Opening device for a package, mold for molding the opening device for a package, and package having the opening device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024516677
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-09-30
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing opening devices for pourable packages may fail to ensure that the closure element accurately covers the spout, leading to potential leaks, and the formation of such devices is not cost-effective or easy.
A mold is used to integrate a base frame, collar, and closure element as a single piece, with a deflectable sealing ring to ensure secure spout closure and facilitate easy removal from the mold.
The integrated opening device effectively seals the spout and allows easy formation into packaging blanks, preventing leaks and reducing production costs.
Smart Images
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Abstract
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 sterile 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, these types of packages have a body formed from a multi-layer packaging material and a pre-determined spout that allows for pouring of the pourable product from the package. Additionally, the package includes an opening device disposed about the pre-determined spout that is designed to seal the package prior to initial opening of the opening device and allow for controlled pouring.
[0007] A typical opening device includes a base frame that couples the opening device around a given spout, a collar extending from the base frame to define a flow path, and a closure element disposed within the flow path and configured to close the given spout.
[0008] When the package is delivered to the end customer, the closure element is breakably connected to the inner wall of the collar to close and seal the given spout, after which the closure element can be repositioned in the flow passage to reclose the given spout and avoid unwanted spillage of the pourable product.
[0009] While such closure elements typically function well, applicants have discovered that if the bonding membrane breaks, the closure element will not properly cover the spout for which it was designed, and pourable product may leak into the flow path.
[0010] There is therefore a felt need in the art to improve known opening devices to ensure that a newly placed closure element within the flow passage accurately covers a given spout.
[0011] It is further known that the body may be obtained from a packaging blank of a multi-layer packaging material, the packaging blank having a defined spout being covered by a sealing membrane of an oxygen barrier material.
[0012] One technical solution for providing a final package with an opening device is based on moulding the opening device onto a packaging blank and forming the packaging blank after moulding of the opening device to obtain the final package.
[0013] A further need is therefore felt in the field to provide opening devices which can be easily moulded onto the packaging blank and which in particular facilitate removal of the opening device from the respective mould. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0014] 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.
[0015] In particular, it is 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 opening device is simple and low-cost, allowing reclosing and / or which can be easily moulded to the package and / or to a precursor of the package.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and low-cost mold for molding the opening device.
[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a 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 opening device, in particular an opening device which allows reclosing, and / or an opening device which can be easily moulded into the package and / or a precursor of the package, in a simple and cost-effective manner.
[0018] According to the invention there is provided an opening device according to the independent claims.
[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are defined in the claims which depend directly or indirectly on claim 1.
[0020] According to the present invention there is provided a mould as claimed in claim 12.
[0021] According to the present invention there is provided a package as claimed in claim 13, claim 14 or claim 15. [Means for solving the problem]
[0022] 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]
[0023] [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 the invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1, focusing on details of the opening device of FIG. 1, with parts removed for clarity; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the opening arrangement of FIG. 2, showing the part in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of the opening arrangement of FIG. 2, showing the portion in a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5a] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a detail of FIG. 3, showing the part in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 5a highlighting the cross-sectional contour of some of the details of FIG. 3, with parts removed for clarity; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] 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 from a multi-layer packaging material, which is filled and / or can be filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, and which has a given spout (not shown, but known per se) in particular 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.
[0025] Pourable products include milk, tomato sauce, milk-based beverages, drinkable yogurt, water, sugar, salt, juice and milk emulsions.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] Preferably, each package 1, in particular each body 2, may be obtained from a respective blank of multi-layer packaging material. In particular, the blank may define a precursor of the respective package 1, in particular each body 2.
[0029] More specifically, each 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] In particular, the opening device 3 may be molded using a corresponding mould.
[0033] 1 and 2, the body 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and a second transverse axis C perpendicular to the first transverse axis B and the longitudinal axis A. In particular, the extension of the package 2 along the longitudinal axis A may be greater than the extension of the package along the first transverse axis B and the second transverse axis C.
[0034] Preferably, the body 2 is of parallelepiped shape.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] In particular, when the package 1 is placed on a support, the second wall 5 may define a top wall.
[0039] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first wall and the second wall 5 may be parallel to each other.
[0040] 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.
[0041] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall 5 may carry and / or include a pre-determined spout.
[0042] 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.
