Package opening device and package with opening device

The opening device with a cutter and retaining mechanism addresses the need for improved functionality and cost-effectiveness in composite packages by ensuring controlled dispensing and preventing cutter ejection, enhancing user convenience and reducing waste.

JP2026500603APending Publication Date: 2026-01-08TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025525808
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-01-16
Filing Date
2023-12-20
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing opening devices for composite packages filled with dispensed products, such as liquid or pourable foods, require improvements for better functionality and cost-effectiveness.

Method used

An opening device comprising a collar with a cutter mechanism that irreversibly breaks a separation membrane, featuring a retaining device to prevent accidental ejection and a closure for controlled dispensing, integrated into a composite package structure.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a convenient, low-cost, and reliable mechanism for controlled dispensing of contents while ensuring the cutter remains within the package, enhancing user experience and reducing material waste.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An opening device (3, 3') for a package (1) is described. The opening device (3, 3') includes a filler spout (18) having a central axis (B) and configured to allow the inflow of the dispensed product into the flow channel (16), a collar (15) configured to allow the outflow of the dispensed product from the flow channel (16) and defining the flow channel (16) extending between the filler spout (18) and a spout (19), and a cutter (17) configured to rupture a separator and positioned at least partially within the flow channel (16). The opening device (3, 3') further includes a retaining device configured to inhibit movement of the cutter (17) from the flow channel (16) through the spout (19) by inducing rotation of the cutter (17) about an axis of rotation (E) transverse to the central axis (B). The retaining device includes a retaining element (31) and an interacting element (32) configured to interact with each other to induce rotation of the cutter (17) about the axis of rotation (E).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening device for dispensed products, more particularly for packages filled with dispensed food products, especially composite packages.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a package having a body filled with a dispensed product, more particularly a dispensed food product, and an opening device disposed on the body. [Background technology]

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature processed) milk, wine, tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made from composite packaging materials.

[0004] A typical example is the parallelepiped package for pour-out foods known as Tetra Brik Aseptic®, which is made by sealing and folding a laminated strip of packaging material. This packaging material comprises a multi-layer structure in which a base layer of carton and / or paper is covered on both sides with a layer of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packaging for shelf-stable products, the packaging material may also include a layer of oxygen barrier material, such as aluminum foil, which overlaps a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and is covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that ultimately comes into contact with the food.

[0005] Some known packages, particularly the sealed body of a package formed from a packaging material, include a predetermined spout that allows the dispensed product to be dispensed from the package. Typically, the predetermined spout is covered with a separator that isolates the interior space of the package from the external environment. This separator is opened, removed, broken, cut, or pierced before the first dispense of the dispensed product. It is also known to place an opening device having a collar and a closure on the body around the predetermined spout so as to control the dispense of the dispensed product from the body through the collar. Thus, the collar has a spout that allows the dispensed product to be dispensed in a controlled amount from the package, and the closure allows the spout to be selectively closed or opened.

[0006] Some known opening devices include a cutter for breaking in a controlled manner a separator membrane covering a given outlet.

[0007] Although such opening devices function satisfactorily, there is a felt need in the art for further improvements in opening devices and / or packages having opening devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved opening device for packages, especially composite packages, filled with dispensed products, more particularly dispensed food products.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a convenient and low-cost package having a body filled with a dispensed product, in particular a dispensed food product, and an opening device mounted on the body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the invention there is provided an opening device according to the independent claims.

[0011] Further advantageous embodiments of the opening device are defined in the respective dependent claims.

[0012] The present invention also provides a package as set forth in claim 15.

[0013] Two non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view, with parts removed for clarity, of a package having a body and an opening device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the opening device of FIG. 1 with parts removed for clarity; [Figure 3A] 2A-2C are cross-sectional perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing portions of two different configurations of the opening device of FIG. 1; [Figure 3B] 2A-2C are cross-sectional perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing portions of two different configurations of the opening device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4A] 10A-10C are cross-sectional perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing portions of two different configurations of an opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4B] 10A-10C are cross-sectional perspective views, with parts removed for clarity, showing portions of two different configurations of an opening device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Number 1 refers to the package as a whole, and the composite package in particular: - a body 2, preferably a composite body, more preferably a sealed composite body, filled with a pourable product, preferably a pourable food product, and preferably having a predetermined spout (not shown as it is known) configured to allow the pouring of the pourable product from the body 2; an opening device 3, preferably made from a polymer, attached to the body 2, preferably around the predetermined outlet; Equipped with.

