.e. from the third angular position to the second angular position) is obtained by (the user) angularly moving closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0052] Similarly, control of closure 6 from the opening position to the intermediate position (i.e. from the second angular position to the third angular position) is obtained by angularly moving closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0053] Advantageously, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0054] Advantageously, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is selectively possible: by a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the third angular position to the first angular position (i.e. by a sole flipping); or by an angular movement of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation; or by an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis from the third angular position to the first angular position and by an angular movement of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0055] In other words, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible by rotating closure 6 around rotation axis B, by flipping closure 6 around the turning axis or by rotating closure 6 around rotation axis B and by flipping of closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0056] Hence, a user can freely choose whether to control closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position by the sole angular movement around the turning axis or whether to control closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position by the rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. It should be further noted that also a combination of both means of controlling closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position is possible.

[0057] It should be noted that a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis that occurs while closure 6 remains angularly fixed with respect to rotation axis B. In other words, any angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is a sole angular movement if closure 6 does not rotate around rotation axis B.

[0058] Opening device 3 may also comprise: a (ring-shaped) cutter 61 (only shown in Figure 2) movably coupled to collar 4 and being configured to at least partially cut and / or rupture and / or open and / or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane; and a control device configured to interact with and to control cutter 61 between a rest position, in which cutter 61 is configured to be and / or is retracted from the designated pour opening surface area, and an operative position in which cutter 61 is configured to at least partially cut and / or rupture and / or open and / or pierce the designated pour opening surface area.

[0059] In particular, the control device is configured to control cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position upon rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. Even more particular, the control device is configured to control cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position the first time closure 6 is, in use, rotated around rotation axis B for moving closure 6 for the first time from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0060] In particular, collar 4 delimits a flow channel.

[0061] More specifically, collar 4 comprises an inner surface facing the flow channel and an outer surface 20 being opposite to the inner surface of collar 4.

[0062] Furthermore, cutter 61 is at least partially placed within the flow channel.

[0063] Moreover, cutter 61 is configured to at least translate, in particular to rotate and translate, during its movement from the rest position to the operative position.

[0064] Preferentially, cutter 61 comprises a cutting section (arranged at and / or defining an axial end portion of cutter 61) configured to open and / or cut and / or rupture and / or pierce the designated pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. Even more preferentially, the cutting section has a serrated profile.

[0065] Advantageously, the control device comprises a cam group configured to guide movement of cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position.

[0066] Preferentially, the cam group comprises a cam profile and at least one, preferentially a plurality of, guiding element(s) configured to interact with the cam profile. In particular, the cam profile and the guiding element(s) cooperate in such a manner that cutter 61 executes, in use, a rototranslatory movement when moving from the rest position to the operative position.

[0067] Preferentially, the cam profile is associated and / or connected and / or integral to cutter 61 and the guiding element(s) is / are connected and / or associated and / or integral to collar 4, even more particular to the inner surface of collar 4.

[0068] Advantageously, the control device comprises: one or more interaction elements connected to, in particular integrally connected to, cutter 61; and one or more interaction members 62, e.g. flaps, connected to and / or coupled to closure 6 and each one being configured to interact with one respective interaction element.

[0069] In particular, each interaction member 62 is coupled and / or connected to closure 6 such that rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B leads also to rotation of interaction members 62 around rotation axis B.

[0070] Preferentially, in use, rotation of closure 6 and interaction members 62 around rotation axis B causes at least a translatory, preferentially a rototranslatory, movement of cutter 61 by means of the interaction between the interaction members 62 and the interaction elements and the cooperation between the cam profile and the guiding element(s).

[0071] With particular reference to Figures 1, 3A to 3C and 5, opening device 3 may also comprise a tamper-evidence ring 21 arranged around collar 4 and preferentially also rupturable coupling bridges 22 connected to coupling ring 8 and tamper-evidence ring 21 and configured to rupture during a first-time rotation of collar 6 and / or coupling ring 8 around rotation axis B (thereby separating tamper-evidence ring 21 from coupling ring 8).

