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

Abstract

An opening device (4, 4') for a package (1) of packaging material having a pre-determined spout and filled with a pourable product is described. The opening device (4, 4') comprises a base frame (9), a collar (10) integrally connected to and extending from the base frame (9), and a closure element (12) configured to cover and / or close the pre-determined spout. The closure element (12) is removably secured to an initial contact portion (21) of the collar (10). The collar (10) comprises a sealing ring (24), the sealing ring (24) comprising a first inner surface (26) facing the flow passage (11) and an outer surface (27) opposite the first inner surface (26). The base frame (9) comprises a second inner surface (38) facing the outer surface (27). The base frame (9) has a first contact surface (29) configured to contact the packaging material (3) from a first side (7) and a second contact surface (30) configured to contact the packaging material (3) from a second side (8). The initial contact portion (21) is interposed between the first contact surface (29) and the spout (13). A thickness (d2) of an annular interface (16) interposed between the base frame (9) and the collar is greater than a distance (d1) between the first contact surface (29) and the second contact surface (30).

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 comprises a base frame that couples the opening device onto the packaging material forming the package and around a designated 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 designated 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] It is known that when molding a base frame onto a packaging material and around a given pour spout, it is necessary to ensure that the base frame covers the edge of the packaging material that defines the pour spout and that the edge does not come into contact with the pourable product.

[0010] Although known closure elements function well, there is a felt need in the art to improve upon known opening devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] 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.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and low-cost mold for molding the opening device.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved package, particularly a package having a body formed from a multi-layer packaging material and filled with a pourable product, particularly a pourable food product, which package has an improved opening device, which package can be easily and cost-effectively provided.

[0014] According to the invention there is provided an opening device according to the independent claims.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are defined in the claims which depend directly or indirectly on claim 1.

[0016] According to the present invention there is provided a mould as claimed in claim 12.

[0017] 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]

[0018] 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]

[0019] [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] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the opening device of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of FIG. 2 with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional 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

[0020] 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 3, 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) configured in particular to allow the outflow of the pourable product from the body 2; an opening device 4, 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.

[0021] Pourable products include milk, tomato sauce, milk-based beverages, drinkable yogurt, water, sugar, salt, juice and milk emulsions.

[0022] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the packaging material 3 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.

[0023] Preferably, the packaging material 3 may comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, for example an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0024] Preferably, each package 1, and in particular each body 2, may be obtained from a respective blank of multi-layer packaging material 3. In particular, the blank may define a precursor of the respective package 1, and in particular of the respective body 2.

[0025] 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.

[0026] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the multi-layer packaging material 3 may be provided in the form of a web, whereby the 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 blanks.

[0027] According to preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each opening device 4 may be molded to a given spout on the respective body 2, in particular the packaging material 3 from which the body 3 is formed, or on the respective blank. In particular, as explained further below, a first part of the opening device 4 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.

[0028] In particular, the opening device 4 may be molded using a corresponding mold.

[0029] 1 , 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.

[0030] Preferably, the body 2 is of parallelepiped shape.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Preferably, the body 2 may also comprise a side wall 5 which is (fixedly) connected to the first wall and extends from the first wall along, in particular substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis A.

[0033] Preferably, the body 2 may also include a second wall 6 opposite the first wall and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5. In particular, the side wall 5 may be interposed between the first wall and the second wall 6.

[0034] In particular, when the package 1 is placed on a support, the second wall 6 may define a top wall.

[0035] According to the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the first wall and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other.

[0036] According to alternative non-limiting embodiments not shown, the first wall and the second wall 6 may be inclined relative to one another. In particular, the second wall 6 may define a sloped top or may define a portion of the gable top.

[0037] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall 6 may carry and / or include a pre-determined spout.

[0038] 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 5 and the second wall 6 may define the interior space.

