PACKAGING BLANK, METHOD FOR FORMING A LID-SPOUT ASSEMBLY ON A PACKAGING BLANK, LID-SPOUT ASSEMBLY, PACKAGE HAVING A LID-SPOUT ASSEMBLY, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A PACKAGING BLANK - Patent application

Abstract

A multi-layered package blank (5) for forming a package (2) is described that includes a fibrous base layer (7), a layer (9) of gas barrier material, multiple layers (8) of heat sealable plastic material, an aperture (15) configured to allow molding of a lid-spout assembly (4) around the aperture (15), and a separator membrane (16) covering the aperture (15) and including a layer of gas barrier material. The separator membrane (16) includes one or more lines of weakness (17) that define multiple covering portions (18).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging blank for forming a package having a multi-layer construction, particularly a package having a lid-spout assembly.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method of forming a lid-spout assembly onto a packaging blank, particularly a packaging blank for forming a package.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a lid-spout assembly, particularly a lid-spout assembly formed on a packaging blank.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a package for poured products, especially poured food products.

[0005] The present invention further relates to a method of forming a packaging blank.

[0006] The invention further relates to an apparatus for forming packaging blanks. [Background technology]

[0007] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from sterilized packaging materials.

[0008] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for liquid or pourable foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminate packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layer structure with a fibrous substrate layer, e.g. paper or cardboard, covered on both sides with a heat-sealable plastic material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for shelf-stable products such as UHT milk, the packaging material comprises a layer of oxygen barrier material, e.g. aluminum foil, which is laminated with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to finally form the inner surface of the package that comes into contact with the food.

[0009] This type of package is typically produced on fully automated packaging equipment which advances a web of packaging material, sterilizes it, forms it into a tube and fills it with the molded product before forming it into individual sealed packages.

[0010] Certain packages are known to be equipped with a lid-spout assembly.

[0011] The automated packaging machine includes a forming device for forming a lid-spout assembly into a web of packaging material to provide a package including the lid-spout assembly.

[0012] A typical molding apparatus includes multiple molding tools, each capable of coupling to one respective repeating unit of the web of packaging material at a time, and configured to mold a lid-spout assembly for each through hole of each repeating unit, each through hole defining a spout in the finalized package.

[0013] Finally, a package is formed from the web of packaging material carrying the lid-spout assemblies molded into each repeating unit.

[0014] Although the packages thus obtained have demonstrated excellent operating results, a need is felt in the art for further improving known packages having lid-spout assemblies. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging blank, in particular one which allows for the formation of improved packages with respective lid-spout assemblies in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved, simple and low cost method for forming a lid-spout assembly into a packaging blank, particularly a packaging blank which can then be formed into a package.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lid-spout assembly, particularly an improved lid-spout assembly having improved gas barrier properties, which is simple and low cost.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved package for poured products, particularly poured food products, which is convenient and low cost.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method for forming packaging blanks which is simple and low cost.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for forming improved packaging blanks which is simple and low cost.

[0021] According to the present invention there is provided a packaging blank as claimed in claim 1.

[0022] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the packaging blank are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

[0023] According to the present invention there is provided a method for forming a lid-spout assembly on a packaging blank as claimed in claim 7.

[0024] Preferred, non-limiting embodiments of the molding method are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

[0025] According to the present invention there is provided a lid-spout assembly as set forth in claim 11.

[0026] According to the present invention there is provided a package as claimed in claim 12.

[0027] According to the present invention there is provided a method for forming a packaging blank as claimed in claim 13 or 14.

[0028] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for forming packaging blanks as claimed in claim 15. [Means for solving the problem]

[0029] 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]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, with parts removed for clarity, of a packaging machine for forming a package having a lid-spout assembly. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a packaging blank of the present invention with parts removed for clarity; [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a detail of the packaging blank according to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram, with parts removed for clarity, of a forming tool interacting with a portion of the packaging blank of FIG. 2 . [Diagram 5] 1A-1D are schematic and simplified diagrams showing details of the molding process for forming the lid-spout assembly, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lid-spout assembly according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of a packaging blank of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of a portion of the packaging blank of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Number 1 indicates as a whole a packaging machine for producing (sealed) packages 2 of poured products, in particular poured food products such as pasteurized milk, fruit juice, wine, tomato sauce, etc., each package 2 having at least a body 3 and one respective lid-spout assembly 4 fixed to the body 3.