[0016] The body 2 may be made of a multi-layer packaging material, preferably in the form of a web. The packaging material may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, sandwiched between the layers of fibrous material. One of the two layers of heat-sealable plastic material may define the inner surface of the body 2 that contacts the cast product.

[0017] According to some possible embodiments, the packaging material may also comprise a layer of gas- and light-barrier material, such as an aluminum foil or an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film, in particular arranged between one of the layers of heat-sealable plastic material and the layer of fibrous material. More preferably, the packaging material may comprise a further layer of heat-sealable plastic material interposed between the layer of gas- and light-barrier material and the layer of fibrous material.

[0018] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, each opening device 3 may be attached to the respective body 2 before, during or after molding, filling and sealing of the respective body 2 by a molding process and / or adhesive bonding and / or ultrasonic bonding and / or welding.

[0019] Alternatively, each opening device 3 can be attached to the packaging material before it is placed into a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a respective body 2 from the packaging material, or while the packaging material is being advanced into the packaging machine.

[0020] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the body 2 may contain pourable food products such as water, milk, milk-based drinks, yogurt drinks, coffee-based drinks, fruit juices, pulp drinks, tomato sauce, salt, sugar, etc.

[0021] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the body 2 may extend along a central (longitudinal) axis A.

[0022] More particularly, package 2 may comprise a first wall 4, preferably transverse to, and more preferably perpendicular to, central axis A, from which body 2 extends along central axis A. Preferably, first wall 4 may define a support surface of package 2 that may, in use, come into contact with a support element, such as a shelf, for example when exposed in a point of sale, placed in a storage compartment, placed in a refrigerator, etc. More preferably, when placed on a support element, second wall 4 may define a bottom wall of package 1, preferably the bottom wall of body 2.

[0023] Furthermore, the body 2 may comprise a side wall 5 (fixedly) connected to the first wall 4 and extending from the first wall 4 .

[0024] Furthermore, the body 2 may comprise a second wall 6 opposite the first wall 4 and (fixedly) connected to the side wall 5. In other words, the side wall 5 may be interposed between the first wall 4 and the second wall 6. In particular, the second wall 6 may define a top wall of the package 1, preferably a top wall of the body 2, when placed on a support element.

[0025] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be parallel to each other.

[0026] Alternatively, the first wall 4 and the second wall 6 may be inclined relative to each other, in other words the second wall 6 may define a beveled or gabled top.

[0027] Preferably, the second wall 6 is provided with a predetermined pouring outlet, and the opening device 3 may be attached to the second wall 6 .

[0028] Furthermore, the body 2 may include a separation membrane covering the predetermined dispensing outlet so as to isolate the interior space 7 of the body 2 from the external environment. Furthermore, the separation membrane may be at least partially (and irreversibly) breakable (i.e., openable and / or rupturable and / or cuttable and / or pierceable), in particular so that the integrity of the separation membrane is compromised to allow the dispensed product to be dispensed from the body 2.

[0029] Preferably, the separator may comprise a gas and light barrier material, such as aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film.

[0030] According to a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the separator may be defined by a portion of the packaging material, in particular a portion of the layer of packaging material that is different from the layer of fibrous material. Preferably, the separator may comprise a portion of a layer of gas barrier material and a layer of light barrier material.

[0031] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 to 4, the opening device 3 includes at least: - a collar 15 preferably aligned with the predetermined outlet and defining a flow path 16 for the dispensed product; a cutter 17 configured to rupture (i.e., rupture and / or cut and / or pierce and / or open) the separation membrane and at least partially disposed within the collar 15 and / or the channel 16; Equipped with.

[0032] More specifically, the collar 15 may preferably include an inlet 18 configured to allow the inflow of dispensed product from the interior space 7 into the flow path 16, and a spout 19 configured to allow the outflow of dispensed product from the flow path 16 (and collar 15).

[0033] Preferably, the flow passage 16 may extend between an inlet 18 and a spout 19 .

[0034] More specifically, during use, when the integrity of the separator membrane is lost by operation of cutter 17 (see below for details), the dispensed product can flow from the interior space 7 through a predetermined dispensing outlet and / or inlet 18 into the flow channel 16 and then through the flow channel 16 and out the spout 19.

[0035] More specifically, the collar 15 may have an inner surface 20 facing and / or defining the flow path 16, and an outer surface 21 preferably opposite the inner surface 20 (i.e., away from the flow path 16).

