Closure assembly and container with closure assembly

Abstract

To provide a simple and low-cost method for filling or filling containers with pourable food. [Solution] The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container filled with or capable of being filled with a pourable product, comprising a lid 8 having a first rim 27, a ring member 9 having a second rim 29 facing the first rim 27, and one or more coupling elements 10 connected to the first rim 27 and the second rim 29. Each coupling element 10 comprises at least one intermediate portion 35, one first curved portion 36 connected to the first rim 27 and the intermediate portion 35, and one second curved portion 37 connected to the second rim 29 and the intermediate portion 35, wherein the intermediate portion 35 is inclined with respect to the first rim 27 and / or the second rim 29.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure assembly for a container, particularly a container that can be filled with a pourable product, and more particularly a container that can be filled with a pourable food product.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a container that can be filled with a pourable product, having a closure assembly, and more particularly a container that can be filled with a pourable food product.

Background Art

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in containers such as composite packages, bottles, cans, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that such containers are provided with a closure assembly that selectively allows the outflow of the pourable product from the container.

[0005] A typical closure assembly includes a collar having a spout connected to the container and allowing the outflow of the pourable product from the container, and a lid configured to selectively open and close the spout and connected to the collar when the spout is closed.

[0006] It is further known that the closure assembly includes a ring member coupled to the collar and surrounding the collar. The axial movement of the ring member along the collar is restricted by an annular ridge that projects radially from the collar to maintain the state where the ring member is coupled to the collar.

[0007] Furthermore, before the lid is first removed, the ring member and the lid are connected to each other by a connecting bridge, which breaks when the lid is first removed from the collar. After the lid is first removed from the collar, the ring member and the lid are separated from each other.

[0008] A drawback is that the lid separates from the ring component, and when removing the lid from the collar to open the spout, the lid becomes a separate object from the container. This means, for example, that the user needs to hold the lid with one hand and the container with the other. Furthermore, this inconvenience could lead to the lid being carelessly discarded.

[0009] To overcome these inconveniences, it has been proposed to connect the lid to the ring member with a connecting element. Although such a closing assembly functions well, there is a desire in this field to further improve such closing assemblies. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, in particular, an improved closure assembly for a container that can be filled with or filled with a pourable product, and more particularly for a container that can be filled with or filled with a pourable food, in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved closing assembly for a container that minimizes the strain acting on the ring member during lid operation, in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a container that can be filled or dispensed with pourable products, and more particularly, can be filled or dispensed with pourable food, having a closing assembly with minimal strain acting on the ring member during lid operation in a simple and low-cost manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to the present invention, a closing assembly as described in independent claim 1 is provided.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments of the closed assembly are provided in the dependent claims.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the container described in claim 15 is provided.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a part of a container having a closing assembly according to the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the closed assembly, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the closed assembly in detail, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] This is a further enlarged perspective view showing details of the closing assembly in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Number 1, as a whole, represents a container such as a bottle, (composite) package, or can, and the container comprises a body 2 and a closing assembly 3 that is attached to or can be attached to the body 2.

[0019] Container 1 is not required, but preferably, filled with or fillable with pourable products, particularly pourable foods, and more particularly, sterilized and / or aseptically treated pourable foods, such as fruit juice, milk (e.g., ultra-high temperature processed milk), water, wine, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, etc.

[0020] In the following description, we refer to composite containers 1, in particular containers 1 obtained from a web of packaging material having a multilayer structure for the main body 2, but this is not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

[0021] In particular, the web of packaging material comprises at least one layer of a fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of a heat-seal plastic material, such as polyethylene, with the layers of fibrous material interposed therebetween. One of these two layers of heat-seal plastic material defines the inner surface of the body 2 that contacts the pourable product.