[0032] In particular, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2, in particular respective bodies 3, from respective packaging blanks 5. In particular, the packaging blanks 5 are arranged successively one after the other in the form of a web of packaging material 6.

[0033] More specifically, each packaging blank 5 may define a respective repeat unit of the web of packaging material 6. In other words, the packaging material web 6 may comprise a plurality of repeat units / packaging blanks 5 arranged successively (equally spaced) relative to one another, in particular along the packaging material web 6. Even more specifically, each repeat unit / packaging blank 5 is intended to form one respective package 2, in particular a respective body 3. In other words, the packaging machine 1 is configured to produce packages 2 from the web of packaging material 6 such that each package 2, in particular each body 3, results from one respective repeat unit / packaging blank 5.

[0034] In particular, each repeating unit / packaging blank 5 may be defined by one respective pattern present on the web of packaging material 6, such as the presence of an information tag indicating production date, production lot, personalized information, etc.

[0035] Moreover, as described in more detail below, each lid-spout assembly 4 may be molded onto a respective packaging blank 5. Then, in use, each lid-spout assembly 4 is secured onto a respective body 3 during formation of the package 2, and in particular the body 3.

[0036] 3, each packaging blank 5 has a multi-layer structure, comprising at least a fibrous base layer 7 (i.e. a layer of fibrous material), for example paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material 8, for example polyethylene, sandwiching the layer of fibrous material 7. One of these two layers of heat-sealable plastic material 8 defines the inner surface of each package 2, in particular of each body 3, and which will ultimately come into contact with the dispensed product.

[0037] Each packaging blank 5 may also comprise a layer of a gas barrier material 9, for example an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealing plastic material 8 and the layer of fibrous material 7. Preferably, each packaging blank 5 may comprise a further layer of heat-sealing plastic material 8 interposed between the layer of gas barrier material 9 and the layer of fibrous material 7.

[0038] More particularly, the layer of gas barrier material 9 may define a barrier against gases, in particular against oxygen, in particular making it possible to maintain a defined quality of the poured food product for a longer period of time.

[0039] Preferably, the layer of gas barrier material 9 may also be adapted to act as a light barrier material.

[0040] Each packaging blank 5 may also include a first side and a second side, in particular the first side being the side of the packaging blank 5 that forms the inner surface of the formed package 2, in particular each body 3, that will ultimately contact the filled poured food product.

[0041] Furthermore, each packaging blank 5 may be provided with a hole 15 that is particularly configured to allow molding of the respective lid-spout assembly 4 around the hole 15 .

[0042] Preferably, at least a portion of each hole 15 may define a respective pouring outlet of each package 2 formed from each packaging blank 3, in particular to enable pouring of the poured product from each body 3.

[0043] Furthermore, with particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, each packaging blank 5 is provided with a separator membrane 16 covering each hole 15 and comprising a layer of gas barrier material.

[0044] Additionally, the separator 16 includes one or more lines of weakness 17 that define a plurality of covering portions 18, and in the illustrated example includes three lines of weakness.

[0045] As will be explained in more detail below, the presence of one or more weakened lines 17 allows each covering portion 18 to be attached, and in particular fused, to a particular portion of each lid-spout assembly 4, thereby improving the gas barrier properties of each lid-spout assembly 4.

[0046] 3, each separator 16 may comprise one or more layers of heat seal material. In particular, each separator 16 may comprise two layers of heat seal material with a layer of gas barrier material interposed between them.

[0047] More specifically, each separator membrane 16 may be defined by a respective portion of a layer of gas barrier material 9 , and in particular by a respective portion of one or more layers of heat seal plastic material 8 .

[0048] Furthermore, each hole 15 may be defined by a through hole in the fibrous base layer 7. Such through holes may for example be obtained by a punching step of a blank of the fibrous base layer which is devoid of holes 15 and / or through holes. Furthermore, the blank of the fibrous base layer may be laminated after the punching step in order to obtain the respective packaging blank 5. In particular, during the lamination process the holes 15 are covered by a layer of heat-sealable plastic material 8, and a respective separating membrane 16 is defined.