[0036] Preferably, the inner surface 20 may face the cutter 17 , which is at least partially disposed within the flow channel 16 .

[0037] Additionally, the collar 15 and / or the flow passage 16 may extend along the central axis B.

[0038] Preferably, the collar 15 may have an annular cross-sectional profile in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis B.

[0039] More preferably, the collar 15 and / or the inlet 18 and / or the spout 19 may have a (substantially) circular cross-sectional profile, preferably in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central axis B.

[0040] The cutter 17 may be arranged in the channel 16, in particular movably.

[0041] Preferably, the cutter 17 may extend along and / or have a central axis C.

[0042] Preferably, central axis C may be coaxial with central axis B with cutter 17 at least partially disposed within flow channel 16. In other words, cutter 17 may be coaxial with collar 15 when cutter 17 is at least partially disposed within flow channel 16.

[0043] Preferably, the cutter 17 may at least comprise a cutting portion 22 configured to break the separation membrane. More preferably, the cutting portion 22 may comprise a (curved) saw blade, and even more preferably, may consist of a (curved) saw blade.

[0044] Additionally, the cutting portion 22 may be located at a first end 23 of the cutter 17 .

[0045] Preferably, the cutter 17 can be controlled to a rest position in which the cutter 17 is detached from the separation membrane (to ensure the integrity of the separation membrane) and an actuated position in which the cutter 17, in particular the cutting portion 22, can be configured to rupture the separation membrane.

[0046] More preferably, when the package 1 is provided to the end customer, the cutter 17 is in the rest position and the separator is intact. Furthermore, the control of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the operating position only needs to be activated once. After the separator is broken, the cutter 17 does not need to be repeatedly controlled between the operating position and the rest position. In other words, after the separator is broken, the control of the cutter 17 remains in the operating position.

[0047] The cutter 17 can be disposed at a first axial position and a second axial position relative to the central axis B when in the rest position and the working position, respectively.

[0048] Preferably, the cutter 17 may be (substantially) completely located within the flow passage 16 when in the rest position and / or the first axial position.

[0049] When cutter 17 is in the activated position and / or the second axial position, it may extend at least partially from flow channel 16 through inlet 18. Preferably, at least cutting portion 22 may protrude from flow channel 16 through inlet 18.

[0050] More particularly, when cutter 17 is in the rest position, it may be closer to spout 19 than when cutter 17 is in the actuated position.

[0051] As described in further detail below, cutter 17 may be configured to translate along at least central axis B and / or central axis C when moving between its rest position and its operative position during use. Preferably, cutter 17 may be configured to translate along and rotate about central axis B and / or central axis C when moving between its rest position and its operative position during use.

[0052] Preferably, in use, the cutter 17 moves along a first direction D1 during movement between the rest position and the active position.

[0053] More specifically, the cutter 17 may be ring-shaped (ie, have an annular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the central axis C).

[0054] Cutter 17 may have an outer surface 24 facing inner surface 20, particularly at least when cutter 17 is in a rest position.

[0055] Preferably, the opening device 3 may comprise an actuation device configured to actuate and guide the movement of the cutter 17 from a rest position to an active position.

[0056] The opening device 3 further comprises a retaining device configured to prevent movement of the cutter 17 out of the channel 16 and through the spout 19. In other words, the retaining device ensures that the cutter 17 cannot (accidentally) exit from the channel 16 through the spout 19.

[0057] The retaining device is configured to induce rotation of the cutter 17 about a rotation axis E transverse to the central axis B and / or central axis C, preferably resulting in clogging of the cutter 17 within the flow passage 16 and / or collar 15.

[0058] As will be explained in more detail below, if cutter 17 is likely to (accidentally) move towards spout 19, the retaining device ensures that cutter 17 rotates about rotation axis E before reaching spout 19. This causes cutter 17 to again tilt relative to central axis B and engage inner surface 20.

[0059] With particular reference to FIGS. 2-3B, the retaining device includes: - a retaining element 31 connected to the inner surface 20 (and in the flow passage 16) and preferably protruding from the inner surface 20; an interaction element 32 connected to the cutter 17 and preferably projecting from the cutter 17, more preferably projecting from the outer surface 24; may also be provided.

[0060] Furthermore, the retaining element 31 and the interacting element 32 are configured to interact with each other to induce rotation of the cutter 17 about the rotation axis E and preferably induce clogging of the cutter 17 within the flow passage 16 and / or collar 15.