[0022] Although not essential, preferably the web of packaging material also includes a layer of gas and light barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, and is particularly disposed between one of the layers of heat-seal plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. Although not essential, preferably the web of packaging material includes a further layer of heat-seal plastic material interposed between the layer of gas barrier and light barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0023] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the body 2 defines a sealed package, particularly a sealed carton package, having a designated pour spout surface area (not shown and known), and the closure assembly 3 is attached to the body 2, particularly to the designated pour spout surface area.

[0024] According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the closure assembly 3 is applied to the body 2 before, during or after the formation, filling and sealing of the body 2 by a forming process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding.

[0025] Alternatively, the closure assembly 3 can be applied to the web of packaging material before placing the web of packaging material in a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing the body 2 from the web of packaging material, or while advancing the web of packaging material.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the body 2 extends along a longitudinal axis A, a first transverse axis B and a second transverse axis C, and in particular, the axis A is perpendicular to the axes B and C, and the axes B and C are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] While not mandatory, preferably, the extension of body 2 along axis A is greater than the extension of body 2 along axes B and C.

[0028] While not mandatory, it is preferable that the main body 2 be a parallelepiped.

[0029] According to the non-limiting embodiments disclosed, the body 2 comprises a first wall portion that is particularly lateral with respect to axis A, and more particularly vertical, and the body 2 extends along axis A. The first wall portion is not essential, but is preferable, to define a support surface for the container 1, particularly the body 2, and can be brought into contact with a support, such as a shelf, when exposed in a sales outlet or when stored during use. In particular, when placed on a support and / or when consumed by a consumer from the pourable product of the container 1 during use, the first wall portion defines a bottom wall portion.

[0030] While not mandatory, preferably, the main body 2 comprises a plurality of side walls 4 that are (fixedly) connected to the first wall and extend from the first wall, particularly substantially parallel to axis A.

[0031] While not mandatory, preferably, the main body 2 includes at least one second wall portion 5 that faces the first wall portion and is (fixedly) connected to the side wall 4. In other words, the side wall 4 is interposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion 5. In particular, when placed on a support and / or during use, when a consumer consumes a pourable product from the container 1, the second wall portion 5 defines the upper wall portion.

[0032] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the first wall and the second wall 5 may be parallel to each other. Alternatively, the first wall and the second wall 5 may be inclined relative to each other.

[0033] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the second wall portion 5 comprises a designated spout surface area.

[0034] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, a designated spout surface area of ​​the body 2 includes a pouring hole that allows the pourable product to flow out from the body 2.

[0035] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the designated spout surface region comprises a separation membrane that seals the spout. In particular, the separation membrane is configured to be at least partially (and irreversibly) openable and / or ruptureable and / or cuttable and / or perforated in order to hold the pourable product within the body 2 in an intact state and to allow the pourable product to flow out of the body 2 through at least a portion of the spout. In particular, the separation membrane is configured to allow the pourable product to flow out after its integrity has been lost and to protect the pourable product from the external environment before it is cut and / or opened and / or ruptured and / or perforated.

[0036] While not essential, the separation membrane preferably includes a gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0037] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the separation membrane is defined by a portion of the web of the packaging material, in particular, a portion of the layer of the web of the packaging material being different from the layer of the fibrous material.

[0038] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the closed assembly 3 comprises and / or is formed from a polymer material.

[0039] Alternatively, the closing assembly 3 includes and / or is formed from a metallic material.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the closing assembly 3 comprises a closing group 7 having at least the following configuration: - lid 8,; - Ring member 9, and - One or more connecting elements 10, specifically two connecting elements 10 connected to the lid 8 and the ring member 9.

[0041] Preferably, the closed group 7 is molded as a single piece from the molten polymer.

[0042] It should be noted that the coupling element 10 is connected to the lid 8 and the ring member 9 in a manner that does not break and / or at least does not separate. This means that the coupling element 10 remains connected to the lid 8 and the ring member 9 during normal use of the closure assembly 3. In particular, the coupling element 10 is connected to the lid 8 and the ring member 9 to resist excessive forces acting on it that exceed the forces acting on the closure assembly 3 during normal use. An example of such excessive forces occurring is when a user intends to voluntarily remove the coupling element 10 from the lid 8 and / or the ring member 9 by pulling the lid 8 and the ring member 9 in opposite directions from each other.