[0049] With particular reference to FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, each aperture 15 may extend in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis A and a transverse axis B that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0050] Furthermore, an imaginary vertical line parallel to the longitudinal axis A and an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the transverse axis B intersect at a respective point, in particular a center point, of the hole 15. In Figures 2, 7 and 8, only the longitudinal axis A and the transverse axis B are shown. However, each imaginary vertical line and each imaginary horizontal line are substantially coaxial with the depicted longitudinal axis A and the depicted transverse axis B.

[0051] Each hole 15 may have a first extension line, in particular a first maximum extension line E1, along an imaginary vertical line, and furthermore each hole 15 may have a second extension line, in particular a second maximum extension line E2, along an imaginary horizontal line.

[0052] Preferably, the respective first maximum extension line E1 of each hole 15 may be greater than the respective second maximum extension line E2 of each hole 15. In other words, each hole 15 has a greater length than it has a width.

[0053] According to some preferred embodiments, each first line of maximum extension E1 may be in the range of 20 mm to 28 mm, in particular 20 mm to 25 mm.

[0054] The applicant has determined that such a size is also advantageous with regard to the possibility of improving the respective lid-spout assemblies 4 arranged around the respective holes 15 .

[0055] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the ratio between each first maximum extension line E1 and each second maximum extension line E2 may be in the range of 1.0 to 2.8, in particular in the range of 1.0 to 2.5.

[0056] Preferably, each second maximum extension line E2 may be in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0057] Each hole 15 may be symmetrical with respect to a respective imaginary longitudinal line. In other words, each axis of symmetry corresponds to a respective imaginary longitudinal line. With reference to Figures 2, 7 and 8, each axis of symmetry corresponds to the depicted longitudinal axis A.

[0058] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, each hole 15 may have only one axis of symmetry, ie corresponding to a respective imaginary vertical line.

[0059] Furthermore, each hole 15 may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the respective imaginary horizontal line.

[0060] With particular reference to Figures 2, 7 and 8, each hole 15 may be bounded by and / or comprised of a first lateral edge 40, a second lateral edge 41, a first longitudinal edge 42 and a second longitudinal edge 43.

[0061] In particular, the first lateral edge 40 , the second lateral edge 41 , the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 may define an annular rim of the hole 15 .

[0062] Preferably, the first lateral edge 40 and the second lateral edge 41 may be spaced apart from one another, in particular along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Further, the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 may be spaced apart from one another, in particular along a direction parallel to the transverse axis B.

[0063] Additionally, each of the first lateral edge 40 and the second lateral edge 41 may contact the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 .

[0064] Preferably, the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 may extend along a direction (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0065] Furthermore, the extension of each of the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43 is greater than the extension of each of the first lateral edge 40 and the second lateral edge 41 .

[0066] More specifically, the extension of each of the first lateral edges 40 is greater than the extension of each of the second lateral edges 41 .

[0067] The respective extensions of the first longitudinal edge 42 and the second longitudinal edge 43, and in particular their respective shapes, are equal to each other.

[0068] More specifically, each first lateral edge 40 may have a first connection portion 44 connected to the first longitudinal edge 42 and a second connection portion 45 connected to the second longitudinal edge 43.

[0069] Preferably, each of the first connecting portions 44 and each of the second connecting portions 45 may be curved.

[0070] Furthermore, the respective radius of curvature of each first connection portion 44 and / or each second connection portion 45 may be in the range of 3.75 mm to 5 mm, in particular in the range of 3.9 mm to 4.3 mm, and more in particular 4 mm.

[0071] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first connecting portion 44 and / or each second connecting portion 45 may be outwardly convex.

[0072] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first lateral edge 40 may include a straight portion 46 .

[0073] More specifically, each first longitudinal edge 42 and each second longitudinal edge 43 may be curved.

[0074] Furthermore, each first longitudinal edge 42 and each second longitudinal edge 43 may comprise a respective first section 47 and a respective second section 48. In particular, each first section 47 may be connected to a respective first lateral edge 40, and each second section 48 may be connected to a respective second lateral edge 41.