[0072] Additionally, opening device 3 may also comprise further rupturable coupling bridges 23 connected to coupling ring 8 and closure 6 and configured to rupture during a first-time rotation of collar 6 around rotation axis B (thereby separating coupling ring 8 from closure 6) and a first-time control of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0073] Advantageously, collar 4 comprises an interaction ring 24, in particular protruding from outer surface 20, and configured to interact with coupling ring 8. Preferentially, interaction ring 24 is configured to inseparably couple coupling ring 8 to collar 4 and to allow for rotation of coupling ring 8 around rotation axis B.

[0074] Advantageously and with particular reference to Figures 2, 3D, 4A to 4D and 5, interaction device 16 comprises at least: a main cam 30 protruding from collar 4, in particular outer surface 20; and one or more main cam followers 31, in the specific case shown one main cam follower 31, protruding from closure 6, in particular the inner surface of side wall 14, and configured to interact with main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

[0075] Main cam 30 is designed such that interaction between the one or more main cam followers 31 and main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the first direction of rotation leads to movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0076] In particular, main cam 30 comprises and extends between a first end 32 and a second end 33 opposite to first end 32.

[0077] Moreover, second end 33 is closer to the pouring outlet than first end 32. In other words, main cam 30 is inclined towards the pouring outlet extending from first end 32 to second end 33.

[0078] In particular, main cam 30 extends along a main direction.

[0079] Preferentially, the interaction of main cam 30 and the one or more main cam followers 31 is such that when rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B is actuated for the first time, angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis, in particular from the closing position to the intermediate position, is executed only after movement of cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position.

[0080] In particular, first end 32 and second end 33 are arranged at, respectively, a first angular position u and a second angular position v with respect to rotation axis B.

[0081] In particular, first angular position u is chosen such that cutter 61 is moved in the operative position before closure 6 reaches the intermediate position.

[0082] Preferentially, each main cam follower 31 comprises an engagement surface 34 configured to slide along a guiding surface 35 of main cam 30, in particular extending along the main direction and / or extending from first end 32 to second end 33, so as to actuate movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0083] In more detail, main cam follower 31 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.

[0084] In even more detail, main cam follower 31 extends along an auxiliary direction, in particular the auxiliary direction is parallel to the main direction with closure 6 being in the closing position.

[0085] In particular, engagement surface 34 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B with closure 6 being in the closing position and / or extends along the auxiliary direction.

[0086] With particular reference to Figures 2 and 4A to 4D, opening device 3 also comprises an auxiliary cam 36 connected to collar 4, in particular to outer surface 20, and being spaced apart, in particular axially spaced apart, from main cam 30.

[0087] In particular, main cam 30 is closer to the pouring outlet than auxiliary cam 36.

[0088] In particular, auxiliary cam 36 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.

[0089] In particular, auxiliary cam 36 has a first end 37 and a second end 38. Even more particular, second end 38 is closer to the pouring outlet than first end 37.

[0090] Additionally, auxiliary cam 36 extends from a third angular position w to a fourth angular position x with respect to rotation axis B. In particular, third angular position w is interposed between first angular position u and second angular position v.

[0091] Additionally, opening device 3 comprises one or more auxiliary cam followers 39, in the specific case shown one, configured to interact with auxiliary cam 36 for contributing to the movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B, in particular during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the first direction of rotation.

[0092] In more detail, each auxiliary cam follower 39 comprises an auxiliary engagement surface 40 configured to engage auxiliary cam 36, in particular a guiding surface 41 of auxiliary cam 36, during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

[0093] In further detail, auxiliary cam follower 39 is connected to the inner surface of lateral wall 14.

[0094] With particular reference to Figures 2, 4A to 4D and 5, auxiliary cam follower 39 comprises: a first elongated end portion 45; a second elongated end portion 46; and an intermediate elongated portion 47 interposed between and connected to first elongated end portion 45 and second elongated end portion 46.

[0095] Intermediate elongated portion 47 is inclined with respect to the first elongated end portion 45 and the second elongated end portion 46.

