Food packaging necks and caps

Abstract

A neck (20) for a food package is disclosed, the neck (20) comprising a body (200) having an upper portion (210) configured to be closed with a cap (30), a lower portion configured to be attached to a food package, a neck wall extending between the upper portion (210) and the lower portion along a major axis (A) of the neck (20), the neck wall (230) having a wall thickness along a direction (R) perpendicular to the major axis (A) and a tether band retainer configured to retain the cap to the neck (20) via a tether band (330), the neck wall being provided with a cap parking projection (231) on an outer surface thereof, the cap parking projection (231) having an extension in the direction (R) perpendicular to the major axis (A) of less than 50% of the wall thickness.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a neck for a food package. The present invention also relates to a cap configured to close the top of the neck. The present invention also relates to a neck and cap arrangement for closing the food package, and to a food package including the neck and cap arrangement. [Background technology]

[0002] Many pourable foods, such as fruit juice, milk, tomato sauce, yogurt, etc., are sold in food packages made of sterilized packaging materials. This is well known in the art. The food package may include a closure configured to close the food package. The closure may be formed as a resealable closure so that the food package can be opened and closed several times. Furthermore, the use of a neck and cap arrangement as a closure is well known in the art. The food package and the neck of the neck and cap arrangement may be provided as one molded piece or as two separate pieces that are molded together.

[0003] While neck and cap configurations, and even the neck and cap themselves, have been used by customers in the food packaging industry for decades, there is room for improvement. For example, a challenge with today's neck and cap configurations is to enable tethered caps to be held in place relative to the food package in a simple and efficient manner when the cap is in the open position.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a neck and cap arrangement that can hold the cap in place when the cap is in the open position. There is also a need for a neck and cap arrangement that allows the food package to be opened and closed in a simple and efficient manner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome one or more of the limitations identified in the prior art above. In particular, it is an object to provide a neck and cap arrangement that is capable of holding the cap in place when the cap is in an open position. There is also a need for a neck and cap arrangement that allows for opening and closing a food package in a simple and efficient manner.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a neck for a food package comprising a body having an upper portion configured to be closed with a cap, a lower portion configured to be attached to a food package, a neck wall extending along a major axis of the neck between the upper portion and the lower portion, the neck wall having a wall thickness along a direction perpendicular to the major axis, and a tether band retaining portion configured to retain the cap to the neck via a tether band, wherein an outer surface of the neck wall is provided with a cap parking protrusion, the cap parking protrusion having an extension in a direction perpendicular to the major axis that is less than 100% of the wall thickness, less than 75% of the wall thickness, or less than 50% of the wall thickness.

[0007] The cap parking protrusion may be a rib, and the extension perpendicular to the main axis may be a rib extension perpendicular to the main axis. Here, "rib" should be understood as "cap parking protrusion." Similarly, "rib extension" may be understood as "cap parking protrusion extension," "rib thickness" may be understood as cap "parking protrusion thickness," etc.

[0008] Extension perpendicular to the major axis may be understood as the distance that the rib projects from the surface of the neck wall.

[0009] The neck wall may be cylindrical. The direction perpendicular to the major axis is the radial direction of the neck wall. Thus, the ribs may extend in the radial direction of the neck wall.

[0010] In this context, it is preferred, but not necessary, that the main body is a cylindrical main body. At least in this case, the rib extensions are the same as radial extensions when viewed in the radial direction. It should be noted that the body may be of any geometric shape suitable for food packaging.

[0011] The ribs may extend radially relative to the major axis to hold the lower edge of the cap in place. As such, the ribs extend radially. The ribs can also be said to protrude from the outer surface of the neck wall. The ribs can also be said to protrude radially.

[0012] The ribs may extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the neck wall. The longitudinal extension may have a component extending transversely to the major axis of the neck. The longitudinal extension may have a component extending parallel to the major axis. This is the case, for example, when the ribs are inclined relative to the major axis of the neck.

[0013] The neck may be made using three-dimensional (3D) printing. This has the advantage that the neck can be manufactured in a simple and efficient manner. The neck may be attached to the food package using an injection molding apparatus that injects polyethylene at high pressure onto both sides of the food package sleeve. The neck may be attached to the food package using any other suitable attachment method or apparatus. The neck and food package may be provided as a single piece by molding, or as two separate parts that are molded together.

[0014] When the body is closed with the cap, the food package is closed and the cap is in a closed position. The closed position of the cap is for securely retaining the food within the food package. When the cap is removed from the top of the body, the food package is opened and the cap is in an open position. The open position of the cap is for allowing the food to be poured from the food package. The neck is advantageous in that when the food package is closed with the cap, the food package can be easily and efficiently opened by moving the cap from the closed position to the open position.