[0075] Preferably, the radius of curvature of each of the first sections 47 may be in the range of 200 mm to 280 mm.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the radius of curvature of each of the second sections 48 may be in the range of 18 mm to 22 mm.

[0077] Furthermore, each second lateral edge 41 may comprise a respective third connection portion 49 connected to the first longitudinal edge 41 and a fourth connection portion 50 connected to the second longitudinal edge 42 .

[0078] In particular, each third connection portion 49 and each fourth connection portion 50 may be coupled to a respective second section 48 .

[0079] More specifically, each of the third connection portions 49 and each of the fourth connection portions 50 may be curved.

[0080] Preferably, the respective radius of curvature of each third connection portion 49 and / or each fourth connection portion 50 may be in the range of 3.5 mm to 5 mm, in particular, the respective radius of curvature may be in the range of 3.8 mm to 4.5 mm, and more particularly, the respective radius of curvature may be 4.0 mm.

[0081] Furthermore, each of the third connection portions 49 and / or each of the fourth connection portions 50 may be outwardly convex.

[0082] With particular reference to Figures 7 and 8, each packaging blank 5 may be provided with a number of fold lines 51 along which the packaging blank 5 is folded in use (to define the shape of each body 3).

[0083] Preferably, but not necessarily, each hole 15 may be located within an area bounded by two fold lines 51 parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A and two fold lines 51 parallel to the respective transverse axis B. In particular, no further fold lines are located within the respective area of ​​each hole 15.

[0084] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the at least one weakened line 17 may extend substantially parallel to, in particular parallel to, and / or along the respective first axis A.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, each separator 16 may include a number of lines of weakness 17 .

[0086] However, each separation membrane 16 may include only one line of weakness 17, which may preferably extend substantially parallel to, in particular parallel to, and / or along the respective first axis A.

[0087] Preferably, each weakened line 17 may have a (substantially) straight shape.

[0088] 2, each separation membrane 16 may include one further line of weakness 17 (not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to clarify other features of the holes 15) extending between and transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the two further lines of weakness 17. In particular, the further lines of weakness 17 may be spaced apart from one another along the respective first axes A. According to such a non-limiting embodiment, each separation membrane 16 may include four covering portions 18.

[0089] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each cover portion 18 may be axially movable about a respective hinge axis C.

[0090] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each line of weakness 17 may be defined by a perforation, an incision, an excision or a cut.

[0091] In other words, each weakened line 17 may be formed by the operation of a cutting knife, a perforating tool, or an ablation tool.

[0092] Preferably, each lid-spout assembly 4 may be configured to allow access to and / or pouring of a pourable food product packaged within a respective package 2, particularly following operation of the lid-spout assembly 4. In particular, operation of the lid-spout assembly 4 may be reversible or irreversible.

[0093] More specifically, and with particular reference to Figures 5 and 6, each lid-spout assembly 4 includes a collar 19 having a spout 20 (covered by a portion of the lid-spout assembly 4 in Figure 6). In particular, the spout 20 may be aligned with the respective aperture 15, and more particularly, may overlap at least a portion of the respective aperture 15.

[0094] Each collar 19 may include and / or define a flow passage 21 configured to allow the flow of dispensed food product within the flow passage 21 itself. The flow passage 21 may extend between an inlet 22 of the collar 19 and a respective outlet 20.

[0095] Further, each lid-spout assembly 4 may comprise a base frame 23 that connects each lid-spout assembly 4 to a respective packaging blank 5 and about a respective hole 15. In particular, each collar 19 protrudes from a respective base frame 23.

[0096] In particular, each base frame 23 may be formed to cover a respective hole 15 and include an opening aligned with the outlet 20 and the inlet 22 .

[0097] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the extension of each inlet 22 and / or each outlet 20 may be smaller than the extension of the respective hole 15. In other words, each inlet 22 and / or each outlet 20 may cover only a portion of the hole 15. Furthermore, other parts of the hole 15 that are not covered by the inlet openings 22 and / or each inlet 20 may be covered by the base frame 23.

[0098] Preferably, each lid-spout assembly 4 also includes a lid element 24 configured to cover the respective spout 20 .