[0039] 1 and 2, the packaging material 3 may comprise a first side 7 and a second side 8 opposite the first side 7. In particular, the second side 8 may be configured to be in contact with the pourable product and / or to face the interior space of the package 1, in particular the body 2. Furthermore, the first side 7 may face towards the outside of the interior space of the package 1, in particular the body 2, and / or may face towards the exterior space.

[0040] With particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the opening device 4 is a base frame 9 adapted to couple and / or connect the opening device 4 around a given spout on the packaging material 3 forming the body 2; a collar 10 integrally connected to and extending from the base frame 9 and defining the boundary of a flow passage 11; a closure element 12 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 12 away from the collar 10 and / or the flow passage 11; Equipped with.

[0041] More specifically, the flow path 11 may extend between a pouring outlet 13 (of the collar 10) configured to allow the outflow of the pourable product and a pouring outlet 13 (of the collar 10) configured to allow the introduction of the pourable product into the flow path 11, in particular from the interior space of the package 1, in particular from the body 2, into the flow path 11.

[0042] More specifically, the collar 10 may extend along a central axis E, and the outlet 13 and the inlet 14 may be located at respective axial ends of the collar 10 .

[0043] More specifically, the collar 10 may have a first boundary rim 15 that defines the outlet 13 and a second boundary rim 14 that defines the inlet 13, each located at a respective axial end of the collar 10.

[0044] Preferably, the closure element 12 may be arranged coaxially with respect to the collar 10. In other words, the central axis F of the closure element 12 may be coaxial with the central axis E.

[0045] 2 and 3, the opening device 4 may include an annular interface 16 interposed between the base frame 9 and the collar 10 and / or connecting the base frame 9 and the collar 10 to one another.

[0046] Preferably, the annular interface 16 may be defined by a portion of the opening device 4 interposed between the base frame 9 and the collar 10. In particular, the annular interface 16 may be defined by a portion of the opening device 4 interposed between the base frame 9 and the collar 10 and with a minimum thickness.

[0047] Preferably, the base frame 9, the collar 10 and the closure element 12 may be realised as a single piece.

[0048] Furthermore, the opening device 4 may also comprise a closure coupled to and / or coupleable to the collar 10 and configured to selectively open and close the spout 13, in particular to respectively allow and prevent the pouring of the pourable product.

[0049] Preferably, the closure element 12 and the closure may be connected, in particular fixed, to one another such that any movement of the closure results in a simultaneous movement of the closure element 12. In particular, the closure element 12 and the closure may be connected to one another by melting and / or welding and / or gluing and / or molding.

[0050] 2 and 3, the closure element 12 may comprise a bonding membrane 20 that is removably and / or breakably secured to the collar 10 along an (annular) initial contact portion 21 (of an inner wall 22 of the collar 10).

[0051] Furthermore, the closure element 12 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.

[0052] Preferably, the closure element 12 may be configured to seal the given spout and the interior space prior to the first removal of the closure element 12 from the initial contact 21. It may then be possible to position the closure element 12 such that it can close the given spout, but does not further seal the given spout and the interior space.

[0053] Furthermore, during use, when the closure element 12 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 .

[0054] More specifically, the closure element 12 may be controllable between an active position in which the closure element 12 is configured to cover and / or close a given spout, and an inactive position in which the closure element 12 releases and / or opens a given spout.

[0055] In other words, the closure element 12 may be configured to block and / or at least obstruct the fluid connection between the outlet 13 and the inlet 14 when in the active position, and to allow the fluid connection between the outlet 13 and the inlet 14 when in the inactive position.

[0056] Preferably, the closure element 12 may be arranged in the flow passage 11 and / or may be interposed between the spout 13 and the base frame 9 when in the active position.

[0057] Further (with reference to Figures 1-3), the initial closure element 12 is controlled to an active position, and prior to the initial movement from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 12 is breakably connected to the initial contact portion 21 to seal the predetermined spout.

[0058] Furthermore, after the closure element 12 has been moved from the active position to the inactive position for the first time, the closure element 12 can be placed anew in the active position. The closure element 12 can then anew contact the collar 10, in particular the inner wall 22, to close and / or cover the designated inlet opening and / or to interrupt and / or obstruct the fluid connection between the inlet 12 and the inlet 14.