[0015] The tether band retainer is advantageous in that it can hold the cap in place via the tether band when the cap is in the open position. The tether band retainer is further advantageous in that it allows the tether band to remain on the neck when the connection between the tether band and the cap is released and the cap is moved to the open position.

[0016] In this context, a rib should be understood to be a small protrusion located on the outer surface of the neck wall. The term small should be understood to be small relative to the thickness of the wall along a direction perpendicular to the major axis.

[0017] The neck is advantageous in that it holds the cap in place when the cap is in the open position. Thus, when the cap is in the open position, the bottom end of the cap is located between adjacent ribs such that the ribs hold the cap in place. This makes it easier to pour food from the food package without the cap interfering with the top where the food is poured.

[0018] The neck is further advantageous in that it allows the bottom end of the cap to contact a rib on the outer surface of the neck wall as the cap is moved from the closed position to the open position. When the bottom end of the cap contacts the rib, a sound may, and preferably does, sound. This sound indicates that the cap is moving from the closed position to the open position. When the sound stops, the cap is in the open position, and preferably in the open position. This sound may be referred to as a confirmation sound, indicating that the cap is in the open position and food may be poured from the food package. This facilitates providing an efficient and user-friendly opening of food packages that can inform the user when the cap is moving between the closed and open positions and when the cap is in the open position.

[0019] Further advantages include a more stable neck and greater material efficiency.

[0020] The ribs may be arranged with a centre spacing along the major axis of 0.4-0.8mm. This is advantageous in that it allows the cap to be placed between adjacent ribs when the cap is in the open position. This is further advantageous in that it allows the cap to be held between adjacent ribs in such a way that the ribs contact the lower edge of the cap when the cap is in the open position. This is further advantageous in that it allows sound to be produced.

[0021] The ribs should preferably not be placed too close together, as this may prevent the cap from fitting between adjacent ribs. Furthermore, if the ribs are placed too close together, the cap may not contact the ribs and may not produce sound. Here, "too close" should be interpreted as a center-to-center distance of less than 0.4 mm. The ribs should preferably not be placed too far from each other, as this may prevent sound and the cap may not be held in place by the ribs when in the open position. Here, "too far from each other" should be interpreted as a center-to-center distance of 0.8 mm or more.

[0022] The rib extension may be 0.05-0.20 mm. This is advantageous in that it allows the cap to be easily and efficiently positioned between adjacent ribs. This is further advantageous in that it allows the cap to be held in place when the cap is in the open position. Thus, if the rib extension is too small, the cap may slip over the ribs instead of being held in place between the ribs. Here, "too small" should be interpreted as a rib extension less than 0.05 mm. If the rib extension is too large, it may be difficult to easily and efficiently position the cap between adjacent ribs. Here, "too large" should be interpreted as a rib extension greater than 0.20 mm.

[0023] The outer surface of the neck wall may be provided with at least three ribs, preferably the outer surface of the neck is provided with five ribs.

[0024] The ribs may be arranged parallel to one another and extend circumferentially about the neck wall, which has the advantage that the cap can be more easily placed in an open position all around the neck wall, thus allowing the food package to be opened in an efficient and flexible manner.

[0025] The rib may have a thickness in the direction parallel to the major axis of 0.20 to 0.50 mm.

[0026] The outer surface of the neck wall may be provided with external threads for engaging the cap, and the rib may be disposed between the external threads. The rib may be disposed between the external threads when viewed perpendicular to the major axis. The rib may be disposed between the external threads when viewed parallel to the major axis.

[0027] The external thread is usually designed as a helical thread arranged on the outer surface of the neck wall. The external thread is advantageous in that it can easily receive a cap which preferably includes an internal thread. Preferably, the external thread of the neck engages with the internal thread of the cap such that the cap is held in place when the cap is in the closed state. The external thread is further advantageous in that it allows the cap to be sealed to the neck when the cap is in the closed position.

[0028] The external threads may have an external thread extension in a direction perpendicular to the major axis, and the rib extension may be less than 50% of the external thread extension.

[0029] As mentioned above, it is preferred, but not necessary, that the body is a cylindrical body. In at least this case, the external thread extension is the same as the radial extension when viewed from a radial direction. By making the rib extension smaller than the external thread extension, the rib does not interfere with the external thread and vice versa. The purpose of the rib, as mentioned above, is to hold the cap in place when the cap is in the open position and to allow sound to be made when the cap is moved from the closed position to the open position. The purpose of the external thread, as mentioned above, is to hold the cap in place when the cap is in the closed position.

[0030] The tether band retainer may have the form of a flange extending around the periphery of the body, and the rib may be disposed between the flange and the top of the body, viewed along the major axis.