[0099] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each collar 19 and / or each outlet 20 and / or each inlet 22 may extend along a respective third axis, in particular a third axis parallel to the respective first axis A, and a fourth axis, in particular parallel to the respective second axis B. Preferably, each third axis is (substantially) perpendicular to the respective fourth axis.

[0100] Furthermore, the third extension of each collar 19 and / or each spout 20 and / or each inlet 22 along its respective third axis may be greater than the fourth extension of each collar 19 and / or each spout 20 and / or each inlet 22 along its respective fourth axis.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, each collar 19 and / or each spout 20 and / or each inlet 22 may be symmetrical about a respective third axis and preferably asymmetrical about a respective fourth axis, in other words each collar 19 and / or each spout 20 and / or each inlet 22 has only one axis of symmetry.

[0102] More specifically, each collar 19 may include an outer surface 25, particularly facing away from the respective flow passage 21. Preferably, each collar 19 may also include an inner surface 26 opposite the outer surface 25, particularly facing the respective flow passage 21.

[0103] Advantageously, each covering portion 18 may be configured to move during molding of the respective lid-spout assembly 4 to cover a respective portion of the respective exterior surface 25 .

[0104] In particular, the presence of at least one line of weakness 17, and preferably its interaction with the tooling used during forming of the lid-spout assembly 4 (see further below), allows for controlled movement of the covering portion 18.

[0105] Thus (see Figures 5 and 6), each lid-spout assembly 4 comprises a collar 19, and in particular a respective outer surface 25, which is at least partially covered by a layer of gas barrier material. In other words, each lid-spout assembly 4 comprises a collar 19, and in particular a respective outer surface 25, which is at least partially covered by a layer of gas barrier material.

[0106] More specifically, during molding of lid-spout assembly 4 , each covering portion 18 may move angularly about its respective hinge axis C to cover a respective portion of its respective exterior surface 25 .

[0107] 4, shaping of each lid-spout assembly 4 with respect to each aperture 15 may be obtained by a molding tool 29 comprising a respective molding cavity 30. In particular, the shape of each molding cavity 30 may define the shape of each lid-spout assembly 4.

[0108] More particularly, each molding tool 29 may include multiple mold portions 31 which cooperate with one another to define a molding cavity 30 and are capable of relative movement to open and close the respective molding tool 29 .

[0109] More specifically, at least one mold section 31 may be configured to move the covering section 18 during use such that the covering section 18 is fused to a respective portion of the outer surface 25 during insertion of the molten polymer into the molding cavity 30.

[0110] Alternatively, or additionally, the movement of the coating 18 is driven by the flow of the molten polymer.

[0111] The presence of one or more lines of weakness 17 allows for proper placement of the covering 18 within the mold cavity 30 and therefore for controlled fusing of the covering 18 to portions of the outer surface 25 .

[0112] The mold 29 may also include an inlet 32 ​​through which molten polymer enters the mold cavity 30. Preferably, the inlet 32 ​​may be offset laterally relative to a central axis of the lid-spout assembly 4 and / or each collar 19 of each lid-spout assembly 4 formed during molding of the mold cavity 30.

[0113] In particular, the inlet 32 ​​is selected such that, in use, the molten polymer flows such that the coatings 18 are fused onto the outer surface 25. In particular, the flow of molten polymer moves the coatings 18 radially away from their respective central axes.

[0114] With particular reference to FIG. 1, the packaging machine 1 comprises at least: - a forming device 33 configured to form the lid-spout assembly 4 onto a packaging blank 5; a package-forming device 34 for forming the packaging material 2 from a packaging material blank 5, in particular a packaging material web 6, and for filling the packaging material 2 with the pourable food product.

[0115] More specifically, the forming apparatus 33 may include one or more forming tools 29 for forming the lid-spout assemblies 4 onto respective packaging blanks 5. In particular, the forming apparatus 33 may be configured such that the forming apparatus 33 forms multiple lid-spout assemblies 4 at a time, with each lid-spout assembly 4 formed onto a respective packaging blank 5.

[0116] It should be noted that according to several possible embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may be supplied with packaging blanks 5, in particular respective webs 6 of packaging material.

