Opening device for package, mold for molding opening device for package, and package having opening device

Abstract

An opening device (3, 3') for a package (1) having a given spout and filled with a pourable product is described. The opening device (3, 3') comprises a contact portion and a closure element (7) removably and / or breakably attached to the contact portion and configured to close and / or cover the given spout. The closure element (7) comprises a main wall (16) removably and / or breakably attached to the contact portion and a tensioning device (17) connected to the main wall (16) and configured to apply a separation force to the main wall (16) to separate the closure element (7) from the contact portion. The tensioning device (17) comprises a plurality of leg elements (19) connected to the main wall (16) and extending laterally from the main wall (16), and a connecting structure (20) connected to the plurality of leg elements (19). Each leg element (19) comprises an elongated pillar (22) extending along a longitudinal axis (G) and having a first end (23) and a second end (24), connected at the first end (23) to the main wall (16) and at the second end (24) to the coupling structure (20), and at least one reinforcing rib (25) connected to a connection portion (26) of the pillar (22). Each connection portion (26) has a first end (23) and a first extension portion (E1) along the longitudinal axis (G) that is less than half of a second extension portion (E2) along the longitudinal axis (G) of the pillar (22) from the first end (23) to the second end (24).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for packages, in particular for pourable products, and more particularly for packages having a body filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a mould for forming an opening device for a package, in particular for a pourable product, more particularly for a package having a body filled with a pourable food product.

[0003] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a package, in particular a pourable product, more in particular a package having a body filled with a pourable food product, and equipped with an opening device. [Background technology]

[0004] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juices, milk, dairy drinks, drinkable yoghurt, wine, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc., are sold in packages, in particular sealed packages, made from sterilised packaging material.

[0005] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. The packaging material has a multi-layer structure including a base layer of carton and / or paper, covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, e.g., polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for shelf-stable products, the packaging material includes a layer of oxygen barrier material, e.g., aluminum foil, which overlaps with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and is covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food product.

[0006] Thus, such types of packages are formed from a multi-layer packaging material and are provided with a pre-defined spout to allow for pouring of the pourable product from the package, and preferably the package is provided with an opening device which seals the pre-defined spout prior to first use of the package.

[0007] A typical opening device is designed to be placed around a given spout and seal the package prior to the initial opening of the opening device.

[0008] Thus, certain opening devices comprise a closure element having a main wall breakably connected to a collar or base frame of the opening device, the user must remove the main wall, and the main wall bursts from the collar or base frame when using the opening device for the first time.

[0009] To facilitate removal, the closure element also comprises a tensioning device connected to the main wall, any separation forces being transmitted to the main wall by the tensioning device.

[0010] The known tensioning device comprises a leg element integrally connected to the main wall and a coupling ring integrally connected to the leg element.

[0011] The leg elements need to be sufficiently rigid and secured to the main wall so that they remain attached to the main wall during the application of the separation force.

[0012] Despite the success of currently known opening devices, there is a felt need in the art for further improved opening devices and / or packages. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for packages, in particular packages having a body formed from a multi-layer packaging material and filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, which is simple and low-cost.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, low cost mold for molding the improved opening device.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple and low-cost package, in particular a package having a body formed from a multi-layer packaging material and filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, which package has an improved opening device.

[0016] According to the invention there is provided an opening device according to the independent claims.

[0017] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are defined in the claims which depend directly or indirectly on claim 1.

[0018] According to the present invention there is provided a mould as claimed in claim 13.

[0019] According to the present invention there is provided a package as claimed in claim 14, claim 15 or claim 16. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a portion of a package having an opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity, focusing on details of the opening device of FIG. 1; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the opening device of FIG. 2 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the detail of FIG. 3 with parts removed for clarity; [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged perspective view and an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 4 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6 is a top view and partial cross-sectional view of a portion of FIGS. 4 and 5, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6 is a top view and partial cross-sectional view of a portion of FIGS. 4 and 5, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of an opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The number 1 indicates the entire package (only a part of which is shown to the extent necessary for understanding the present invention), which includes: a body 2, in particular made of a multi-layer packaging material, filled and / or fillable with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and in particular having a given spout (not shown, but known per se) configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product from the body 2; an opening device 3, in particular made from a polymeric material, connected to the body 2 around the given spout and configured to seal the given spout and controllably configured to open the given spout to allow the pouring of the pourable product; Equipped with.