[0031] The external threads may be disposed along the major axis between the flange and the top of the body.

[0032] The flange may have a flange extension in a direction perpendicular to the major axis, and the rib extension may be less than 25% of the flange extension.

[0033] As mentioned above, it is preferred, but not required, that the main body be a cylindrical main body. In at least this case, the flange extensions are the same as the radial extensions when viewed radially. The rib extensions can be made smaller than the flange extensions to prevent the ribs from interfering with the flanges, and vice versa.

[0034] According to a second aspect, there is provided a neck and cap arrangement for closing a food package, the neck and cap arrangement comprising a neck according to the first aspect and a cap configured to be positioned over the neck, the cap comprising a top configured to close a top of the neck, a cap wall extending from the top and a tether band configured to connect the cap to a tether band retainer of the neck such that the cap is secured to the neck when the cap is in an open position, the tether band configured to pull a lower edge of the cap wall into contact with a rib of the neck wall when the cap is in the open position.

[0035] In this context, the lower edge of the cap wall is defined as being part of the cap wall. It should be noted that the lower edge can also be considered as an extension of the tether band, which is part of the cap after opening. The lower edge is configured to be disposed between adjacent ribs, as described above, to maintain the cap in place when the cap is in the open position. Thus, the neck and cap configuration is advantageous in that it allows the cap to be maintained in place relative to the neck when the cap is in the open position.

[0036] This has the further advantage that the food package can be closed simply and efficiently.This has the further advantage that the food package can be opened simply and efficiently.

[0037] The tether band can be configured to pull a lower edge of the cap wall against the rib when the cap is moved from the closed position to the open position, facilitating the lower edge of the cap to contact the rib so as to provide the sound as described above when the cap is moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0038] The tether bands can pull the lower edge of the cap wall into contact with the ribs, thereby facilitating placement of the cap in a desired location, i.e., between adjacent ribs, when the cap is in the open position. Thus, the tether bands are advantageous in that they allow simple and efficient control of the movement and positioning of the cap.

[0039] Additionally, the advantages and features of the second aspect are generally similar to those discussed above in relation to the first aspect, however the neck is advantageous in that it enables the advantages and features when the cap is introduced, and the neck and cap configuration is advantageous in that it enables these advantages and features.

[0040] The tether band may include a first tether band portion and a second tether band portion extending from a lower edge of the cap wall opposite the lower edge toward the tether band retainer.

[0041] This has the advantage that the tether band can be connected to the tether band retainer on the neck on the opposite side of the neck, so that when the cap is in the open position, the cap is held in place relative to the neck in a simple and efficient manner.

[0042] This is further advantageous in that the tether band portion is configured to pull the lower edge of the cap wall into contact with the rib, so that when the cap is in the open position, the cap is pulled towards the neck, thereby holding it in place.

[0043] The tether band may include a ring-shaped portion that may be connected to the tether band holder.

[0044] The ring-shaped portion may form a so-called tamper-evident ring of the cap, which indicates whether the cap has previously been opened.

[0045] According to a third aspect, there is provided a cap configured to close a neck of a food package, the cap comprising: a top configured to close a top of the neck; a cap wall extending from the top and having a cap edge opposite the top; and a tether band having an upper edge attached to the cap edge and configured to connect the cap to a tether band retainer of the neck to secure the cap to the neck when attachment of the tether band to the cap edge is released, the tether band having a lower edge opposite the upper edge and a first slit located between the cap edge and the upper edge of the tether band, the first slit separating the cap edge from the tether band along at least 270° of a circumference of the tether band; and a second slit located between at least a portion of the first slit and the lower edge of the tether band, the second slit severing the tether band along 90° to 270° of a circumference of the tether band.

[0046] The cap is preferably injection molded with a tether band that is coaxially connected to the cap itself by a number of breakable bridges, e.g., first and second cuts, and is designed to remain attached to the neck when the bridges break and the cap is unscrewed, such that disruption of the attachment of the tether band to the cap edge disrupts the number of breakable bridges.

[0047] The first break may be defined as a first tamper evidence means located between the cap edge and the top edge of the tether band by at least one breakable bridge. The at least one breakable bridge is configured to break during movement of the cap. Thus, the at least one breakable bridge is configured to break when the cap is moved from the closed position for the first time. This is advantageous in that it may indicate whether the cap has been previously opened.

[0048] The second break may be defined as a second tamper evidence means by at least one breakable bridge located between at least a portion of the first break and a lower end of the tether band. The at least one breakable bridge is configured to break during movement of the cap. Thus, the at least one breakable bridge is configured to break when the cap is moved from the closed position for the first time. The second break is for forming the first tether band portion and the second tether band portion as described above.