[0117] According to such a possible embodiment, the packaging blanks 5, in particular the respective webs 6 of packaging material, may be produced in a converting device different from the packaging machine 1. In particular, the converting device may define a packaging blank-forming device.

[0118] Such a conversion device may comprise the following: - an advancing device for advancing a base package blank, in particular in the form of a web, comprising a fibrous base layer, a layer of gas barrier material, a plurality of layers of heat-sealable plastic material, an aperture 15 configured to allow the shaping of one lid-spout assembly 4 around the aperture 15, and a separating membrane 16 covering the aperture 15 and comprising at least a layer of gas barrier material; a weakening line forming tool, in particular a punching tool, configured to form one or more weakening lines 17 in the separator membrane 16 .

[0119] Preferably, the weakening line forming tool, in particular the punching tool, may comprise a cutting knife or a perforating tool.

[0120] In particular, each base package blank is (substantially) identical to a respective package blank 5 , with the only difference being that each package blank lacks one or more respective lines of weakness 17 .

[0121] The conversion apparatus may also include means for forming a base package blank.

[0122] Advantageously, the conversion device may be in a different factory and located at a different location than the production factory in which the packaging machine 1 is installed.

[0123] According to some alternative embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may comprise a packaging blank forming device for forming packaging blanks 5 from respective base package blanks. In particular, the packaging blank forming device comprises an advancing device and a weakening line forming tool.

[0124] According to such an embodiment, a base package blank is provided to a packaging machine 1 which may form one or more weakened lines 17 by operation of a packaging blank forming device.

[0125] More specifically, the packaging forming apparatus 34 may be configured to form and fill the package 2 after the lid-spout assembly 4 is formed into the packaging blank 5 .

[0126] Preferably, the package forming apparatus 34 comprises at least the following components: - a conveying device 35 configured to advance the web of packaging material 6 along a web advancement path P at least as far as a tube forming station where the web of packaging material 6 is formed into a tube 36, the conveying device 35 may also be configured to advance the tube 36 along a tube advancement path Q; - a tube forming and sealing device 37 configured to form a tube 36 from the web of packaging material 6 and to longitudinally seal the tube 36 in a tube forming station; - a filling device 38 configured to fill the tube 36 with the casting product; and a package forming unit 39 configured for forming, transversely sealing and cutting the tube 36 to obtain (sealed) packages 2 .

[0127] In particular, the forming apparatus 33 may be positioned along the advance path P of the web upstream of the tube forming and sealing apparatus 37 .

[0128] Advantageously, the conveying device 35 may be configured to intermittently advance the web packaging material 6 through the forming device 33. In particular, when the web of packaging material 6 is stationary, the forming device 33 may form each lid-spout assembly 4 into a respective packaging blank 5, and when the web of packaging material 6 advances, the forming device 33 may move each packaging blank 5 which has received a respective lid-spout assembly 4 away from the forming device 33 and place a new packaging blank 5 into the forming device 33.

[0129] In use, the packaging machine 1 produces packages 2 of pourable product, each package 2 having a body 3 and a lid-spout assembly 4 .

[0130] In particular, the packages 2, and in particular the respective bodies 3, are obtained by moulding and filling respective packaging blanks 5. Prior to forming the packages 2, the respective lid-spout assemblies 4 may be moulded around the respective holes 15 of the respective packaging blanks 5.

[0131] More specifically, the molding of each lid-spout assembly comprises the following steps: - providing each packaging blank 5; - closing the forming tool 29 around the packaging blank 5 so that the holes 15 are located within the forming cavities 30; To mold the lid-spout assemblies 4 about their respective apertures 15 , molten polymer is injected into the mold cavity 30 to fuse the respective coverings 18 to the respective outer surfaces 25 .

[0132] More specifically, during the step of providing each packaging blank 5, a sub-step may be performed of feeding each packaging blank 5 into a forming apparatus 33, and a sub-step may be performed of ejecting each packaging blank 5 together with each lid-spout assembly 4 from the forming apparatus 33.

[0133] According to some possible embodiments, the providing step may include the following sub-steps. - providing respective base package blanks comprising respective fibrous base layers 7, respective gas barrier material layers 9, respective multi-layers of heat-sealable plastic material 8, respective apertures 15 and respective separator membranes 16; - forming one or more weakening lines 17 in each separator film 16 to obtain each packaging blank 5;

[0134] In particular, the providing and forming sub-steps are performed before the feeding and draining sub-steps.