[0043] With particular reference to Figures 2 to 5b, the opening device 3 is a base frame 8 adapted to couple and / or connect the opening device 3 to the body 2, in particular to the second wall 5 and to the periphery of a given spout; a collar 9 extending from the base frame 8 and defining the boundary of a flow channel 10; a closure element 11 arranged and / or positionable within the flow passage and configured to close and / or cover, in particular configured to seal a given spout at least prior to an initial movement of the closure element 11 away from the collar 9 and / or the flow passage 10; Equipped with.
[0044] Preferably, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 11 may be formed integrally, in particular as a single piece.
[0045] More specifically, the flow path 10 may extend between a pouring outlet 12 (of the collar 9) configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product, and an inlet 13 (of the collar 9) configured to allow the introduction of the pourable product into the flow path 10, in particular from the interior space of the package 1, in particular from the body 2, into the flow path 10.
[0046] More specifically, the collar 9 may be integrally connected to the base frame 8 .
[0047] More specifically, the collar 9 may extend along a central axis E, and the outlet 12 and the inlet 13 may be located at respective axial ends of the collar 9 .
[0048] More specifically, the collar 9 may have a first boundary rim 14 that defines the outlet 12 and a second boundary rim 14 that defines the inlet 13, each located at a respective axial end of the collar 9.
[0049] Preferably, the closure element 11 may be arranged coaxially with respect to the collar 9. In other words, the central axis F of the closure element 11 may be coaxial with the central axis E.
[0050] Furthermore, the opening device 3 may also comprise a closure 16 coupled and / or coupleable to the collar 9 and configured to selectively open and close the spout 12, in particular to respectively allow and prevent the pouring of the pourable product.
[0051] Preferably, the closure element 11 and the closure 16 may be connected, in particular fixed, to one another such that any movement of the closure 16 results in a simultaneous movement of the closure element 11. In particular, the closure element 11 and the closure 16 may be connected to one another by melting and / or welding and / or gluing and / or molding.
[0052] With particular reference to Figures 3 to 5b, the closure element 11 may comprise a bonding membrane 20 which is removably and / or breakably fixed to the collar 9 along an (annular) initial contact portion 21 (of an inner wall 22 of the collar 9).
[0053] Furthermore, the closure element 11 may be configured to (breakably) separate from the initial contact portion 21 to release and / or open a given spout to allow the pourable product to flow.
[0054] Preferably, the closure element 11 may be configured to seal the given spout and the interior space prior to the first removal of the closure element 11 from the initial contact 21. Thereafter, the closure element 11 may be positioned such that the closure element 11 can close the given spout, but does not further seal the given spout and the interior space.
[0055] Furthermore, during use, when the closure element 11 is removed from the initial contact portion 21 for the first time, the bonding membrane 20 irreversibly breaks off from the initial contact portion 21 .
[0056] More specifically, the closure element 11 may be controllable between an active position in which the closure element 11 is configured to cover and / or close a given spout, and an inactive position in which the closure element 11 releases and / or opens a given spout.
[0057] In other words, the closure element 11 may be configured to block and / or at least obstruct the fluid connection between the outlet 12 and the inlet 13 when in the active position, and to allow the fluid connection between the outlet 12 and the inlet 13 when in the inactive position.
[0058] Preferably, the closure element 11 may be disposed in the flow passage 10 and / or may be interposed between the spout 12 and the base frame 8 when in the active position.
[0059] Further (with reference to FIG. 3), the initial closure element 11 is controlled to an active position, and prior to the initial movement from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 11 is breakably connected to the initial contact portion 21 to seal a given spout.
[0060] Furthermore, after the closure element 11 has been moved from the active position to the inactive position for the first time, it can be placed anew in the active position. The closure element 11 can then come into contact anew with the collar 9, in particular with the inner wall 22, to close and / or cover the designated injection opening and / or to interrupt and / or obstruct the fluid connection between the injection outlet 12 and the injection inlet 13.
[0061] With particular reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 b , the initial contact portion 21 may be interposed between the base frame 8 and the spout 12 .
[0062] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the closure element 11 can interact with the collar 9, in particular the inner wall 22, especially after the first movement of the closure element 11 from the active position to the inactive position, the collar 9 is a main portion 23 having a pouring outlet 12 and extending from the initial contact portion 21 to the pouring outlet 12; a sealing ring 24 provided with an inlet 13 and extending from the initial contact portion 21 to the inlet 13; The present invention may also include:
[0063] In particular, the sealing ring 24 is designed to ensure that when in the active position and after a first movement of the closure element 11 from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 11 closes the given spout and / or interrupts and / or at least prevents the fluid connection between the inlet 13 and the outlet 12. In particular, it is ensured that the closure element 11 contacts the inner wall 22 of the collar 9 reliably, even if the exact position of at least a part of the closure element 11 is below the initial contact portion 21.