[0059] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the closure element 12 can interact with the collar 10, in particular the inner wall 22, especially after the first movement of the closure element 12 from the active position to the inactive position, the collar 10 is a main portion 23 having a pouring outlet 13 and extending from the initial contact portion 21 to the pouring outlet 13; a sealing ring 24 provided with an inlet 14 and extending from the initial contact portion 21 to the inlet 14; The present invention may also include:

[0060] In particular, the sealing ring 24 may be designed to ensure that when in the active position and after a first movement of the closure element 12 from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 12 closes the given spout and / or blocks and / or at least prevents the fluid connection between the inlet 14 and the outlet 13. In particular, it is ensured that the closure element 12 contacts the inner wall 22 of the collar 10 reliably, even if the exact position of at least a part of the closure element 12 is below the initial contact portion 21.

[0061] 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 .

[0062] Preferably, the sealing ring 24 defines the inlet 14 and / or may comprise a (curved) tip portion 26 defining a second bounding rim.

[0063] Furthermore, the injection port 14 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 .

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 14.

[0066] Preferably, the seal ring 24 may have rotational symmetry about the central axis E.

[0067] Advantageously, the sealing ring 24 may comprise a first inner surface 26, in particular having an annular shape, facing the flow passage 11, and an outer surface 27, in particular having an annular shape, opposite the first inner surface 26. In particular, the first inner surface 26 may define an auxiliary space.

[0068] Additionally, the first inner surface 26 may define a second surface portion of the inner wall 22 .

[0069] Preferably, the outer surface 27 faces the base frame 9 .

[0070] More specifically, the seal ring 24 may include a curved leading surface 28 connecting the first inner surface 26 and the outer surface 27 to one another.

[0071] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the base frame 9 may comprise a first contact surface 29, in particular having an annular shape, configured to contact and / or be in contact with the first face 7, and a second contact surface 30, in particular having an annular shape, configured to contact and / or be in contact with the second face 8.

[0072] In particular, the first contact surface 29 and the second contact surface 30 may face each other. More particularly, the first contact surface 29 and the second contact surface 30 may define a space in which the packaging material 3 is and / or is disposed.

[0073] Preferably, the first contact surface 29 and the second contact surface 30 may extend in a first plane H1 and a second plane H2 respectively, in particular parallel to each other.

[0074] Furthermore, the first contact surface 29, in particular the first plane H1, and the second contact surface 30, in particular the second plane H2, are spaced apart from each other by a distance d1. In particular, the distance d1 corresponds substantially to the thickness of the packaging material 3.

[0075] Advantageously, the initial contact portion 21 may be interposed between the first contact surface 29 and the spout 13 .

[0076] Advantageously, the thickness d2 of the annular interface 16 is greater than the distance d1. Preferably, the thickness d2 is at least 1.2 times, in particular at least 1.3 times, and even more particularly at least 1.4 times greater than the distance d1. In this way, it is ensured that when the opening device 4 is molded onto the packaging material 3, the flow of molten polymer covers the edge of the packaging material 3 that defines the predetermined spout. The edge of the packaging material 3 is covered even if the packaging material 3 is not placed in a nominal position in the mold (i.e. in a position determined during the design of the mold). Furthermore, the flow of molten polymer can reach the second side 8 of the packaging material 3 more easily.

[0077] More specifically, the base frame 9 may comprise a first annular frame 35 having a first contact surface 29 and a second annular frame 36 having a second contact surface 30. In particular, the first annular frame 35 and the second annular frame 36 may be integrally connected to each other.

[0078] Preferably, the first annular frame 35 and the second annular frame 36 may be configured to be disposed outside and inside the internal space of the main body 2, respectively.