[0049] The tamper evidence means is defined as a tamper resistant or tamper evident feature of the cap. The tamper evidence means is advantageous in that it indicates whether the food package has been previously opened. Thus, in order to open the food package, the first and second breaks in the tether band must be broken. The break indicates that the food package has been previously opened. Thus, the tether band is further advantageous in that it facilitates a security mechanism that indicates whether the food package has been previously opened. Thus, the tether band has a tether band function and a tamper evidence function. The tether band is both a tether band and a tamper evidence band.

[0050] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a food package for holding a food product comprising a neck and cap arrangement according to the second aspect and a carton-based body for holding the food product, the body to which the neck and cap arrangement is attached to close the food package.

[0051] The advantages and features of the second, third and fourth aspects are generally similar to those discussed above in relation to the first aspect.

[0052] Further objects, features, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a food package having a cap and neck configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the neck of the food package. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the neck shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows the neck shown in FIG. 3 in more detail. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the neck and cap configuration of a food package, with the cap in a closed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the neck shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic rear view of the neck and cap arrangement shown in FIGS. 5-6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view showing the neck and cap arrangement, with the cap in an open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the neck and cap configuration shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the neck and cap arrangement shown in FIG. 8, with the cap removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a neck and cap arrangement. [Figure 12] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams showing variations in neck and cap configurations. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a cap parking protrusion disposed on a neck. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a cap parking protrusion disposed on a neck. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a cap parking protrusion disposed on a neck. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a cap parking protrusion disposed on a neck. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a food package 10 for holding a food product is illustrated. The food package 10 has a bottle shape formed by a carton-based body 11, preferably made from a carton-based laminate, and a top 12. The carton-based body 11 is for holding a food product. The top 12 may include a shoulder portion 13, as shown in FIG. 1. The food package 10 also includes a neck 20. The neck 20 may be integrally formed with the top 12, or the entire top 12 including the neck 20 may be provided as one piece by molding, or may be provided as two separate parts that are molded together. The neck 20 will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 2-4. The food package 10 further includes a cap 30 that is disposed on the neck 20 to close the food package 10. The neck 20 and the cap 30 form a neck and cap arrangement 500 for closing the food package 10. The neck and cap arrangement will be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 5-12.

[0056] With reference to Figures 2-4, the neck 20 introduced in relation to Figure 1 is shown in further detail. In Figures 2-3, the neck 20 is attached to the top 12 of the food package 10. Figure 2 shows a side view of the neck 20. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the neck 20 shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the neck 20 in further detail.

[0057] The neck 20 comprises a body 200. The body 200 comprises an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 220. The lower portion 220 is attached to the top 12 of the food package 10. The upper portion 210 is formed as a spout to allow food to be poured from the food package in an easy and controllable manner.

[0058] The body 200 further comprises a neck wall 230 extending between the upper portion 210 and the lower portion 220 along the major axis A. As shown in detail in Figure 4, the neck wall 230 has a wall thickness WT along a direction R perpendicular to the major axis A, which is 0.55 mm. Other thicknesses may be used, such as 0.25 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

[0059] The neck wall 230 has an outer surface 235 and an inner surface 236 (see FIG. 11). The outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is provided with a cap parking projection 231. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap parking projection 231 has the form of an elongated rib 231. In FIG. 4, the outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is provided with five ribs 231. Preferably, at least three ribs 231 are disposed on the outer surface 235.

[0060] As shown in detail in FIG. 4, each rib 231 has a rib extension RE in a direction R perpendicular to the major axis A. Preferably, the ribs 231 have similar rib extensions RE. The rib extensions RE are less than 20% of the wall extension WE. Other rib extensions RE may be used, such as rib extensions RE less than 50%, preferably less than 30% of the wall extension WE. The rib extensions RE are 0.1 mm. Other rib extensions RE may be used, such as rib extensions RE between 0.05 and 0.20 mm, more preferably between 0.08 and 0.12 mm. Each rib 231 has a rib thickness RT in a direction D parallel to the major axis A. The rib thickness RT is 0.34 mm. Other rib thicknesses RT may be used, such as rib thicknesses between 0.20 and 0.50 mm, more preferably between 0.30 and 0.40 mm. The ribs are spaced apart by a rib distance RD. The rib distance RD is 0.3 mm. Other rib distances may be used, such as a rib distance of 0.1 to 0.5 mm.

[0061] The ribs 231 are arranged such that they have a center-to-center distance CD along the major axis A of 0.6 mm. Other distances may be used, such as a center-to-center distance CD of 0.4 to 0.8 mm.

[0062] 2, the ribs 231 are arranged parallel to one another. The ribs 231 extend in the circumferential direction of the neck wall 230. The ribs 231 extend in a direction R perpendicular to the main axis A.