[0064] Advantageously, the seal ring 24 may be deflectable relative to the main part 23 and the base frame 8 .
[0065] In this way it may be possible to further ensure the interaction between the closure element 11 and the inner wall 22 and the closure of the desired spout. Furthermore, the removal of the sealing ring 24 from the mould is facilitated.
[0066] In particular, the seal ring 24 may be deflectably connected to the main part 23 and to the base frame 8 .
[0067] More specifically, the main portion 23 may comprise a first surface portion 25 of the inner wall 22 and the seal ring 24 may comprise a second surface portion of the inner wall 22 .
[0068] Preferably, the sealing ring 24 may comprise a (curved) tip portion 26 that defines a rim that bounds the inlet 13 and / or that defines a second bounding rim.
[0069] Furthermore, the injection port 13 may be disposed at the axial end of the seal ring 24 opposite to the axial end of the seal ring 24 disposed at the initial contact portion 21 .
[0070] More specifically, the sealing ring 24 may be connected to the main portion 23 and may protrude therefrom so as to extend towards and / or into the interior space of the package 1. In other words, the sealing ring 24 may be designed to protrude towards and / or into the interior space.
[0071] The sealing ring 24 may define an auxiliary space having a frusto-conical shape. In particular, the auxiliary space may taper from the initial contact portion 21 towards the inlet 13.
[0072] Preferably, the seal ring 24 may have rotational symmetry about the central axis E.
[0073] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the seal ring 24 may include a body 27 having, inter alia, a tip portion 26 .
[0074] Furthermore, the seal ring 24 is an annular connecting portion 28 connected to the initial contact portion 21 and / or partially defining the boundary of the initial contact portion 21 and in particular also connected to the body 27; and / or an annular connecting section 29 connecting the sealing ring 24 to the base frame 8; , and the annular coupling section 29 may be connected to the body 27.
[0075] In particular, the annular coupling portion 28 may connect to the body 27 from a first side and the annular coupling section 29 may connect to the body 27 from a second side, in particular the side opposite the first side.
[0076] Preferably, the annular coupling portion 28 may extend from the initial contact portion 21 towards the inlet 13 .
[0077] Referring particularly to FIG. 5a, the sealing ring 24, particularly the body 27, may have an inner surface 33, an outer surface 32 radially displaced from the inner surface 33 and opposite the inner surface 33, particularly relative to the central axis F and / or the central axis E, and a curved tip surface 35 connecting the inner surface 33 and the outer surface 32.
[0078] Preferably, distal portion 26 may include a distal surface 35 .
[0079] Preferably, the inner surface 33 may at least partially define a second surface portion of the inner wall 22 .
[0080] In particular, the inner surface 33 and the first surface portion 25 may sandwich the initial contact portion 21 between each other.
[0081] Preferably, the inner surface 33 may be inclined relative to the first surface portion 25 .
[0082] More specifically, the outer surface 32 may face a surface 34 of the base frame 8. In particular, the surface 34 may be curved.
[0083] 5b, the cross-sectional profile of the sealing ring 24 with respect to a cross section H including the central axis E of the collar 9 may comprise a first straight line 36 and a second straight line 37 radially offset from the first straight line 36 and disposed radially outward with respect to the first straight line 36, in particular with respect to the central axis E. In particular, the first straight line 36 and the second straight line 37 may result from a cross-section of the cross-sectional plane H having the inner surface 33 and the outer surface 32, respectively.
[0084] More specifically, the second straight line 37 may have an extension that corresponds to at least 50% of the extension of the first straight line 36. Preferably, the extension of the first straight line 36 is greater than the extension of the second straight line 37.
[0085] Additionally, the cross-sectional profile may include a curve 38 connecting the first straight line 36 and the second straight line 37 .
[0086] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cross-sectional profile may include a third line 39 connected to the first line 36 and the initial contact portion 21. In particular, the third line 39 may result from a cross-section of a cross-sectional plane H that includes the annular coupling portion 28.
[0087] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cross-sectional profile may comprise a fourth straight line 40 that is connected to the second straight line 37 and that is connected to and / or extends towards the base frame 8. In particular, the fourth straight line 40 may originate from a portion of the cross-sectional plane H that has the annular coupling section 29.