[0079] More specifically, the base frame 9 may include an annular connector 37 integrally connected to the first annular frame 36 and the second annular frame 35. In particular, the annular connector 37 is disposed radially inward with respect to the first annular frame 35 and the second annular frame 36.

[0080] More specifically, the first annular frame 35 and the second annular frame 36 may protrude radially from the annular connecting portion 37 .

[0081] More specifically, the annular interface 16 is interposed between the annular coupling portion 37 and the collar 10 .

[0082] Advantageously, the base frame 9 , and in particular the annular connecting portion 37 , may comprise a second inner surface 38 facing the flow passage 11 and / or facing the outer surface 27 .

[0083] In particular, the seal ring 24 may be disposed within a space defined by the second inner surface 38 .

[0084] Furthermore, the base frame 9 may comprise an inlet opening 39 for the pourable product. Preferably, the inlet 14 may be axially displaced from the inlet opening 39. In particular, the inlet 14 may be interposed between the initial connection portion 21 and the inlet opening 39.

[0085] 1 to 3, the first frame 35 may have a plurality of radially protruding ridge elements 40, and in particular, each ridge element 40 may have a free peripheral portion 41 (i.e., the free peripheral portions 41 are not interconnected to each other).

[0086] Preferably, the ridge elements 40 may be angularly spaced apart from one another about the central axis E and / or the central axis F.

[0087] In particular, one or more ridge elements 40 may support respective portions of the first contact surface 29, i.e. the first contact surface 29 comprises multiple separate portions, or further stated, the first contact surface 29 is not continuous.

[0088] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the first frame 35 may comprise an outer surface 42 extending opposite the first contact surface 29, in particular in a third plane H3. In particular, the third plane H3 may be parallel to the first plane H1 and / or the second plane H2.

[0089] Preferably, the outer surface 42 may have a planar shape.

[0090] Furthermore, the collar 10 may be provided, particularly opposite the inner wall 22, with a further outer surface 43 having a curved portion 44.

[0091] Preferably, the curved portion 44 may contact and / or intersect the outer surface 42 .

[0092] Additionally, the second inner surface 38 intersects the outer surface 27 at a circumferential curve 46. In particular, the inner surface 38 includes a circumferential curve 46.

[0093] In particular, the circumferential curve 46 may result from the intersection of an intersecting plane perpendicular to the central axis E with the second inner surface 38 .

[0094] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the thickness d2 may correspond to the minimum distance between the curved surface 44 and the second inner surface 38.

[0095] Preferably, the thickness d2 may correspond to the minimum distance between the curved surface 44 and the circumferential curve 46.

[0096] Additionally, the annular boundary surface 16 may extend between the curved surface 44 and the circumferential curve 46 .

[0097] 2 and 3, a cross-sectional profile of the sealing ring 24 with respect to a cross-sectional plane including the central axis E of the collar 10 may comprise a first straight line and a second straight line radially offset from the first straight line and disposed radially outward with respect to the first straight line, in particular with respect to the central axis E. In particular, the first straight line and the second straight line may result from an intersection of a cross section with corresponding first inner and outer surfaces 26, 27.

[0098] More particularly, the second straight line may present an extension that corresponds to at least 50% of the extension of the first straight line. Preferably, the extension of the first straight line is greater than the extension of the second straight line.

[0099] The cross-sectional profile may also include a curve connecting the first straight line and the second straight line.

[0100] More specifically, and with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the closure element 12 comprises: a central main wall 50 connected to the periphery of the connecting membrane 20; a connecting structure 51 extending from the central main wall 50 and configured to connect and / or connect the closure element 12 to the closure; The present invention may also include:

[0101] More specifically, the coupling structure 51 may be connected to an inner surface of the closure 10, in particular by welding and / or gluing and / or fusion.

[0102] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closure may be movable between: a closure arrangement in which the closure covers the outlet 13, in particular to prevent the outflow of pourable product from the outlet 13; In particular, an open configuration in which the closure can be removed from the spout 13 to allow the flow of pourable product from the spout 13.