[0063] The exterior surface 235 of the neck wall 230 further includes external threads 232. The external threads 232 are for engaging the cap 30 when the cap 30 is in the closed position. This is further illustrated in connection with Figures 5-7.

[0064] As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the outer thread 232 has an outer thread extension ETE in a direction R perpendicular to the major axis A. The outer thread extension ETE is 0.55 mm. Other extensions may be used, such as an outer thread extension ETE of 0.35 to 0.75 mm. The rib extension RE is less than 10% of the outer thread extension ETE in the direction R perpendicular to the major axis A. Other rib extensions RE may be used, such as rib extensions less than 50%, preferably less than 15%, of the outer thread extension ETE. The outer thread 232 has an outer thread thickness ETT in a direction D parallel to the major axis A.

[0065] Returning to Figures 2 and 3, the outer surface 235 of the neck wall 230 is further provided with a tether band retainer 233. The tether band retainer 233 is configured to retain the cap to the neck 30 via a tether band 331, which will be described in more detail in relation to Figures 5-11. The tether band retainer 233 has the form of a flange. The flange extends around the periphery of the body 200. The rib 231 is disposed between the flange and the top of the body 200, as viewed along the major axis A, and the external threads 232 are disposed between the flange and the top 210 of the body 200, as viewed along the major axis A. Other extensions may be used, such as a flange extension FE of 0.2 to 0.6 mm. The rib extension RE is less than 10% of the flange extension in a direction R perpendicular to the major axis A. Other rib extensions RE may be used, such as a rib extension less than 50%, preferably less than 25%, of the flange extension FE. The flange has a flange thickness FT in a direction D parallel to the major axis A.

[0066] 5-11, there is illustrated a neck and cap arrangement 500. The neck and cap arrangement 500 comprises a neck 20 as described in connection with Figures 2-4 and a cap 30 as introduced in connection with Figure 1.

[0067] With reference to Figures 5-7, the cap 30 is in a closed position, closing the top 210 of the neck 20 of the food package. When the cap 30 is in the closed position, the cap 30 is placed on the body 200 and closes the top 210 of the body 200. Figure 5 shows a side view of the neck and cap arrangement 500. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the neck and cap arrangement 500. Figure 7 shows a rear view of the neck and cap arrangement 500. With reference to Figures 8-11, the cap 30 is in an open position. When the cap 30 is in the open position, the cap 30 is removed from the top 210 of the body 200. The open position of the cap 30 is for allowing food to be poured from the food package 10. Figure 8 is a schematic side view of the neck and cap arrangement 500. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the neck and cap arrangement 500. Figure 10 is a side view of the neck and cap arrangement 500 shown in Figure 8 with the cap 30 removed. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the neck and cap arrangement 500.

[0068] The cap 30 comprises a top portion 310 and a cap wall 320. The top portion 310 is configured to close the top portion 210 of the neck 20. The cap wall 320 extends from the top portion 310 along a major axis A. When the cap 30 closes the neck 20, the cap wall 320 surrounds the neck wall 230. The cap wall 320 has a cap edge 321 located opposite the top portion 310. The cap wall 320 further comprises a lower edge 322 forming a part of the cap edge 321. The lower edge 322 is configured to contact the ribs 231 when the cap 30 is in the open position, as shown in detail in Figures 8-11. The lower edge is disposed between adjacent ribs 231 to hold the cap 30 in place relative to the neck 20 when the cap 30 is in the open position.

[0069] The cap 30 further comprises a tether band 330. The tether band 330 is configured to couple the cap 30 to the tether band retainer 233, as shown in detail in FIG. 9. This facilitates securing the cap 30 to the neck 20 when the cap 30 is in the open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. The tether band 330 has an upper edge 331a and a lower edge 331b. The upper edge 331a is attached to the cap edge 321. The tether band 330 is configured to secure the cap 30 to the neck 20 when at least a portion of the attachment of the tether band 330 to the cap edge 321 breaks. The tether band 330 is further configured to pull the lower edge 322 of the cap wall 320 into contact with the rib 231 of the neck wall 230 when the cap 30 is in the open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10.