[0135] More specifically, during the forming sub-step, the line or lines of weakness 17 may be formed by the operation of a line of weakness forming tool, in particular a cutting knife or a perforating tool or an ablation tool.

[0136] Additionally, the forming and providing sub-steps may be performed by a packaging blank forming apparatus.

[0137] According to some possible embodiments, during the closing step the respective molding tools 29 are closed. In particular, the respective mould parts 31 are brought closer together so as to form and close the respective moulding cavities 30. More particularly, while the respective mould parts 31 are brought closer together, at least one of the mould parts 31 moves the respective covering part 18 and preferably aligns the respective covering part 18 within the respective moulding cavity 30.

[0138] Furthermore, during the injecting step, the flow of molten polymer introduced through each inlet 32 ​​tends to move, and in particular move radially, the coatings 18, particularly away from their respective central axes.

[0139] Additionally, forming each lid-spout assembly 4 may include a step in which a respective forming tool 29 is withdrawn from a respective packaging blank 5. In particular, each forming tool 29 is opened by moving the forming portions 31 away from one another.

[0140] According to several possible embodiments, the formation of the packaging blanks 5 may take place in the packaging machine 1 according to a feeding sub-step and a forming sub-step, in particular by the operation of a packaging blank-forming device.

[0141] Alternatively, the providing and forming sub-steps may be part of a method of conversion, particularly within a conversion device.

[0142] Further, according to such an embodiment, the base package blank may be manufactured in a conversion apparatus prior to the providing and forming sub-steps.

[0143] More specifically, the conversion method may comprise the following steps: - providing a base blank consisting of a respective fibrous base layer; - forming the respective holes 15, in particular by punching a base blank; - To obtain a base packaging blank, respective layers of heat-sealable plastic material 8 and gas barrier material 9 are laminated to the base blank with the respective holes 15.

[0144] In particular, during the lamination step, each separator membrane 16 is obtained by disposing their portions in each hole 15 of one or more respective layers of heat-sealable plastic material 8 and at least one layer of gas barrier material 9 .

[0145] Advantages of the packaging blank 5 and / or lid-spout assembly 4 and / or package 2 and / or method and / or apparatus according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0146] In particular, an improved package 2 can be obtained since part of the collar 19 is covered by the covering portion 18. This can improve the gas barrier properties of the lid-spout assembly 4 and ensure that the quality of the spouted product is maintained at a desired level over time.

[0147] However, changes may be made to the packaging blank 5 and / or the lid-spout assembly 4 and / or the package 2 and / or the method and / or the apparatus described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging blank (5) having a multilayer structure for forming a package (2), A fibrous base layer (7), A layer of gas barrier material (9), Multiple layers of heat-sealable plastic material (8), The periphery has holes (15) that allow for the molding of the lid-spout assembly (4), A separation membrane (16) covering the hole (15) and including a layer of the gas barrier material, Equipped with, The separation membrane (16) comprises one or more weakening lines (17) that define a plurality of covering portions (18). Packaging blank (5).

2. The hole (15) extends within a plane defined by a vertical axis (A) and a horizontal axis (B) perpendicular to the vertical axis (A), A virtual vertical line parallel to the vertical axis (A) and a virtual horizontal line parallel to the horizontal axis (B) intersect at the center point of the hole (15). The hole (15) is symmetrical with respect to the imaginary vertical line, and / or the first extension of the hole (15) along the imaginary vertical line is greater than the second extension of the hole (15) along the imaginary horizontal line. The at least one weakening line (17) extends substantially parallel to and / or along the imaginary vertical line, A packaging blank according to claim 1.

3. The first weakening line (17) extends between the second weakening line (17) and the third weakening line (17), and extends laterally with respect to the second weakening line (17). A packaging blank according to claim 1.

4. The covering portion (18) moves during the molding of the lid-spout assembly (4) and covers the outer surface (20) of the collar (19) of the molded lid-spout assembly (4). A packaging blank according to claim 1.