[0023] Pourable products include milk, tomato sauce, milk-based beverages, drinkable yogurt, water, sugar, salt, juice and milk emulsions.

[0024] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as, for example, a paper or cardboard layer, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as, for example, a polyethylene layer, sandwiching the layers of fibrous material between each other. One of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner surface of the body 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0025] Preferably, the packaging material may comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealing plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealing plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0026] Preferably, each package 1, in particular each body 2, may be obtained from a respective packaging blank of a multi-layer packaging material. In particular, the packaging blank may define a precursor of the respective package 1, in particular each body 2.

[0027] More specifically, each packaging blank may include a respective designated pouring hole which may in particular be covered by a separation membrane. The separation membrane may be formed from a gas barrier material, in particular the separation membrane may be defined by a portion of a layer of gas barrier material and light barrier material.

[0028] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the multi-layer packaging material may be provided in the form of a web, whereby the packaging blanks may be successively arranged relative to one another. During formation of the package 1, the web is formed into a tube, longitudinally sealed, filled with the pourable product, transversely sealed, and cut to correspond to the extensions of the packaging blanks.

[0029] According to preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each opening device 3 may be specifically molded and applied to the respective body 2 or to the respective packaging blank. Preferably, each opening device 3 may be molded on the respective packaging blank for a given spout. In particular, as will be explained further below, a first part of the opening device 3 may be molded on the respective packaging blank and a second part may be applied onto the first part after molding of the first part.

[0030] With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, the body 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A, a first lateral axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and a second lateral axis C perpendicular to the first lateral axis B and the longitudinal axis A.

[0031] Preferably, the body 2 is of parallelepiped shape.

[0032] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 may comprise a first wall (not shown, known) that is in particular transverse, more in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, from which the body 2 may extend along the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first wall may define a support surface of the package 1, in particular the body 2, which may be designed to come into contact with a support, such as for example a shelf, when exposed in use, for example in a point of sale, or when stored. In particular, when placed on a support, the first wall may define a bottom wall.

[0033] Preferably, the body 2 may also comprise a side wall 4 which is (fixedly) connected to the first wall and extends from the first wall along, in particular substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis A.

[0034] Preferably, the body 2 may also include a second wall 5 opposite the first wall and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 4. In particular, the side wall 4 may be interposed between the first wall and the second wall 5.

[0035] In particular, when the package 1 is placed on a support, the second wall 5 may define a top wall.

[0036] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first wall and the second wall 5 may be parallel to each other.

[0037] According to alternative non-limiting embodiments not shown, the first wall and the second wall 5 may be inclined relative to each other. In particular, the second wall 5 may define a sloped top or may define part of the gable top.

[0038] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall 5 may carry and / or include a pre-determined spout.

[0039] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the package 1, and in particular the body 2, may include an interior space configured to accommodate and / or contain a pourable product. In particular, the first wall, the side wall 4 and the second wall 5 may define the interior space.

[0040] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5, the opening device 3 may comprise a contact portion, in particular an annular contact portion, and a closure element 7 removably and / or breakably attached to the contact portion, in particular fixed to the contact portion, and configured to close, in particular seal, a given spout.

[0041] Furthermore, the closure element 7 may be configured to (breakably) separate from the contact so as to release and / or open a given spout to allow pouring of the pourable product.

[0042] Furthermore, the opening device 3 is a base frame 8 adapted to fasten and / or connect the opening device 3 to the package 1, in particular to the body 2, more particularly to the second wall 5 and to a given spout; a collar 9 extending in particular laterally, and more particularly vertically, from the base frame 8 and defining and / or demarcating a flow channel 10; The present invention may also include:

[0043] More specifically, the flow path 10 may extend between a pour spout 11 (in the collar 9) configured to allow the pouring of a pourable product, and an inlet 12 (in the collar 9) configured to allow the introduction of a pourable product into the flow path 10.

[0044] In particular, the collar 9 may extend along a central axis E, with the outlet 11 and the inlet 12 being located at respective axial ends of the collar 9 .

[0045] In particular, the closure element 7 may be arranged within the flow passage 10, in particular coaxially.

[0046] Preferentially, the closure element 7 may be arranged coaxially with respect to the collar 9. In particular, the closure element 7 may be arranged coaxially with respect to the central axis E.