[0096] In particular, auxiliary cam follower 39 is S-shaped. In other words, first elongated end portion 45, second elongated end portion 46 and intermediate elongated portion 47 are arranged such to define an S-shape.

[0097] Preferentially, second elongated end portion 46 is closer to main wall 13 than first elongated end portion 45.

[0098] In further detail, each one of first elongated end portion 45 and second elongated end portion 46 comprises a respective end of auxiliary cam follower 39.

[0099] In even further detail, first elongated end portion 45 extends along a first direction D1, second elongated end portion 46 extends along a second direction D2 and intermediate elongated portion 47 extends along a third direction D3.

[0100] In particular, third direction D3 is inclined with respect to first direction D1 and second direction D2.

[0101] In particular, first direction D1 and second direction D2 are parallel to one another.

[0102] Advantageously, first elongated end portion 45 and / or second elongated end portion 46 are perpendicular to rotation axis B when closure 6 is in the closing position.

[0103] As mentioned above, control of closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position can occur by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0104] In order to avoid undesired interferences between auxiliary cam follower 39 and main cam 30, auxiliary cam follower 39 comprises an auxiliary surface 48, in particular opposite to auxiliary engagement surface 40, and configured to interact with main cam 30 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation and to guide auxiliary cam follower 39 into a space 60 delimited between main cam 30 and auxiliary cam 36.

[0105] In particular, each one of first elongated end portion 45, second elongated end portion 46 and intermediate elongated portion 47 comprises a respective part of auxiliary surface 48.

[0106] Advantageously, main cam 30 comprises a surface section 49 opposite to guiding surface 35.

[0107] In particular, auxiliary surface 48 is configured to engage surface section 49 during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation for guiding auxiliary cam follower 39 into space 60.

[0108] Advantageously, surface section 49 is inclined with respect to rotation axis B.

[0109] With particular reference to Figures 4A to 4D, opening device 3 also comprises a locking mechanism 50 configured to lock closure 6 in the closing position and such that control of closure 6 from closing position to intermediate position is possible only by rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B.

[0110] In particular, locking mechanism 50 comprises a locking element 51, in particular having an arc-shaped configuration, arranged on outer surface 20.

[0111] Additionally, locking mechanism 50 comprises an engagement element configured to abut against locking element 51 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0112] Preferentially, auxiliary cam follower 39 defines the engagement element. Moreover, a surface of auxiliary cam follower 39 opposite to auxiliary engagement surface 40 is configured to abut against locking element 51 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0113] With particular reference to Figure 4D, opening device 3 further comprises an abutment element connected to collar 4, in particular outer surface 20, and an interaction element connected to closure 6 and configured to abut against the abutment element during rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation such that a further rotation of closure 6 in the second direction of rotation is inhibited.

[0114] Additionally, upon interaction of the abutment element and the interaction element also movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position is inhibited, in particular as an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis is inhibited.

[0115] In particular, the abutment element and the interaction element define a rotation inhibition mechanism.

[0116] In this way, it is possible to indicate to the user that closure 6 is in the closing position.

[0117] More specifically, the abutment element comprises an abutment surface 52 and the interaction element comprises an interaction surface 53 configured to abut against abutment surface 52.

[0118] In further detail, auxiliary cam 36 defines at least a portion of the abutment element.

[0119] In particular, abutment surface 52 is opposite to guiding surface 41.

[0120] Advantageously, at least a portion of auxiliary cam follower 39 defines the interaction element.

[0121] In particular, interaction surface 53 is opposite to auxiliary engagement surface 40.

[0122] Advantageously, interaction surface 53 is also configured to abut against locking element 51 for impeding movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0123] Additionally, main cam 30 comprises an auxiliary abutment surface 54, in particular opposite to guiding surface 35, and main cam follower 41 comprises an auxiliary interaction surface 56, in particular opposite to engagement surface 34.

[0124] In particular, the rotation inhibition mechanism also comprises auxiliary abutment surface 54 and auxiliary interaction surface 56.

[0125] In particular, auxiliary abutment surface 54 and auxiliary interaction surface 56 are configured to interact with one another so as to contribute to the inhibition of the rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0126] In the example shown, an auxiliary surface 48 of auxiliary cam follower 39 defines interaction surface 53.