[0061] More specifically, during the (accidental) movement of the cutter 17 along a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, the interaction element 32 interacts with the retention element 31 which causes the actuation of an angular movement of the cutter 17 about the axis of rotation E. This again causes a tilting of the cutter 17 relative to the central axis B and a continuous jamming of the cutter 17 in the flow channel 16.

[0062] 3A shows the cutter 17 in a rest position, and FIG. 3B shows the cutter 17 in a jammed state. When the cutter 17 is jammed, the central axis C is inclined relative to the central axis B.

[0063] In particular, the holding device may comprise only a single holding element 31 and / or a single one-sided holding element 31 .

[0064] Furthermore, the retaining element 31 may be locally restricted, i.e. the retaining element 31 may have a limited local expansion.

[0065] More precisely, the retaining element 31 may extend between a first angular position 33 and a second angular position 34 about the central axis B. Preferably, the difference between the first angular position 33 and the second angular position 34 may be less than 10°, preferably less than 5°, more preferably less than 3°.

[0066] According to some possible embodiments, the width (i.e., corresponding to the difference between the first angular position 33 and the second angular position 34 of the retaining element 31) may be between 1.2 mm and 1.8 mm, preferably between 1.3 and 1.7 mm, and even more preferably between 1.4 mm and 1.6 mm. According to some embodiments, the width of the retaining element 31 may be 1.5 mm.

[0067] More specifically, the retaining element 31 may protrude radially from the inner surface 20 toward the center and / or central axis B of the collar 15 .

[0068] Preferably, the retaining element 31 and / or the interacting element 32 may be interposed between the outer surface 24 and the inner surface 20 .

[0069] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the maximum radial extension d of the retaining element 31 is substantially equal to, and preferably equal to, the difference between the inner diameter of the collar 15 (i.e., the radial distance between a first portion of the inner surface 20 and a second portion of the inner surface 20 opposite the first portion of the inner surface 20) and the outer diameter of the cutter 17 (i.e., the radial distance between a first portion of the outer surface 24 and a second portion of the outer surface 24 opposite the first portion of the outer surface 24).

[0070] In particular, the maximum radial extension d of the retaining element 31 may be determined as the distance between the inner surface 20 and the farthest radial extension of the retaining element 31 into the flow passage 16 .

[0071] Preferably, the maximum radial extension d of the retaining element 31 may be at least 0.7 mm or may be greater than 0.7 mm. According to some embodiments, the maximum radial extension d of the retaining element 31 may be 0.9 mm.

[0072] This ensures good control of the angular movement of the cutter 17 about the axis of rotation E and easy removal of the cutter 17 during manufacturing.

[0073] More particularly, the retaining element 31 may preferably comprise an abutment surface 35 facing the inlet 18 .

[0074] Additionally, the interaction element 32 may have an engagement surface 36 that preferably faces the spout 19 .

[0075] The engagement surface 36 may be configured to preferentially abut against the abutment surface 35 during (accidental) movement of the cutter 17 along the second direction D2, so as to induce angular movement of the cutter 17 about the rotation axis E and ensure clogging of the cutter 17 within the flow path 16 and / or collar 15.

[0076] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the abutment surface 35 may be inclined relative to the central axis B and / or the inner surface 20 .

[0077] Preferably, the abutment surface 35 may define an angle with the inner surface 20 in the range of 140° to 160°, preferably in the range of 145° to 155°, particularly advantageous in demolding operations.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the retaining element 31 may include a guide surface 37 facing the spout 19 and configured to facilitate insertion of the cutter 17 into the channel 16 and / or collar 15.

[0079] Preferably, the guide surface 37 may be inclined relative to the central axis B and / or the inner surface 20 .

[0080] According to certain preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the retaining element 31 may be integral with the collar 15 and / or the interacting element 32 may be integral with the cutter 17. More preferably, the retaining element 31 and the collar 15 may be integrally molded, and / or the cutter 17 and the interacting element 32 may be integrally molded.

[0081] According to some preferred, non-limiting embodiments, the retaining element 31 may be formed as a solid protrusion.

[0082] With particular reference to FIGS. 2-3B, cutter 17 may include a second end 38 opposite first end 23.

[0083] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the cutter 17 may also include a flange 39 .

[0084] The flange 39 may be designed to stabilize the movement of the cutter 17 within the flow passage 16 .