[0047] Preferably, the closure element 7 may be interposed between the spout 11 and the base frame 8 before the initial opening of the opening device 3 and after reclosing of the opening device 3 .

[0048] Additionally, the opening device 3 may comprise a closure 13 coupled and / or coupleable to the collar 9 and configured to selectively open and close the spout 11 .

[0049] Preferably, the closure element 7 and the closure 13 may be connected to each other, in particular fixed, such that a movement of the closure 13 simultaneously moves the closure element 7. In particular, the closure element 7 and the closure 13 may be connected to each other by melting and / or welding and / or gluing and / or molding.

[0050] Preferably, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 7 may in particular be formed integrally. In particular, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 7 may be formed during the moulding process, in particular during moulding of the opening device 3 onto the respective packaging blank.

[0051] Furthermore, the closure 13 may be coupled to the collar 9 after the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 7 have been formed.

[0052] In other words, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 7 may define a first portion of the opening device 3, and the closure 13 may define a second portion of the opening device 3. Thus, the closure 13 is applied to the collar 9 after molding of the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 7.

[0053] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the base frame 8 or the collar 9, in particular embodiments the collar 9, may comprise a contact portion.

[0054] More specifically, an annular portion of the collar 9 may define the contact portion. In particular, the annular portion of the collar 9 faces the flow passage 10.

[0055] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the closure element 7 is a main wall 16, in particular a circular main wall 16, removably and / or breakably attached to the contact part; a tensioning device 17 connected to the main wall 16 and configured to apply a separation force to the main wall 16 in order to remove the main wall 16 and the closure element 7 from the contact; The present invention may also include:

[0056] Preferentially, before the closure element 7, in particular the main wall 16, is removed from the contact portion, in particular for the first time, the closure element 7, in particular the main wall 16, can be configured to seal the given spout and the interior space, in particular in cooperation with the contact portion. It is then possible to place the closure element 7, in particular the main wall 16, again in the flow passage 10, such that the closure element 7, in particular the main wall 16, can close the given spout, but does not seal the given spout and the interior space.

[0057] More specifically, the main wall 16 may be controllable between an active position (see Figures 2-5) in which the main wall 16 is configured to cover and / or close a given spout, and an inactive position (not shown) in which the main wall 16 is configured to close a given spout. Upon initial movement of the main wall 16 from the active position to the inactive position, the main wall 16 may be configured to seal the given spout and the interior space of the body 2. After the initial movement of the main wall 16 from the active position to the inactive position, the main wall 16 may be repositioned in the active position to cover (but not seal) the given spout.

[0058] The tensioning device 17 may be configured such that a user can apply a separation force to the main wall 16 via the tensioning device 17, causing the main wall 16 to irreversibly break from the contact portion and / or causing the main wall 16 to move from the active position to the inactive position.

[0059] Preferably, the tensioning device 17 is connected to the closure 13, and may in particular be melted and / or welded and / or glued. In this way, the user can exert a separating force in use by manipulating the closure 13, and any movement of the closure 13 can be transmitted by the tensioning device 17 to the main wall 16. Such a solution is considered to improve the usability of the opening device 3.

[0060] Alternatively, the user can directly operate the tensioning device 17. In particular, according to some possible alternative embodiments, the closure 13 and the closure element 7 are not coupled, and after removing the closure 13, the user can operate the tensioning device 17 to control the closure element 7 from an active position to an inactive position.

[0061] More specifically, the closure 13 may move between: - a closure arrangement in which the closure 13 covers the spout 11, in particular to prevent the outflow of the pourable product from the spout 11; and In particular, an open configuration in which the closure 13 can be removed from the spout 11 to allow the pourable product to flow out of the spout 11.

[0062] According to some possible embodiments, the opening device 3 may comprise a ring 18 arranged around the collar 9 and connected to the closure 13. In particular, the closure 13 may be hinged to the ring 18 and may be configured to move angularly between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0063] Preferably, the closure 13 may be reversibly moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0064] The closure element 7, in particular the tensioning device 17, may be connected, in particular melted and / or welded and / or glued, to the closure 13, and movement, in particular angular movement, of the closure 13 between the closed and open configurations may result in movement of the closure element 7 between the active and inactive positions, respectively.