[0070] The cap 30 further comprises a first break 334. The first break 334 is located between the cap edge 321 and the top edge 331a of the tether band 330. The first break 334 forms part of the attachment between the cap edge 321 and the top edge 331a. The first break 334 extends along at least 270 degrees of the circumference of the tether band 330. The cap 30 further comprises a non-cut portion 335 located between the cap edge 321 and the top edge 331a of the tether band 330. The non-cut portion 335 is located along the circumference of the tether band 330 where the first break 334 is not located. The non-cut portion 335 is located at the bottom edge 322 of the cap 30. Thus, the first break 334 extends along the circumference of the tether band 330 from a first side of the lower edge 322 to a second, opposite side of the lower edge 322. Thus, the first break 334 and the uncut portion 335 together extend around the complete circumference of the cap 30. As best shown in FIGS. 8-10, when the cap 30 is in the open position, there is a first break 334 along at least 270 degrees of the circumference of the tether band 330 separating the cap edge 321 from the tether band 330. The first break 334 in the cap 30 is formed by one or more breakable bridges configured to break and thereby separate the cap edge 321 and the upper edge 331a when the cap 30 is moved to the open position. The first break 334 forms a tamper-evident means in the tether band 330 that indicates whether the cap 30 has previously been opened, ie, whether the first break 334 has been broken.

[0071] The cap 30 further comprises a second break 336. The second break 336 is located between at least a portion of the first break 334 and the bottom edge 331b of the tether band 330. The second break 336 extends along 90-270 degrees of the circumference of the cap 30, preferably 180 degrees as illustrated in Figs. 8-11. The cap 30 further comprises a non-cut portion 337 located between at least a portion of the first break 334 and the bottom edge 331b of the tether band 330. The non-cut portion 337 is located along the circumference of the tether band 330 where the second break 336 is not located. Thus, the second break 336 and the non-cut portion 337 together extend around the complete circumference of the cap 30. The second break 335 forms a further tamper evidence means of the tether band 330 similar to the tamper evidence means as described in relation to the first break 334.

[0072] The second cut 336 forms the first tether band portion 330a and the second tether band portion 330b of the tether band 330. As shown in detail in Figs. 8-11, when the cap 30 is in the open position, the second cut 336 separates the first and second tether band portions 330a, 330b from the ring-shaped portion 338 of the tether band 330. The ring-shaped portion 338 is connected to the tether band retainer 233 configured to hold the cap 30 in place when the cap 30 is in the open position. Thus, when the cap 30 is in the open position, the second cut 336 is configured to separate at least a portion of the first cut 334 and the lower edge 331b of the tether band 330, whereby the tether band portions 330a, 330b are separated from the ring-shaped portion 338. 10, the tether band portions 330a, 330b and the ring portion 338 are separated by an angle α between 0 and 30 degrees. In addition to the angle α, FIG. 10 illustrates similar features to those disclosed in FIG. 8, except that the cap 30 has been removed in FIG. 10 so that the angle α can be illustratively shown. When the cap 30 is in the open position, the first and second tether band portions 330a, 330b are twisted to position the cap 30 between adjacent ribs 231.

[0073] First and second tether band portions 330 a , 330 b extend from the lower edge 322 of the cap wall 320 .

[0074] The tether band 330 comprises a further portion 339 extending from each of the tether band portions 330a, 330b, as viewed in a direction R transverse to the main axis A, along a circumference of the cap 30 where the tether band portions 330a, 330b are not located.

[0075] The first and second tether band portions 330a, 330b are connected to and extend from opposite sides of a further portion 339 of the tether band 330 on opposite sides of the lower edge 322 when viewed along a direction R transverse to the main axis A when the cap is in the closed position.

[0076] The tether band portions 330a, 330b are connected on a first side to the ring portion via a second slit 336. The tether band portions 330a, 330b are connected on a second side to the cap 30 via a first slit 334. The second side is opposite the first side along the main axis A.

[0077] Thus, the first and second tether band portions 330 a , 330 b , the ring-shaped portion 338 and the further portion 339 form the tether band 330 .

[0078] Preferably, the cap is integrally injection molded with a tether band that is coaxially connected to the cap itself by a plurality of breakable bridges, e.g., first and second cuts 334, 336, which may be formed by a knife configured to form the breakable bridges.

[0079] 11, in addition to what has been described above, the cap 30 of the neck and cap arrangement 500 further comprises internal threads 323. The internal threads 323 are configured to engage with the external threads 232 of the neck 20 when the cap 30 is in the closed position.

[0080] Referring to Figure 12, a variation of a neck and cap arrangement 1200 is illustrated. The neck and cap arrangement 1200 is for closing a food package 10'. The neck and cap arrangement 1200 includes a neck 20' and a cap 30'. The neck 20' may be similar to the neck 20 described in connection with Figures 2-4 above. The cap 30' has similar features to the cap 30 described in connection with Figures 5-11 above, but is, for example, a flip cap instead of a screw cap.

[0081] The neck 20' comprises a body 200'. The body 200' has an upper portion 210' and a lower portion 220'. The upper portion 210' is configured to be closed with a cap 30'. The lower portion 220' is configured to be attached to a food package 10'.