[0085] More particularly, flange 39 may interact with collar 15, preferably inner surface 20, to stabilize the movement of cutter 17 as it moves from its respective rest position to its respective operating position.

[0086] Preferably, the flange 39 may comprise at least two flange elements 40 arranged angularly offset from one another about the central axis C.

[0087] The spaced flange elements 40 allow for easy placement of the cutter 17 within the flow passage 16 .

[0088] More specifically, and with particular reference to FIG. 2, each flange element 40 may project radially from cutter 17, preferably from a second end 38 of cutter 17 opposite first end 23.

[0089] Preferably, each flange element 40 may project radially from its respective central axis C.

[0090] Preferably, each flange element 40 may project toward the inner surface 20 and / or away from the center of the cutter 17 .

[0091] According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, each flange element 40 may comprise and / or be defined by a plate, in particular a plate perpendicular to the central axis C.

[0092] Preferably, each flange element 40 may be arcuate.

[0093] Preferably, each flange element 40 may have the same size as the other flange elements 40 .

[0094] More specifically, and with particular reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B, the opening device 3 includes: - a base frame 45 attached to and / or configured to be attached to the body 2, in particular the second wall 6, and to the given spout and conveying collar 15; a closure 46 configured to selectively open and close the spout 19; may also be provided.

[0095] Furthermore, the opening device 3 may comprise a connecting ring 47 rotatably arranged around the collar 15 in particular so as to be inseparable from the collar 15 .

[0096] According to a non-limiting embodiment not shown, each opening device 3 may comprise a connecting element, preferably a tethering element, connected, preferably non-intermittently, to the connecting ring 47 and the closure 46.

[0097] Advantageously, the closure 46 is controllable in at least the following ways: a closed position (see FIG. 1 ), in which the closure 46 is preferably configured and / or capable of covering the spout 19 to prevent the outflow of the dispensed product from the collar 15; and an open position (not specifically shown) in which the closure 46 is configured and / or can be spaced away from the spout 19 to allow the dispensed product to flow out.

[0098] In particular, the closure 46 may be rotatably coupled to the collar 15 (about a central axis B) when in the closed position.

[0099] Advantageously, the opening device 3 may comprise an actuating device partly associated with (and / or connected to and / or carried by) the collar 15, partly associated with (and / or connected to and / or carried by) the closure 46, and partly associated with the cutter 17, configured so that rotation of the closure 46 about the central axis B can move the cutter 17 from a rest position to an actuated position.

[0100] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the actuator may comprise a first interacting member (not shown) coupled to the closure 46, preferably a flap, and a second interacting member 48 coupled to the cutter 17, particularly integrally coupled thereto.

[0101] Preferably, the actuator may comprise a cam mechanism connected to the collar 15 and / or cutter 17 and configured to guide the movement of the cutter 17 from a rest position to an actuated position.

[0102] Preferably, the cam mechanism may comprise a cam structure 49 connected to the cutter 17, preferably integrally connected to the cutter 17 and protruding from the cutter 17, and a plurality of cam elements 50 connected to the collar 15, particularly integrally connected to the collar 15.

[0103] According to certain preferred non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the cam structure 49 may define the interaction element 32 .

[0104] In particular, the first interacting member and the second interacting member 48 may be configured to interact with each other to actuate movement of the cutter 17 from the rest position to the activated position.

[0105] More particularly, rotation of the first interacting member about the central axis B may be actuated to move the cutter 17 from a rest position to an active position, in particular by rotational movement.

[0106] In use, in order to pour the dispensed product from the package 1, and in particular from the body 2, the spout 19 must be opened and the separator membrane broken.

[0107] The separation membrane is ruptured by moving the cutter 17 from a rest position to an active position, which is achieved by rotating the first interacting member about the central axis B.

[0108] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, numeral 3' indicates an alternative embodiment of an opening device according to the present invention; since opening device 3' is similar to opening device 3, the following description will be limited to the differences between the two and, wherever possible, the same references will be used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0109] In particular, the opening device 3' differs from the opening device 3 in that the holding element 31 is hollow, allowing for a reduction in the amount of plastic used.

[0110] In other words, the retaining elements 31 may be formed as hollow protrusions. In other words, each retaining element 33 may comprise a cavity.

[0111] More particularly, according to this embodiment, the retaining element 31 may comprise, and preferably consist of, a curved solid wall 51. Preferably, the solid wall 51 may delimit and / or define the respective hollow projections and / or the respective cavities.