[0103] Preferably, the closure may be reversibly moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0104] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the closure element 12 may be connected, in particular melted and / or welded and / or glued, to the closure, in particular by a coupling structure 51, such that movement of the closure between a closed configuration and an open configuration results in movement of the closure element 12 between an active position and an inactive position, respectively.

[0105] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the base frame 9, the collar 10 and the closure element 12 may be integrally formed, in particular as a single piece. In particular, the base frame 9, the collar 10 and the closure element 12 may be formed during the molding process, in particular during the molding of the opening device 4 onto the respective packaging blank.

[0106] After formation of the base frame 9, collar 10 and closure element 12, a closure may be joined to the collar 10.

[0107] In other words, the base frame 9, collar 10 and closure element 12 may define a first portion of the opening device 4, and the closure may define a second portion of the opening device 4. The closure is thus applied to the collar 10 after molding of the base frame 9, collar 10 and closure element 12, particularly around a given spout.

[0108] In use, a user receives the package 1 with the closure and closure element 12 in the closed configuration and active position, respectively, covering the spout 13 and the desired pour spout, respectively.

[0109] Prior to the initial control of the closure from the closed configuration to the open configuration and the initial control of the closure element 12 from the active position to the inactive position, the closure element 12 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 12 from an active position to an inactive position and causes the closure element 12 to break, allowing the pourable product to flow from the interior space through the flow passage 11 and out of the flow passage 11 through the spout 13.

[0111] Each time the closure element 12 is again placed in the active position (by moving the closure 16 in the closed configuration), it covers the given spout, so that the presence of the sealing ring 24 ensures that the closure element 12 engages the inner wall 22 to close the given spout and / or interrupt or prevent the fluid connection between the inlet 14 and the outlet 13.

[0112] 4, the numeral 4' denotes an alternative embodiment of an opening device according to the invention. Since the opening device 4' is similar to the opening device 4, 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.

[0113] The opening device 4' differs from the opening device 4 in that the outer surface 42 is inclined relative to the first contact surface 35 and / or in that the third plane H3 is inclined relative to the first plane H1 (i.e., the third plane H3 and the first plane H1 are not parallel to each other).

[0114] The operation of the opening device 4' is similar to that of the opening device 4, so reference is made to the above description.

[0115] The advantages of the opening device 4 and the opening device 4' and / or the package 1 according to the invention are evident from the above description.

[0116] In particular, having the thickness d2 greater than the distance d1 ensures that the molten polymer flows such that the second surface 8 and the edges of the packaging material 3 that define the predetermined pouring spout are covered by plastic, even if the packaging material 3 is not fully positioned within the mold.

Claims

1. An opening device (4, 4') for a package (1) of packaging material having a predetermined pouring spout and filled with a pourable product, comprising: The opening device (4, 4') a base frame (9) configured to couple the opening device (4, 4') onto the packaging material (3) and around the predetermined spout; a collar (10) integrally connected to and extending from said base frame (9), defining a flow path (11) for said pourable product, said collar having an inlet (14) and an outlet (13); a closure element (12) arranged and / or positionable within said flow channel (11) and configured to cover and / or close said predetermined spout; Equipped with The closure element (12) is removably secured to the initial contact portion (21) of the collar (10); The collar (10) is a main portion (23) having the pouring outlet (13) and extending from the initial contact portion (21) to the pouring outlet (13); a seal ring (24) including the inlet (14) and extending from the initial contact portion (21) to the inlet (14); Equipped with The sealing ring (24) has a first inner surface (26) facing the flow path (11) and an outer surface (27) opposite the first inner surface (26); The base frame (9) has a second inner surface (38) facing the outer surface (27), The base frame (9) comprises a first contact surface (29) configured to contact the packaging material (3) from a first side (7) and a second contact surface (30) configured to contact the packaging material (3) from a second side (8), The initial contact portion (21) is interposed between the first contact surface (29) and the spout (13), a thickness (d2) of an annular interface (16) between the base frame (9) and the collar is greater than a distance (d1) between the first contact surface (29) and the second contact surface (30); Opening device (4, 4').