[0065] It should be noted that immediately after its formation, the package 1 may be placed in an initial configuration with the closure 13 and the main wall 16 in the closed and active positions, respectively. The package 1 may be distributed and / or sold to users while in the initial configuration.

[0066] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the tensioning device 17 is a number of leg elements 19, four in the particular embodiment shown, connected to the main wall 16, in particular integrally connected thereto, and extending in particular laterally, more particularly substantially perpendicularly, from the main wall 16; a coupling structure connected to a plurality of leg elements 19; The present invention may also include:

[0067] More specifically, the coupling structure may comprise a coupling ring 20 .

[0068] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the coupling structure, in particular the coupling ring 20, may be connected, in particular fused and / or welded and / or bonded, to the closure 13, in particular to an inner surface of the closure 13. The inner surface of the closure 13 may face the flow passage 10 and / or the spout 11 when the closure 13 is arranged in the closed configuration.

[0069] Preferably, the leg elements 19 may be angularly arranged relative to one another about a central axis F of the main wall 16. In particular, the central axis F may be coaxial with the central axis E when the main wall 16 is in the operative position.

[0070] Even more preferably, the leg elements 19 may be arranged non-uniformly with respect to one another around the central axis F. In this way it is possible to obtain a more accurate separation of the main wall 16 from the contact portion.

[0071] Alternatively, the leg elements 19 may be equally spaced about the central axis F.

[0072] Preferably, the leg elements 19 may be integrally connected to the main wall 16 .

[0073] 3 to 5, each leg element 19 includes: an elongated pillar 22 extending along a longitudinal axis G, having a first end 23 and a second end 24, connected at the first end 23 to the main wall 16 and connected to a coupling structure, in particular to a coupling ring 20, in particular integrally connected thereto; one or more, in a specific example two, reinforcing ribs 25 connected to the connecting portion 26 of the pillar 22; The present invention may also include:

[0074] Advantageously, each connection portion 26 may comprise a respective first end 23 and have a first extension E1 along the respective longitudinal axis G that is equal to or less than half the second extension E2 along the respective longitudinal axis G of the respective pillar. Preferably, the first extension E1 may be less than or equal to one third of the second extension E2.

[0075] By connecting the reinforcing ribs 25 to each connection 26 with a limited extension, it is possible on the one hand to stabilize each pillar 22 and on the other hand to ensure good deformability of each pillar 22. This is for example advantageous during demolding, i.e. when removing the opening device 3 from the produced mould.

[0076] In particular, each pillar 22 may be comprised of a connecting portion 26 and a further portion extending from the respective connecting portion 26 to the respective second end 24 .

[0077] Furthermore, each first extension E1, together with the respective portion of the coupling structure, in particular the respective portion of the coupling ring 20 connected to each pillar 22, along the respective longitudinal axis G of each pillar 22, may be less than one-third of the third extension E3.

[0078] Preferably, the main wall 16 may comprise a first surface 27 facing away from the predetermined spout and / or designed to face away from the predetermined spout. In particular, the first surface 27 may extend in a plane H perpendicular to the central axis E and / or the central axis F and / or the longitudinal axis G.

[0079] In particular, each pillar 22 extends laterally, in particular vertically, from the first surface 27 .

[0080] More specifically, each first end 23 contacts a first surface 27 .

[0081] In particular, each first extension E1 and each second extension E2 may be measured along a direction D perpendicular to the main wall 16, in particular the first surface 27, and more particularly the plane H.

[0082] In particular, each reinforcing rib 25 may be integrally connected to the main wall 16 .

[0083] Preferably, each leg element 19 may comprise two reinforcing ribs 25 spaced apart from one another and connected to a respective connecting portion 26 .

[0084] Even more preferably, each reinforcing rib 25 may be connected to a respective lateral section of a respective connecting portion 26 .

[0085] 4 and 5, each pillar 22 may include an inner surface 30 facing a center 31 of the major wall 16 and an outer surface 32 opposite the inner surface 30.

[0086] Preferably, the outer surface 32 faces an inner wall 33 of the collar 9. Preferably, the inner wall 33 defines the flow passage 10.

[0087] Returning to FIG. 4, each reinforcing rib 25 may be connected to an inner surface 30 .

[0088] In particular, each reinforcing rib 25 may be arranged radially inwardly with respect to the respective leg element 19 , in particular with respect to the central axis F.