[0088] In particular, the fourth straight line 40 may extend laterally from the second straight line 37 .
[0089] Referring to FIG. 5a, the annular bonding portion 28, in particular the outer surface of each of the annular bonding portions 28, and the bonding membrane 20, may define an angle in the range of 85° to 95°, in particular substantially 90°, in particular before breaking away from the initial contact portion 21.
[0090] Preferably, the annular bonding portion 28 and the bonding membrane 20 may be substantially perpendicular to each other.
[0091] Such features may contribute to the flexible nature of the seal ring 24 and / or facilitate the removal of the seal ring 24 from its respective mold.
[0092] Preferably, the outer surface of the annular coupling portion 28 may have a flat shape.
[0093] In particular, the third straight line 39 and the bonding film 20 may define an angle in the range of 85° to 95°, in particular substantially 90°, in particular before the bonding film 20 breaks from the initial contact portion 21. Preferably, the third straight line 39 may be substantially perpendicular to the bonding film 20, in particular before the bonding film 20 breaks from the initial contact portion 21.
[0094] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the annular coupling section 29 may include an annular flat surface 41. In particular, the annular flat surface 41 may extend from the outer surface 32 to the base frame 8 and / or the annular flat surface 41 may be transverse to the outer surface 32.
[0095] 3 to 5b, the base frame 8 may comprise a first flange 42 designed to be placed in the interior space of the package 1, in particular the body 2. Furthermore, the base frame 8 may comprise a second flange 43 arranged axially displaced and parallel to the first flange 42.
[0096] Preferably, the first flange 42 and the second flange 43 may be configured to sandwich a portion of the body 2, in particular a portion of the packaging material, between them.
[0097] Additionally, the first flange 42 may define an inlet opening 44 in the base frame 8 for the pourable product.
[0098] Preferably, the inlet 13 may be axially displaced from the inlet opening 44. In particular, the inlet 13 may be interposed between the closure element 11 and / or the initial connection portion 21 and the inlet opening 44.
[0099] More specifically, and with reference to Figures 2 to 5b, the closure element 11 comprises: a central main wall 50 connected to the periphery of the connecting membrane 20, in particular a circular central main wall 50; a connecting structure 51 extending from the central main wall 50 and configured to connect and / or connect the closure element 11 to the closure 16; The present invention may also include:
[0100] More specifically, the coupling structure 51 may be connected to the closure 16, in particular to the inner surface of the closure 16, in particular by welding and / or gluing and / or fusion.
[0101] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closure 16 may move between: a closure arrangement in which the closure 16 covers the spout 12, in particular to prevent the outflow of pourable product from the spout 12; In particular, an open configuration in which the closure 16 can be removed from the spout 12 to allow the pourable product to flow from the spout 12.
[0102] Preferably, the closure 16 may be reversibly moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration.
[0103] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the closure element 11 may be connected, in particular melted and / or welded and / or glued, to the closure 16, in particular by a coupling structure 51, such that movement of the closure 16 between a closed configuration and an open configuration results in movement of the closure element 11 between an active position and an inactive position, respectively.
[0104] It should be noted that immediately after its formation, the package 1 may be placed in an initial configuration in which the closure 16 and the closure element 11 are in the closed and active positions, respectively, and the package 1 may be distributed and / or sold to users in the initial configuration.
[0105] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 11 may in particular be integrally formed as a single piece. In particular, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 11 may be formed during the molding process, in particular during the molding of the opening device 3 onto the respective packaging blank.
[0106] After the base frame 8 , collar 9 and closure element 11 are formed, the closure 16 may be coupled to the collar 9 .
[0107] In other words, the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 11 may define a first portion of the opening device 3, and the closure 16 may define a second portion of the opening device 3. The closure 16 is thus applied to the collar 9 after molding of the base frame 8, the collar 9 and the closure element 11, particularly around a given spout.
[0108] In use, a user receives the package 1 with the closure 16 and closure element 11 in the closed configuration and active position, respectively, covering the spout 12 and designated spout, respectively.
[0109] Prior to the initial control of the closure 16 from the closed configuration to the open configuration and the initial control of the closure element 11 from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 11 is fixed to the initial contact portion 21 , in particular via the annular connecting membrane 20 .