[0082] The neck 20' further comprises a neck wall 230' extending between the upper portion 210' and the lower portion 220' along the major axis A. The neck wall 230' comprises a tether band retaining portion 233' configured to retain the cap 30' to the neck 20' via a tether band 330'. The neck wall 230' has an outer surface 235' and an inner surface (not shown). The outer surface 235' is provided with ribs 231'.

[0083] Although not shown, neck wall 230' has a wall thickness WT along a direction perpendicular to major axis A, and rib 231' has an extension RE extending in a direction R perpendicular to major axis A. The wall thickness WT and rib extension RE are similar to the wall thickness WT and rib extension RE described in connection with FIG.

[0084] The cap 30' comprises a top portion 310' and a cap wall 320'. The top portion 310' is configured to close the upper portion 210' of the neck 20'. The cap wall 320' extends from the top portion 310' along a major axis A.

[0085] The cap 30' further comprises a tether band 330' configured to couple the cap 30' to the tether band retainer 233' of the neck 20', thereby securing the cap 30' to the neck 20' when the cap 30' is in the open position, as shown in FIG. 12. The tether band 330' is further configured to pull the lower edge 322' of the cap wall 320' into contact with the rib 231 of the neck wall 230' when the cap 30' is in the open position, thereby holding the cap 30' in place when the cap 30' is in the open position.

[0086] In addition to what has been described and illustrated in connection with FIG. 12, the neck and cap configuration 1200 as shown in FIG. 12 may provide similar features and advantages as described in connection with FIGS. 2-11 above.

[0087] The rib 231 does not have to extend around the entire circumference of the neck 20. It is sufficient if it extends at a small angle, for example about 15°, relative to the circumference of the neck. In this case, the user must rotate the cap 30 so that its lower edge 322 contacts the rib 231 in order to keep the cap 30 in the open position.

[0088] The rib 231 may be located above the band retaining portion 233 and below the top of the screw 232 .

[0089] Referring to FIG. 13, a variation of the cap parking projection 2311, referred to herein as rib 2311, is illustrated. The rib 2311 extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the neck wall, similar to the ribs described previously. The longitudinal extension has a component extending transversely H relative to the main axis A of the neck. This means that the rib 2311 may be inclined relative to the main axis A of the neck, as shown. Tests have shown that even if the rib 2311 is inclined, it can still be used to hold the cap in an open position. The ribs 231, 231' of the previous figures extend only in a direction perpendicular to the main axis A of the neck. This is the only difference between the ribs of the previous figures and the rib 2311 of FIG. 13.

[0090] When the neck 20 is arranged upright, the main axis A is parallel to the vertical. The rib 231 in Fig. 2 projects horizontally from the neck 20 and has a longitudinal extension parallel to the horizontal direction. The rib 2311 in Fig. 13 also projects horizontally from the neck 20 and has an extension having a component parallel to the horizontal direction and a component parallel to the vertical direction.

[0091] Some ribs may be inclined, while other ribs may be transverse to the major axis A. Some or all of the ribs may be parallel to one another.

[0092] With reference to Figure 14, the cap parking projection 2312 has the shape of a broken rib, with portions of the rib extending along the outer surface 235 of the neck wall. Figure 15 shows a similar variation, where the ribs 2313 are broken at closely spaced intervals such that the ribs 2313 are made up of dot-like portions.

[0093] 16, another variation of the cap parking projections 2314 is shown. Here, the cap parking projections 2314 are individual projections extending along the outer surface 235 of the neck wall. These projections 2314 have the same extension in a direction perpendicular to the major axis as the other embodiments of the cap parking projections. The cap parking projections 2314 cover the same area as the projections of the other variations and are closely spaced such that the lower edge 322 of the cap 30 contacts the rib projections 2314, effectively parking the cap 30.

[0094] Essentially, any protrusion may be used that provides sufficient friction to the bottom edge of the cap to prevent the bottom edge of the cap from slipping against the neck when the cap is in the open position.

[0095] Here, a "cap parking projection" may be understood to be an area on the neck wall extending perpendicular to the major axis that is above (further outboard of) those areas of the neck wall immediately adjacent to the cap parking projection. Thus, the cap parking projection may be formed by disposing a recess or groove in the neck wall, and a ridge adjacent to the recess or groove may form the cap parking projection.

[0096] All ribs described herein may have the same extension in a direction perpendicular to the major axis. They may all extend circumferentially around the neck wall, have the same thickness, extend longitudinally along the outer surface of the neck wall, have both transverse and parallel extensions to the major axis of the neck, and be located at the same position on the neck. Thus, they share the same features and may be combined with each other. Essentially, the only difference between the different cap parking projections is the particular shape they have on the neck, as shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 13-15.

[0097] One, some, or all of the parking protrusions described above, in one embodiment, are not screws, are not tamper band retainers, and / or are not tether band retainers.