[0043] In particular, the connecting element 10 connects the lid 8 and the ring member 9 to each other.

[0044] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the closing assembly 3 comprises one or more breakable first coupling bridges 11 connecting the ring member 9 and the lid 8 to each other. In particular, as will be described in detail below, the first coupling bridges 11 are configured to break during the first operation of the lid 8 (by the consumer).

[0045] While not mandatory, preferably, the closing assembly 3 comprises a tamper-evidence ring 12 and one or more breakable second coupling bridges 13 connecting the tamper-evidence ring 12 and the ring member 9 to each other. In particular, as will be described in detail below, the second coupling bridges 13 are configured to break during the initial operation of the lid 8.

[0046] In particular, the ring member 9 is interposed between the lid 8 and the tamper-evident ring 12.

[0047] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the closure assembly 3 comprises a collar 14 that demarcates and / or defines and / or has a spout 15, the spout 15 being configured to allow the outflow of a pourable product from the container 1.

[0048] In particular, color 14 is positioned around the dispensing hole.

[0049] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the collar 14 extends along the longitudinal axis E, and in particular, the collar 14 has an annular shape, in particular an annular cross-sectional shape with respect to a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis E.

[0050] In particular, collar 14 defines and / or demarcates and / or includes a flow path for the pourable product. Furthermore, the flow path is interposed and / or designed to be interposed between the spout 15 and the dispensing hole.

[0051] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the ring member 9 and / or tamper-evidence ring 12 are attached to the collar 14 and positioned around the collar 14.

[0052] Preferably, the second ring member 9 and / or tamper-evidence ring 12 are coaxial with the collar 14.

[0053] Preferably, the lid 8 is connected to and / or connectable to the collar 14 and is configured to selectively close and open the spout 15 in order to prevent and allow the outflow of pourable product from the container 1 through the spout 15.

[0054] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the lid 8 can be controlled to at least a closed position (see Figures 1 to 4) configured to close the lid 8 and / or close the spout 15, and an open position (not shown) configured to open the lid 8 and / or open the spout 15.

[0055] While not mandatory, preferably, the lid 8 is controlled to be in a closed position and an open position, with the lid 8 coupled to the collar 14 and detached from the collar 14. In particular, when the lid 8 is controlled to the closed position, it is coaxial with the collar 14 and / or the spout 15, and when the lid 8 is controlled to the open position, it is, while not mandatory, preferably lateral to the collar 14. In other words, when the lid 8 is in the closed position, the lid 8 is connected to the collar 14 and covers the spout 15, and when the lid 8 is in the open position, the lid 8 is detached from the collar 14 and opens the spout 15.

[0056] More specifically, in the particular example disclosed, the lid 8 is controlled between a closed position and an open position by a screwing action. The lid 8 includes an internal thread portion located particularly on the inner surface of the lid 8, and the collar 14 includes an external thread portion located particularly on the outer surface of the collar 14. Preferably, the internal and external thread portions are configured such that relative rotation between the lid 8 and the collar 14 allows the lid 8 to be selectively locked and loosened relative to the collar 14.

[0057] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the internal thread portion and / or external thread portion define the cam mechanism.

[0058] Before the first control (initial operation) of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position, the first coupling bridge 11 connects the ring member 9 and the lid 8 to each other, and during use, when the lid 8 is first controlled from the closed position to the open position, the first coupling bridge 11 irreversibly breaks.

[0059] In a similar manner, the second coupling bridge 13 connects the ring member 9 and the tamper-evidence ring 12 to each other before the lid 8 is first controlled from the closed position to the open position, and during use, when the lid 8 is first controlled from the closed position to the open position, the second coupling bridge 13 irreversibly breaks.