5. The weakening line (17) has a substantially straight shape. A packaging blank according to claim 1.

6. The weakening line (17) is defined by perforation, incision, excision, or cutting. A packaging blank according to claim 1.

7. A method for forming a lid-spout assembly (4) into a packaging blank (5), The packaging blank (5) comprises a fibrous base layer (7), a layer of gas barrier material (9), multiple layers of heat-sealable plastic material (8), and a hole (15) configured around the hole (15) to allow the molding of a lid-spout assembly (4), the packaging blank (5) comprises a separation membrane (16) covering the hole (15) and including the layer of gas barrier material, the separation membrane (16) comprises one or more weakening lines (17) defining multiple covering portions (18), This method is The steps include providing the packaging blank (5), The steps include closing a molding tool (29) having a molding cavity (30) around a packaging blank (5) so that the hole (15) is received within the molding cavity (30), The steps include: injecting molten polymer into the molding cavity (30), forming the lid-spout assembly (4) around the hole (15), and fusing the covering portion (18) onto the outer surface (20) of the collar (19) of the lid-spout assembly (4); A method that includes [a certain feature].

8. During the steps provided, A substep of supplying a base package blank including the base layer, the gas barrier material layer, multiple layers of the heat-seal plastic material, the hole (15) configured around the hole (15) to allow the molding of the lid-spout assembly (4), and a separation membrane (16) covering the hole (15) and including at least the gas barrier material layer, To obtain the packaging blank (5), a substep is performed in which one or more weakening lines (17) are formed on the separation membrane (16), Execute The method according to claim 7:

9. During the substeps described above, one or more weakened lines (17) are formed by the operation of a cutting knife, a drilling tool, or an ablation tool. The method according to claim 8.

10. The molding tool (29) is equipped with an injection port (32) into which the molten polymer enters the molding cavity (30), The inlet (32) is offset laterally with respect to the central axis of the collar (19) of the lid-spout assembly (4) formed during the molding step. The method according to claim 7.

11. A lid-spout assembly (4) comprising a collar (19) having a spout (20) and a layer of gas barrier material fused to the outer surface (25) of the collar (19).

12. A package for a dispensing product, comprising a body (3) formed from a packaging blank (5) as described in claim 1, and a lid-spout assembly (4) as described in claim 11 connected to the body (3).

13. A method for manufacturing a packaging blank (5), The packaging blank (5) comprises a fibrous base layer (7), a layer of gas barrier material (9), multiple layers of heat-sealable plastic material (8), and a hole (15) configured around the hole (15) to allow the molding of a lid-spout assembly (4), the packaging blank (5) comprises a separation membrane (16) made of a layer of gas barrier material that covers the hole (15), and the separation membrane (16) comprises one or more weakening lines (17) defining multiple covering portions (18), This method is The steps include providing a base blank including the fibrous base layer, The steps include forming a hole (15) in the base blank that is configured to allow the lid-spout assembly (4) to be molded, The steps include laminating each of the multiple layers of the heat-sealable plastic material (8) and the layer of the gas barrier material (9) onto a base blank having each of the holes (15), To obtain the packaging blank (5), the steps include forming one or more weakening lines (17) on the separation membrane (16), A method that includes [a certain feature].

14. During the step of forming the weakening line, a punching tool including a cutting knife or a piercing tool is brought close to the separation membrane (16). The method according to claim 13.

15. An apparatus for forming a packaging blank (5), The packaging blank (5) comprises a fibrous base layer (7), a layer of gas barrier material (9), multiple layers of heat-sealable plastic material (8), and a hole (15) configured around the hole (15) to allow the molding of a lid-spout assembly (4), the packaging blank (5) comprises a separation membrane (16) covering the hole (15) and including the layer of gas barrier material, the separation membrane (16) comprises one or more weakening lines (17) defining multiple covering portions (18), The device is A forwarding device for advancing a base package blank, which includes the base layer, the gas barrier material layer, multiple layers of the heat-seal plastic material, a hole (15) configured to allow the molding of one lid-spout assembly (4) around the hole (15), and the separation membrane covering the hole (15) and including at least the gas barrier material layer, A weakening line forming tool configured to form one or more weakening lines (17) on a separation membrane (16), A device equipped with the following features.

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