[0127] In addition, in the example shown, surface section 49 of main cam 30 defines auxiliary abutment surface 54.

[0128] In use, outpouring of the pourable product from package 1, in particular main body 2, requires liberating the pouring outlet. This is done by controlling closure 6 from the closing position to the opening position. Even more particular, at first closure 6 is controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position and then from the intermediate position to the opening position.

[0129] In particular, movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position requires rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B. During rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B, main cam follower 31 interacts with main cam 30 for actuating movement of closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0130] Once closure 6 is in the intermediate position, the user can manually move closure 6 in the opening position by rotating closure 6 around the turning axis.

[0131] Preferentially, the first time closure 6 is to be controlled from the closing position to the intermediate position cutter 61 is controlled from the rest position to the operative position for opening and / or rupturing and / or piercing the pour opening surface area, in particular the separation membrane. In particular, control of cutter 61 from the rest position to the operative position occurs prior to closure 6 reaching the opening position.

[0132] When a user intends to newly impede the outflow of the pourable product, the user can control closure 6 again (during a re-closing operation) in the closing position. At first closure 6 needs to be controlled from the opening position to the intermediate position, followed by controlling closure 6 from the intermediate position to the closing position. The latter can be obtained by a sole angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis (sole flipping) or by a rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation or by an angular movement of closure 6 around the turning axis (flipping) and by a rotation of closure 6 around rotation axis B in the second direction of rotation.

[0133] The advantages of opening device 3 and / or package 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.

[0134] In particular, main cam 30, auxiliary cam 36, main cam follower 31 and auxiliary cam follower 39 allow to provide the forces needed to move closure 6 from the closing position to the intermediate position.

[0135] Additionally, collision between main cam 30 and auxiliary cam followers 39 is avoided.

[0136] Moreover, the user understands when the closing position has been reached.

[0137] Clearly, changes may be made to opening device 3 and / or package 1 as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0016]Number 1 indicates as a whole a package, in particular a package, comprising:

a main body 2, in particular a sealed main body 2, being filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a designated pour opening surface area (not shown and known as such); and an opening device 3, in particular a plastic opening device 3, fitted to the package, in particular to main body 2 about the designated pour opening surface area.

[0017]Main body 2 is obtained from a multilayer packaging material, e.g. being provided in the form of a web.

[0018]The packaging material comprises at least a layer of fibrous material, such as e.g. paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-seal plastic material, e.g. polyethylene, interposing the layer of fibrous material in between one another. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner face of main body 2 contacting the pourable product.

[0019]Preferably but not necessarily, th...

Claims

1. An opening device (3) for a package (1) filled with a pourable product; the opening device (3) comprises at least: - a collar (4) having a pouring outlet configured to allow an out-pouring of the pourable product; and - a closure (6) coupled to the collar (4); wherein the closure (6) is controllable between at least: - a closing position in which the closure (6) covers the pouring outlet; - an opening position in which the closure (6) opens the pouring outlet; and - an intermediate position in which the closure (6) is interposed between the closing position and the opening position; wherein the opening device (3) comprises an interaction device (16) partially associated to the collar (4) and partially associated to the closure (6) and configured to control the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position during a rotation of the closure (6) around a rotation axis (B); wherein the interaction device (16) comprises at least a main cam (30) protruding from the collar (4) and one or more main cam followers (31) protruding from the closure (6) and configured to interact with the main cam (30) during a rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B); and - an auxiliary cam (36) connected to the collar (4) and being spaced apart from the main cam (30) and one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) configured to interact with the auxiliary cam (36); wherein the main cam (30) is designed such that interaction between the one or more main cam followers (31) and the main cam (30) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) leads to movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position; wherein the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) are configured to interact with the auxiliary cam (36) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) so as to contribute to the movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position; wherein each of the one or more auxiliary cam follower (39) comprises: - a first elongated end portion (45); - a second elongated end portion (46); and - an intermediate elongated portion (47) interposed between and connected to the first elongated end portion (45) and the second elongated end portion (46); wherein the intermediate elongated portion (47) is inclined with respect to the first elongated end portion (45) and the second elongated end portion (46).