[0060] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the closing assembly 3 further comprises a coupling base 16 that supports the collar 14 and is configured to be coupled and / or connected to the body 2.

[0061] While not mandatory, preferably the coupling base 16 is configured and / or fixed to the outer surface of the main body 2, particularly to the outer surface of the second wall portion 5. In particular, the coupling base 16 is positioned in a designated spout surface area.

[0062] The coupling base 16 has an opening, the collar 14 surrounds the opening, and during use, the separating membrane is opened and / or cut and / or ruptured and / or penetrated to establish a fluid connection between the inside of the body 2 and the spout 15 (i.e., the pourable product can flow out of the container 1).

[0063] While not essential, preferably, at least a portion (substantially) of the bonding base 16 has a plate-like structure.

[0064] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the closing assembly 3, in particular the collar 14, includes an interacting device configured to interact with the ring member 9 to prevent the ring member 9 from detaching from the collar 14. In particular, the interacting device is configured to restrict the axial movement of the ring member 9 along the longitudinal axis E.

[0065] More specifically, the interacting device comprises an annular ridge 17 projecting (radially) from the collar 14. In particular, the annular ridge 17 projects (radially) away from the outer surface of the collar 14. According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the annular ridge 17 has a continuous shape. Alternatively, the annular ridge 17 has a discontinuous shape (for example, the annular ridge 17 is formed from a number of single pieces projecting from the collar 14).

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the closing assembly 3 comprises an interaction unit coupled in particular to the collar 14, which is configured to interact with the ring member 9 and / or the tamper-evidence ring 12 to actuate the breaking of the first coupling bridge 11 and / or the second coupling bridge 13 during the time when the lid 8 is first controlled from the closed position to the open position.

[0067] Referring to Figure 2, the closed assembly 3 includes a cutting device 18 configured to break and / or penetrate and / or cut and / or open the separation membrane, and a control device configured to control the cutting device 18 from a stationary position to an operating position adapted so that the cutting device 18 breaks and / or penetrates and / or cuts and / or opens the separation membrane.

[0068] While not mandatory, preferably the cutting device 18 has an annular shape and is positioned within the flow path of the collar 14 when in a stationary position, and at least partially protrudes from the flow path when controlled to an operating position.

[0069] In particular, the cutting device 18 is positioned in a stationary position before the lid 8 is first controlled from the closed position to the open position, and is positioned in an operational position after the lid 8 is first controlled to the open position.

[0070] While not mandatory, preferably, the cutting device 18 is positioned axially elevated (relative to the longitudinal axis E) when it is in the stationary position and when it is in the operating position.

[0071] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the control device comprises, in particular, a control flap 19 connected to the lid 8, an interaction element 20 connected to the cutting device 18, and a cam mechanism 21 (see Figure 2; known and therefore not described in detail) partially related to the cutting device 18 and partially related to the collar 14.

[0072] According to some non-limiting embodiments not shown, the cam mechanism 21 constitutes each threaded portion.

[0073] While not mandatory, preferably, the control device is configured to operate during the initial control of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position, so as to move the cutting device 18 from the stationary position to the operating position (irreversibly).

[0074] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the ring member 9 has a central axis F, and in particular, the central axis F is parallel to the longitudinal axis E when the ring member 9 and / or closing assembly 3 are coupled to the collar 14, and more specifically, coaxial with it.

[0075] In particular, the central axis F defines the central axis of the closed group 7.

[0076] Preferably, when the lid 8 is in the closed position, it is coaxial with the ring member 9 and / or the central axis F.

[0077] Preferably, the tamper-evidence ring 12 is coaxial with the ring member 9 and / or the central axis F.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the lid 8 is, - The upper wall 25 is configured to cover the spout 15 when the lid 8 is in the closed position, - A side wall 26 (axial direction) protruding from the upper wall 25, and in particular, configured to at least partially surround the collar 14 when the lid 8 is controlled to the closed position, It is equipped with.