[0089] With particular reference to FIG. 5, each outer surface 32 may comprise a central surface portion 34 and two side portions 35, with the central surface portion 34 interposed therebetween.

[0090] More specifically, each side portion 35 may extend laterally from a respective central surface portion 34. In particular, each side portion 35 may extend radially inwardly from a respective central surface portion 34.

[0091] Additionally, each outer surface 33 may be axisymmetric.

[0092] Preferably, each side portion 35 may have a concave shape, in particular with respect to the inner wall 33. Such a side portion 35 makes demolding easier, in particular since the leg elements 19 can be more easily separated from the respective mould.

[0093] Preferably, each inner surface 30 may have a concave shape relative to the central axis E. More specifically, each inner surface 30 may correspond to a respective surface portion of a respective cylinder, in particular a cylinder having a central axis coaxial with the central axis F.

[0094] With particular reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, each pillar 22 may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile for a cross section perpendicular to its respective longitudinal axis G.

[0095] Here, the trapezoidal shape means that the cross section obtained can be approximated by a trapezoid.

[0096] In the particular embodiment disclosed, each cross section comprises a first base 36, a second base 37, and two side surfaces 38. In particular, each first base 36 is longer than a respective second base 37.

[0097] Further, each first base portion 36 arises from an intersection with a respective inner surface 30, each second base portion 37 arises from an intersection with a respective central surface portion 34, and each side surface 38 arises from an intersection with a respective side surface portion 35.

[0098] It should be noted that each first base 36 and each of the two side surfaces 38 may be curved. If the respective intersections are connected by straight lines, a cross section approximating a trapezoid is obtained. In particular, the lines approximating / associated / corresponding to the two side surfaces 38 are not parallel, while the lines approximating / associated / corresponding to the first base 36 and the lines approximating / associated / corresponding to the second base 37 are parallel to each other.

[0099] In particular, each pillar 22 may widen from a respective first end 23 towards a respective second end 24 and back towards the respective second end 24 .

[0100] Preferably, the size of each first base 36 of the first cross-sectional profile (see FIG. 6a) of the first section near each second end 24 may be larger than the size of each first base 36 of the second cross-sectional profile (see FIG. 6b).

[0101] 2 and 3, the coupling ring 20 may comprise, and in particular may consist of, a plurality of main portions 45, each connected to one respective pillar 22, and a plurality of auxiliary portions 46, each interposed between two pillars 22.

[0102] In particular, each main portion 45 may be interposed between two respective auxiliary portions 46 .

[0103] Furthermore, the main portion 45 and the auxiliary portion 46 may be integrally connected to one another and / or may be made in a single piece.

[0104] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the main wall 16 may comprise an annular connecting membrane rupturably connected to the contact portion. In particular, the connecting membrane may be configured such that when the closure element 7 is first removed, the connecting membrane ruptures to allow the closure element 7 to be removed from the contact portion. In other words, the connecting membrane is configured to rupture when the main wall 16 is moved from the active position to the inactive position for the first time.

[0105] Preferably, the bonding membrane may define an annular portion and a peripheral portion of the major wall 16 .

[0106] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the main wall 16 is a plurality of radially extending ridge elements 47, four shown in the particular embodiment, each interposed between one respective leg element 19 and the center 31; a plurality of grooves 48, four of which are shown in the specific embodiment, each groove 48 extending between a respective pair of leg elements 19 (i.e., each groove 48 is interposed between a first leg element 19 and a second leg element 19); The present invention may also include:

[0107] Preferably, one end of each ridge element 47 is interposed between two respective reinforcing ribs 25 .

[0108] Preferably, each ridge element 47 may protrude from first surface 27 and / or each groove 48 may be recessed relative to first surface 27 .

[0109] According to another aspect of the invention, the opening device 3 may be joined to the body 2 by a molding process. In particular, the opening device 3 may be joined to the body 2 by molding a first portion of the opening device 3 into the respective packaging blank.

[0110] For that purpose, it is necessary to provide a mould configured to be able to mould the opening device 3 in the body 2 and / or the packaging blank. More specifically, the mould may be configured to be able to mould and form a first part of the opening device 3.

[0111] In particular, the mould may be configured to allow the formation of the base frame 8 , the collar 9 and the closure element 7 .

[0112] More specifically, the mould may be configured to mould the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 7 in a single piece.