[0098] From the foregoing description, while various embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A neck (20) for a food package (10), said neck (20) comprising a body (200), said body (200) comprising: a top portion (210) configured to be closed by a cap (30); a lower portion (220) configured to be attached to the food package (10); a neck wall (230) extending between the upper portion (210) and the lower portion (220) along a major axis (A) of the neck (20), the neck wall (230) having a wall thickness (WT) along a direction (R) perpendicular to the major axis (A); a tether band holder (233) configured to hold the cap (30) to the neck (20) via a tether band (330); Equipped with A cap parking projection (231) is provided on an outer surface (235) of the neck wall (230), and the cap parking projection (231) has an extension (RE) in a direction (R) perpendicular to the main axis (A) that is less than 50% of the wall thickness (WT). Neck (20).

2. The cap parking projections (231) are arranged along the major axis (A) at a center-to-center distance (CD) of 0.4 to 0.8 mm. The neck (20) of claim 1.

3. The extension (RE) of the cap parking protrusion (231) is 0.05 to 0.6 mm, 0.05 to 0.4 mm, or 0.05 to 0.20 mm; The neck (20) of claim 1.

4. The outer surface (235) of the neck wall (230) is provided with at least three of the cap parking projections (231). The neck (20) of claim 1.

5. The cap parking projection (231) extends circumferentially around the neck wall (230). The neck (20) of claim 1.

6. The cap parking projection (231) has a thickness (RT) of 0.20 to 0.50 mm in a direction (D) parallel to the main axis (A); The neck (20) of claim 1.

7. The outer surface (235) of the neck wall (230) is provided with external threads (232) for engaging with the cap (30), and the cap parking projections (231) are disposed between the external threads (232). The neck (20) of claim 1.

8. The external thread (232) has an external thread extension (ETE) in a direction (R) perpendicular to the main axis (A), and the extension (RE) of the cap parking projection (231) is less than 50% of the external thread extension (ETE). A neck (20) according to claim 7.

9. a tether band retainer (233) having a flange (233) extending around the periphery of the body (200), and the cap parking projection (231) being disposed along the major axis (A) between the flange (233) and the upper portion (210) of the body (200); The neck (20) of claim 1.

10. the flange (233) has a flange extension (FE) in a direction (R) perpendicular to the main axis (A), the extension (RE) being less than 25% of the flange extension (FE); A neck (20) according to claim 9.

11. A neck and cap arrangement (500) for closing a food package (10), said neck and cap arrangement (500) comprising: A neck (20) according to claim 1; a cap (30) configured to be placed on the neck (20); the cap (30) comprises a top (310) configured to close the top (210) of the neck (20), a cap wall (320) extending from the top (310), and a tether band (330) configured to connect the cap (30) to a tether band retainer (233) of the neck (20) such that the cap (30) is secured to the neck (20) when the cap (30) is in an open position; The tether band (330) is configured to pull the lower edge (322) of the cap wall (320) into contact with the cap parking projection (231) of the neck wall (230) when the cap (30) is in an open position. Neck and cap configuration (500).

12. the tether band (330) comprises a first tether band portion (330a) and a second tether band portion (330b) extending from the lower edge (322) of the cap wall (320) toward the tether band retainer (233) on the opposite side of the lower edge (322); The neck and cap arrangement (500) of claim 11.

13. The tether band (330) has a ring-shaped portion (338) connected to the tether band holding portion (233). The neck and cap arrangement (500) of claim 11.

14. 2. A cap (30) configured to close a neck (20) according to claim 1, said cap (30) comprising: a top portion (310) configured to close the top portion (210) of the neck (20); a cap wall (320) extending from the top (310) and having a cap edge (321) located opposite the top (310); a tether band (330) having an upper edge (331a) attached to the cap edge (321), the tether band (330) being configured to connect the cap (30) to a tether band retaining portion (233) of the neck (20) to secure the cap (30) to the neck (20) when the tether band (330) is released from the cap edge (321); The tether band (330) has a lower edge (331b) located opposite the upper edge (331a), a first cut (334) located between the cap edge (321) and the upper edge (331a) of the tether band (330), separating the cap edge (321) from the tether band (330) along at least 270° of the circumference of the tether band (330); a second cut (336) located between at least a portion of the first cut (334) and the lower edge (331b) of the tether band (330), cutting the tether band (330) along 90° to 270° of the circumference of the tether band (330); Cap (30).

15. A food package (10) for holding food, said food package (10) comprising: A neck and cap arrangement (500) according to claim 11; a carton-based body (11) for holding the food product to which a neck and cap arrangement (500) is attached to close the food product package (10); Equipped with A food package (10).

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