[0112] Preferably, the solid wall 51 may protrude towards the centre and / or central axis B of the collar 15 .

[0113] More specifically, the retaining element 33 , preferably the solid wall 51 , may be formed convexly towards the center and / or central axis B of the collar 15 .

[0114] Advantageously, the solid wall 51 may be integral with the inner surface 20 .

[0115] More particularly, the retaining element 33, preferably the solid wall 51, may define respective recesses and / or grooves in the outer surface 24.

[0116] Furthermore, the solid wall 51 may have a thickness, preferably a (substantially) constant thickness, which preferably corresponds to the thickness of the portion of the collar 15 adjacent to and connected to the solid wall 51 and / or one or more other portions of the collar 15.

[0117] The advantages of the opening device 3 and / or package 1 according to the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description.

[0118] In particular, the provision of the retaining device ensures that the cutter 17 cannot exit the channel 16 through the spout 19. Furthermore, the applicant has determined that the retaining element 31 can be easily demoulded, i.e. extracted, from the mould during the manufacturing process.

[0119] However, it will be apparent that changes may be made to the opening device 3 or 3' and / or package 1 described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An opening device (3, 3') for a package (1), in particular a composite package, filled with a dispensed product, having a predetermined dispensing outlet covered with a separating membrane, said opening device (3, 3') comprising at least: an inlet (18) having a central axis (B) and configured to allow the inflow of the dispensed product into the flow path (16); and a collar (15) configured to allow the outflow of the dispensed product from the flow path (16), the collar defining the flow path (16) extending between the inlet (18) and a spout (19); a cutter (17) configured to rupture the separation membrane and positioned at least partially within the flow channel (16); Equipped with The collar (15) has an inner surface (20) facing the flow passage (16), the opening device (3, 3') further comprises a retaining device configured to prevent movement of the cutter (17) from the channel (16) through the spout (19) by rotating the cutter (17) about an axis of rotation (E) transverse to the central axis (B); the retaining device comprises a retaining element (31) protruding from the inner surface (20) of the collar (15) and an interacting element (32) connected to the cutter (17); the holding element (31) and the interacting element (32) are configured to interact with each other to rotate the cutter (17) about the rotation axis (E); Opening device (3, 3').

2. the retaining element (31) and the interacting element (32) are configured to cause clogging of the cutter (17) in the flow channel (16) when rotating the cutter (17) about the axis of rotation (E). The opening device according to claim 1 .

3. the holding device comprises only a single holding element (31) and / or a single one-sided holding element (31), The opening device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the retaining element (31) extends between a first angular position (33) and a second angular position (34) about the central axis (B); the difference between the first angular position (33) and the second angular position (34) is less than 10°; The opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the maximum radial extension (d) of said retaining element (31) is substantially equal to the difference between the inner diameter of said collar (15) and the outer diameter of said cutter (17); The opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the maximum radial extension (d) of said retaining element 31 is at least 0.7 mm or greater than 0.7 mm; The opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the retaining element (31) is provided with a guide surface (37) facing the spout (19) and configured to allow easy insertion of the cutter (17) into the channel (16); The opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the retaining element (31) comprises an abutment surface (35) and the interacting element (32) comprises an engagement surface (36); the engagement surface (36) is configured to abut against the abutment surface (35) to effect rotation of the cutter (17) about the rotation axis (E); The opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The abutment surface (35) is inclined with respect to the central axis (B) and / or the inner surface (20). The opening device according to claim 8.

10. said abutment surface (35) defining an angle with said inner surface (20) in the range of 140° to 160°; The opening device according to claim 9.

11. The retaining element (31) is integrally connected to the inner surface of the collar (15). The opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The retaining element (31) is formed as a hollow or solid protrusion. An opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the cutter (17) is positionable in a rest position detached from the separation membrane and in an actuated position in which the cutter (17) is configured to rupture the separation membrane; the opening device (3, 3') comprises an actuating device configured to actuate the movement of the cutter (17) from the rest position to the working position; An opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. a base frame (45) configured to be attached and / or to be attached to a predetermined spout and conveying collar (15) on said body (2); a closure (46) configured to selectively open and close said spout (19); Equipped with An opening device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. a body (2) filled with a pourable product and having a predetermined pouring outlet covered with a separating membrane; An opening device (3, 3') according to any one of claims 1 to 14, attached to the predetermined spout; Equipped with Package (1).