2. Opening device according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary cam (36) is S-shaped.

3. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongated end portion (45) extends along a first direction (D1), the second elongated end portion (46) extends along a second direction (D2) and the intermediate elongated portion (47) extends along a third direction (D3).

4. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongated end portion (45) and / or the second elongated end portion (46) are perpendicular to the rotation axis (B) when the closure (6) is in the closing position.

5. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure (6) comprises a main wall (13) and a lateral wall (14) connected to and protruding from the main wall (13); wherein the lateral wall (14) carries the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39); wherein the first elongated end portion (45) is more distanced from the main wall (13) than the second elongated end portion (46).

6. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) comprises an auxiliary engagement surface (40) configured to engage the auxiliary cam (36) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in a first direction of rotation and during movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position.

7. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) comprises an auxiliary surface (48) configured to interact with the main cam (30) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in a second direction of rotation and during movement of the closure (6) from the intermediate position to the closing; wherein the auxiliary surface (48) is configured to interact with the main cam (30) so as to guide each of the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) into a space (60) delimited between the main cam (30) and the auxiliary cam (36).

8. Opening device according to claim 6 and 7, wherein the second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation; wherein the auxiliary surface (48) is opposite to the auxiliary engagement surface (40).

9. Opening device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the main cam (30) comprises a guiding surface (35) configured to be engaged by the one or more main cam followers (31) for controlling movement of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position; wherein the main cam (30) also comprises a surface section (49) opposite to the guiding surface (35); wherein the auxiliary surface (48) is configured to engage the surface section (49) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the second direction of rotation for guiding each of the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) into the space (60) delimited between the main cam (30) and the auxiliary cam (36).

10. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising an abutment element (30; 36) connected to the collar (4) and an interaction element (31; 39) configured to abut against the abutment element (30; 36) during rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in a second direction of rotation and such that a further rotation in the second direction of rotation is inhibited.

11. Opening device according to claim 10, wherein the auxiliary cam (36) defines at least a portion of the abutment element; and / or wherein the one or more auxiliary cam followers (39) define at least a portion of the interaction element.

12. Opening device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the abutment element comprises an abutment surface (52) and the interaction element comprises an interaction surface (53) configured to abut against the abutment surface (52); wherein the auxiliary cam (36) comprises the abutment surface (52) and the one or more auxiliary cam followers (38) comprise the interaction surface (53); wherein the main cam (30) comprises an auxiliary abutment surface (54) and the main cam follower (41) comprises an auxiliary interaction surface (56); wherein the auxiliary abutment surface (54) and the auxiliary interaction surface (56) are configured to interact with one another so as to cooperate to the inhibition of the rotation of the closure (6) around the rotation axis (B) in the second direction of rotation.

13. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main cam (30) extends along a main direction transversal to the rotation axis (B); wherein the one or more main cam followers (31) extends along an auxiliary direction parallel to the main direction with the closure (6) being in the closing position.

14. Opening device according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a coupling ring (8) rotatably arranged around the collar (4); wherein the closure (6) is connected to the coupling ring (8) and angularly movable with respect to the coupling ring (8) around a respective turning axis; wherein the closure (6) is angularly movable around the turning axis for moving the closure (6) between the closing position, the intermediate position and the opening position; wherein the interaction device (16) is configured such that control of the closure (6) from the closing position to the intermediate position is possible only by rotation of the closure (6) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (B); wherein control of the closure (6) from the intermediate position to the closing position is selectively possible: - by a sole angular movement of the closure (6) around the turning axis; or - by rotation of the closure (6) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (B); or - by an angular movement of the closure (6) around the turning axis and by rotation of the closure (6) and the coupling ring (8) around the rotation axis (B).

15. A package (1) comprising a main body (2), in particular formed from a multilayer packaging material, filled with a pourable product and comprising a designated pour outlet surface area and an opening device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims fitted about the designated pour outlet surface area.

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