[0113] More specifically, the mold may be designed to allow for the formation of the leg elements 19, the main wall 16 and the contact portions.

[0114] In use, a user receives the package 1 with the lid 13 and main wall 16 in the closed and active configurations, respectively, covering the spout 11 and desired pouring opening, respectively.

[0115] Prior to controlling the closure 13 from the closed configuration to the open configuration and the main wall 16 from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 7, in particular the main wall 16 and more particularly the connecting membrane, are breakably fixed to the contact portion.

[0116] To access the pourable product, the user needs to control the closure 13 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, as the main wall 16 is operatively coupled to the closure 13 via a tensioning device 17, and thus the movement of the main wall 16 from the active position to the inactive position, and the closure element 7, in particular the main wall 16, and more particularly the coupling membrane, is broken from the contact. This allows the pourable product to flow out of the interior space through the flow channel 10.

[0117] Each time the main wall 16 is again placed into an active position (by moving the closure 13 to the closed configuration), the main wall 16 covers a given spout.

[0118] 7, the numeral 3' denotes an alternative embodiment of an opening device according to the invention. Since the opening device 3' is similar to the opening device 3, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two and, wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0119] The opening device 3 ′ differs from the opening device 3 in that each auxiliary portion 46 may be provided with a recess 49 .

[0120] More specifically, one or more recesses 49 (two specifically shown) may be located in the center of each of the two main portions 45. Alternatively or additionally, one or more recesses 49 (two specifically shown) may be located closer to one of the two main portions 45 than to the other of the two main portions 45.

[0121] Preferably, each recess 49 is designed so that the respective auxiliary portion 46 can deform, in particular along a radial direction relative to the central axis F and / or the longitudinal axis G.

[0122] Additionally, each recess 49 may define a weakening of a respective auxiliary portion 46 .

[0123] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each recess 49 may define a concave surface 50 of a respective auxiliary portion 46 .

[0124] In particular, by providing the recess 49 and / or the deformable and / or weakened auxiliary portion 46, the removal of the closure element 7, in particular the connecting structure and more particularly the connecting ring 20, from the mould is made easier.

[0125] The operation of the opening device 3' is similar to that of the opening device 3, so reference is made to the above description.

[0126] The advantages of the opening device 3 and / or the opening device 3' and / or the package 1 according to the invention will become clear from the above description.

[0127] In particular, the opening device 3 and the opening device 3' are provided with a tensioning device 17, which not only ensures the necessary stability when removing the main wall 16 from the contact portion, but also ensures easy removal from the mold used for molding the opening device 3 or the opening device 3' onto the body 2 and / or the respective precursor.

[0128] Furthermore, during demolding, the leg elements 19 may be elastically deformed, so that changes in the shape of the leg elements 19 can be avoided.

[0129] Furthermore, the leg elements 19 do not break during movement, especially during the initial movement of the main wall 16 from the active position to the inactive position.

[0130] A further advantage is that the opening device 3 ′ has a coupling ring 20 which is deformable by means of a recess 49 and / or a concave surface 50 .

[0131] However, modifications may be made to the opening device 3 and / or the opening device 3' and / or the package 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An opening device (3, 3') for a package (1) having a predetermined spout and filled with a pourable product, comprising: The opening device (3, 3') comprises a contact part and a closure element (7) removably and / or rupturably attached to the contact part and configured to close and / or cover the predetermined spout, The closure element (7) a main wall (16) detachably and / or breakably attached to the contact portion; a tensioning device (17) connected to the main wall (16) and configured to exert a separation force on the main wall (16) to separate the closure element (7) from the contact portion; Equipped with The tensioning device (17) one or more leg elements (19) connected to and extending laterally from said main wall (16); a connecting structure (20) connected to the plurality of leg elements (19); Equipped with Each leg element (19) an elongated pillar (22) extending along a longitudinal axis (G), having a first end (23) and a second end (24), connected to the main wall (16) at the first end (23) and connected to the coupling structure (20) at the second end (24); At least one reinforcing rib (25) connected to the connection portion (26) of the pillar (22); Equipped with Each connection portion (26) has a first end (23) and a first extension (E1) along the longitudinal axis (G) that is less than half of a second extension (E2) along the longitudinal axis (G) of the pillar (22) from the first end (23) to the second end (24). Opening device (3).