2. a thickness (d2) of the annular interface (16) between the base frame (9) and the collar (10) is at least 1.2 times greater than the distance (d1) between the first contact surface (29) and the second contact surface (30); The opening device according to claim 1 .

3. the first contact surface (29) extends in a first plane (H1), the second contact surface (30) extends in a second plane (H2), and the first contact surface (H1) and the second contact surface (H2) correspond to a distance (d1) between the first plane (H1) and the second plane (H2); The opening device according to claim 1 .

4. The collar (10) comprises a further outer surface (43) having a curved portion (44), a thickness (d2) of the annular interface (16) corresponding to the minimum distance between the second inner surface (38) and the curved portion (44); The opening device according to claim 1 .

5. the second inner surface (38) intersects with the outer surface (27) at a circumferential curve (46); the thickness (d2) of the annular boundary surface (16) corresponds to the minimum distance between the curved portion (44) and the circumferential curve (46); The opening device according to claim 4.

6. The base frame (9) comprises a first frame (35) having the first contact surface (29) and a second frame (36) having the second contact surface (30); the first frame (35) has an outer surface (42) opposite the first contact surface (29); The first frame (35) comprises a plurality of radially projecting ridge elements (40). The opening device according to claim 1 .

7. the second surface (8) of the packaging material (3) is configured to contact the pourable product and / or face the interior space of the package (1); The opening device according to claim 1 .

8. The sealing ring (24) defines an auxiliary space of the flow passage (11), and the auxiliary space has a frustoconical shape. The opening device according to claim 1 .

9. The sealing ring (24) further comprises a curved leading surface (28) connecting the first inner surface (26) and the outer surface (27) to each other. The opening device according to claim 1 .

10. The sealing ring (24) includes an annular bond (29) connecting the sealing ring (24) to the annular interface. The opening device according to claim 1 .

11. the sealing ring (24) is designed 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 (4, 4') 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.

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 (4, 4') is joined to the body (2) around the predetermined spout of the packaging material (3).

14. The package of claim 13.

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).

16. A package (1) filled and / or fillable with a pourable product and comprising at least one opening device (4, 4'), The package (1) comprises a body (2) having a predetermined spout and formed from a multi-layer composite packaging material, and the opening device (4, 4') is joined to the body (2) around the predetermined spout of the packaging material (3), The opening device (4, 4') a base frame (9) configured to couple the opening device (4, 4') onto the packaging material (3) and around the predetermined spout; a collar (10) integrally connected to and extending from said base frame (9), defining a flow path (11) for said pourable product, said collar having an inlet (14) and an outlet (13); a closure element (12) arranged and / or positionable within said flow channel (11) and configured to cover and / or close said predetermined spout; Equipped with The closure element (12) comprises a coupling membrane (20) removably secured to an initial contact portion (21) of the collar (10); The collar (10) is a main portion (23) having the pouring outlet (13) and extending from the initial contact portion (21) to the pouring outlet (13); a seal ring (24) including the inlet (14) and extending from the initial contact portion (21) to the inlet (14); Equipped with The sealing ring (24) has a first inner surface (26) facing the flow path (11) and an outer surface (27) opposite the first inner surface (26); The base frame (9) has a second inner surface (38) facing the outer surface (27), The base frame (9) comprises a first contact surface (29) configured to contact the packaging material (3) from a first side (7) and a second contact surface (30) configured to contact the packaging material (3) from a second side (8), The initial contact portion (21) is interposed between the first contact surface (29) and the spout (13), a thickness (d2) of an annular interface (16) between the base frame (9) and the collar is greater than a distance (d1) between the first contact surface (29) and the second contact surface (30); The collar (10) comprises a further outer surface (43) having a curved portion (44), a thickness (d2) of the annular interface (16) corresponding to the minimum distance between the second inner surface (38) and the curved portion (44); Package (1).

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