[0079] Preferably, the side walls 26 have annular cross-sectional shapes, particularly with respect to the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis E and / or the central axis F, and when the lid 8 is in the closed position.

[0080] In particular, when the lid 8 is in the closed position, the upper wall 25 is lateral, especially perpendicular, to the central axis F, and the side walls 26 are (substantially) parallel to the longitudinal axis E and / or the central axis F.

[0081] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the lid 8, in particular, the upper wall 25 and / or side wall 26, are coupled to and detached from the collar 14 when the lid 8 is in the closed and open positions, respectively, during use.

[0082] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the lid 8, in particular the side wall 26, comprises a first rim 27. In particular, the first rim 27 defines an opening in the lid 8 that faces the top wall 25.

[0083] The first rim 27 may include the first surface 28.

[0084] More specifically, the first surface 28 extends into a first plane, which in particular is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis E and / or central axis F when the lid 8 is in the closed position.

[0085] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the ring member 9 includes a second rim 29 facing the first rim 27, in particular when the lid 8 is in the closed position.

[0086] The second rim 29 may have a second surface 30 facing the first surface 28.

[0087] More specifically, the second surface 30 extends within the second plane. Preferably, the second plane is parallel to the first plane, particularly when the lid 8 is in the closed position.

[0088] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, each connecting element 10 is, - One (straight) intermediate section 35, - The lid, in particular, the first rim 27, and more particularly, the first surface 28, and a first curved portion 36 connected to the intermediate portion 35, - The ring member 9, in particular the second rim 29, and more particularly the second surface 30, and a second curved portion 37 connected to the intermediate portion 35, It is equipped with.

[0089] In other words, each connecting element 10 includes an intermediate portion 35 interposed between the first curved portion 36 and the second curved portion 37.

[0090] More specifically, each intermediate section 35 comprises a first end 38 and a second end 39 opposite to the first end 38. Preferably, the intermediate section 35 extends (substantially and) linearly between the first end 38 and the second end 39.

[0091] In particular, the first curved section 36 is connected to the first end section 38, and the second curved section 37 is connected to the second end section 39.

[0092] Preferably, each connecting element 10 is S-shaped.

[0093] Preferably, each intermediate portion 35 is inclined and / or not parallel to the lid 8, in particular to the first rim 27, and more particularly to the first surface 28, when there are no external stresses and / or stresses acting on the closing assembly 3 (which may be caused by the user operating the closing assembly 3).

[0094] Alternatively or additionally, each intermediate portion 35 is preferably inclined and / or not parallel to the ring member 9, in particular to the second rim 29, and even more particularly to the second surface 30, in the absence of external stresses and / or stresses acting on the closing assembly 3 (which may result from the user manipulating the closing assembly 3).

[0095] Preferably, each intermediate portion 35 is inclined with respect to the first and / or second planes and / or not parallel, in particular, when there are no external stresses and / or strains and / or stresses acting on the closing assembly 3 (which may be caused by the user operating the closing assembly 3).

[0096] In other words, each intermediate section 35 comprises at least two virtual linear projections 40, one extending linearly away from the first end 38 and the other extending linearly away from the second end 39. In particular, the virtual linear projections 40 intersect the first and / or second planes.

[0097] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each intermediate section 35 is inclined with respect to the central axis F and / or longitudinal axis E, and in particular, each intermediate section 35 is lateral but not perpendicular with respect to the central axis F and / or longitudinal axis E (i.e., each intermediate section 35 is between 0° and 90° in the angle between the central axis F and / or longitudinal axis E, with the exception of 0° and 90°).

[0098] Preferably, the closing assembly 3 includes a gap 41 positioned and / or separated between the lid 8, in particular the first rim 27, and more particularly the first surface 28, and the ring member 9, in particular the second rim 29, and more particularly the second surface 30, and each connecting element 10 is positioned within the gap 41.