[0110] To access the pourable product, a user must control the closure 16 from a closed configuration to an open configuration, which moves the closure element 11 from an active position to an inactive position and causes the closure element 11 to break, thereby allowing the pourable product to flow from the interior space through the flow passage 10 and out of the flow passage 10 through the spout 12.
[0111] Each time the closure element 11 is again placed in the active position (by moving the closure 16 in the closed configuration), the closed configuration covers the given spout, so that the presence of the sealing ring 24 ensures that the closure element 11 engages the inner wall 22 to close the given spout and / or interrupt or prevent the fluid connection between the inlet 13 and the outlet 12.
[0112] The advantages of the opening device 3 and / or the package 1 according to the invention will be apparent from the above description.
[0113] In particular, by providing a deflectable sealing ring 24, it is possible to improve the closing effect after a new placement of the closure element 11 in the active position. Alternatively or additionally, the deflectable nature of the sealing ring 24 allows it to be removed from the (first part) of the opening device 3, in particular from the mould required to mould the opening device 3.
[0114] However, modifications may be made to 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) for a package (1) having a predetermined spout and filled with a pourable product, comprising: a base frame (8) configured to couple the opening device (3) around the predetermined spout; a collar (9) extending from said base frame (8) and defining a flow path (10) for said pourable product; a closure element (11) arranged and / or positionable within said flow channel (10) and configured to close and / or cover said predetermined spout; Equipped with The closure element (11) comprises a coupling membrane (20) removably fixed to an initial contact portion (21) of the collar (9), The collar (9) comprises an inlet (13) configured to allow the inlet of a pourable product to a flow channel (10) and an outlet (12) configured to allow the outlet of a pourable product from the flow channel (10); The initial contact portion (21) is interposed between the base frame (8) and the spout (12), The collar (9) is a main portion (23) having a pouring outlet (12) and extending from the initial contact portion (21) to the pouring outlet (12); a seal ring (24) having an inlet (13) and extending from the initial contact portion (21) to the inlet (13); Equipped with The sealing ring (24) is deflectable relative to the main part (23) and the base frame (8). Opening device (3).
2. The seal ring (24) comprises a body (27) having an inner surface (33) and an outer surface (32) radially displaced from the inner surface (33) and positioned opposite the inner surface (33), and a curved tip surface (35) connecting the inner surface (33) and the outer surface (32). The opening device according to claim 1 .
3. the inner surface (33) and the first surface portion (25) of the main portion (23) sandwich the initial contact portion (21); The inner surface (33) is inclined relative to the first surface portion (25). The opening device according to claim 2 .
4. A cross-sectional profile of the seal ring (24) with respect to a cross-sectional plane (H) including a central axis (E) of the collar (9) includes a first straight line (36) and a second straight line (37) that is radially displaced from the first straight line (36) and disposed radially outward of the first straight line (36). The opening device according to claim 1 .
5. The cross-sectional profile includes a curve (38) connecting the first straight line (36) and the second straight line (37) to each other. The opening device according to claim 4.
6. said second straight line (37) has an extension corresponding to at least 50% of the extension of said first straight line (36); The opening device according to claim 4.
7. the sealing ring (24) comprises an annular connecting portion (28) connected to and / or partially bounding the initial contact portion (21); the annular joint (28) and the joint membrane (20) define an angle ranging between 85° and 95°, in particular substantially 90°; The opening device according to claim 1 .
8. the seal ring (24) comprises an annular coupling section (29) connecting the seal ring (24) to the base frame (8); The annular coupling section (29) includes an annular flat surface (41). The opening device according to claim 1 .
9. the base frame (8) comprises a first flange (42) configured to be positioned within the interior space of the package (1) and to define an inlet opening (44) in the base frame (8) for the pourable product; the sealing ring (24) defines an inlet (13) for the pourable product to enter the flow path (10); the inlet (13) is axially offset from the inlet opening (44); The opening device according to claim 1 .
10. the inlet is interposed between the closure element (11) and / or the initial contact (21) and the inlet opening (44); The opening device according to claim 9.
11. The sealing ring (24) is configured to protrude towards and / or into the interior space of the package (1). The opening device according to claim 1 .
12. A mould adapted to mould an opening device (3) according to claim 1 onto a body (2) of a pourable product package (1) and / or onto a precursor of a pourable product package (1).
13. A package (1) filled and / or fillable with a pourable product and comprising at least one opening device (3) according to claim 1.
14. 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) is bonded to the body (2) around the predetermined spout.
15. The package of claim 14.
15. 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).