2. each said leg element (19) comprises two reinforcing ribs (25) spaced apart from one another and connected to respective connecting portions (26); The opening device according to claim 1 .

3. Each reinforcing rib (25) is connected to a respective lateral section of a respective connection (26); The opening device according to claim 2 .

4. Each reinforcing rib (25) is integrally connected to the main wall (16); The opening device according to claim 1 .

5. Each pillar (22) has an inner surface (30) facing the center (31) of the main wall (16) and an outer surface (32) opposite the inner surface (30); Each outer surface (32) comprises a central surface portion (34) and two side portions (35); Each side portion (35) has a concave shape. The opening device according to claim 1 .

6. Each pillar (22) has a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile for a cross section perpendicular to its respective longitudinal axis (G); The opening device according to claim 1 .

7. Each cross-sectional profile has a first base (36) and a second base (37) that is shorter than the first base (36); The size of each of the first bases (36) of the first cross-sectional profiles of the first sections near the respective second ends (24) is larger than the size of each of the first bases (36) of the second cross-sectional profiles of the first sections near the respective second ends (24), and the second sections are farther away from the respective second ends (24) than the first sections. The opening device according to claim 6.

8. The coupling structure includes a coupling ring (20) integrally connected to a second end (24) of each of the plurality of leg elements (19). The opening device according to claim 1 .

9. The coupling ring (20) comprises a plurality of main portions (45) each connected to one respective pillar (22) and a plurality of auxiliary portions (46) each connected to one of the pillars (22). The opening device according to claim 8.

10. It is interposed between two respective main portions (45). one or more auxiliary portions (46) are deformable and / or at least partially frangible; The opening device according to claim 9.

11. At least one auxiliary portion (46) comprises a recess (49) and / or a concave surface (50); The opening device according to claim 9.

12. A base frame (8) configured to couple the opening device (3, 3') around a predetermined spout and / or to couple the opening device (3, 3'); a collar (9) extending from said base frame (8), defining and / or demarcating a flow path (10), and having a spout (11); a closure (13) coupled to the collar (9) and configured to selectively open and close the spout (11); Equipped with The base frame (8) or the collar (9) comprises the contact portion, The coupling structure (20) and the closure (13) are connected to each other. The opening device according to claim 1 .

13. A mould adapted to mould an opening device (3, 3') according to claim 1 onto a body (2) of a package (1) for a pourable product and / or onto a precursor of a package (1) for a pourable product.

14. A package (1) filled and / or fillable with a pourable product and comprising at least one opening device (3, 3') according to claim 1.

15. The package (1) comprises a body (2) having a predetermined spout and formed from a multi-layer composite packaging material, and the opening device (3, 3') is bonded onto the body.

15. The package of claim 14.

16. 14. Package according to claim 13, wherein the opening device (3) is moulded onto the body (2) of the package (1) and / or onto a precursor of the package (1).

17. An opening device (3, 3') for a package (1) having a predetermined spout and filled with a pourable product, comprising: The opening device (3, 3') comprises a contact part and a closure element (7) removably and / or rupturably attached to the contact part and configured to close and / or cover the predetermined spout, The closure element (7) a main wall (16) detachably and / or breakably attached to the contact portion; a tensioning device (17) connected to the main wall (16) and configured to exert a separation force on the main wall (16) to separate the closure element (7) from the contact portion; Equipped with The tensioning device (17) a plurality of leg elements (19) connected to and extending laterally from said main wall (16); a connecting structure (20) connected to the plurality of leg elements (19); Equipped with Each leg element (19) an elongated pillar (22) extending along a longitudinal axis (G), having a first end (23) and a second end (24), connected to the main wall (16) at the first end (23) and connected to the coupling structure (20) at the second end (24); At least one reinforcing rib (25) connected to the connection portion (26) of the pillar (22); Equipped with the reinforcing rib (25) is integrally connected to the main wall (16); Each connection portion (26) has a first end (23) and a first extension (E1) along the longitudinal axis (G) that is less than half of a second extension (E2) along the longitudinal axis (G) of the pillar (22) from the first end (23) to the second end (24), The pillar (22) comprises the connecting portion (26) and a further portion extending from the connecting portion (26) to the second end (24); the first extension (E1) and the second extension (E2) are measured along a direction (D) perpendicular to the main wall (16); Opening device (3).

Images