[0099] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, each first curved section 36 is connected to the first rim 27, in particular to the first surface 30, at a first position 42, and each second curved section 37 is connected to the second rim 29, in particular to the second surface 30, at a second position 43.

[0100] Preferably, each first position 42 and the corresponding second position 43 are angularly offset from each other, particularly axially, about (and along) the central axis F. In particular, the first positions 42 are angularly offset from each other, and the second positions 43 are also angularly offset from each other.

[0101] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first curved portion 36 is convex with respect to the ring member 9, and each second curved portion 37 is concave with respect to the ring member 9. In other words, each first curved portion 36 is concave with respect to the lid 8, and each second curved portion 37 is convex with respect to the lid 8.

[0102] In particular, each first curved portion 36 is curved toward the ring member 9 (facing the ring member 9), and each second curved portion 37 is curved toward the lid 8 (facing the lid 8).

[0103] Preferably, each coupling element 10 is elastically deformable, and in particular, the coupling elements 10 are used as spring elements during use, during handling and / or operation of the closing assembly 3, in particular the closing group 7 (e.g., moving the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position).

[0104] More specifically, each first curved portion 36 is provided with a first engagement surface 44, and each second curved portion 37 is provided with a second engagement surface 45. Preferably, each connecting element 10 is deformable so that the first engagement surface 44 can contact the lid 8 (each of the first contact portions of the first rim 27, particularly the first surface 28), and so that the second engagement surface 45 can contact the ring member 9 (the second contact surface portion of the second rim 29, particularly the second surface 30).

[0105] In other words, each first engagement surface 44 and each second engagement surface 45 are adapted to engage with the corresponding first and second contact portions, respectively, in particular during handling and / or operation of the closing assembly 3, and more particularly during handling and / or operation of the closing group 7. Specifically, during use, while removing the closing group 7 from the mold tool and / or installing the closing group 7 onto the collar 14, each first engagement surface 44 and each second engagement surface 45 engage with the corresponding first and second contact portions, respectively.

[0106] Furthermore, during use, the connecting element 10 may deform as a result of strain and / or stress and / or force acting on it during handling and / or operation of the closing assembly 3, in particular the closing group 7 (e.g., movement of the lid 8 from the closed position to the open position).

[0107] During use, the consumer operates the closing assembly 3, in particular the closing group 7, to selectively open and close the spout 15 by controlling the lid 8 to an open or closed position.

[0108] Prior to the first operation of the closing assembly 3, particularly the closing group 7, the lid 8 is in the closed position, and the first coupling bridge 11, and preferably the second coupling bridge 13 as well, are intact (i.e., not broken). When the lid 8 is first controlled from the closed position to the open position, the first coupling bridge 11, and preferably the second coupling bridge 13 as well, are irreversibly broken.

[0109] This ensures that the connecting element 10 is connected to the lid 8 and the ring member 9. Furthermore, it means that the lid 8 is connected to the collar 14 by the ring member 9. In addition, the tamper-evident ring 12 can be removed from the ring member 9 to prevent tampering.

[0110] Furthermore, during the initial control of the lid 8 from its stationary position to its operating position, the cutting device 18 is activated, in particular, to cut and / or penetrate and / or open and / or rupture the separation membrane.

[0111] During the operation of the closing group 7, particularly during the control of the lid 8, the coupling element 10 elastically deforms between the closed and open positions, thereby at least partially absorbing external stresses and / or forces acting on the closing assembly 3 and / or the closing group 7.

[0112] Furthermore, each first engagement surface 44 and each second engagement surface 45 may be adjacent to the corresponding first and second contact portions, respectively.

[0113] The advantages of the closing assembly 3 according to the present invention are clear from the above description.

[0114] The coupling element 10 allows for the damping of any strain and / or stress and / or force acting on the closed assembly 3, in particular, the closed group 7.

[0115] A further advantage has been observed in that the handling and / or operation of the closure assembly 3, in particular, the closure group 7, is more consumer-friendly.

[0116] Furthermore, by providing two or more connecting elements 10, it is possible to increase the tethering force between the ring member 9 and the lid 8.

[0117] Another advantage relates to the attachment of the closure group 7 to the collar 14. To attach the closure group 7 to the collar 14, the closure group 7 is pressed against the collar 14. In this process, the coupling element 10 absorbs at least a portion of the acting force, thereby reducing the risk of possible deformation of the collar 14 and / or the container 1 and / or the closure group 7. In particular, each first engagement surface 44 and each second engagement surface 45 abut against the lid 8 and the ring member 9, respectively.

[0118] The applicant also observed that by forming the joint element 10 in a specific way, it is possible to design a molding tool with a longer lifespan compared to joint elements 10 having other shapes. In particular, by forming the joint element 10 in a specific way and size, it is possible to provide a molding tool having a portion that defines the joint element 10, with dimensions that provide a longer lifespan.

[0119] Furthermore, when removing the closing group 7 from the mold, the first engagement surface 44 and the second engagement surface 45 come into contact with the lid 8 and the ring member 9, respectively, thereby limiting deformation.

[0120] Modifications can be made to the container 1 and / or closure assembly 3 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A closure assembly (3) for a container (1) filled with or refillable product, A lid (8) having a first rim (27), A ring member (9) having a second rim (29) facing the first rim (27), One or more connecting elements (10) connected to the lid (8) and the ring member (9), It has at least the following features: Each connecting element (10) is, One intermediate section (35) and A first curved portion (36) connected to the first rim (27) and the intermediate portion (35), A second curved portion (37) connected to the second rim (29) and the intermediate portion (35), It has at least the following features: The intermediate portion (35) is inclined with respect to the first rim (27) of the lid (8) and / or the second rim (29) of the ring member (9). Closed assembly (3).

2. The first rim (27) has a first surface (28), The second rim (29) has a second surface (30) facing the first surface (28), The first curved portion (36) is connected to the first surface (28), and the second curved portion (37) is connected to the second surface (30). The intermediate portion (35) is inclined with respect to the first surface (28) and / or the second surface (30). The closing assembly according to claim 1.

3. The surface (28) extends in the first plane, and / or the second surface (30) extends in the second plane. The intermediate portion (35) is inclined with respect to the first plane and / or the second plane. The closing assembly according to claim 2.

4. The first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other. The closing assembly according to claim 3.

5. The first curved portion (36) is connected to the first rim (27) at the first position (42), and the second curved portion (37) is connected to the second rim (29) at the second position (43). The first position (42) and the second position (43) are arranged with an angle offset from each other. The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lid (8) and the ring member (9) are further provided with a partitioned gap (41), Each connecting element (10) is placed within the gap (41), The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first curved portion (36) is connected to the first end (38) of the intermediate portion (35), and the second curved portion (37) is connected to the second end (39) of the intermediate portion (35). The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned connecting element (10) is S-shaped. The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first curved portion (36) is convex with respect to the ring member (9), and the second curved portion (37) is concave with respect to the ring member (9). The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first curved portion (36) curves toward the ring member (9), and the second curved portion (37) curves toward the lid (8). A closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The connecting element (10) is elastically deformable. The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The first curved portion (36) is provided with a first engagement surface (44), and the second curved portion (37) is provided with a second engagement surface (45), The coupling element (10) is deformable such that the first engaging surface (44) abuts against the lid (8), and the second engaging surface (45) abuts against the ring member (9). The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The device further comprises a tamper-evident ring (12) and at least one breakable connecting bridge (13) that breakably connects and / or breakably links the ring member (9) and the tamper-evident ring (12) to each other. The closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The system further comprises a collar (14) having a spout (15), The ring member (9) is attached to the collar (14) and arranged around the collar. The lid (8) is configured to selectively close and open the spout (15). A closing assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A container (1) for a pourable product, comprising: a body (2) filled with or refillable with the pourable product; and at least one closure assembly (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images